52 and sunny going to 62 here in the peoples republic of New York.Spring has sprung, The peeper frogs were out last night singing their lust song.

Well now, balance and especially aesthectics are both highly subjective, so ya gotta go with what you like.  I have had and still have some 7 1/2" guns, both SAA and conversions, but I shoot the shorter barreled conversions more.  Yes, because quicker to handle for CAS.  In fact, my smokeless main match guns now are 4 3/4" '51 conversions.  But I do love the look of the 5 1/2" guns.  But then, my hands are small and so I like Navy grips and trade army grips for Navy.  IMO (again, subjective), shorter barrels with Army grips don't look quite so good.  As for '60's, I like the look of the Richards more than the Richards-Masons due to the barrel shape.  You seem to prefer a .45 for the '60, so this wouldn't affect you, but both the Richards and R-M '60's from Uberti that are in .38 are actually '51 frames and cylinders with Army grips and barrel.  I took advantage of that to change a '60 Richards to a '61 Richards by simply changing to Navy grip.  I also changed a .44 Richards grip to Navy, which isn't authentic but I don't care and the originals could have been changed as well if someone preferred the Navy.  I know longer barrels were much more common, but that's okay.  I do like the aesthetics of the 5.5" Richards.  And yeah, if you get a Richards vs a R-M '60 then you will HAVE to make new leather since the barrel probably won't fit in anything else you have.  But hey, no problem for a leather worker! 

Thank you for the information. Yeah, I would def want to get them in 45 because I have four 1851 RM Conversions all in .38.

Those pics your posted are very beautiful revolvers. Like the white grips on yours also.

I will have to study more on the differences between the Richards and Richards-Mason 1860s.

  Yes, what them two "wise guys" (Perfesser and "thother" Mike) said! Yes, the wedge slot will probably require a little dressing  .  .  . I'm more of a "California Honey French" ( with a little bacon thrown in if ya got it!). 

Mike

MMMMmmmmagazines!   
My Wild Bunch bunch:

I see that I am not the only one who uses a mag loader.

Ah Abilene, those mags with the lanyard loops look SO good [that is until you go and slam one home with the heel of your hand!] And I like the leather pads on those others.