Uberti 1875 Top Break Revolver

[clum553946]

Does anyone have any opinions or experience with the Uberti 1875 #3 Top Break Revolver? thank you.

[tazman]

I would be interested in those opinions myself. I got to handle one a few weeks ago. It was interesting.

[Wayne Smith]

Top Break or Open Top? 1875 would be Open Top, I think. Top Break is the S&W Model 3 replicas.

[Dan Cash]

I have a Schofield replica in .45 Colt. It is an extremely accurate revolver, does better with Schofield level loads (220 grain bullet at 700fps) than with the heavier Colt loading, does not tolerate black powder and functions flawlessly once the gimcrack un-safe safety device is removed and thrown away. This gun has had close to 2,000 rounds through it; mixed Schofield level and Colt BP level loads, and shows no sign of loosening. Mine is 7 1/2 inch barrel so is noticeable when one carries it in a vehicle.

[Tackleberry41]

Wow they dont give them away. I had one I bought back in the late 90s, not sure who made it now. Chambered in 45 colt, the long barrel. Nice gun, it had issues with those small rims ejecting them sometimes, one would fall back under the ejector and you would have to mess with it to clear it. Other than than very nice, somebody stole it. Dont see me laying that kind of cash for another one. Thats 2 blackhawks.

[johnson1942]

that has to be the creme de le creme of long colts. i have a load suggestion for it, get 457 or 458 round ball and resized them with a push through sizer to .451 or .452. use black horn 209 powder with a 60 thousands .451 wad over it. put the resized round ball in on top of the wad and roll crimp the case to hold the ball in. this load is perfect for all colt and smith uberti 45 long colt replicas. i also do this in my 1871 .38 special open top which i size a .380 ropund ball to .357 and it is very very accurate and the gun functions perfectly with it. no unburnt powder, clean and ft. per sec are always the same.

[clum553946]

I bought it, it's a 44-40, it's used but in good shape, plus it was a bit less expensive than a new one!

[tazman]

Top Break or Open Top? 1875 would be Open Top, I think. Top Break is the S&W Model 3 replicas.

Uberti lists them as 1875 No.3 top break revolver.

[blackpowder man]

Congratulations, that is one that is on my short list of going to need to have one of these days. I think .44-40 will be much better if you decide to shoot bp than the .45.

[EDK]

LGS had two at about $900. 45 Colt with long barrel; looked at them for years but couldn't justify one. I stumbled into a 5 inch blue 45 Colt for $675 out the door last fall...day after watching Tom Selleck in CROSSFIRE TRAIL movie for umpteenth time. I bought DILLON dies and conversion unit for the 550B, but still getting the reloading room set up in the new house. 200 nickle plated 45 Colt casings and various 45 moulds completes the outfit.
45 Auto Rim data looks like a good starting place for this.

[clum553946]

I'll try a 200gr lfp with 8.2 gr Unique, same load I use in my old Winchester 92 & see how it goes!

[Hickory]

135825
I been thinking of getting one in 38 special.

[Tackleberry41]

I presume they make the 38s smaller vs the Blackhawk where its just heavier? I really liked the one I had, just not sure about the price, see what a friend who works in a guns tore can find.

[tazman]

The ones I handled appeared to be the same physical size in 38 as in 45. I didn't handle the 45 so cannot say about the weight. It was probably lighter than the 38. The pricing was a bit over $900.
It seemed to handle nicely. The different action would take a bit of getting used to after a lifetime of S&W mod 14 usage.

[hightime]

135892135893135894I have an 1878 model of the Smith and Wesson New model three in a 45 Colt. It was a short run from Uberti with the Beretta name on it. It's also called the Laramie. It shoots much better than my SAA repicas, so I carry it when in the woods all the time. Mostly to shoot porkies. It would be good for cowboy action shooting, but it has adjustable sights.

[Tackleberry41]

So they make one model of gun and just use different chambering, vs making a smaller scale 38 spcl.

I have never owned a 44-40, how does it compare to the 45 colt? That would be the standard pressure colt, I know they wont take the hot loads like my blackhawk.

[hightime]

[QUOTE=Tackleberry41;3205628]So they make one model of gun and just use different chambering, vs making a smaller scale 38 spcl.

They have at least two models of top breaks, at least two different latch systems, the Schofield style and the 1878 style.

[Tackleberry41]

The one I had was the Schofield style, pull back on the rear sight, guess the other style you push up on it? There was somebody who copied the schofields but didnt get the angles right on the latches and they had a habit of coming open? I really liked the one I had, just wish someone hadnt stolen it.

