Uberti open top conversions?

[2ndAmendmentNut]

I was on the Uberti site the other day and their open top conversion revolvers really caught my eye. Specifically the 1860 model in 45 colt. I have always thought that the open top C&B revolvers are really pretty but caps and black powder are hard to find in my area.

1). I understand that the open top design is weaker than a model with a top strap and loads should be limited to cowboy levels. Is the design strong enough for moderate levels of shooting? I would like to eventually get into Cowboy action and I think a pair of these would be really sweet.

2). Are the sights regulated to a 45colt, or are they basically the same sights that come on the C&B revolvers?

http://www.uberti.com/army-conversion-navy-conversion-and-open-top-revolvers

[Beagle333]

I have several 1860s, but I haven't converted any of them, however I did just get a conversion cylinder for my 1847 Walker and during my research on cylinders and revolvers that would shoot them, I was told that any conversion cylinder would be limited to Cowboy loads.
The open tops will certainly handle the Cowboy loads, as I have contacted several people who have shot them successfully for years and love them, but none have said that a heavier load may be used, even in the top strapped "Remmies". (Remington 1858)

[2ndAmendmentNut]

Thank you for your input. Not looking to hot rod an open top, just curious about their longevity with standard loads. Oh and BTW I am mainly curious about the revolvers Uberti already sells "converted" with the ejection rod and all.

[doc1876]

I know a lot of guys that have these, and they love them. I have handled them, and am very pleased with the function and lockup feel out of the box. The ones by Cimarron seem to be shooting better and smoother than the other imports. If you really want some info, Bryan here, will be more than happy to answer your questions. I am hoping to have him order a pair of '73s for me for another project, however funds dictate the delivery date.
Check him out, being in Texas and all.

3B Shooting Supply
Cimarron ***** Premiere Dealer
Bryan Buck
5303 FM 2727
Kaufman, TX 75142
Phone 214-801-4476 (tel:214-801-4476) / Fax 972-932-8688 (tel:972-932-8688)
www.3bshootingsupply.com (http://www.3bshootingsupply.com/)
Life Member, NRA

[bedbugbilly]

I've been looking at the 1872 Colt open top myself. Not a whole lot different than what you are looking at. As long as you stick with the milder loads, you should be just fine although these are designed to be used with off the shelf factory ammo. I'm looking at something I can shoot 38 Colt Short/Long and Special out of.

I have shot BP for 50 years and owned a lot of BP revolvers - I mainly shoot '51 Navies though. I have a Uberti now but also have a Pietta Remington Navy - both excellent and well built - never have had any issues with them. I would think that what you are looking at would be great for CAS. Anybody I have talked with that have them, love them.

The nice thing about these "conversions" - example - the 38s such as the Richards Mason and the 1872 is they they have a standard 357 bore - unlike an actual .36 1851 Navy that when converted, would have about a .360 bore.

Good luck on your quest - a 45 Colt would be a lot of fun and I think it would put a big smile on your face!

[StrawHat]

Some of the early factory Open Tops in 45 long Colt had trouble with the forcing cones cracking. There was not enough metal there to stand up to the impact of the boolit. That is why Colt never converted them to the 45 long Colt cartridge, only the 44 Colt. Uberti recognized the problem and rescaled teh revolver to beef up this area and the new ones are doing fine.

I have a couple of the Richards Model (by ASM) in 44 Colt and really enjoy using them. My loads are blackpowder and a 200 grain RNFP boolit, not "Cowboy" but cowboy. Great shooting revolvers and a lot of fun.

Here's a photo.

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc194/StrawHat/013_zps419ec73c.jpg (http://s214.photobucket.com/user/StrawHat/media/013_zps419ec73c.jpg.html)

[35 Whelen]

I recently traded for one in .44 Special with the intent of reselling it. Ain't gonna happen. I LOVE it. After getting in I did the cursory polishing of the innards, replacing the bolt/trigger spring and then lightened the trigger. WOW! For some reason mine seems to point so naturally. I used it for the first time in a CAS match a few weeks ago and enjoyed it so much.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Auctions/MasonRichards3-red_zpsb09489e3.jpg (http://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Auctions/MasonRichards3-red_zpsb09489e3.jpg.html)

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Auctions/MasonRichards4-red_zps47dc8fe8.jpg (http://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Auctions/MasonRichards4-red_zps47dc8fe8.jpg.html)


Regarding loads, I wouldn't, and haven't hesitated to load mine up to max .44 Special loads and would do so if mine were 45 Colts. Mine has been accurate way beyond my expectations. All that said, mine will see relatively light loads as I have plenty of other SA's in 44 and 45 for heavier loads.

35W