I have two of the 1871/72 open tops in .44 speical.(7 1/2 inch barrles) another 1851 open top in.38 special and one in .44 special.(both with 51/2 inch barrels) we have a plate rack down here in the south Houston area and I've run all six plates with all four guns many times. I really like them. I also have a 1873 in .38-40(5 1/2 in barrel) and it's a real sweetheart. they are all quite accurate.(yes, I shot cowboy with all of them at one time or another ), I also sho t the plate rack with a Smith model 544! it's in .44-40 with a 5 inch barrel. it's quite accurate too!