I have thought about doing this for a while.
Over on "The High Road" there are OFFICIAL threads for the different models so I am going to do the same thing here.
Many of us like to show off our pistols and this will give us a place to do so w/o "hijacking" our pards threads ;)
Rules are simple with "no axe grinding" taking precedence, followed by "stick to the topic" (no other models posted, please), then if you want to stray off topic, please search for like posts and/or start one of your own.........
Thanks, HH
Here are my THREE ASM's
(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c91/buckoff123/IMG_1129.jpg)
The one in the center is rollmarked as "Address American Frontier U.S.A."
(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c91/buckoff123/IMG_1130.jpg)
These were assembled by Dave Anderson with parts he contracted with ASM to manf.
(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c91/buckoff123/IMG_1132.jpg)
You can see that they had blued steel grip frames and the ASM's had silver plated brass grip frames.
There is also real Color Case on the AFF 72 and much nicer blue!
(ASM grip below)
(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c91/buckoff123/IMG_1133.jpg)
I want to correct my post above as I only have one AFF 72 Open Top and I have two ASM's
(I got confused in my foggy old memory :P)
HH
Really nice Hoof. Great guns. Thanks for posting the pics and info.
I'll need to get one ( well, I should say another one )
I allowed my 45 Schofield OT to go...when I traded
My Hege Uberti 1871-72 from 2003, .44 Colt cal. Unfortunately, she is beefed up!
Thanks to Hoof Hearted I understand now that the ASM and Dave Anderson OTs are closer to the originals in the dimensional dept.
But how about the gas ring? Do the ASM and DA OTs have an integrated or separate gas ring?
Long Johns Wolf
Another view of this Uberti OT!
Long Johns Wolf
Nice ones being posted! Hoof, the lighter wood grips...what wood are they? One looks a little like mesquite.
Quote from: Long Johns Wolf on November 18, 2012, 02:07:29 AM
My Hege Uberti 1871-72 from 2003, .44 Colt cal. Unfortunately, she is beefed up!
Thanks to Hoof Hearted I understand now that the ASM and Dave Anderson OTs are closer to the originals in the dimensional dept.
But how about the gas ring? Do the ASM and DA OTs have an integrated or separate gas ring?
Long Johns Wolf
All three are built like this:
(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c91/buckoff123/IMG_1136.jpg)
In the next two pics I have placed the gas ring on the cylinder and then the barrel so you can see how it works:
(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c91/buckoff123/IMG_1138.jpg)
(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c91/buckoff123/IMG_1137.jpg)
Quote from: santee on November 18, 2012, 06:56:03 AM
Nice ones being posted! Hoof, the lighter wood grips...what wood are they? One looks a little like mesquite.
Boy do I know about Mesquite (thorns that is)!
I really have no idea as it is the stock wood. The pics make all those grips a bit lighter than they really are......
Thanks HH.
Can you let me have the diameters of the ASM and DH OT cylinders, please?
Long Johns Wolf
I've been interested in Open Tops for a while, but was turned off when I heard they some times have issue with the forcing cone cracking on a .45LC.
Any truth behind this claim, and any solution to the problem? (Reason I'm asking is, the rifle I'm going to be getting is .45LC, and it's just a far sight easier to have one ammo type-no, it's not by CHOICE, it's what my mate has that he's selling and I can afford)
My Opentiops, Uberti. Barrels and cylinders for 44, 45 and 38.
Now that's a set!
You need a fitted wooden case for all that ;)
Here are my opentops. My two match revolvers and my spare (which has a square triggerguard and Man with No Name barrel added).
Quote from: Justician on November 21, 2012, 04:49:30 PM
Here are my opentops. My two match revolvers and my spare (which has a square triggerguard and Man with No Name barrel added).
hmm as i rub my chin. a open top with a man with no name barrel. my open tops might be in for a face lift. that man with no name barrel available from vti?
Chris at Cimarron found two barrels on the shelves. With the loading lever and other parts, I could only afford one at that time. Don't know if they still have the one or if they have gotten others in.
I'ts fun to shoot but it shoots really high. I will probably add a new sight to bring it down.
Justician
Alright!!! please explain to me, ( one more time) the differance between 71's & 72's, and it looks like the cylenders
& barrles can be changed out pretty easly(?). From what i'v been reading a 38 spl.s,have less problems, and i think they are better than a 9mm( just my opion). I think the 71-72 are cool as my 75's sure like the looks of them.
I've posted before. Screwed up this grip from too much sanding. Now I have replacement walnut grip from VTI that is stained and linseed oiled.
Quote from: santee on November 25, 2012, 07:32:56 AM
I've posted before. Screwed up this grip from too much sanding. Now I have replacement walnut grip from VTI that is stained and linseed oiled.
Santee, I've done that a couple of times myself. It looks good.
