Colt Open Top

Published on August 29, 2016
Duration: 10:02

This entry details the Cimarron Arms Colt Open Top reproduction, as reviewed by hickok45. It covers the firearm's historical context as Colt's first dedicated cartridge revolver, its design evolution from percussion models, and its practical shooting performance with .44 Special ammunition. The review highlights the importance of the Open Top in the transition to modern revolvers and contrasts its open-top frame with later closed-frame designs like the Single Action Army.

Quick Summary

The Colt Open Top, a reproduction by Cimarron Arms, holds historical significance as Colt's first dedicated cartridge revolver, made possible after the Rollin White patent expired in 1870. It features an open-top frame design, contrasting with the stronger closed-frame of the later Colt Single Action Army, and is chambered for .44 Special ammunition.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Initial Shooting
  2. 00:30Mechanical Overview
  3. 01:20Naming and Frame Design
  4. 02:18Historical Context
  5. 03:00Patent History
  6. 04:30Design Evolution
  7. 05:55Shooting Performance
  8. 07:00Army Trials and Legacy
  9. 08:35Conclusion
  10. 09:26Sponsors and Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the historical significance of the Colt Open Top revolver?

The Colt Open Top is historically significant as Colt's first successful dedicated cartridge revolver. Its development was enabled by the expiration of the Rollin White patent in 1870, allowing Colt to produce firearms with bored-through cylinders for metallic cartridges.

How does the Colt Open Top's design compare to the Colt Single Action Army?

The Colt Open Top features an 'open-top' frame design, which is less robust than the 'closed-frame' design of the later Colt 1873 Single Action Army. The Army favored the SAA's stronger frame for military applications.

What caliber ammunition is used in the Cimarron Colt Open Top reproduction?

The Cimarron Arms reproduction of the Colt Open Top featured in the video is chambered to fire .44 Special ammunition, demonstrating its capability as a modern firearm based on a historical design.

What were the patent issues surrounding early Colt cartridge revolvers?

Colt initially faced patent restrictions from Smith & Wesson due to Rollin White's patent for bored-through cylinders. Colt primarily produced Richards-Mason conversions of percussion revolvers until the patent expired in 1870, allowing for designs like the Open Top.

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