My new-to-me open-top

[Buckaroo Lou]

I recently bought this open-top in 45 Colt. After getting it I realized the grip frame (backstrap and trigger guard) were not original to the revolver nor were the grips but I decided I didn't care. I striped the blueing from the revolver because I wanted it to look older and used but not abused. The guy who owned it previously had buggered the grip frame screws pretty bad so I ordered new ones and replaced the buggered up ones. I also cleaned and honed the rough edges from the internal parts and lightened the hammer and trigger/bolt springs and it is much smoother now. I haven't yet made it to the gun range to see how she shoots but hope to before to long since I have a new rifle I want to shoot as well. Here is what she looks like.

[RRio]

Looks good.   

[Abilene]

Nice.  Grips look like Uberti's SAA competition grips via various importers.  Coffinmaker should be along to tell you that it won't be worth a damn until you fix the short arbor  .  See if you can drop a #10 split washer (or whatever) down the arbor hole and still get it to go together.  Do you know how old it is?  Some of my newer ones didn't need this.  But it tightened up some loose arbors on my older well-used conversions.

edit: I meant it tightened up some loose wedges, not arbors.

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[Buckaroo Lou]

Nice.  Grips look like Uberti's SAA competition grips via various importers.  Coffinmaker should be along to tell you that it won't be worth a damn until you fix the short arbor  .  See if you can drop a #10 split washer (or whatever) down the arbor hole and still get it to go together.  Do you know how old it is?  Some of my newer ones didn't need this.  But it tightened up some loose arbors on my older well-used conversions.

Abilene, I am a novice when it comes to open-tops so please excuse the dumb question. What is the arbor?

[Major 2]

The split washer goes here between the arbor nose and the Arbor's bottom seat.
It does just rest in there to fill in the slack.
Each time you dissemble the gun to clean, you will have to remember to drop it in again.

[45 Dragoon]

The "split washer" is a single coil "spring". A solid spacer would be a better solution. Especially if you are going to shoot  normal to heavy loads.  A solid connection between the 2 assemblies will maintain design integrity and functional strength.

Mike

[Abilene]

45 Dragoon, you are the only one I know who shoots heavy loads in opentop designs.    But point taken.

Buckaroo, for your further reading pleasure:
https://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php?topic=63466.0

I think it was Coffinmaker who came up with the "quick fix" of the split washer.  On some of mine, that washer is too big and I use a thinner one.  And as mentioned, some newer Ubertis have been reported by myself and others to not need the washer.  Easy to check it to find out.  Pettifogger's method in the articles of checking to see if it is too short doesn't work on my guns, the barrel assembly won't fit on all the way when turned sideways.  But you can just drop something small down the arbor hole and try to seat the barrel to check it as well.  I shot some of mine for 20 years before doing this, so it's not quite as "critical" as some would have you believe, though mine did probably wear a little more without it.

[Major 2]

word !  I have a 2007 1st. year intro Richards Conversion.
I've had it since early 08, main match all those years, never could fit a washer as the arbor was already bottomed out. However, other folks mileage could vary. 

[45 Dragoon]

Yessir  Abilene,  I'm getting close to a thousand rounds of 45acp  with a good mix of +p's in my '60 Army . Still maintaining all tolerances and have a second one starting down that road.
  My main objective is the "platform longevity". Not worried about the  Kirst cyl. I view it as the best "vehicle" to allow really good testing for the open-top platform  with  factory  ammo.
Soon I'll be testing the 45C rounds in Dragoons .  .  . ought to be a kick!! 

Mike

[45 Dragoon]

I'll  just add -
I recently did my normal coil conversion, bolt block, action stop, action shield,  blah blah  .  .  .  but no cap post ( owner thinks shield will be enough).  I've tuned several originals to be left flat sprung so this was the first that I've been asked to take a drill to!!
I was amazed at how soft the frame is!!  The revolver turned out as expected and could easily be a daily  shooter using max bp loads. Owner will be sending it to Trumbull for a beauty treatment!! 
 The point to take away from it is our reproductions are actually made with better materials across the board  but they lack the "attention to detail" and "correct  to design" build.   These original "softies" are still shootable today BECAUSE  they were built to design.  The reproductions will last much longer ( theoretically) but only if corrected to design.   I know I wrecked a few in the '70's - '90's . Now that I know better,  what we actually have would  be a great testament to Sam's  open top design  .  .  .  if only built correctly.  I also think that since more modern materials have been used for all the reproductions,  that that is what allows one to "get away with" shooting middle to low loads.   .  .  even in competition. 

