Uberti 1871-72 Open Top
A. Uberti · Revolver · In Production
Also known as: 1872 Open Top Late Model, Colt 1871-72 Open Top replica, Uberti Open Top
Overview
The Uberti 1871-72 Open Top is a single-action revolver, a modern reproduction of the Colt Model 1871-72 Open Top built by Italian replica maker A. The original was the first revolver Colt designed from the ground up for a self-contained metallic cartridge rather than converting an existing cap-and-ball frame, and its open-top frame, loading gate, and ejector rod established the layout that would soon evolve into the Single Action Army. This Late Model configuration carries the larger Army-style grip with a steel backstrap and trigger guard, a forged and case-hardened steel frame, and a one-piece walnut grip. Chambered here in .38 Special with a six-round cylinder, it is cocked manually for each shot through a traditional single-action lockwork and uses fixed sights. Uberti offers the pattern in several barrel lengths and additional chamberings, making it a popular choice for cowboy action shooting, Old West reenactment, and collectors of frontier-era Americana.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1139 g (40.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 331 mm (13.03") |
| Barrel Length | 190 mm (7.48") |
| Height | 135 mm (5.31") |
| Width | 40 mm (1.57") |
| Firing Mechanism | Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Trigger Pull | 15 N (3.4 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Rotary |
| Muzzle Velocity | 290 m/s (951 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 341 J (252 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 45 m (49 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Case Hardened |
Calibers
- .38 Special · primary — also known as .38 Spl, .38 S&W Special, 9x29mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Hammer Safety Notch
- Features: Open Top Frame, Single Action, Loading Gate, Ejector Rod, Fixed Sights, Case Hardened Frame, One Piece Walnut Grip, Exposed Hammer
Production
Modern replica; the original Colt 1871-72 Open Top saw roughly 7,000 units produced 1872-1873 before being superseded by the 1873 Single Action Army.
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: William Mason (original Colt design)
Notes
Late Model configuration with Army-style steel grip frame. Also offered in .44 Special and .45 Colt, with barrel lengths of 4.75, 5.5 and 7.5 inches. Figures given are for the 7.5-inch barrel.
Background
The Colt Open Top bridged the percussion and cartridge eras. Rejected by the U.S. Army in favor of the larger-caliber design that became the 1873 Single Action Army, the Open Top nonetheless found favor with frontiersmen and scouts who valued its balance and its .44 rimfire ammunition compatibility with the Winchester 1866 rifle.