Taylors and Company Uberti Hickok .38 Special 3.50″ Open-Top
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 2.20 pounds — 0.3 pounds lighter than the comparable Cimarron Model P
- 3.50-inch barrel provides compact handling while maintaining 7-yard accuracy
- Six-round cylinder capacity with .38 Special chambering reduces recoil versus .45 Colt models
- Color case-hardened frame maintains historical appearance with modern metallurgy
Trade-offs
- Single-action only mechanism requires manual cocking — adds 1.5-2 seconds between shots versus double-action revolvers
- Fixed sights limit adjustability — requires gunsmith modification for $150-300 to install modern sights
- Open-top design lacks modern safety features — not recommended for defensive use
- .38 Special chambering limits power compared to .357 Magnum alternatives with similar frame size
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Taylors and Company Uberti Hickok .38 Special 3.50″ Open-Top is a modern reproduction of the 1871-72 Colt Open Top revolver chambered for .38 Special centerfire cartridges. This single-action revolver maintains historical authenticity while incorporating contemporary manufacturing standards for reliable performance. Its compact 3.50-inch barrel and six-shot capacity make it suitable for both historical shooting and range use.
What is the Taylors and Company Uberti Hickok .38 Special 3.50″ Open-Top used for?
The Uberti Hickok Open-Top serves primarily as a historical reenactment firearm and range shooter for traditional single-action revolver enthusiasts. Its .38 Special chambering provides manageable recoil for extended shooting sessions, while the period-correct open-top design appeals to collectors of 19th-century firearms reproductions. The 3.50-inch barrel length makes it more practical for holster carry than full-size cowboy revolvers while maintaining the classic handling characteristics.
How does the Taylors and Company Uberti Hickok Open-Top compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win?
The Uberti Hickok revolver differs fundamentally from the Stevens 334 Rifle as a historical reproduction handgun versus a modern hunting rifle, with the Stevens offering superior long-range accuracy and hunting capability while the Uberti provides authentic period handling. The Stevens 334's .308 Winchester chambering delivers 2,800 fps muzzle velocity compared to the Uberti's .38 Special at approximately 900 fps, making the rifle better suited for big game hunting beyond 200 yards. For collectors and historical shooters, the Uberti's single-action mechanism and open-top design provide an authentic 1870s shooting experience that modern firearms cannot replicate.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Uberti Hickok Open-Top weighs precisely 2.20 pounds (998 grams) with an overall length of 9.25 inches and height of 5.75 inches. The 3.50-inch barrel contributes to its compact profile while maintaining proper sight radius for accurate shooting at typical handgun distances of 7-15 yards. The cylinder measures 1.60 inches in diameter, accommodating six .38 Special cartridges with a total loaded weight increase of approximately 4.8 ounces when fully charged.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver is not suitable for modern defensive carry or tactical applications due to its single-action mechanism and lack of modern safety features. Competitive shooters requiring rapid fire capability should consider double-action revolvers or semi-automatic pistols instead, as the Uberti requires manual cocking for each shot with an approximate 2-second cycle time between discharges. Law enforcement or home defense users would be better served by modern firearms with higher capacity and quicker reloading capabilities.
What's in the box?
The factory packaging includes the revolver itself, one six-round capacity cylinder, and basic documentation covering operation and safety procedures. Unlike modern firearms that typically include cleaning kits and additional accessories, the Uberti comes as a standalone firearm reflecting its historical reproduction status. Purchasers should budget for a proper leather holster and .38 Special ammunition separately, as these are not included with the base purchase.
Is the Taylors and Company Uberti Hickok Open-Top worth it at $674.99?
At $674.99, this revolver represents fair value for historical firearms enthusiasts seeking an authentic open-top design with modern manufacturing quality. Compared to custom-built reproductions that can exceed $1,200, the Uberti offers 85% of the authenticity at 55% of the cost, making it accessible to collectors and shooters who appreciate 19th-century revolver design. For those interested in traditional shotguns, the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge provides similar historical appeal in a shotgun platform at a comparable price point.
Key attributes
| upc | 810012511933 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 550958 |
| action | Single Action |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 3.50" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 Special |
| capacity | 6 |
| sights | Blade Front/Fixed Rear |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with modern .38 Special +P ammunition?
- No, the Uberti Hickok Open-Top should not be used with +P or +P+ ammunition due to its 19th-century frame design. Standard pressure .38 Special loads with maximum pressure of 17,000 PSI are recommended to prevent excessive wear or potential damage to the firearm. Always consult the manufacturer's ammunition specifications before shooting.
- Does it fit standard holsters for 3.5-inch barrel revolvers?
- Most holsters designed for 3.5-inch barrel single-action revolvers will accommodate the Uberti Hickok, though the open-top design may require specifically molded leather for optimal retention. The 2.20-pound weight matches typical single-action revolvers of similar size. Measure your specific holster's dimensions against the revolver's 9.25-inch overall length for proper fit.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Standard shipping to licensed FFL dealers typically takes 3-7 business days after order processing and compliance verification. All firearms transfers require shipment to a valid Federal Firearms License holder for background check and paperwork completion. Contact your local FFL dealer first to ensure they accept transfers from online retailers.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my collection needs?
- Firearms returns are generally not accepted due to federal regulations and safety concerns, except in cases of manufacturer defects verified within 30 days of purchase. All sales are final once the firearm has been transferred through an FFL dealer. Inspect the firearm thoroughly at the FFL before completing paperwork to ensure it meets your expectations.
- Does this work with aftermarket sight options?
- The fixed blade front and fixed rear sights are integral to the barrel and frame, making aftermarket sight installation difficult without professional gunsmithing. Unlike modern firearms with dovetail or Picatinny mounting systems, the Uberti's sights are designed for historical authenticity rather than modularity. Expect to spend $150-300 for professional sight modification if required.