[hightime]

I never had that trouble.
As to the 45 Colt or the 44-40, I believe the cylinder and frame is slightly longer than an original to allow the 45 Colt, but I would have been fine with a 44-40. In my rifles, I've had better luck in accuracy loads with them. I guess the tapered lighter brass seals better in the chamber.

Owen

[Tackleberry41]

Yea the original design was made to shoot the shorter schofield. One might say a bit short sighted, since a colt could shoot schofield or the colt, the S&W could only shoot the schofield. May have sold more had they went with a more common ammo.

I was reading up on 44-40, going to ask my LGS what they can get me if I am inclined to spend the cash. Guess 44-40 isnt the same 44 as other 44s. Does Uberti go with the original barrel specs or do they just go with an easier to get 44 or .429 barrel? I imagine wouldn't be hard to size the 240gr .429 mold I have down to fit.

[Ed in North Texas]

Yea the original design was made to shoot the shorter schofield. One might say a bit short sighted, since a colt could shoot schofield or the colt, the S&W could only shoot the schofield. May have sold more had they went with a more common ammo.


There was a reason that other manufacturers of the day didn't chamber the .45 Colt cartridge. As I've read it, Colt patented the cartridge and trademarked the name. If S&W had chambered for the .45 Colt, they would have had to pay Colt's Patent Firearms Co. a royalty for each revolver produced, IF Colt's would have signed an agreement with the other company. In a time when men liked to have their carbine chamber the same cartridge as their revolver, it is also why you find Winchesters of the time in .38-40 and .44-40, but not .45 Colt.

[Tackleberry41]

I guess it was in Colts financial interests to make sure they got their money before the patent ran out.

Stopped a the LGS to ask about one of these guns. They arent listed in their book as Uberti, but Taylor. They listed both types, the original where you pull back on the rear sight to break it open, 45 colt only. Also means no adjustable sight. And the later version chambered in 38, 44-40 and 45 colt. Not sure why Uberti thinks these things are worth more than 2 blackhawks. Or why the 44-40 was $200 less then the 38 or 45. See what kind of price he gives me.

[StrawHat]

...it is also why you find Winchesters of the time in .38-40 and .44-40, but not .45 Colt...

As originally built by the ammunition companies, the 45 long Colt had a miniscule rim, just enough to hold it in the chamber of the revolver. Also, there was no groove in front of the rim, it was not needed as the rod ejector entered the case and pushed the empty out of the chamber. The other cartridge you mentioned had a larger rim and it was because of the larger rim the extractor on the rifles could grab the case and pull it from the chamber.

In those days, gun manufacturers did not want the name of a competitor on their firearms. When Marlin brought out rifles in the pistol cartridges, rather than stamp 32 WCF on the side of the barrel, they used the 32-20 designation. The Sharps folks labeled the 45-70 Govt cartridge as the 45-75 Sharps Straight or the 45-2.1. Same thing with Colt and S&W. When chambered in a Colt revolver, the 38 S&W Special was called the 38 Colt Special and it used a different shaped bullet.

Kevin

[Tackleberry41]

Finally got a call from the gunstore, yea they can get me one, always really good on their prices. But Im thinking somebody at Uberti is smoking some really good stuff. $1000 out the door? Book retail was $1300, I could buy 2 blackhawks for that. So guess I didnt want one that bad.

[dtknowles]

Finally got a call from the gunstore, yea they can get me one, always really good on their prices. But Im thinking somebody at Uberti is smoking some really good stuff. $1000 out the door? Book retail was $1300, I could buy 2 blackhawks for that. So guess I didnt want one that bad.

I can understand you passing on the Uberti but do you understand why they would cost more than the Blackhawks? To me there is a serious cool factor to the top break revolver. Punching your empties out one at a time is not everyone's cup of tea. If you look at my avatar you will see I am a fan of S&W Top Breaks. I have a New Model #3 in 44-40 and am looking to snag a regular #3 and then I will have both double action and single action in .32, .38 and .44. Never owned a Uberti so I can't recommend them but the S&W's are boss.

Tim

[clum553946]

Pistol arrived today, action was much smoother than anticipated. I agree with dtknowles, the cool factor is contagious! Pop the top & out goes the empties! Of course, since I live in California, I can't shoot it for ten days but can't wait!

[Tackleberry41]

I had one long ago, it was definitely a cool gun. It was expensive then to buy at $700 in 96. Back when I had cash to blow on stuff like that, before I got married or had a kid. I would like one, but coming up with a grand wouldn't be easy when I have a pile of other projects that need cash, I have 2 guns that need scopes right now. I guess they arent as simple to build as something like a black hawk.

[Tackleberry41]

Still debating about ordering one of these, I did really like the one I had. But they have a first model, only comes in 45 colt, pull back on the rear sight to break it open. Then theres a copy of the later model, guess you push up to break it open, looks like it has adjustable sights.

