My Turn!!
From a strictly professional standpoint (Retired Gunplumber), There is currently no "Known" ongoing problem with The 45 Richards II or any of the other Uberti built "Open Top" design guns. They do just fine. ALL Uberti Open Type guns suffer the same poor to nonexistent Barrel to Arbor fit problem. I consistently jump up on my Soap Box and tell folks to insure the barrel fits properly to the Arbor (easy to remove/replace) and VERIFY the Barrel to Arbor fit. Then BEFORE the gun goes into service, or BEFORE anything else is done to it, CORRECT the Barrel to Arbor fit.
Abilene nicely covered to few past little problems. Those problem were unique and not ongoing. I would have no hesitation what-so-ever with a Richards Type II or any other Uberti Open Top type gun in 44 Special. Just remember, emulating Elmer Keith would not be Harmonious.
Now for the personal opinion part. I don't agree with Uberti chambering the Open Top guns in .45. In my personal Opine, I feel the chamber walls are too thin. The guns are proofed for SAAMI 45 ammunition. The should digest SAAMI and Cowboy level ammunition with no problems. I only make my concern for the IDIOTS out there who will reload beyond SAAMI pressure levels. I would bet money, the blown cylinders cited were the result of STUPIDITY, not factory produced ammunition.
I personally own a pair of the first Open Tops sold. They were the guns sent to all the gun scribes to test. They were chambered in 45 Schofield. I've shot about a Bazzilion rounds thru them. 45 Schofield, 45 Squirt and C45S. These guns probably have 20,000 rounds thru em. ZERO problems. ALL reduced cowboy level ammunition. Common sense applies.
I also have Open Top 44 Colt cylinders and Barrels as well as having own'd a pair of type IIs in 44 Colt. ZERO problems. No hesitation recommending em to anyone.
MY CAVEAT: With any of the Open Top type guns from Uberti. BEFORE you do anything else .. verify and CORRECT the barrel to Arbor fit.
Coffinmaker