Quote from: hootmix on November 23, 2012, 02:00:17 PM
Alright!!! please explain to me, ( one more time) the differance between 71's & 72's, and it looks like the cylenders
& barrles can be changed out pretty easly(?). From what i'v been reading a 38 spl.s,have less problems, and i think they are better than a 9mm( just my opion). I think the 71-72 are cool as my 75's sure like the looks of them.
hootmix, the 71/72 opentop is similar to the Richards and Richards-Mason. It has a wedge to attach the barrel, although it is held in solely by a screw and doesn't have a wedge spring. The other differences are that it has a gas ring to help prevent fouling and it has a full length cylinder with no need for a conversion ring (since it was designed to shoot cartridges).
The orignials were chambered in .44 Henry rimfire. I suspect that it would have sold much better if it had also been chambered in .44 Colt and .44 Russian. Fortunately, the modern repos are available in .38 Special, the new .44 Colt, .44 Special and .45 Colt. So yes, you can easliy expand your repertoire by adding cylinders and barrels in the above calibers. Some recommend that you may want to get wedges for each barrel. I've yet to have to do so. They offer great versitility without having to twist barrels out of a frame.
For me the only competition is an 1860 with a Richards conversion (of which Santa is bringing me two).
Justician
Right, so... I'll assume that since no one touched the question about the forcing cones, either A) it's false, or 2) it's not worth bringing up.
The THIRD option is the fella what told me that don't know anything anyway. Oh well!
A big thank you to ya justician. I 'v sure been drool'n over all these on the forum, i'v told the wife she really need's a 71-72 in .38 spl. less noise & recoil( ya'll beliv'in this,,,,,right) than my 75 44/40.
Hootnix
Quote from: SixGun_Saint on November 25, 2012, 08:15:46 PM
Right, so... I'll assume that since no one touched the question about the forcing cones, either A) it's false, or 2) it's not worth bringing up.
The THIRD option is the fella what told me that don't know anything anyway. Oh well!
The people I shoot with either have opentops in .38 or .44, so forcing cone cracking has not been an issue. I have read several discussions here as to why the .45 might have problems. Basically it seems like chambering for the .45 removes too much metal. That said, I know forum discussions that there are several who shoot the opentop in .45.
Quote from: hootmix on November 25, 2012, 09:35:41 PM
A big thank you to ya justician. I 'v sure been drool'n over all these on the forum, i'v told the wife she really need's a 71-72 in .38 spl. less noise & recoil( ya'll beliv'in this,,,,,right) than my 75 44/40.
Hootnix
Your most welcome. My wife thinks my .38 opentops are too heavy. She shoots Cimarron Lightnings instead.
Justician
Quote from: Justician on November 25, 2012, 10:36:35 PM
The people I shoot with either have opentops in .38 or .44, so forcing cone cracking has not been an issue. I have read several discussions here as to why the .45 might have problems. Basically it seems like chambering for the .45 removes too much metal. That said, I know forum discussions that there are several who shoot the opentop in .45.
Your most welcome. My wife thinks my .38 opentops are too heavy. She shoots Cimarron Lightnings instead.
Justician
My good sir, you rock. Thank you! Conformation was what I was looking for, and it's what I've found... Kindly sucks a bit, surely, since I will be using .45LC-just probably won't go with Open Tops... Maybe later, as a backup set, in a different caliber-because they are LOVELY!
I would think (and I'm pretty sure this has been discussed before) that if you were to visually inspect the forcing cone area of a prospective Uberti 45 OT barrel. You could see if the forcing cone was reamed too deeply, causing it to become thin in the area prone to cracking. I would venture to say that this has, occaisionally been the culprit in these "cracking" reports.
HH
here are my two .44 colt 71-72 open tops and my nearly completed jesse james holsters i've been working on for about 6 months.
(http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj38/buckskinbilly/101_1595.jpg)
the gun on the bottom saved my life from a thug about a year ago.
Quote from: hootmix on November 23, 2012, 02:00:17 PM
Alright!!! please explain to me, ( one more time) the differance between 71's & 72's, .........
Hoot
While re-reading this thread I realized no one approached this part of your multi "faceted" question from above!
The Italians explain it as "Early" (71) and "Late" (72) with the early having the Navy grip and the late having the Army grip.
HH
Quote from: buckskin billy on November 29, 2012, 10:38:29 PM
here are my two .44 colt 71-72 open tops and my nearly completed jesse james holsters i've been working on for about 6 months.
(http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj38/buckskinbilly/101_1595.jpg)
the gun on the bottom saved my life from a thug about a year ago.
Nice "setup" there Buckskin!
Just the right amount of Patina........
Now strip those grips of that Italian finish ::)
HH
Quote from: buckskin billy on November 29, 2012, 10:38:29 PM
here are my two .44 colt 71-72 open tops and my nearly completed jesse james holsters i've been working on for about 6 months.