They list a 7" barrel, a bit long for me, first one I had was that long, but all they sold at the time I think. So I would probably go for the 5" model. I wish the 38 spcl was a smaller gun to go with the caliber, just adds more weight in the larger gun. So 44-40, or 45 colt. Have several 45 colts now, and wouldn't be able to run my black hawk loads thru the break top, so keeping track of ammo. I am interested in the 44-40, but dont know much about it. Dont want to mess with it if its going to be problems, original 44-40 is .427, but from what I have read some companies just use .429 barrels to save money. Have a 44 mag rifle so be nice if a mold worked in both. But guess nobody has one of these in 44-40 so I would know.

Gun store says $1000 out the door pretty much which ever one I decide I want.

[clum553946]

I got the pistol in used but like new condition for $700, I don't know if I'd spend a grand on one! I shoot 200 gr lfp .428 for my 1892 so that's what I'll try first. The 44-40 is similar to the 44 special in power; maybe loading the 44-40 just a tad more powerful if you're so inclined. It's a fun cartridge to shoot, especially if you have a pistol & a lever action rifle chambered for it! You can use 44 Mag/special bullets, you just have to pay attention to the oal

[Tackleberry41]

Found the money, got the LGS looking for one, a 5 in in 44-40.

[clum553946]

Finally shot the pistol & it was a ton of fun! Really like the top break to one stroke all of the empties out! The trigger is awesome & the accuracy surprised me, one ragged 2.5" hole at 15 yards for ten shots offhand. Was shooting 200 gr lfp's with 8.2 gr Unique. Going to reduce the load a little & see how that goes, maybe around 7.4 gr plus am going to try 160 gr lfp's & see what happens!

[Tackleberry41]

Some gun porn.138422

[tazman]

Very nice!

[unclebill]

beautiful guns.
dang! those things are pricey though....

[robertbank]

I would love to have one in 38spl. They are expensive but I suppose Uberti wants to make some money for their efforts and quality costs. I would think there is more detail hand work in producing this gun vs the SAA. In any event if you want one you pay the freight or you don`t get to play.

Take Care

Bob

[Tackleberry41]

Yea they put a bit of work into making these guns, vs something like a colt clone. Takes some machine work I imagine to make the mated parts for the hinge. Shoots really nice to.

[Tackleberry41]

An update, I was having issues with the gun, thought it was ammo, nope the gun. Thought I would have to send it back, but Uberti never bothered to answer my email. The hammer would hang up just below half cock, if you lowered it, little nudge and it went home. Pretty disappointed considering what I paid for the gun. I tend to take my guns apart anyways, improve them. But its not really to much to ask for a $1000 pistol for it to work reliably out of the box.

[747 captain]

How do I remove the safety device?

[kaiser]

I have Schofield 1875 in .38 Special with a 7" BBL. It is one of the most pleasant shooting pistols I have owned due to its "weight forward" handling and mild cartridge. It is marked .38 Spl. and .38 Long (a cartridge I have not shot); Uberti designed the hammer safety on this revolver so 6 rounds can be safely loaded. The pistol is superbly finished and very accurate, which makes it worth the price (to me); however, I wouldn't trade a .45 Colt 1873 model off to get one.

[Dan Cash]

An update, I was having issues with the gun, thought it was ammo, nope the gun. Thought I would have to send it back, but Uberti never bothered to answer my email. The hammer would hang up just below half cock, if you lowered it, little nudge and it went home. Pretty disappointed considering what I paid for the gun. I tend to take my guns apart anyways, improve them. But its not really to much to ask for a $1000 pistol for it to work reliably out of the box.

Remove the internal unsafe safety junk so the lock work is like the original and you will find satisfaction. You will have to load only five for safety or carefully carry it with 6 and hammer down with firing pin between two chambers. Also, loading a 200-220 grain bullet to 700 fps will give great satisfaction and longevity to your revolver. The load will kill any thing you are likely to encounter though it is a bit light for bears.

[one-eyed fat man]

The biggest gripe I have with the Uberti is the lack of a gas ring. It is part of what Uberti did to allow a longer cylinder to accommodate the .45 Colt cartridge. This makes attempting to shoot black powder loaded cartridge an exercise in frustration. My Uberti .44 Russian is marginally better, but no combination of bullet lubes or cylinder pin lubricants has effectively controlled the fouling for more than a dozen rounds. When you need your off hand to help turn the cylinder, let's just say it cause excesses of bad language!

In contrast, an original No. 3 Smith will digest a almost a hundred rounds with getting gritty or binding.

