1871/72 Open top vs 1851/60 Richards Mason conversion

by Warhawk, Hot Springs, Arkansas, Friday, January 04, 2013, 09:44 (4344 days ago)

I've got an itch for something strange to go with my 1866 Yellowboy in 38 Special.

Two local shops sell the Uberti cartridge conversions, but I know nothing about them. They don't look very strong to me, but I would only shoot standard pressure loads in one. And I think I want to stick with a .38 special.

The factory open tops (1871 and 1872) have a tiny rear sight on the barrel, while the Richards Mason conversions use a front bead sight with a notch in the tip of the hammer. I doubt either arrangement is going to be very effective, or even close to hitting point of aim.

Has anyone owned or shot these revolvers that can provide some insight? Is there anything about the factory open tops that would make them preferable to the conversions?