Author Topic: 72' open top? (Read 863 times)

Will52100 · « **on:** January 17, 2006, 10:32:31 AM »

I'm thinking seariusly about an open top colt repo in 45 schofield or 38 special and am looking for any info or experiances of people that have owned or shoot them. How well do they hold up over time? Will the larger schofield round stress the gun and make it wear out sooner? I plan on using black powder for 99% of the loads through it.

Thanks

Flint · « **Reply #1 on:** January 19, 2006, 09:13:15 AM »

I have a pair of Cimarrons, bought as a 44 Special and 44 Colt, in which I usually shoot 44 Russian. 18 gr of Black with the Black Dawge bullet is a wonderful load, smooth, smokey and low recoil. Also shoots fine with trail boss smokeless.

The 72 Opentop will shoot a whole match without fouling to a stop.

I also have 38 Special and 45 Schofield barrels and cylinders for my guns, but I like the 44's better.

The Schofield of course, has more recoil, as it uses more powder. The Schofield rim is as large as anything could ever be to push through the loading gate, and the cylinder does look thin, but I haven't heard of any complaints of bulged chambers, etc.

In 38 the gun is heavier, and doesn't feel as well balanced. I haven't shot 38 with black powder, so can't comment.

Rodeo Rustler · « **Reply #2 on:** February 12, 2006, 04:25:50 AM »

I have a 72 open top in 44 special. It shoots great with light load of Unique. I also shoot full house 44 colt BP loads through it. I have not noticed any unusual fatigue in the year I have had it. Shooting BP loads in the 45 Sch should be fine, I would just be careful and shoot light smokeless loads when you shoot smokeless.

Big Hext Finnigan · « **Reply #3 on:** February 12, 2006, 04:51:02 AM »

Howdy,

I have a pair of OTs in 45 Schofield. Shot mostly smokeless, storebought rounds. No problems at all over the past year and a half. I've even loaned them out... Everybody loves them.

Adios,

Old Griz · « **Reply #4 on:** February 19, 2006, 08:37:48 AM »

:cb2: Mine is in .38, however, if I had it to do over, I would get the .44 now. BUT, the .38 is a fine shooter, and I had a boatload of .38 ammo when I got it. I've never had a problem with it. At the time I had to settle for the charcoal blue finish in order to get the Army grips (they had very few Open Tops in stock, and couldn't get any more from Italy). With .38s it almost feels like shooting a .22. Only had one friend that didn't like it, and that was due to the teny-tiny sights. I got it simply because it was different. It's strictly a fun gun. Mine shoot a tad low, but that's easy enough to deal with.

jimster · « **Reply #5 on:** February 27, 2006, 05:09:20 AM »

I see now according to the 2006 catalog from Taylor & Co, that Uberti is now making them in 45 Colt caliber...looks like they have what is called a "Late Model"...
I have always wanted one of these REAL bad, I'm looking at getting this late model with the Army grip in 45 Colt caliber.
I plan on plinking occasionally with it of course, but mostly just always wanted one to gawk at.

I'm hoping it holds up like some of yours have. I've had older Uberti's in the past, had trouble right off with springs breaking, but that was maybe 12-15 years ago. Hoping they got a tad better.

Jimster

Flint · « **Reply #6 on:** February 27, 2006, 06:59:31 PM »

The first change you make to a Cimarron Open-top is to order a new mainspring from Wolff. (Gunsprings.com) Listed under Colt Single Action, the one you want is listed for the Uberti "Regulator". (It's shorter than the Colt or Hartfoed).

As long as you're there, get the bolt/trigger spring as well, either flat or wire. The flat spring feels a bit "snappier" than the wire, but the wire is almost unbreakable. In either case, they smooth the action and trigger pull enough to pass on an action job. They will also outlast the Italian springs by a long way.

I don't believe Uberti has put the coil and plunger hand spring in the 72 OT (yet), but I drilled the necessary hole and installed the Ruger coil and plunger in mine.

jimster · « **Reply #7 on:** February 28, 2006, 09:43:04 AM »

Flint, thanks for the info, will print this up and keep it for when I order one of these open tops.

Jimster

Will52100 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 11, 2006, 06:46:14 PM »

Well I've got a 44 colt 5.5" barreled one on the way. Got the dies and brass for it too, now just need a mould and go get the gun. Can't wait to shoot it. Just hope I can avoid mixing up the 44's with my Henry's 45's :shock:
Thanks for all your input