1851 Navy Richards Masons Revolver

[Smokepole14]

I was considering getting one of these from taylors firearms chambered in 38 special with the 7 1/2 barrel, but i have a few questions. 1.) I know cap and ball revolvers are chambered for .375 barrel and a 38 special bullet is .357. Does the 1851 richards masons revolver already have a barrel chambered for 38 special (.357) or does it require hbwc bullets? 2.) What kind of ammo could i shoot out of it, say like regular standard 38 special loads or would i have to get the cowboy lower pressure loads. I figured the standard 38 special load would be okay since there one of the lowest pressue rounds there is. 3.) Could you shoot 38 Long Colt out of the 1851 richards masons revolver too since it's practically the same round? Whats really the difference between the 38 special and the 38 Long Colt?

 

[SwampMouse]

Those revolvers are made by Uberti and just imported by Taylors. I have one of the ones from Cimarron which is exactly the same no matter what they say. The gun is chambered for .38 special and shoots regular .38 special ammo. The barrel bore is .357 and I shoot regular .358 lead bullets in mine.

The difference between a .38 special and a .38 long colt is 1/8 inches that's all. My gun will chamber either if I had any .38 long colt. Some of those conversion cylinders you get as kits only shoot .38 long colt because of the length, but not the Taylors guns or mine.

I started shooting a 1861 after I had my Richards Mason and I liked the way it handled. I recommend them.

 

[Smokepole14]

Thanks SwampMouse that answered it.

 

[Old Fuff]

If the revolver has a .357 - 358 bore groove diameter, be sure any .38 Long Colt ammunition you buy is NOT loaded with a heeled bullet.