(http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj38/buckskinbilly/101_1595.jpg)
the gun on the bottom saved my life from a thug about a year ago.
I've got a Colt Python that got me through a couple of shooting incidents. Like mine, I bet that revolver will be the last one that you would ever get rid of.
Justician
Nice pair there, I like the semi used look.
I have the early and late mod's. The early (top) is in 38 which I have ordered a 44 barrel for it and would like to open the cylinder out to 44 colt. The bottom Late is in 45 Schofield. got both second hand at a good price.
Quote from: Mike on November 30, 2012, 02:55:43 PM
Nice pair there, I like the semi used look.
I have the early and late mod's. The early (top) is in 38 which I have ordered a 44 barrel for it and would like to open the cylinder out to 44 colt. The bottom Late is in 45 Schofield. got both second hand at a good price.
Wouldn"t it be cheaper to buy a .44 special cylinder? Then you would have both the .44 and .38 as options?
That's assuming you meant the new .44 Colt. If you want to bore the cylinder out to the original .44 Colt, you will need a .45 barrel.
Justician
Hi,
Yes I agree and I have a 44 barrel coming but it has taken so long to get it ordered from Uberti. I origanly ordered a longer 38 barrel but it did not arrive so changed it to a 44, still not sure if it is in the order boxed and waiting for permits.
I guess I just want to get the gun finished.
Quote from: Justician on November 30, 2012, 01:38:05 PM
I've got a Colt Python that got me through a couple of shooting incidents. Like mine, I bet that revolver will be the last one that you would ever get rid of.
Justician
it use to be my least favorite gun cuz of all the problems i had with it when i first got, but now i rank it all most as high as i do my colts and c. sharps, and when the chips fell down it didn't
These are not my guns but are worth seeing. These OT's belong to Bronco Birnbaum. Engraving by Terry Theiss of Harper, TX. They have sported Ivory grips from Paul Persinger for a number of years now but I only have these older photos. Bronco has put thousands of BP .44 Russians through these.
(http://www.davidscottharper.com/shoot/BroncosGuns1.JPG)
(http://www.davidscottharper.com/shoot/BroncosGuns2.JPG)
Okay, here's some more OT's, a little different. Also not mine. I apologize but I do not recall the name of the owner. Fingers might know. I was working at the Hell on Wheels regional a few years back and this fellow pulled these snubbies out of his pockets to show me. I believe they are .38's.
(http://www.davidscottharper.com/photos/OT-Snubs.jpg)
I was at Cimarron when this gun was about to be shipped to Colonel Hacker. At least, that was the name engraved on the backstrap. Engraving is by Uberti. Frame has the U.S. case-color finish.
(http://www.davidscottharper.com/photos/Cim_Col_Hackers_OT-1.jpg)
(http://www.davidscottharper.com/photos/Cim_Col_Hackers_OT-2.jpg)
I've worked Shot Show a few times for Cimarron and so had a chance to handle some of their show guns, which are rarely seen otherwise. Of course I snapped some pics :)
This one is in antique finish, factory engraved.
(http://www.davidscottharper.com/photos/Cim_Antique_OT.jpg)
And here is their Tiffany-gripped OT:
(http://www.davidscottharper.com/photos/Cim_Tiff_OT-1.jpg)
(http://www.davidscottharper.com/photos/Cim_Tiff_OT-2.jpg)
(http://www.davidscottharper.com/photos/Cim_Tiff_OT-3.jpg)
And finally, here is a Cimarron OT which should be of interest to anyone who owns an Uberti OT. This was the first one, s/n X01. It's a .44.
The ivory "Eve" grip was carved by Paul Persinger and is a copy from a photo of a period grip.
(http://www.davidscottharper.com/photos/Cim_OT1-1.jpg)
(http://www.davidscottharper.com/photos/Cim_OT1-2.jpg)
Quote from: Abilene on December 02, 2012, 02:43:44 PM
And finally, here is a Cimarron OT which should be of interest to anyone who owns an Uberti OT. This was the first one, s/n X01. It's a .44.
The ivory "Eve" grip was carved by Paul Persinger and is a copy from a photo of a period grip.
(http://www.davidscottharper.com/photos/Cim_OT1-1.jpg)
(http://www.davidscottharper.com/photos/Cim_OT1-2.jpg)
What a great group of guns. Thanks Abilene,
Justician
Well, I don't have mine yet but, here it is. I got it off gunbroker from 3B shooting supply. It's a .44 colt. Looking forward to getting it.
EDIT Deleted photobucket ransom pimp add.
Good on ya!
Man that thing is shiny as a pimple on a teenager......... ;D
Quote from: Abilene on December 02, 2012, 02:25:43 PM
Okay, here's some more OT's, a little different. Also not mine. I apologize but I do not recall the name of the owner. Fingers might know. I was working at the Hell on Wheels regional a few years back and this fellow pulled these snubbies out of his pockets to show me. I believe they are .38's.
