Top Break Revolvers

[Skofnung]

Hello folks.

Why don't any of the makers (S&W, Colt, Taurus, ect...) produce a MODERN top break revolver? What I mean by modern is NOT a reproduction of an older model.

Am I the only one that would buy one?

 

[WonderNine]

I would guess lack of demand combined with the power of modern day revolver calibers....

Sure, it's feasable, but is it cost effective to the big whigs?

There's isn't much demand for a revolver that you can easily load single cartridges into while galloping on horseback.

 

[Wil Terry]

ACTUALLY, THERE HAS BEEN AN ATTEMPT TO MARKET NEW TOPBREAK REVOLVERS

The Russian company, BAIKEL, has a new topbreak design on the market as we speak.
The old and now defunct company, DETONICS, made a modern topbreak in 45COLT, seven shot no less, to test the concept and see if there was a clammering market for it. It was received with all the fanfare of smoked fish turds at a gourmet convention.
As for me, I am all for a modern topbreak revolver and with the modern CNC manufacturing methods I see no problems other than the fact none of the younger generation will buy it as they believe any pistol that doesn't toss yore brass into the weeds ain't worth having.

 

[Old Fuff]

While the top-break revolver has some advantages it is expensive to make (lots of close-tolerance machining), and by modern standards weak at the hinged joint. Notice that even later model top-break’s such as the Webley used low powder cartridges.

I knew one small manufacturer who considered bringing out a modern top-break pocket revolver back in the early 1980’s, but abandoned the project after doing a market study. He couldn’t build a decent product and compete price-wise with the hand-ejectors that were available from others.

If you like top-break’s and don’t have to have the most powerful cartridge going, I suggest you give the S&W big-frame reproductions another look, or consider buying a relatively inexpensive Webley or Enfield thirty-eight.

 

[Skofnung]

Mr. Murbach, I am in my mid 20's, so I guess I am still considered a member of the young generation. I like autos, but I LOVE revolvers. At this point, I own a few more autos than revolvers, but I hope to change that in the future. Do you know where I could find out about this Baikal revolver? Have any of them hit our shores yet? What calibers are they available in?

Old Fuff, what would a fair price on an old Webley be? Do you know of any dealers that would have any?

I am thinking that a 5 shot 9mm (full moon clips of course) on the lines of an updated saftey hammerless (with hammer optional) would be a perfect carry gun. A larger sized gun in either .357 or .45 ACP (moonclipped) would be a great HD gun or hunting copmanion.

Guess I'm just crazy.

 

[Old Fuff]

During World War Two the United Kingdom and Commonwealth used an Enfield revolver - top-break, .38 S&W, 5" barrel, some versions Double Action Only. A similar Webley was substitute standard. As a rule the Webley's draw a higher price then an Enfield, but both are often found in gun shops, gun shows and Internet auctions for average prices in the $200.00 range. Wave $$$$ cash and prices are known to drop sharply.

One time during the dark ages I shot in a PPC match. I (!!) had an S&W .357 Magnum with the ever-popular 3 ½†barrel. The competitor next to me had come down from Canada to join our festivities. He had a Webley .38. Anyway, after our first shots I opened my cylinder to dump the empties and reload. I watched as he pushed the thumb-latch on his revolver and brushed the barrel against his leg. All the empties flew! Then he dropped in fresh rounds using a speedloader he had in his pocket. He was back shooting while I was still getting loaded (the gun that is, not me). Ah, the price of education ……