Why the old S&W top break revolvers could handle Black Powder (https://forums.sassnet.com/index.php?/topic/169530-why-the-old-sw-top-break-revolvers-could-handle-black-powder/)

[pakmc]

uberti and Ruger both have their barrels at .429. the breaktop Uberti(Smithnumber 2or3. is in .44-40 and the barrel is .429, but you stilll have to use .44-40 brass(I have both .44's and .44-40's) the .44 specials will not fit in the .44-40 chamber. but you can put the .429 bullet in the .44-40 brass and it works just fine.(and yes, I really like the .44-40 but a .38-40 can't be beat either!) I shoot steel plates at 10 yards. at that range I can't tell the difference in using the .427 bullets or the .429 bullets in my schofield. mine has the long barrel and shoots to point of aim. and yes, they are quite expensive. but they are a real trip and mine leaves a smile on my face after shooting it.

[Walks]

I came on this thread very late.

My Uberti is 17+yrs old. It has no safety, or else I've never been able to find it.

It is a .45Colt w/ 7" bbl. I can get a 45+ shots of BP loads before I have to pull the cylinder and wipe down the cylinder pin and clean the chambers and extractor. But that's too much for me anymore.

The reason a #3 costs the price of two Blackhawks ?
Pretty simple, Blackhawk's are made of cast parts, the only handfitting required is putting the parts together.

The Uberti is virtually a handmade Revolver, by comparison in today's market. Almost every part is handfitted. The frame & barrel assemblies are machined from steel billet blocks.

My Uberti bbl measures .4515, just like American Made .45 Caliber Cartridge Guns.

The reason S&W Did Not make their Revolvers in .45Colt ?
The guns frame was Too Short to take a .45Colt cartridge. It didn't pay S&W to lengthen the guns frame for a small contract.

I slugged a Friends .44-40 that was bought about a year after mine. I suppose the fact that it came out at .428 is pretty easy to figure out. It can't be bored & rifled the same way a std round barrel is. The bbl assembly won't fit into any round or octagon bbl rifling jig.

As it wouldn't pay for Uberti to make a smaller frame just for a smaller cartridge, In a Revolver with just enough profit to make it worthwhile.

[robertbank]

Walks your explanation for why S&W didn't make the gun in 45Colt is not historically correct. A better statement would be why S&W made the shorter cartridge. Back in the day cartridges were protected by US patients. Colt owned the 45Colt cartridge. S&W would have had to pay Colt a license fee to make a revolver in the 45 Colt cartridge and that assumes Colt would have been interested in licensing out the cartridge. There are other examples of this type of "work around noted in prior posts. That aside by making the shorter cartridge S&W was able to make money selling the shorter cartridges. I rather suspect there was as much money to be made selling cartridges for their guns then making the guns in the first place. That is pure speculation on my part. One would have to review the company's financial statements to determine whether that comment is true or not.

Take Care

Bob

[Wayne Smith]

Given that the govt. armories ended up loading both ...

[robertbank]

Given that the govt. armories ended up loading both ...

Yup, I have no idea what the financial arrangements were with Colt and S&W. Assuming the US politicians were close to what ours were like back in the day, and even as they are today, you can bet both companies were amply rewarded as were their patrons.

Take Care

Bob

[Good Cheer]

Would love to have a shorter barrel 38-40.

[Good Cheer]

I came on this thread very late.

My Uberti is 17+yrs old. It has no safety, or else I've never been able to find it.

It is a .45Colt w/ 7" bbl. I can get a 45+ shots of BP loads before I have to pull the cylinder and wipe down the cylinder pin and clean the chambers and extractor. But that's too much for me anymore.

The reason a #3 costs the price of two Blackhawks ?
Pretty simple, Blackhawk's are made of cast parts, the only handfitting required is putting the parts together.

The Uberti is virtually a handmade Revolver, by comparison in today's market. Almost every part is handfitted. The frame & barrel assemblies are machined from steel billet blocks.

My Uberti bbl measures .4515, just like American Made .45 Caliber Cartridge Guns.

The reason S&W Did Not make their Revolvers in .45Colt ?
The guns frame was Too Short to take a .45Colt cartridge. It didn't pay S&W to lengthen the guns frame for a small contract.

I slugged a Friends .44-40 that was bought about a year after mine. I suppose the fact that it came out at .428 is pretty easy to figure out. It can't be bored & rifled the same way a std round barrel is. The bbl assembly won't fit into any round or octagon bbl rifling jig.

As it wouldn't pay for Uberti to make a smaller frame just for a smaller cartridge, In a Revolver with just enough profit to make it worthwhile.

Have been told that Uberti briefly made the shorter (original design) frame.