Richards Mason Conversion replicas

[Zulch]

So, on the pictured replicas here, I've noticed that the ejector rod was exposed between the end of the ejector housing and the breech of the barrel on one of these photos and the other is not. What's the deal with that? Was one an earlier prototype and the other newer style?

[Hawg]

The top one is a Richards conversion. The bottom is a Richards Mason conversion AKA 1872 open top.

[Zulch]

The top one is a Richards conversion. The bottom is a Richards Mason conversion AKA 1872 open top.

So that’s the difference. Do you personally have a preference? Conversion or Open Top? I like the look of the conversion myself.

[Miguel Loco]

I believe the Richards Conversions used bits and pieces from the huge stock of left over percussion components. The loading gate assembly  required milling off about 1/2" of the frame and is screwed in place. Also the lug under the barrel still shows where the loading lever had been, the Open Top is smoothed out more. Hope that made sense....

[Zulch]

I believe the Richards Conversions used bits and pieces from the huge stock of left over percussion components. The loading gate assembly  required milling off about 1/2" of the frame and is screwed in place. Also the lug under the barrel still shows where the loading lever had been, the Open Top is smoothed out more. Hope that made sense....

Mick, thank you for your explanation. They’re both very nice to me. I’m more partial to the conversion. It appears to me that the wedge is slightly more accessible on the conversion?

[Miguel Loco]

I've never compared them side to side, but they are pretty much the same as far as getting to the wedge.

[Zulch]

I've never compared them side to side, but they are pretty much the same as far as getting to the wedge.

Mick, can you see and make out the difference in the photos or are they too small?

[Hawg]

My RM is actually a variation on the 72 that didn't exist. The wedge isn't hard to get to at all.

[ShotgunDave]

The wedge on my 72 is very easy to get to. it really doesn't matter anyway, because the only time you're actually going to take it apart is to clean it.

[Miguel Loco]

I've never compared them side to side, but they are pretty much the same as far as getting to the wedge.

Mick, can you see and make out the difference in the photos or are they too small?

I can make it out.....to me they look the same.

[Zulch]

I've never compared them side to side, but they are pretty much the same as far as getting to the wedge.

Mick, can you see and make out the difference in the photos or are they too small?

I can make it out.....to me they look the same. Well they aren't much bigger but at least isolated to a specific area. LOL

See if these close ups make a difference.

[Hawg]

It's not difficult at all the get to the wedge on a 72.

[Zulch]

yes I can see that Hawg. Do you see the difference in the two close ups that I posted? There is a difference

[Hawg]

Yeah, the ejector rod housing is shorter on the top one.

[Zulch]

So Hawg. Would that be a representation of an earlier transitional gun?