(http://www.davidscottharper.com/photos/OT-Snubs.jpg)
Well, I know Prairie Dawg likes shorties, and I think he was there ??? ; but I couldn't swear that these are his. You're talking about something that happened at HOW 09. Hell, I can't remember what day it is, you expect me to remember that?????
Here are my only cartridge open tops:
(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c86/fingersmcgee/DSCN0187.jpg)
Wow,Something Fingers only has 2 of but as usual they are excellant pieces............Southpaw
justican,,, just watched " invitation to a gun fight", Yul Brenner ",,1964-65,,the movie is full of open top's,,the first 3-4 , times i saw the movie i didn't even notice what type of guns they used,,,,buuuutttt, i sure notice now. If any of u'ns has seen the movie what is the one Mr. Brenner is tote'n,and a engraved model is pulled from a saddle holster( pat hingle,,bad guy )look
's like Long John Wolf's . Ya'll holler back.
Hootmix.
Buckskin Billy.....
You can't just say that a gun saved your life from a thug without sharing the story! Do tell !
QuoteBuckskin Billy.....
You can't just say that a gun saved your life from a thug without sharing the story! Do tell !
Perhaps it isn't something he feels like talking about.
I have a couple open tops and they surprised me on how accurate they shoot. I use 38LC with black powder
One Shot
MJN77 ... thank you for that comment. You may be correct. If he is, my bad for asking.
Haven't been here for a while, you have a few new threads.
HH was kind enough to ask me to post this old Richards Conversion I have. Built by ASM, it has had all the internals replaced and the trigger pull increased from mere ounces to something easier to deal with.
All the internals were soft so I got new parts and worked on them to get them to fit. Some I hardened with casenite. It is chambered for the 44 Colt cartridge using .430 bullets. I load cast 200 grain FPRN over a full csing of black powder.
From what I understand there are a couple of unauthentic things about it but I like it. Haven't found another one but I am not really looking, just casually browsing!
(http://images60.fotki.com/v361/photos/2/36012/11158922/DSC_4772-vi.jpg)
I fix'n to buy a taylor 72 w/71/2" barrel .but i really want a 51/2", what will it cost for a 51/2" barrel to fit, or what do i need to do???( it will be in .38 spl.,,,,,aaa it's for the little wife) yes i have a hacksaw.
Quote from: Slamfire on January 18, 2013, 11:58:28 AM
I fix'n to buy a taylor 72 w/71/2" barrel .but i really want a 51/2", what will it cost for a 51/2" barrel to fit, or what do i need to do???( it will be in .38 spl.,,,,,aaa it's for the little wife) yes i have a hacksaw.
Don't cut it off! I have a nearly new 5 1/2" barrel that I will trade you for it.
Justician
Justician, will sure let you know, thanks for the offer. I know i want to trade out the grips for a white or bone color,don't know where to get them,,,,yet, the ones i'v seen on here just makes these models look "TOP RAIL".
Hootmix.
Quote from: Slamfire on January 19, 2013, 09:54:00 AM
Justician, will sure let you know, thanks for the offer. I know i want to trade out the grips for a white or bone color,don't know where to get them,,,,yet, the ones i'v seen on here just makes these models look "TOP RAIL".
Hootmix,
The ones I have on mine are from Gripmaker. They started out bright white and have yellowed to the color you see in my post on the first page of this thread. If you can spend a bit more, True Ivory looks great.
I have a couple of Colt Second Generation 1860s being converted by Raven. I just sold my extra Colt Python to a friend, so I'm thinking that I may splurge and go to Nutmeg Sports for real ivory for them.
Justician
Justician!!!in response to " barrel swap" ,how much to maybe buy your 5 1/2" if i may ask?????
Hootmix.
Quote from: Slamfire on January 26, 2013, 01:49:43 PM
Justician!!!in response to " barrel swap" ,how much to maybe buy your 5 1/2" if i may ask?????
Hootmix.
I'll have to think about it. I want to get a hammered double and I may put up my spare open top with the Man with No Name barrel and the 5 1/2 barrel for sell or trade.
Justician
Hey ,Justician ,,,,I still havent shot my 72 yet ,it needs a lot of honin & deburing and i'm still reading on here how to best fit & polish everything,,,,holler and let me know,,,hope you find a good deal on your double.
Hootmix
I just fitted the new 7 inch barrel to the top OP in 38sp.
Very pleased it is now a good shooter.
I just need the Richards Mason and a Richards Type1. Forgot the Thuer but that may never happen.
Looks good!
Couple shots of my Cimarron .44Colt with one piece TruIvory. This is one of my favorite sixguns that gets carried and shot quite often. No leather pics for some dumb reason.
