I've finally saved up enough money for another gun, and it's down to two. One is a modern abomination which I won't mention here.
The other is a good converted 1860 repro of the earlier Richards conversion, if such a thing even exists at present. I absolutely prefer the aesthetics and handling of the 1860 over the later 1873 in every possible way. However, I really want a "1st model" Richards conversion, with the original C&B style barrel, but also the rear sight on the cylinder ring. 100% authentic external dimensions and .44 Colt caliber (but with chamber and bore dimensions which use modern .429-.430 dia bullets) would be a big plus. I'm going to handload my own ammo with genuine black powder, and the only handgun caliber I load right now is .40 S&W (fat chance of getting an 1860 in that ), so I have no real reason to get a caliber than I can find on store shelves.
I used to have a huge desire for a Cimarron/Uberti conversion, but after learning of the Mason/original C&B style rear sight on all models, and the beefed up dimensions to take .45 LC, I'm kind of lukewarm on them.
If I get a current production Cimarron Transition in .44 Colt, will it still be the new overbuilt dimensions? Is it possible to get a Richards style rear sight aftermarket?
Buying a C&B and having that converted is out, as I'm neither going to cast my own bullets, nor pay exorbitant amounts for non-standard diameters. Standard modern cal bullets is a must.
I'm also trying to keep this under $600.
The other is a good converted 1860 repro of the earlier Richards conversion, if such a thing even exists at present. I absolutely prefer the aesthetics and handling of the 1860 over the later 1873 in every possible way. However, I really want a "1st model" Richards conversion, with the original C&B style barrel, but also the rear sight on the cylinder ring. 100% authentic external dimensions and .44 Colt caliber (but with chamber and bore dimensions which use modern .429-.430 dia bullets) would be a big plus. I'm going to handload my own ammo with genuine black powder, and the only handgun caliber I load right now is .40 S&W (fat chance of getting an 1860 in that ), so I have no real reason to get a caliber than I can find on store shelves.
I used to have a huge desire for a Cimarron/Uberti conversion, but after learning of the Mason/original C&B style rear sight on all models, and the beefed up dimensions to take .45 LC, I'm kind of lukewarm on them.
If I get a current production Cimarron Transition in .44 Colt, will it still be the new overbuilt dimensions? Is it possible to get a Richards style rear sight aftermarket?
Buying a C&B and having that converted is out, as I'm neither going to cast my own bullets, nor pay exorbitant amounts for non-standard diameters. Standard modern cal bullets is a must.
I'm also trying to keep this under $600.