STRENGHT OF OPEN TOPS?

[m-g Willy]

Need opinions on the durability of open top revolvers.I'm thinking of a RM conversion in 44spl. or 44Colt.And was wondering if a load that would push a 200 gr. cast SWC 800+fps would be to hard on the guns?--Willy

[44 Man]

Don't try to make a hunting gun out of an open top.  Be happy with loads in the 650/750 fps area.  These guns were used for defense back in the early days, but that was the best they had at the time.  I have heard of cylinder pins streching on cap and ball guns that were continually max loaded, or at least the wedge battering.  Use these guns for fun and stick with recomended loads.  Get a SAA or clone and load it to 900/950fps with a 240 gr swc, it will shoot that load forever and will do anything you ask of it.

[Flint]

The strongest opentop you'll probably find is the Cimarron 1872.  This is stronger than any "conversion" because the center pin has a deeper thread than the conversion, which has less thread than the percussion because of the conversion plate.  I have an 1872 in 44 Special, it also comes in 44 Russian, 44 Colt or 38 Special.  The wedge is harder than a file on these, as opposed to the prcussion wedge which is soft.  It is a solid wedge, no spring, and has a screw with a flat on it for release of the wedge.  I fire reloads with 200 gr bullets, 6 gr Unique or 5 gr Titegroup.