Modern top break revolvers

[9245]

For most of us carrying a revolver of any kind would be anachronistic in the age of 20+ round 9mm semi autos, let alone a top break, but I’ve always wondered why the top break fell out of favor. The line is usually that they could not handle modern pressures, but with modern metallurgy is that still true? What is to stop someone from making a modern top break? As a pocket carry, I might even be interested in say a top break in .45 ACP+p or a 10mm with full moon clips, but it seems like there is no interest. It’s academic really because there just wouldn’t be a market for it, but it’s a cool idea. The kicker is it CAN be done, and several have, the cowboy action stuff comes to mind, no one would argue that .45 Colt, or .44-40 are weak rounds, so why not a model with a double action trigger?

Someone actually DID do that, a 7 shot .357 magnum reproduction of a Webley Mk VI, which was unfortunately a $10,000 bespoke blue blood gun vs something actually intended to be used, but it proved that it COULD be done. Anderson Wheeler Mark VII .357 Magnum Revolver - Revivaler



Then there was the Russian MP-412 Rex which never made it into production because of the import ban, but would have been a fully modern design. MP-412 REX - Wikipedia



Just an idea/rant, thoughts?

 

[steelslaver]

Interesting thought. Add on the Scoffield mechanism and set it up for clips and it would be a quick reload setup too. Right thump presses the lever and you press barrel against leg to open and eject while left hand is grabbing a loaded clip, in it goes, up comes the barrel and your set.

A modern version of the 1881 Smith & Wesson .44 Double Action 1st Model.

 

[Echo40]

I think it's less about the inherent structural integrity of the design so much as it is top break revolvers having no particular benefits over those with a swing out cylinder as well as the fact that few manufacturers are setup to produce such revolvers, and therefore there would be a number of expenses involved from R&D to tooling, so there's really no reason for anyone to design/manufacture a modern top-break revolver.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

... but it seems like there is no interest.

Just an idea/rant, thoughts?

No interest here either.

 

[mchom]

Well…

I gotta admit. I would like one. I know less than nothing about top breaks but that gorgeous blueing and wood has me infatuated. I should add I am easily impressed.

 

[Breakaway500]

North American Arms makes a modern top break. It only a 22 magnum. Looks like a miniature Schofield,

 

[max503]

I think it would still be inherently weak and subject to wear.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I have a pair of Uberti 44 Russian No 3 S&W's. The design has a week spot at the latch. When you get the recoil thrust against the recoil shield, the mechanical advantage of the design starts to multiply stress against the latch. You get stretching and shearing of the latch pins.

Nobody is talking about the modern Scoffield in 45 Colt, they are great when loaded down to 45 S&W specs. Again, the assembly pins in the latch are the weak spot.

As to any top break for CCW, I carry a S&W safety Hammerless in 38 S&W in a shoulder holster that is part of my suspenders. If I need more than five shots with that of my J-frame, I bit off way more than I can chew! I have two more modern CCW autos, a M&P9c at 12 rounds of 9mm and a Para-Ordnance LDA 4.25 in 10 rounds of 45 ACP. Nowhere near 20 and still way more than necessary for CCW!

Ivan

 

[9245]

Interesting thought. Add on the Scoffield mechanism and set it up for clips and it would be a quick reload setup too. Right thump presses the lever and you press barrel against leg to open and eject while left hand is grabbing a loaded clip, in it goes, up comes the barrel and your set.

A modern version of the 1881 Smith & Wesson .44 Double Action 1st Model.

I always liked that model, were I around in the “Old West” that is exactly what I would be carrying, I think it was the best design of the period. Other than that, maybe a double action webley or “bull dog.”

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

Webley-India (surprised ?) makes Webley revolvers in 32 ? (S&W ?) The Brits were the last to issue a revolver-the No.2 Mk 1-as their "official" handgun.

 

[Sevens]

Ever since I was a teenager I've been fascinated by the design and operation... and the idea that I could open and KA-CHUNK a revolver and send the empties flying!

Eventually it occurred to me that one of the finest benefits of a revolver as a handloader was not having to pick up scattered brass from the range, as I do with all my semi-autos. The idea of willfully scattering revolver brass just for fun was a facepalm moment.

Eventually the flame for this idea kind of burned itself out... and I also scratched the itch by finding an H&R Sportsman 6-inch in .22LR from 1951 and it might be most all of the fun of a top-break without the annoyance of chasing down brass.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

9245 wrote: For most of us carrying a revolver of any kind would be anachronistic.....

Not so fast! "Most of us" on a Smith & Wesson Forum includes a WHOLE LOT OF REVOLVER CARRYING PEOPLE!!!!

You haven't been here long but you'll soon figure out that carrying wheelguns, especially snubbies of various kinds, is VERY POPULAR here.

Break-tops, not so much.