Although it appears to be a conversion, the 1871-72 Open Top model was Colts 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. The Hickok model is a modern twist on the classic Open Top that features a snub nose barrel. This model features a case-hardened forged steel frame, round barrel with front blade sight, no ejector rod, blued steel grip parts, an Army-sized walnut grip, and a rear sight notch on the rear of the barrel.