(http://photos.imageevent.com/newfrontier45/sixgunsiii/large/Open%20Top%2003.JPG)
(http://photos.imageevent.com/newfrontier45/sixgunsiii/large/Open%20Top%2002.JPG)
That's what I call simple elegance!
Justician
Thanks! ;D
Awwwsum. I'v said it before thas a beauty,where do we get the grips & how much.
Hootmix.
Thanks! Those are TruIvory grips from Bar S.
Quote from: CraigC on February 06, 2013, 12:04:18 PM
Couple shots of my Cimarron .44Colt with one piece TruIvory. This is one of my favorite sixguns that gets carried and shot quite often. No leather pics for some dumb reason.
(http://photos.imageevent.com/newfrontier45/sixgunsiii/large/Open%20Top%2003.JPG)
(http://photos.imageevent.com/newfrontier45/sixgunsiii/large/Open%20Top%2002.JPG)
Nice finish too.
It came out with particularly nice case colors. :)
Happy Camper ,Just got the call from my gunshop Pard ,said my 72 OpenTop is in . Gonna pick her up in the Morning. Civillian flap holster came in this afternoon. Now waitin for the Ammo hurry up . Wanna here that .44 go bang ......Dusty .
Here is my Cimarron .44 Colt Open Top.Ordered it through Buffalo Arms ,and am happy with what they sent.I like it . ...Dusty
good lookin hawg leg there pard
Nice pic too!
CraigC I am speachless after lookin at that beauty you have there.Thatun is just Magnifico.Thank's Dusty
Here's an update on mine.
"I bought this sixgun several years ago, just before moving to Tennessee. Tom Selleck's westerns had gotten me hot over topless Colt's and Crossfire Trail, made before new replicas were available, was particularly instrumental in my procuring this .44Colt. Did a little slicking of the action, ordered a basket-stamped 1849 Californian from El Paso Saddlery, had it fitted with one-piece TruIvory and proceeded to really get attached to it. Carried it over hill `n dale and packed it near about every hunting season. Things have been going very well for me and I always wanted to have a sixgun engraved. Members here had posted pics of Michael Gouse's work and I was very impressed. I decided to finally have one done and contacted him back in July. Sent it to him in August with instructions to forward it to Turnbull for finish work and got it back today. I don't think I ever waited less than six months for a custom gun so 6wks was quite a pleasant surprise on this one.
It is done in American scroll with 75% coverage. I asked for a sunburst on the recoil shield which I believe is a style popularized by factory Colt engraver Cuno Helfricht. It was finished by Turnbull in full carbona blue with a color case hardened hammer & trigger and nitre blued screws. Words cannot express how happy I am with it. If you've ever dreamed of having one of your guns engraved, I would highly suggest contacting Michael Gouse and making it happen. Life is too short!"
http://www.gousefreelancefirearmsengraving.com/
(http://photos.imageevent.com/newfrontier45/sixgunsiii/large/IMG_2281b.jpg)
(http://photos.imageevent.com/newfrontier45/sixgunsiii/large/IMG_2287b.jpg)
(http://photos.imageevent.com/newfrontier45/sixgunsiii/large/IMG_2292b.jpg)
(http://photos.imageevent.com/newfrontier45/sixgunsiii/large/IMG_2324b.jpg)
OH MY ! :D
that right there is just something special.
Craig, it is a keeper! The straw colors on the hammer and trigger are really eyecatching. May have to ship my Richards out for some engraving.
My mouth is still open.
OMG That is great.
Don't normally like engraving pard BUT...........
(https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ3lOARXv8MpxAc4jvknliIEfxAcYS253q-X5jpHp73-w4BUfYE)
Paladin (Whats changed his mind a tad ) UK
Thanks guys!
Wow, just . . .wow
While not as fancy as what CraigC shows us, (and I really do like that revovler), I still like this one.
(http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc194/StrawHat/010_zps7cdd769b.jpg) (http://s214.photobucket.com/user/StrawHat/media/010_zps7cdd769b.jpg.html)
CraigC, that Opentop is just incredibly fine! Thanks for sharing.
Strawhat, that is a good looking gun in a nicely arranged picture, but as an 1860 conversion it really should be in the 1860 pictures topic here:
http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,45955.0.html
My digital camera died just recently, so I've had to use my iPhone to take these. I'm afraid the images aren't that good. As soon as I replace my camera I'll take some proper pics of them. 'Til then, these will have to do.
When I started this project my goal was to have a pair of guns that would eventually become as close to original Colt 1872 Open Top's as possible in fit and finish. I think the end result was a success.
There were a number of gunsmiths and artisans involved in this project; an endeavour that took over three years.
About the guns -
Every piece has been hand fitted so that there isn't one line or surface that doesn't mate perfectly.
