1872 Open Top

[messerist]

OK I is getting frustrated. I know a cartridge revolver ain't zacktly a Black Powder firearm but I have run out of options. I want to buy a 1872 Open Top revolver from Cimarron but I can not find anyone who has ever shot or owned one. Yous guys are my last hope. Can anyone give me some advice about the 1872? I have posted queries at several sites and have "0" responses. Are they that rare or unloved that no one has one? Should I steer clear and stick to the Cap and Ball revolvers? Mucho thanks in advance.

 

[sackettboys]

try asking over at the CAS City forums in the STORM section (Shooters of the Opentop and Richards-Mason)

here's the link - http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php?PHPSESSID=6402f5620ac65e1a5bd993e07e3c29f1&board=56.0

 

[Oyeboten]

You can always load up Black Powder Cartridges..!

 

[LightningMan]

messerist, I don't know what you mean by the statement; Quote, "I know a cartridge revolver ain't zacktly a Black Powder firearm" A 1872 is surly a "Black Powder Firearm" as if you owned an original Colt 1872 open-top and wanted to shoot it, those cartridge's had better be black powder. Otherwise you would be very sorry for shooting smokeless ammo in it, as you are most likely blow up the cylinder. Another forum you can try is the SASS wire, lots of black powder cartridge shooters over there. Good luck, LM.

 

[StrawHat]

I have a Richards Conversion of the 1860 which eventually evolved into the Open Top of 1872. Mine is an old Armi San Marco made revolver and it is one of my favorite revolvers. There are some subtle differences between the two revolvers, the most significant being the location of the firing pin and the sights. I had to replace some internal parts but other than that I like it. Mine is chambered for the 44 Colt (modern version), and it is the cartridge I would recommend. Mine also has the standard 1860 grip frame not the smaller 1861 grips. For me, that is what works best.

Any particular questions, just ask.

I am still looking for another Richards Conversion.

 

[A. Walker]

Both the 1872 open top and the 1873 Peacemaker were designed and manufactured as blackpowder revolvers in an era where smokeless was just a glimmer in its inventor's eyes. The powder was just given its own case to reside in; they were still just as much blackpowder weapons as a NMA or Colt 1860.

 

[Fingers McGee]

Messerist, I don't have an 1872 Open Top; but I just bought a pair of Cimarron MWNN 1871 conversions in 38 spcl. After a little (ok, one took a lot) of 'tune up' work, they both are pretty sweet shooters with BP and smokless loads.

I'll second the recommendation for you to look up the STORM forum at Cas City. Lots of good information, and knowledgeable people over there.

FM Storm 327

 

[Coyote3855]

You received some good information on the SASS wire. To repeat, the Open Tops seem to require tuning/action jobs to function effectively, especially in competition. I have a pair in .45 Colt with 5 1/2 inch barrels and navy grips. The guns came from Cimarron with action work. They have functioned flawlessly for me, but I am not a high speed shooter. I have shot Ruger Vaqueros, Colts, Ubertis, and USFA Rodeo IIs in SASS matches. The open tops point naturally and are very accurate. I prefer them to the other single actions because of the "pointability." I shoot mild cowboy loads with smokeless powder.

 

[messerist]

Thanks for the advice. I went to SASS Wire Forum and got alot of good information. You guys are rock solid! Now I have to decide what to do. I'll keep ya posted. Thanks again!

 

[Onmilo]

Buy spare gate springs and bolt/hand springs from Uberti direct.
They break regularly with moderate use, only faults I have had with mine.
They are both .44 Colt chambered and shoot .44 Russian cartridges just as well.
I like them!

 

[BHP FAN]

mine was a .38 built on a 1860 Army,resulting in a Richards Conversion ,by Armi San Marco.I forget which tactical toy caught my fancy and caused me to part ways with the open top,but I've never forgotten the open top.There's a lesson in there,somewheres...

 

[Onmilo]

Armi San Marco guns were terrible examples of everything.
The Uberti made guns are hands and feet above them in quality.