Cimarron, Colt 1871-1872 Open Top revolver, 38 spl. 7.5"

[GunnyUSMC]

Although it appears to be a conversion, the Model 1871-1872 Open Top was Colt's first revolver specifically manufactured to fire a cartridge. Since they did not use percussion revolver parts, they were manufactured as an entirely new model. Early Models have Navy-size grips. Late Models have Army-size grips.
During the 1870's, Colt also converted many of its unsold percussion models into cartridge guns however, while sharing some of the basic design and components, the Model 1871-72 was actually its own independent design and not a conversion










My first trip to the range. This revolver is nothing but fun to shoot. And it shoots great. If you have been thinking about getting one, go for it.
I just picked up a cheap box of 158 gr lead round nose ammo at the reage to shoot.
I was shooting at 20 ft. and the group in the 7 & 8 on the left was shot at 50 ft. Boy is that rear sight small.

[bergmen]

Yep, I got an 1872 Open Top (by Cimarron) myself. Mine has the brass trigger guard/backstrap:



The action was a little rough so I disassembled it and carefully worked over the trigger release and polished various parts (including the cylinder locking lug to reduce the cylinder drag mark):



You are right, that rear sight is really tiny. But it shoots great and it is very accurate. Love it.

Dan

[Wyatt Burp]

Those are excellent guns. Before they were made by the Italians, 1993 specifically, I had John Gren convert an 1860 replica to .44 Special. I of course only shoot black powder reloads in it and it's very accurate. He actually finished the conversion, an unknown gunsmith started it. I made the rig for it and it's well worn in now. Gren made the two conversions Kevin Costner handles in "Wyatt Earp". The barrel is lined so I can use standard .429 lead bullets.

[GunnyUSMC]

Wyatt, Nice looking rig and gun.
I need to get back into Cowboy Action shooting and get a rig for the 1871.