45 Dragoon
Member
- Joined
- May 18, 2013
- Messages
- 2,791
You guys are right as far as being conversions . . . and you can't tell by looking but these revolvers shoot ( currently) lower end "Ruger only" loads. Just thought some folks might like seeing some "REAL" revolvers lol!!!
C'mon man, you can't shoot hot loads in an open top, they will self destruct on the first round.
(You knew someone was going to say it)
Seriously though, an open top cartridge gun would be a very welcome addition to my SA accumulation.
I'd like to find one in 38 Spl.
Open top conversions, while awesome, are usually limited to "cowboy" loads for safety.
They're awesome?!?!?.....what do these 4 revolvers have in common.....?
Not really concerned about the strength of the cylinder, but I've always been suspicious of the strength of a gun held together strictly by the cylinder arbor.
Please, no disrespect, but who is making the judgement that these (really elegant) revos are strong enough for any kind of "Ruger only" load?
Gotta admit an open top of any sort, in .45 Colt, would be cool. Mine have always been in .38Spl, and I've kept loads in the full charge wadcutter range. (These are loaded to the same level as the old 158 gr RNL.)
Moon
Lots of folks don't realize that the arbor in an open-top platform IS the top strap. It serves the same structural purpose of a top strap in the top strap design. Because of the design layout of the open-top, it handles the forces generated from firing rather well . . . It makes for a much more compact structure than the more spread out "top strap " design which is part of why it is an excellent platform. The problem with it is in the "build" and setup. The design comes from the mechanical age when function was king and form followed.
The original 1860 Armys I've had the pleasure to work on, take copious pictures of, and actually do a full Outlaw Mule service to one ( posted about here) are all a testament to DESIGN!!! They will still function today as intended !! But, the materials our "reproductions" are made from is vastly superior to the originals!! They should last FOREVER but the vast majority wont!! Because they weren't built as designed. Of course, that can be corrected and that's why these revolvers can handle these type loads . . .
I here ya Bob Wright, I've had a like "top strap" failure. I'll keep testing and reporting on these "modern but corrected" open-top platform revolvers.
Mike
I will agree that the cylinder arbor is sort of/kiknd of the top strap and it is beefed up in design to take the forces, but the location makes the difference. The real top strap is further from the rotation and has more length of leverage for a stronger hold, sort of the same principle of a deeper steel beam versus a smaller one.
Bob Wright
View attachment 1156743 Just one. .38 Colt / .38 Special Uberti Cimarron