Hey, hey, it’s Wheelgun Wednesday! If you’re a firearm’s history buff, this latest addition to Taylor’s & Company Lifestyle Pistol Series is sure to grab your attention. It’s called the Hickok, chambered in .45 Long Colt (LC) and .38 Special, and it’s a modern twist on Colt’s classic 1871-72 Open Top revolver.
From Taylors:
Taylor’s & Company brings to the gun enthusiast classic firearms that made cowboys, lawmen and outlaws famous, but with a modern twist. All Taylor’s premium firearms are made using precision machinery and high-quality materials with one goal in mind; to create reliable and accurate reproductions of Civil War, Old West, hunting and tactical guns from the 19th century. The HICKOK is a perfect example.
Included in the Lifestyle Pistol Series, the HICKOK is an 1860 Army snub nose revolver made with the modern-day shooter in mind. It comes standard with a large Army-size grip for increased comfort and stability. Blued parts with a case-hardened forged steel frame and smooth walnut grip make this revolver a must-have. Other features include: walnut grips, front blade sight and rear sight on the back of the barrel. Available in .45 LC and .38 SP calibers, the HICKOK is a must-have for the modern-day firearm collector who appreciates the history of firearms.
“As we enter another decade, our vision of the “New West” continues to thrive, thanks to unmatched manufacturing,” said Rob Girard, VP of Sales & Marketing. The HICKOK is just another example of how we try to satisfy any and all customers whether they are competitive shooters, collectors, or new gun owners. From tried-and-true workhorses to newer favorites, you can’t go wrong with this revolver.”
Colt’s Open Top
Since the new Hickok is based on a historical firearm, let’s take a look at that one too.
The original Colt 1871-72 is most often referred to as the “Open Top” because the cylinder isn’t surrounded by the frame, as became common with later Colt models.
Although the original Colt 1871-72 Open Top appears to be a cartridge conversion, it is in fact Colt’s first revolver specifically manufactured to fire a centerfire cartridge by incorporating the loading gate in the frame. Since Colt did not use percussion revolver parts, the revolver was manufactured as an entirely new model, first with Navy-sized grips, later with Army-sized grips.
Hickok45 goes pretty deep into the weeds on the Open Tops history in this video review. And, well, he’s just fun to watch.
The Open Top has made it into cinema as well from Shame back in 1953 to The Last Samurai in 2003, and The Magnificent Seven in 2016.
Taylor’s Hickok Open Top Specs
- Barrel Length: 3.5 inch Round
- Caliber: .38 Special, .45 LC
- Capacity: 6 rounds
- Weight: 2.2 lbs.
- Finish: Blued with case hardened frame
- Grip/Stock: Walnut
- Manufacturer: Uberti
- Sights: Blade front, rear sight on back of the barrel
- Overall Length: 9.3 inches
- MSRP: $616.14 (at the time of this writing)
