1873 SAA vs. 1871-2 Open top

w_houle · June 3, 2010, 01:45 PM

I wonder why the SAA seems to draw more attention and fanfare than open tops. I can't say I've heard of any repro open tops failing. Besides, I think they look cooler, and feel better in the hand.

Dino. · June 3, 2010, 01:51 PM

The SAA is supposedly better balanced and is most likely more popular due to it's reputation as "The Gun That Won The West".

Personally, I prefer the looks of the open top.

MJN77 · June 3, 2010, 02:33 PM

The 73s are also a stronger design with a solid frame and a screw in barrel instead of being held together by a barrel wedge. They can take a slightly heavier powder load than the open tops. That said, I like the conversions and 71-72s better than 73s in the looks and historical context. 1873 colts are way overrated in TV and movies. They were not that common in the hands of civilians untill the early 1880s. You still saw open tops/conversions in common use into the 90s.

olyinaz · June 3, 2010, 05:47 PM

I like the open top models with the 1860 Army style grip quite a lot and I intend to get one in .38 some day.

I've decided that I like 1860 grips, Walker grips, and Ruger Bisley grips better than the standard 1873 "Navy" type grip.

Best,
Oly

SigP6Carry · June 3, 2010, 08:55 PM

the stronger design of the 73 allows heavier loads, so many shooters prefer them. I prefer the RM converted 1951s and 1860s, myself, but it's all preference.

June 3, 2010, 01:45 PM	#1
w_houle Senior Member Join Date: March 29, 2007 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 1,391	1873 SAA vs. 1871-2 Open top I wonder why the SAA seems to draw more attention and fanfare than open tops. I can't say I've heard of any repro open tops failing. Besides, I think they look cooler, and feel better in the hand. __________________ How could you have a slogan like "freedom is slavery" when the concept of freedom has been abolished?

June 3, 2010, 08:55 PM	#5
SigP6Carry Senior Member Join Date: August 27, 2009 Posts: 1,086	the stronger design of the 73 allows heavier loads, so many shooters prefer them. I prefer the RM converted 1951s and 1860s, myself, but it's all preference. __________________ -liberal gun nut = exception to the rule- -1.24274238 miles, because Russians don't need scopes- -Gun control was the Klan's favorite law, how can you advocate a set of laws designed to allow the denigration of a people?-

June 3, 2010, 01:51 PM	#2
Dino. Junior member Join Date: November 2, 2006 Posts: 908	The SAA is supposedly better balanced and is most likely more popular due to it's reputation as "The Gun That Won The West". Personally, I prefer the looks of the open top.

June 3, 2010, 02:33 PM	#3
MJN77 Senior Member Join Date: April 27, 2009 Location: on a hill in West Virginia Posts: 789	The 73s are also a stronger design with a solid frame and a screw in barrel instead of being held together by a barrel wedge. They can take a slightly heavier powder load than the open tops. That said, I like the conversions and 71-72s better than 73s in the looks and historical context. 1873 colts are way overrated in TV and movies. They were not that common in the hands of civilians untill the early 1880s. You still saw open tops/conversions in common use into the 90s.

June 3, 2010, 05:47 PM	#4
olyinaz Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 877	I like the open top models with the 1860 Army style grip quite a lot and I intend to get one in .38 some day. I've decided that I like 1860 grips, Walker grips, and Ruger Bisley grips better than the standard 1873 "Navy" type grip. Best, Oly