Every piece has been polished to perfection. The bluing is wonderful. When compared to other guns I own there is a marked difference in the bluing due to the polishing and the process used to achieve this finish.
The screws, wedge, trigger and ejector rod head have been nitre blued.
The frame, loading gate and hammer have been bone and charcoal casehardened.
The back strap and trigger guard have been silver plated.
The one piece ivory grips have been hand checkered. A set of oiled walnut grips were also fitted.
And finally, the guns have been chambered to fire the .44 Henry CF cartridge that I designed. It's basically a .44 Colt case with a heeled bullet. I wanted the guns to be historically accurate and be chambered for the same round that the 1860 Henry rifle is (was) chambered for. I converted my 1860 Henry to chamber a cartridge that uses a .44 Colt case and a heeled bullet that's 0.452" diameter outside measured. My Henry cartridge uses a 225 gr bullet. While these guns will shoot it with no problems, the recoil of that round is excessive. So I use a 165 gr bullet with them to reduce the recoil and prolong the life of the guns. They are very accurate with either cartridge.
Sorry for the EDIT but if photobucket won't allow your picture to post, I won't allow them to PIMP their advertisement for ransom
On the left is my .44 Henry CF cartridge using a 225 gr heeled bullet. On the right is the .44 Colt cartridge using a 165 gr heeled bullet that I use in these guns to reduce the recoil and punishment placed on them.
In the foreground are the Henry and Colt cartridges, and a 12 gauge brass shell.
In the center are a .44 2-1/4" (.44-77) SBN (Sharps Bottle Neck) with a paper patched 407 grn swaged bullet, and a .45 2-1.10" (.45-70) with a 500 grn jacketed soft point. Both hit like freight trains out of my Sharps rifles.
In the rear are a Randall Toothpick with ivory scales, and a Sambar Stag handled Randall Skinner with damascus blade.
An 1849 Baby Dragoon rounds out the picture.
Very nice, Seth, very nice.
Good decision to stay away from the 225 grainers in your .44 Henry CF for the Open Top.
Here is my recent experience with .44 Colt factory ammo from BH in open top design conversions, namely smokeless behind 230 grainers: while attending a CAS match in TX I had to load my Centaure LCCs with this factory ammo.
They resulted in a MIP of almost 170.
Significant recoil and muzzle flip of my 5,5" pistols. During the 6th (last) stage and the last pistol round finally the wedge of one of the LCCs had worked its way out of the gun from recoil although I had checked them after each stage.
Found it later in the grass. No harm done to pistols, shooter or bystanders.
IMHO such a round is definitively to hard on open top type pistols.
Long Johns Wolf
Beautiful. Does your round differ from a .44 Colt Original?
It looks just like the .44 Colt brass loaded with a heeled .451 bullet that I had loaded for my Colt Second Generation 1860 conversion.
Justician
Quote from: Justician on December 12, 2013, 08:57:10 AM
Beautiful. Does your round differ from a .44 Colt Original?
It looks just like the .44 Colt brass loaded with a heeled .451 bullet that I had loaded for my Colt Second Generation 1860 conversion.
Justician
I wasn't trying to duplicate an original 44 Colt round for the pistols. I was just trying to develop a round that put the least amount of stress on my guns. I experimented with a number of different bullet weights and styles that I got from Bernie. There was a hollow-based bullet that showed a lot of promise, but they are a PITA to cast, so I ruled it out. This bullet was #2. He made a 4-cavity mould for me so I can crank these out when I cast. It's outside diameter is 0.452".
I suspect that you can load yours a good bit hotter for the Opentop than I would dare to do for the 1860 conversion.
I am also interested in what it took to convert your Henry to this round. I might be tempted to do something similar to my 66.
I also like the silver plated trigger guard and backstrap.
Thanks,
Justician
For the Henry conversion -
I bought a new .45-cal barrel. I then had a custom chamber made. This was "pressed" into the breach of the barrel. I'm not sure if that's the correct terminology for that, or if that's the correct order that things were done in. I know the new barrel was a .45 Colt barrel, which is what is needed for the bullet. But it's obviously too big for the cartridge. So a new chamber was made for the cartridge. IIRC, the 'smith who did the work basically reamed out the .45 Colt chamber, then "inserted" a new chamber. I don't recall if the new insert was already reamed to the proper size, or if it was sized after it was installed. And a bolt was modified to accommodate the .44 Colt's dimensions, which includes the extractor and ejector "fingers".
If your conversion is a true conversion of an 1860 C&B I would say yes, I can load mine much hotter than you can.
The silver plating on the back strap & trigger guard make them kinda "disappear" when you're looking at the grips. It's an odd trick of the eye.
Seth,
You did a great job on both the revolvers and the rifle (could you post a picture of the rifle when your camera is back working?).
