Cimarron 1872 Open Top

Status
Not open for further replies.
AethelstanAegen

AethelstanAegen

Member
Joined
Jan 14, 2011
Messages
1,260
Location
Virginia
Hey gents,
I'm new to wheel guns. I've only owned one so far (a 1943 Tula Nagant). I've really enjoyed shooting it (especially in SA) so I've been thinking of buying a second revolver. Topping the short list is the Cimarron 1872 Open Top with a 7-1/2" barrel. I'd seen a few old threads mentioning them in passing but was hoping to get a new take...ie are owners happy with them etc. I'm also trying to decide between .44 Special and .45 "Long" Colt. The rounds seem to be roughly even in terms of cost but I'm not familiar with either round (ie power, kick, history, etc). I imagine I'll likely buy a companion pistol eventually in the SAA/"Peacemaker" variety in .357 (and 5-1/2" barrel) but I really like the looks of the Open Top (and they're not available in .357...I've always been partial to the .45acp so should I give the .45 Colt a try?). What do you think? Suggestions on caliber? Experience/observations with the Open Top? Thanks for any help and sorry for my experience with the rounds. I think these wheelguns may lure me in from the semi-autos (the "dark side" haha).
 
I have an early Richards model conversion of the 1860 to 44 Colt. I like it a lot. I have handled the 1872 Open Top and while I prefer the Richards, it was a nice handling revolver. The 44 Special will launch a 250 grain, 43 caliber bullet at about 900 fps. The 45 long Colt will lauch a 260 grain, 45 caliber bullet to about 900 fps. In my eyes they are ballistically the same. In an Open Top, neither cartridge should exceed standard factory loadings.

As for rifles, lever action rifles are available in both 44 Special and 45 long Colt.

I know that a 38 Special version of the 1872 OT was offered for a while, I am surprised it is no longer available.
 
I really like my open top however it is in .38 Special. Shoots very well and with the 200 grain loads I am using it is very accurate.

1872grips.jpg
 
I love my Open Top! It being a Cimarron 7.5" .44Colt. Smoothed the action and had it fitted with one-piece TruIvory.

Open%20Top%2003.jpg


But I also like my Cimarron 8" 1860 Richards Transition model .44Colt.

IMG_7033b.jpg
 
I have never owned an open top because open tops are not as inherently strong as solid frame revolvers. Probably why you don't find any in .357 mag.

If I owned one in 44spl or 45 colt I would stick to cowboy loads.

Nothing wrong with cowboy loads for casual target shooting, I have both 45 colt/acp and 44spl Ruger revolvers which I usually shoot cowboy loads but they can shoot much stronger stuff than any of the open top replicas should I want to.
 
Last edited:
Personally, I love the look of the Open Tops but I think I'd go with a .38 Special if I got one. The ammo cost and wide availability of components and extremely common brass make it the best choice for a gun that will almost certainly only be a shooter (albeit a very fun one no doubt!).
 
Thanks for all the input so far everyone. I think I'll definitely get a stronger framed "Peacemaker" style revolver at a later date in .357. I did see the .38 spl version of the Open Top but I think I'm still inclined to go with .44 spl or .45 Colt. If I were to buy ammunition online, how would I be sure to buy something which did not exceed a safe pressure to be used in the Open Top. Obviously, no +P but would I simply buy rounds with a stated fps of less than around 900fps? Thanks again for all the help in helping introduce me to wheel guns.
 
Last edited:
I've been shooting a pair of open tops for over a decade. There is much to love about them. My guns were early production and the actions were mighty rough, but once slicked and tuned, they have been a delight.

I personally would not even consider getting this gun in .45 Colt. Even in .44 special I think I would opt for using .44 Russian loads or handloading mild rounds such as suggested by Tkcomer.

However, the best bet would probably be to get them in .38 special. I have put thousands of rounds through mine in .38 special. I had to replace a hand spring in one and a trigger bolt spring in the other, but those are quick and inexpensive jobs and are to be expected over time.

The sights really suck but you will get used to them.
 
Not an Open Top but a Richards conversion in 44 Colt. One of my favorite single action revolvers.

RichardsConversion001.gif

Be aware, owning one of the conversion revolvers usually leads to getting other conversions. I paired my Richards with an 1866 Trapdoor.
 
The original Open Top was in 44 Henry RF. It was Colt's first revolver designed for cartridges and not a conversion. I have one in 38 Special. Sights take some getting used to but are dead on at 100 yards with the 38 Special standard lead 158 gr load. If you are going to buy factory ammo I would get the 38 Special as ammo for the others is very expensive. If you handload then its not a problem. What I like about this revolver is that you can fit different barrels and cylinders in a number of calibers. Im planning on getting a 44 Special set as this is close to the original round. The 44 Special can also fire the 44 Russian and modern size 44 Colt. If you check the net there have been some problems with the 45 Colt. It seems the barrel is too thin at the bottom and has been known to split there. I think the design is fine for standard pressure 44 Special loads. Im also thinking of getting a replica 1866 in 44 Special. This rifle and the Henry were the first combo Winchester lever rifle / Colt revolver made.

Concerning recoil, there isnt much. Its a big gun and recoil wont be a problem with any standard load. My 38 Special seems like a 22lr.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for that info ironhead7544. Does anyone know how wide spread those problems were or only a few isolated incidents? I just ask since it seems that there is a greater variety of factory light "Cowboy" loads available for the .45 Colt...I'm glad to see they generally have positive reviews. Would you have a link to some of the original reports, ironhead7544, just so I can get an idea of the circumstances, etc? Thanks again for all the input so far gents. Do the conversions from Cimarron also have problems with .45 Colt?
 
It's always nice when Craig posts pics. Gorgeous amigo.
Click to expand...
Thank you!


Im also thinking of getting a replica 1866 in 44 Special.
Click to expand...
Ironhead7544, I like the way you think! I've been longing for a .44Spl 1866 to go with my "topless" .44Colt replicas for several years now. I was gonna get one when I got sidetracked with the .38-40 1873 Deluxe Sporting Rifle pictured above.
 
Ok another noob question, since I'm also interested in getting into SA's.

Asides from the strength/load ability, what's the diff between open tops and SAA variants?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

L
  • Locked
1872 Colt SA open top
Replies
6
Views
827
Luftgewehr
L
M
  • Locked
1872 Open Top
Replies
3
Views
500
Eddie Vierra
E
T
  • Locked
Cimarron Revolvers
2
Replies
39
Views
4K
messerist
M
GunnyUSMC
  • Locked
Cimarron Colt 1871-1872 Open Top revolver, 38 spl. 7.5"
2
Replies
29
Views
3K
CraigC
CraigC
BobWright
  • Locked
Open Top vs. Cartridge Conversion.........
Replies
12
Views
3K
CraigC
CraigC
Back
Top