I need HELP PLEASE !Got them ordered (Thanks to all!!!)

[Ace Lungger]

I am so confused about what I what to buy! I know I want a pair of open tops, 38 special, 4 3/4 barrels. To many Importers, and not any places to look and fell. I got lucky and looked at a  UMF 1851 in 38, but it had 7 1/2 barrels.Didin't help mee very much, but I did like the looks of the gun having the site on the back of the firearm and the dealer didn't seem to know or want to waste his time because he new I wasn't going to buy.
It seems at one time or another, every importer, imported the gun I THINK I WANT! On gun broker a dealer in Colorado has the gun that I like the looks of. Of course if money wasn't one of the problems, I would just find a place and go there and look at all of them! But that isn't going to happen!!
   Are most of them priced close?
  What Importer has the highest standards?
  What is the diff, between the 1851 R-m Conver. or one just called 1851 converted?
  I have figure out one thing, the 72 open tops, are mostly the same except the Navy and Army ( I have been told the diff. was in grip size?)

Please pards, give me the low down!
I will be great full to all that can give me advice.
Ace

[Long Johns Wolf]

Check with Cimarron Firearms in Fredericksburg, TX (www.cimarron-firearms.com), or the Uberti website (www.ubertireplicas.it).
Attached is a pic of 4 Ubertis with "traditional" barrel length, top down Open Top, RM Army, RII, RM Navy. Except for the RM Navy who is in .38 Spec/.38 Colt they are all in .44 Colt caliber.
I don't know about the RM Army and the RII but the OT and RM Navy are available in the USA in .38 caliber and with shorter barrels.
If you need detailed pics send PM with your personal email-address
Regards

[Coffinmaker]

Ace,

Long Johns has pointed you in the right direction.  Visit the Cimarron web site.

Coffinmaker

[Deadeye Dick]

There are two different grip styles, the Army is bigger then the Navy. Also, in general the Army is 44 cal. and the Navy is 36 cal. So the 1851/61 Navy has a smaller grip and is approx. 36 cal. The 1860 Army has a larger grip and in most cases approx. 44 cal. I say approx. cause the balls and or bullets can be slightly different sizes depending on the make and what the whim was of the maker at the time of manufacture. There are some Replica guns that don't hold to the above. How's that for being clear as mud? Hang in there and keep asking questions, it helps us all.
Deadeye Dick

[Flint]

The 72 Opentop, made by Uberti and distributed by Cimarron as well, has two gripframe lengths, the Navy and the Army.  Generally, the Army gripframe is seen more on the 7-1/2 inch barrel version.  The 5-1/2 inch barrel usually has the Navy gripframe.

The barrels can be fitted easily as can cylinders, I have my 44's set up with two barrel lengths as well as 38 and 45Schofield barrels and cylinders.  Expensive but versatile.

[Abilene]

Ace,
The 1851 Richards-Mason conversion is .38 spcil, has an octagonal barrel, and comes in 4 3/4", 5 1/2" and 7 1/2" barrel lengths.  All '51 R-M conversions have the Navy grip.  This gun has a brass post front sight and a notch in the hammer nose for the rear sight.

The 1871/72 Opentop comes in the same lengths, and can be had in .38 Spcl.  The 7 1/2" length can be had with Army or Navy grip; the shorter barrel lengths are available only with the Navy grip.  This gun has a small blade front sight and a small v-notch rear sight on the rear of the barrel.

Cimarron is currently out of stock on both of those guns in the 4 3/4" barrel length.  You might find that length in stock from one of the other importers, or from a stocking dealer like Buffalo Arms.  Cimarron does have the '51 Richards-Mason in 5 1/2" length in stock.

There are also "converted 1851's" that are cap and ball guns that have had a conversion cylinder added.  These are do-it-yourself items and are really not what you are looking for, as the barrels will be longer and the bore of the barrel is around .370 so they need hollow-base bullets to shoot accurately.

There are also some older "Richards Type I" (usually just called Richards) conversions floating around that were made by Armi-San-Marco six or eight years ago and while pretty, you want to avoid these due to very spotty quality and no parts available.  These can be identified right away by the rear sight being on top of the conversion ring, and a floating firing pin mounted in the conversion ring (not on the hammer).

The Type II Richards is available in 38 Spcl but will probably not fit your criteria since it does not come in 4 3/4" barrel length.  Only 5 1/2" and 7 1/2" and only with the Army grip. 

Hope that helps.

[Ace Lungger]

Thanks a bunch Pards  , I can see better now. I believe I have semi made up my mind. Uberti Richards-Mason 1851 conversion in 38 special 4 3/4 barrel, Imported byCimmaron. I looked at one on Gun Broker early this morning, a dealer from Colorado, that goes by Jeff. I forget to get the item no., I went back just know to give you fellors the no. so you all could check it out. I do believe that I will buy from the man in Nebraska you told me about Ralph?
I think I have his email addy somewhere, and maybe he will be coming to KC or Wichtia.
Thanks Ace

[Lightnin Rick]

Ace,You have the same questions as I have had. Next you will wonder what finnish. At least thats where I am at know. So I need to look at the different ones .Then find where to buy soon. I am leaning towards the 72 navy in 38 and 5 1/2" barrels (kinda wish they came in 6 1/2") and get the extra barrel and cylinder in 44. Thats so my daughter can learn to shoot and I can shoot the larger cal.

[Ace Lungger]

I couldn't take it anymore!
I ordered a pair of Taylor's 72 early models with 4 3/4 barrel. As I was reading earlier post, can you buy differnet lenght's of barrel's and put on these?
Thanks
Ace