I spent so much on the revolvers, that I may just try to trade the 66 for a 73 in .44-40 and figure that .44 Colt revolvers -. 44 Winchester rifle combos are what many cowboys, outlaws, and lawmen would have carried in the early 1870s.
Thanks,
Justician
I have a few pics of my rifle in the "1860 Henry" forum. In there, look in the ".44 Henry CF Ammo" thread.
Thanks, I will.
Justician
Just gave myself a to-me/from-me Christmas gift, a pair of 1871s in 45 Colt. Smooth as silk!
Holler
Isn't it amazing that when you buy for yourself you tend to get what you want?
They look great!
Justician
Awesome pair! ;D
One of my 1871s in action. This picture was taken at the FL State match by a photographer for a St, Augustine tourism site. The whole slideshow is here: http://staugustine.com/slideshow/home-page/2014-01-12/slideshow-single-action-shooting-society-state-championship#slide-1
Awesome Pic! Gotta love those flames! ( causes a little... stir... in my nether regions ;) )
They are beautiful and you shoot them superbly.
Here is my two Open Tops both in 44 Colt. They aren't to pretty but I shoot them alot, have had them for years with no trouble. I know alot of people like the new look of guns which is great if that is what they like, but I never did like pretty guns, for if they are to pretty, they are being looked at, and not shot. No offense just my veiw.
NCOWS #810
Reno
Nice looking guns, Reno. I like a little patina on my guns, too.
Just thought I would chime in with another woman's perspective... I have 1871 Open Tops and I absolutely ADORE them. Some women may not like the weight, but I really like it. I don't even notice cuz I'm focused on the shooting. I shoot mine nightly in the shootout gang. I do fast draw, rapid fanning, quick reload and a spin or two with mine during the show. It is one of the few guns that will handle the rigors of what I put it though and never misfire. Weight is not an issue. It may take a while for your wife to get used to it, but she just might end up with a full blown love affair with it as I have with mine.
Hello, finally got myself a pair of open tops and after about 4 months from first answering the add, to the end, I love them, they are excellent guns, when I received them the uberti case colors had faded and one had a nasty drag line. I sent them to Joe Perkins of classic single actions and had a full action job done, forcing cone, rear sight widened, cylinders honed and chamfered, screws hardened and replaced the firing pins with smith shop tool steel pins, also had the safety in the hammer welded up and hidden, to top it all off they were antiqued with antique walnut grips added. Joe did an amazing job and they were well worth the wait and investment, unfortunately one of them is a little sensitive and over rotates if not worked just right, the other can handle being operated at a decent speed.
Before
Link to the rest of the pictures
could have sworn I posted this one in
Good lookin' case colors on that one!
This is what "Sandy Claus" (Santa's wife) brought me for Christmas.
Taylor's and Co., Uberti 1871 Open Top, 4 3/4" barrel in .45 LC. I'm really liking Open Tops.
;D Ok RRio.... Love the open top got one myself but what is that beautiful lady above it. That shines too my man. :o
Quote from: Gus Walker on December 31, 2014, 06:17:17 PM
;D Ok RRio.... Love the open top got one myself but what is that beautiful lady above it. That shines too my man. :o
'61 Navy (Pietta) with a .38 Special cartridge conversion done on it. I found her in a pawn shop, paid $99 for her. and took her home with me. She is one of my favorites.
:D
New guy and new Open Top. Just a standard setup in .38spl. :)
(http://i1161.photobucket.com/albums/q506/ORShooter1/Cim_zpscmisfmr6.jpg) (http://s1161.photobucket.com/user/ORShooter1/media/Cim_zpscmisfmr6.jpg.html)
But a very nice setup. Enjoy!
Sweet!
My babies:
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg134/imarangemaster/OT1_zpsoo76qug6.jpg) (http://s247.photobucket.com/user/imarangemaster/media/OT1_zpsoo76qug6.jpg.html)
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg134/imarangemaster/OT4_zpsdig78cvq.jpeg) (http://s247.photobucket.com/user/imarangemaster/media/OT4_zpsdig78cvq.jpeg.html)
Photo Bucket SUCKS !
Mine has since been fitted with one-piece ivory but has yet to star in its own photo shoot.
(https://photos.imageevent.com/newfrontier45/leatherwork/large/IMG_3407b.jpg)
(https://photos.imageevent.com/newfrontier45/sixgunsiii/large/IMG_2349b.jpg)
Only decent pic with the real thing. The TruIvory is now on the 1860 Type II.
(https://photos.imageevent.com/newfrontier45/sixgunsv/large/IMG_9503b.jpg)
Very nice (again)!
Does the '51 get to feeling left out? :)
I just got it about three months ago and it hasn't even been fired yet. So it's probably feeling very neglected. ;)
Here are my Open Tops...
I guess I joined another club, here is by 71 in 38 so it will be a softy to shoot :D
(https://i.imgur.com/FjVRrfL.jpg?1)
Wallace, the grips look nice. Did you refinish them?
