Howdy. I went with Robert from Cimarron to work at Mule Camp. I found out a few things about the upcoming Richards conversion that should interest those who are contemplating one. First of all, the caliber. Their website only lists 45LC. Since they previously scrapped plans to chamber the OT in 45LC due to the thin chamber walls, I was curious why this was the only caliber listed on the website. I was told that the cylinder is beefed up (larger), also the arbor pin, to handle the higher pressures. (This means that the frame, cylinder, and barrel will not be interchangeable with Richards-Mason parts). Also, there is a new product flyer listing all the upcoming products, and it lists 38 Spcl, 44 Colt, and 44 Spcl in addition to the 45LC that is on the website. Projected availability is still September (Uberti is supposed to ship before they take off August for vacation).
Oh yeah, one other thing. Uberti made a "mistake" and made some mongrel guns. They are Richards-Mason "Army" conversions in 38 Spcl. They have Army grips, frame and cylinder appear to be regular '51 R-M parts (not rebated cylinder and stepped frame of the '60), and it has a round 8" barrel. I think they got 40 or so of these guns. So if someone wants a 38 Spcl conversion but wants the Army grip, or if you just want something "different", you might consider this one.
And finally, Ron Snover "The Ottway Smith" showed me the Richards conversion ring (rear sight and firing pin as part of the ring) that he had made for a '51 Richards-Mason. It looked sharp! Contact Ron for more info.
Just FYI.