Mike

[Coffinmaker]

   Well Hey There Lou 

Heard my name called (I think), so here I are.

First and foremost, Lou, that sample example you show is of the "ope top design" but isn't exactly the model know as "The Open Top."  You gun is a Uberti built Richards/Mason Conversion with the later "S" lug barrel assembly.  It probably has the same "Arbor to Barrel" fit issues as most all other Uberti "open top" replicas.  Maybe not, but the odds are it needs corrected.

The "ARBOR" is that great big round rod sticks thru the cylinder in into the Barel Lug.  Wedge gores thru the end in the barrel lug, holds it all together.

Yes, a #10 split washer is a "one coil spring" except if it the correct thickness for the fix, pushing the everything together compresses it completely and the wedge snugs everything up nicely.  An inexpensive fix that's quick.  The Wedge may well net to be re-fit after the fix.

Your gun also, as pointed out, has Navy/Model P pattern grips which for many is a plus.  I personally prefer the longer 1860 Army pattern grip sets.

If not already done, you may wish to change-out some springs.  I should personally suggest the Lee's gunsmithing Gunfighter Spring kits.  It's a nice light Main Spring that doesn't stack.  Includes nice wire Trigger/Bolt Spring.  My other recommended trigger/bolt spring is an OEM Pietta SA trigger/bolt spring.  Changing the Hand to coil spring and plunger is a mite involved on an Open Top and you might well need some professional assistance there.

The Open Top Guns, especially the Conversions are UBER FUN!!!  Enjoy yours.

[RRio]

word !  I have a 2007 1st. year intro Richards Conversion.
I've had it since early 08, main match all those years, never could fit a washer as the arbor was already bottomed out. However, other folks milage could vary.

Oouh, pretty!.

[Buckaroo Lou]

The build code on the revolver is CI so that would make it a 2012 model.

Thanks all for the information. I will definately try the washer thing. This will be my second open top. I have the same revolver only in .38 special with the original brass grip frame and 5 1/2" barrel. I haven't had the opportunity to shoot it much either, but will as spring is in the air. 

[Abilene]

....First and foremost, Lou, that sample example you show is of the "ope top design" but isn't exactly the model know as "The Open Top."  You gun is a Uberti built Richards/Mason Conversion with the later "S" lug barrel assembly.  ...

Gee Coffinmaker, did you forget to put on your glasses today?  The gun is indeed an "Opentop".  Note the rear sight on the rear of the barrel (which is admittedly hard to see with that background) but more importantly, no conversion ring!   

[Coffinmaker]

  OOPS and OOPS 

Oopsies..    My Bad.  Yepper it is indeed an "Open Top."  No Conversion Ring and there be a sight on the rear of the barrel.  Fuzzy view on my part.  Even being that Lou's Sample Example is an actual Open Top "Open Top" my basic commentary still applies.

I would also like to impart to Lou, when shot with Cowboy 45 Special cartridges, and the ubiquitous "Barnstormer" bullet, recoil will reduce to the felt recoil of a 38.    Not that I would really do that     And the 130Gr Barnstormer bullets are available from Shootin Fox.  Try 'em, Yule Like 'em.

Yes Agnes, People are still Hazardous to Yer Health

[Black River Smith]

Buckaroo Lou,
You did a very nice job of antiquing that revolver.  Those steel grip straps and grips 'do' look good on that frame and barrel.  I have the Navy grips on my OT but they are factory brass, but I do like those steel straps better.

Enjoy it!

[Buckaroo Lou]

Thanks for all the kind replies.

OK i did the washer thingy, and the only thing I can tell any difference about is the wedge is a bit harder to put in and take out. Other than that it looks and feels the same.

[Abilene]

That means the space was there so the washer should reduce wear. Wedge doesn't need to go in real far.

[Pappy Hayes]

word !  I have a 2007 1st. year intro Richards Conversion.
I've had it since early 08, main match all those years, never could fit a washer as the arbor was already bottomed out. However, other folks mileage could vary.

Just came across this. Where did you get the grips? Look like the ones I put on mine.

[Major 2]

Pretty sure it was Larry Little @ Grip Makers