1858 or 1875?

[J.B. Gunnison]

Thinking about shooting some classic cowboy and thought Remington revolvers would be a little different than most. Have NO plans to shoot C&B, so choices would be 1858 with conversion cylinder (don't know which one is best) or 1875. I'll probably shoot BP or most likely a BP sub. Other than personal taste, any compelling reasons to go one way or the other?
I also prefer the look of the 5 1/2" barrel. Any good reasons to change that preference?
Thanks in adavance for the advice.

[Loco Smith]

 I have 4 sets main match pistols, but I prefer my 75s and 58s. They take a littl more to get running  but when they do you can't wipe the grin off my face.  I prefer the 7.5 barrels it causes me to slow down a littl, already slow but the longer sight radius is better for the longer shots, and besides people like to watch the fast boys but they talk more about the longer Bp pistols and the style points go up. Have fun no matter you shoot. Love those rems..Loco

[Papa Bear]

I went through the same questions some years back. 
There is not much of a cost difference between a new M1875 or a M1890 compared to a new NMA1858 with a new conversion cylinder.  I went with the M1875 because I could buy it in my caliber of choice, .44-40.  And if it makes a difference to you, you don't have to go through registering the NMA1858.           

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[Major 2]

Papa bear hit the nail on the head...

If you are honest and plan NOT to shoot C&B ( a hoot by the way) then it boils down to Cal. (then) if something other than 45 Colt is your fodder of choice....You are looking to the 1875.

Both have interesting features, I myself lean toward the 75 ( though I shoot Opentops ) I like the different drummer look.
I have an Richards and Mason type II on order... but my FFL has a nice 75 that keeps me looking it over.

I owned many 58's mostly Ubertis, they are nice, never one with a conversion though.

[wspe61]

 

 I've never had the chance to shoot a 75; I shoot my four 58's with conversions and without and love them. Have 5 1/2" and the long guys.... I prefer them to my OMV ... Although they require more attention.... Either way I'm sure you will like them........
Best

[Halfway Creek Charlie]

I have 4 Euroarms/Armi San Paolo '58 Remington's with two Kirst 44 Rem. C.F. conversion cylinders I switch between them and an Uberti Carbine as I'm not wealthy enough to have 5 conversion cylinders at this time. All shoot the Kirst cylinders very well. I would vote for the Kirst's because that is what I have and I went the 44 Rem. C.F. route to be more different too. I like the 44 Rem.C.F. cartridge and have set up to reload it.

I do shoot them both ways, C & B and Cartridge and I agree with Major231 that C & B is a S.H! (Smoking Hoot!)

I don't think you can go wrong with either choice. Remy's Rule!

[Grapeshot]

I shoot a Pair of 1875 Remington's.  They are a hoot to shoot with APP, 777 or Goex Cowboy.  They get a little sticky with BP or Pyrodex so I keep a rag and a spraybottle of Ballistol and water handy to losen things up during the match.  As long as you use a big lube bullet you should have minimal problems.

I've shot the 1858 Remingtons and don't like the R&D Conversion cylinders because you have to pull the cylinder pin to unload and reload.  Works great when you use Smokeless, but are a real pain when you use Black Powder or Subs, even with a big lube bullet or lacking that a dolop of Bore Butter or Crisco dabbed in the chamber mouths.  That works on the cartrige shooting 1875's as well.

As a side subject.  My guns started out as .44/40's.  I purchase a pair of .357 cylinders and had them bored out to .44 Special so I could shoot .44 Colt or .44 Russian as I felt the need.