Irish Pat Posted June 25, 2021 Share Posted June 25, 2021 I think Open tops are really cool looking but I don’t know anything about how good they are as no one at our club shoots them. Can anyone shed some light on the subject As I think I want a pair in 38. Irish ☘️ Pat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sedalia Dave Posted June 25, 2021 Share Posted June 25, 2021 I shoot a pair and really like them. My are Pietta 1872s chambered in 38 special with 7.5” barrels Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeaconKC Posted June 25, 2021 Share Posted June 25, 2021 I have a 5 1/2" Army in .45 Colt. Beautifully balanced and not at all bad to clean and take down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Boy Posted June 25, 2021 Share Posted June 25, 2021 The 58 new model armies of mine a safe queens after one shoots a pair of 1851 Navy US Marshall’s … https://www.budk.com/1851-Navy-US-Marshal-Black-Powder-Pistol-44-Calibe-47514 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colorado Coffinmaker Posted June 25, 2021 Share Posted June 25, 2021 The answer "Depends"(not the kind in a plastic package). "Open Tops" can and does include ALL the Colt Pattern Guns without a "Top Strap." THE Open Top is a specific gun. THE Open Top was the first purpose built Colt Cartridge handgun. Incidentally, PIETTA does not build an 1872 Open Top. Pietta only produces Cap Guns. SO: I have been shooting THE Open Top for about 20 years. Well balanced, point like an extension of yer hand. Available in three calibers: 38 Spl, 44 Spl/44 Colt/44 Russian and 45 Schofield/45 Colt. ALL of those calibers/cartridges can be shot on the same action, by swapping Cylinders and Barrels. I also functioned as an Open Top specialist in the CAS Gunsmith line in my area. THE Open Top suffers the same malady of an Abysmal fit of the Barrel to Arbor of ALL Uberti built Open Top type guns. Before ANYTHING else is done to the guns, that Barrel to Arbor fit MUST be corrected. Once properly set up, the guns are SWEET personified. The last 10 or so years I spent building CAS ready Pietta Cap Guns. With the exception of my own set of Open Tops, I did not accept work on Uberti guns. I found Uberti to be nicely finished "KITS" requiring way too much work to be acceptable for our game. YMMV Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goody, SASS #26190 Posted June 25, 2021 Share Posted June 25, 2021 2 hours ago, Sedalia Dave said: I shoot a pair and really like them. My are Pietta 1872s chambered in 38 special with 7.5” barrels Wasn't aware that they made an 1872. Thought they were all Uberti's, except for the bastardized guns that ASM put out years ago. Anyway, the final 12 or 13 years of my competing was done primarily with a pair of 5 1/2 Uberti 38's. I have a pair of 5 1/2 inch 44sp and a pair of 4 3/4 inch 38's that were cut down 5 1/2's as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rooster Ron Wayne Posted June 25, 2021 Share Posted June 25, 2021 When I was shooting full time . I had a pair of Uberti open top 44 Specials with smith shop pins and action work by Long Hunters shop . With Army grips and 7in barrel's They shot very nice . The best part was they feel and point just like my Colt 1860 Army's . So it did not matter if I was shooting Cartridge guns or Cap guns . The gun in the hand pointed and felt the same . Just sayin Rooster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rafe Conager SASS #56958 Posted June 25, 2021 Share Posted June 25, 2021 I shoot open tops most of the time, both army and navy grips. My 38s are navy grips and my 45 Schofields have army grips. I shoot duelist and have had the hammers lowered due to thumb surgery. Love them especially black powder. They point so much better than my 73 saa. Rafe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waxahachie Kid #17017 L Posted June 25, 2021 Share Posted June 25, 2021 I shoot an Cimarron/Uberti 1860 army open-top, in .44 Colt (it's an early model, and .44 Specials won't fit). It can also shoot the .44 Russian. I reload the Star-Line .44 Colt, or .44 Russian. I like both, and shoot both, in my open-top. I have heard complaints of the firing pin needing to be upgraded, and there is a website that offers a firing pin that is supposedly better. I have not had a problem, yet, but I may order a firing pin, from the site, and have it just in case I have an issue, at some point down the trail. But I do really like my open-top. It functions great, and is as accurate as I can make it, plus it does have lots of style points, and looks cool. Unlike the Type 2 Richards conversion, my open-top has a 7 1/2 inch barrel, whereas my Type 2 Richards has an 8 inch barrel, al la the 1860 Army percussion Colt. My Two Bits. W.K. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pee Wee #15785 Posted June 25, 2021 Share Posted June 25, 2021 1 pair 1851 American Frontier Arms 7 1/2" in .44 Russian one 1861 American Frontier Arms 4 1/1" in .38 sp 1 pair 1851 Armi San Marco 7 1/2" in .38 sp They all 5 shot better than I can shoot. They were used by teenagers for 6-7 years shooting one or two matches per month. I like the .44 Russian better than the .38 sp. The kids never once had one not work at matches but they were all cleaned before each match. The wedges were adjusted to keep the same barrel clearance and the forcing cones were all cut to 11 degrees. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tully Mars Posted June 25, 2021 Share Posted June 25, 2021 On occasion I shoot Richard Masson Conversions in 5 1/2" 1851's in 38. I love shooting them, but prefer my Rugers. They point very well, there's always the cool factor. They will over rotate, grease on the arbor will stop it. I'm certain you won't be disappointed with them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619 Posted June 26, 2021 Share Posted June 26, 2021 I like to shoot these from time to time... Uberti Walker. Usually pair it with... Second Generation Colt Dragoon And then their's this... Pietta 1860 And this... First Gen Colt 1860, .32 Smith and Wesson Long I wish this one could talk... And that's what I have for open tops. Try to shoot each of them at least once a year. They are fun, and Walker/Dragoon combo get's a lot of fun comments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Rick Posted June 26, 2021 Share Posted June 26, 2021 Get in contact with @Cole Trigger at Amite or Sorrento. I believe that's all he's been shooting for awhile now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Still hand Bill Posted June 26, 2021 Share Posted June 26, 2021 I have shot a match or two with 1872’s from uberti. After adding a screw on the mandrel to get the fit right they work well. I got them for shooting FC as they are easier to clean as thats What they were designed to do. Barrels come right off to get soaked in hot water. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish Pat Posted June 26, 2021 Author Share Posted June 26, 2021 Are all open tops made by uberti? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H. K. Uriah, SASS #74619 Posted June 26, 2021 Share Posted June 26, 2021 See above. My 1860 is a Pietta. The Dragoon and other 1860 is a Colt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abilene, SASS # 27489 Posted June 26, 2021 Share Posted June 26, 2021 31 minutes ago, Irish-Pat said: Are all open tops made by uberti? All cartridge OT's and conversions are made by Uberti. Pietta makes cap'n'ball pistols that some people convert to cartridge with Kirst or Howell conversion cylinders. For those, the barrel needs to be removed to reload, unless you buy a gated conversion cylinder and mill out a loading port on the right side of the recoil shield. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seamus McGillicuddy Posted June 26, 2021 Share Posted June 26, 2021 I’ve not been to a match since pre-COVID but my main match pistols are both Uberti Open Tops in .44 Special. One is an 1872 Open Top 7.5 inch barrel and one is a Richards Mason conversion 8 inch. I shoot black powder exclusively. After many many matches the only repair done was to the 1872 on which the firing pin became crooked and looked terrible but still functioned fine. I finally replaced it. In a world of SAAs Open Tops are perfect for me. Seamus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Too Tall Bob Posted June 26, 2021 Share Posted June 26, 2021 2 hours ago, Rafe Conager SASS #56958 said: I shoot open tops most of the time, both army and navy grips. My 38s are navy grips and my 45 Schofields have army grips. I shoot duelist and have had the hammers lowered due to thumb surgery. Love them especially black powder. They point so much better than my 73 saa. Rafe plus 1 for this. My open tops balance much better than my ‘73s and point much better. PLUS! They are much cooler. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silver Rings SASS # 27466 Posted June 26, 2021 Share Posted June 26, 2021 I have been shooting Uberti 1871 open tops for several years. The only problem I have had is the screws loosen up and need to be tightened before each match. I just like the way they feel and point. Silver Rings Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dusty Devil Dale Posted June 26, 2021 Share Posted June 26, 2021 On 6/25/2021 at 12:08 PM, Irish-Pat said: I think Open tops are really cool looking but I don’t know anything about how good they are as no one at our club shoots them. Can anyone shed some light on the subject As I think I want a pair in 38. Irish ☘️ Pat Is that open tops, or topless? I really like them too. 38 is just about perfect. Cowboy jargon, you know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Too Tall Bob Posted June 26, 2021 Share Posted June 26, 2021 There is just nothing cooler than open tops and black powder! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ezra Hawthorne Posted June 26, 2021 Share Posted June 26, 2021 There was someone who attended Utah War but did not compete, he had a pair of open top .38s in nickel finish with pearl grips, says he got them for $500 about 20 years ago. I was filled with envy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baltimore Ed Posted June 27, 2021 Share Posted June 27, 2021 Bought this .45 from a fellow shooter for my Rafe Covington impression and honestly don’t care much for it, maybe with a shorter bbl. Pretty gun but feels awkward to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redleg Reilly, SASS #46372 Posted June 27, 2021 Share Posted June 27, 2021 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dusty Devil Dale Posted June 27, 2021 Share Posted June 27, 2021 23 minutes ago, Redleg Reilly, SASS #46372 said: Gorgeous! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Nelson #19958 Posted June 27, 2021 Share Posted June 27, 2021 I have been shooting Uberti 72 Open Tops for several years, 38 cal. then got the set up to switch to 44 special. 5 1/2" on everything. Great pointers, great shooters. I put in wide triggers, removed the hammer safeties, made my own firing pins and drilled and installed Ruger hand springs. I had to do some fitting of course but that was expected. That made them fit and work for ME. My daughter bought the same set as me just recently and they were much better out of the box than mine were. If they fit you and point well for you then I say they are as good as any repro. The newer productions are much better than they used to be. Doc Nelson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rafe Conager SASS #56958 Posted June 27, 2021 Share Posted June 27, 2021 Ed you have 1860 Richard masons not opentops, little differences 60 have the rear slot notch on the hammer ot have an actual rear sight on the barrel, ots do not have the cylinder ring breachplate. Conversions were Colts way of using up existing percussion parts, ots were Colts stopgap until the saa was ready to roll out.if have a few sets of both and I must say that my opentops are getting much more range time. Rafe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeaconKC Posted June 27, 2021 Share Posted June 27, 2021 1 hour ago, Baltimore Ed said: Bought this .45 from a fellow shooter for my Rafe Covington impression and honestly don’t care much for it, maybe with a shorter bbl. Pretty gun but feels awkward to me. .45 Colt or Schofield? I love that one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baltimore Ed Posted June 27, 2021 Share Posted June 27, 2021 A .45colt drops right in so I guess it’s either. Looks good with my Schofield and ‘Centennial’ carbine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ezra Hawthorne Posted June 27, 2021 Share Posted June 27, 2021 14 hours ago, Redleg Reilly, SASS #46372 said: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colorado Coffinmaker Posted June 27, 2021 Share Posted June 27, 2021 Hi Rafe Don't look now, but ALL of the Colt Pattern guns without a Top Strap are technically "open tops." Himself, Mr. Samuel Colt, called the Remington and "others" Strapguns. And he meant it derogatorily. Originally what we know as The Open Top was the Colt Model 1871 or the Colt Model 1872. "Open Top" was ascribed by the general public. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rafe Conager SASS #56958 Posted June 27, 2021 Share Posted June 27, 2021 17 minutes ago, Colorado Coffinmaker said: Hi Rafe Don't look now, but ALL of the Colt Pattern guns without a Top Strap are technically "open tops." Himself, Mr. Samuel Colt, called the Remington and "others" Strapguns. And he meant it derogatorily. Originally what we know as The Open Top was the Colt Model 1871 or the Colt Model 1872. "Open Top" was ascribed by the general public. True! I like them both, RMs were my main match until I got my 71-72 Ots dialed in. Rafe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Springfield Slim SASS #24733 Posted June 27, 2021 Share Posted June 27, 2021 I have been shooting 2 Uberti 1872 Opentops in 44-40 with 7.5" barrels for the last 6 years or so, have had no problems with them. I shoot FCD and found these pointed much better for me when shooting one handed than my SAA's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Coles SASS 1188 Posted June 28, 2021 Share Posted June 28, 2021 I shoot Cimarron 7.5 inch 72 open tops in .45 schofield. Had them for 20+ years, if memory serves. I really like the 1860 grips and they point really well. I also love my Colt SAAs, but the 72s are special. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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