Cimarron 1860 Richards-Mason .38 Special Revolver 8" Barrel Cartridge Conversion Walnut Grip Standard Blue CA9030
- Caliber: .38 Special
- Barrel Length: 8 in.
- Style: Cartridge Conversion
- Frame: Case Hardened
- Finish: Standard Blue
- Grip: 1 Piece Walnut
- Single Action
- Fixed Sights
- 6-round Capacity
In 1871, Colt employee Charles Richards was awarded a patent for converting Colt percussion models to breech loading cartridge revolvers. The Richards cartridge conversion was an instant success. On July 2, 1872, William Mason, another Colt employee, was awarded a patent for an improvement to the Richards model. As percussion parts ran short, the 1860 Richards-Mason barrel was changed from the profile of the earlier percussion model, to the sleek profile found on the 1871-72 Open Top. Conversion models remained popular with cowboys (many originals have imprints of fence staples on the butt) even after the introduction of the 1873 Colt®. This was due to the low cost of conversion models.
Caliber Dictionary
The Below Information Has Been Provided From Our Gun Caliber Dictionary And Is Meant For Informational Purposes Only. It Is Not Intended to Describe The Unique Specifications For This Ammunition.
The 38 Special (38 S&W Special, 38 Colt Special) was introduced in 1902. It is essentially a slightly extended 38 Long Colt case, length 1.1551 inches, with operating pressure increased from 13,000 to 17,000 psi. Bullet diameter is .357-inch. The 38 Special became the gold standard personal defense revolver cartridge and was standard among most American law enforcement agencies for many years. Bullet weights vary from 110 to 158 grains, with a 158-grain bullet at 800 feet per second the most common. In the 1960s pressure was increased again to 18,500 psi, creating the 38 Special +P load, with increased velocity and energy. 38 Long and Short Colt ammunition can be fired in any 38 Special chamber, but not the reverse. 38 Special +P is safe in modern steel-frame 38 Special revolvers, but should not be used in aluminum-frame 38 Special revolvers. 38 Special remains a standard and popular revolver chambering. — Craig Boddington
