Richards Mason in .45 Colt barrel question ???

[Biermeister]

Hi, I saw a Richards Mason model in .45 Colt for sale. The breechend of barrel contour appears to be different than my Open Tops in .45 S&W  caliber. Does the Richards Mason model in .45 Colt have any problems with barrel cracking/splitting as the Open Top in .45 supposedly are prone to develop.  I am interested in purchasing the gun but have concerns about the barrel cracking problem. I  shoot  .45 Cowboy Special ammo through my Open Tops and have had no barrel problems.. All help appreciated. Thanks.

[Flint]

I don't know from personal experience, but the forcing cone cracking is due to the thin area caused by the relief cut for the gas ring.  If the R-M also has a gas ring on the cylinder, it would probably have the same poroblem as the 45 caliber Opentop.  I have 45 Schofield barrels and cylinders for my Opentops, but haven't fired them in that caliber enough to have run into a cracking problem, if it would happen with my loads.  I've shot them for several years as 44's with no problem.

[Biermeister]

Thanks for the info Flint. The Richards Mason appeared to be beefier than my Open Tops, but it has a 5.5" barrel opposed to 7.5" on my Open Tops. Have a great day.

[Sgt.Jake]

I have a RM Type II's in 45 colt but have only fired C45S loaded with black powder through them. Have used them for the last two years almost every match,quite a few rounds down range out of them. They also have the gas ring on the cylinder and have no signs of cracking,but as I said I have only shot BP out of them,just my experiences so far.     Adios  Sgt. Jake

[Coffinmaker]

I've been shooting a pair of Open Tops in .45 since they came out.  Only with reduced cowboy loads with no problem.
I have not personally seen a .45 barrel crack.  I've heard of it.
I do not recommend ANY open top (1872 Open Top, Conversion, What have you) in .45.  In my professional opinion, the cylinder is just too thin.  They may pass proof in Italy, but I am not convinced.  I have worked on several guns where the little piece of metal left in the locking bolt channel has "spit out."  The gun will work just fine that way, it looks funny and I don't care for it.  I would be more likely to recommend you go for a .44

Coffinmaker