Nope, I just got this three days ago and I am chomping at the bit to go shoot but our range is still snowed in but it's melting fast.
Howdy Fellas! I'm new around these parts, but I've been admiring everyone's 71/72's for a while. Since I just joined up, I thought I'd show you mine. These are my all-time favorite revolvers. Mine are in .45 Colt and I use black powder in them. They get shot on a regular basis.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48135269493_876552cd9d_z.jpg)
My new 7.5" .44 Russian/Colt/Special Cimarron 1872 Open Top, with River Junction belt and Texas Jack 1860/1872 Slim Jim holster.
(https://i.imgur.com/qwUewyw.jpg)
I suppose the Parkerized 1872 pics belong here, too.
(https://i.imgur.com/0AVjSMn.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/O4Fuzhv.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/reELgj3.jpg)
*sigh* Why ever were public whippings outlawed? :P
The more I look, the madder I get. Look at the Stampings, the patent dates. How bad could it have been! A light buff, some blue, nickle plate the damn thing, ANYTHING would have been better than this! Doug Turnbull could have worked magic with it!
I believe that a basic tenant of working with antique guns is "Primum non nocere" (First, do no harm). I agree that a flogging is in order...
CC Griff
I have read that Manganese phosphate can be removed with citric acid without damaging the steel.. Anyone know any other way?
Greetings My Good TL
I always used a brass-wire wheel and a very light hand....
industrial folks use chromic acid ( aaaah!!!! )
the chemists say to use phosphoric acid ( like in coke) ...
For What It Is Worth, I use the cheapest Cola I can find to gently etch damascus blades to bring out the pattern.
the hobbyists say vinegar, citric acid, soda pop, or naval jelly.
Or abrade it off.
They all say the finish ends up looking pitted or etched or sandblasted
This outfit claims they have a miracle drug cure !
https://iosso.com/clean/products/quickstrip/
"IOSSO QUICKSTRIP is a revolutionary product designed to remove Parkerizing and blueing within minutes without etching. Just immerse parts into Quickstrip solution and let soak for several minutes. Watch closely until completely stripped, then remove, and rinse thoroughly with water. Eliminates the need for bead blasting. Solution is re-useable. Quickstrip does not contain a rust inhibitor. Easy to use ? little odor! Environmentally friendly. "
Jeeeze! It sounds like one of my Snake Oil Speeches!
Wow, Midway has it:
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1007099323?pid=374474
but the only review says "it did nothing"
hope this helps
prof marvel
Here's mine...
Purchased January 2020 from Cimarron. It was sent out to Mike Braggett (45 Dragoon) for a complete action tuning, leaf spring to coil custom conversion and Arbor correction. Coil Hand Spring install along with an array of Mike's other goodies!
(https://i.imgur.com/1ksVYeq.jpg)
Russ, does that OT have no case colors or is it just the angle of the light in the photo?
I have added a little color to some of my older conversions that didn't have much color, by using both Brownell's Dicrophan, and Birchwood Casey Super-Blue cold blue.
Quote from: Abilene on July 29, 2020, 03:59:19 PM
Russ, does that OT have no case colors or is it just the angle of the light in the photo?
I have added a little color to some of my older conversions that didn't have much color, by using both Brownell's Dicrophan, and Birchwood Casey Super-Blue cold blue.
Sorry to get back so late.
Yes, mine had plenty of color and one day, I was cleaning the gate with a bronze brush and discovered that the color brushes off very easily. Because of that, I ended brushing off the whole thing. I kind of like it better.
Picked these 45s up and wound up running the Opentop at a match today before I even had taken it to the range. Ran perfectly and I love the Army grip.
(https://i.imgur.com/tB3Eb3c.jpg)
Cimarron in .45 Colt. Magna Tusk grip.
Quote from: PlowboysGhost on July 06, 2021, 10:04:05 PM
Cimarron in .45 Colt. Magna Tusk grip.
Beautiful revolver. I just watched your video on that one yesterday.
Couple of well used ones I just recently picked up.
45 Colt Open Top
:) Rube ;)
That Basket Weave holster goes super well with that Open Top. MOST EXCELLENT INDEED. 8)
Not that my Pair of Open Tops are my "Go-To" Favoriteist most bestest Match Guns I own. Nah. That wouldn't matter atall. ::)
Quote from: Coffinmaker on November 01, 2022, 09:48:57 AM
:) Rube ;)
That Basket Weave holster goes super well with that Open Top. MOST EXCELLENT INDEED. 8)
Not that my Pair of Open Tops are my "Go-To" Favoriteist most bestest Match Guns I own. Nah. That wouldn't matter atall. ::)
;D They do make good guns don't they? Thanks for the kind words on the holster.
My 1872 OpenTop .45 with new stags being installed. ;D