Grips on the 72 opentops???

[Dakota Widowmaker]

I seem to recall there were/are 2 different styles of grips on the 72 opentops.

I thought one was more like the 1860 Army grips vs. the 1851/1861 navy grips. (I have bigger paws and the 1860 grips feel MUCH better)

If one were in the market for a set of opentops, what would be the chance I could get them with the grips I like?

Or, should I just take my existing 1851 Pietta's that already have the 1860 grips and do a conversion job on those instead. I would be getting a pair of open tops for 38LC.

I am leaning toward R&D at this point for the conversion and picking up the ejector assembly from Kirst.

[Major 2]

72 OT's  have both Army & Navy Grips you can order either
My 72 OT is from Cimarron http://www.cimarron-firearms.com/OpenTop/OpenTopArmy.htm
It is available in 38 Cal.

[Abilene]

The  '72 Opentops are available with Navy grips in all barrel lengths, but they are only available with Army grips in the 7 1/2" barrel length.  Should you prefer a shorter barrel youi could always order the Army grip and gripframe and bolt it on, or more inexpensively, it's usually not that hard to find someone who wants to swap his Army grip for Navy.

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[Flint]

The price (VTIgunparts.com) for the 1860 Army gripframe is $125 and the wood grips are $35.  The whole setup might be less than that total.   The price for a 38 cal 5-1/2 inch barrel is $100.  (part number UB:908003)

It would be much cheaper to buy the barrel, and have two to play with than to buy the longer gripframe assembly.  The Uberti gripframe parts wiould fit better than the Pietta to that gun, at least the holes will match, even if you have to adjust the edges..

[Dakota Widowmaker]

I think I would be looking to just get a 38spl model with a 7 1/2" barrel and army grips. Barrel length don't matter that much.

I still have my 1851 navies that I am still considering converting to cartridge... can't yet decide...

[Flint]

Here are my 51 conversions, with R&D cylinders.  The Thunderer gripframe is comfortable to shoot, but looks and feels better with the shorter barrel.  I have the original grips back on them now.

[Major 2]

Dakota

all my CAS guns are 7/12 or 8" ... You will notice a bit of weight deferential with the 38 cal.
But it is of no consequence if you are not going to switch... You won't have to adjust.
My 72 OT is now my back-up piece to my two Type 1's ...

as for converting you Navies ... do it , I have converted my 1860 , with an R&D Cyl. it can still go both ways .. but I've yet to go back the C&B except when I was testing the POA between the two... by the way it is tighter with the Conversion Cylinder.