The Taylors and Company Uberti Hickok .38 Special 3.50″ Open-Top is a modern centerfire conversion of the 1871–72 Colt Open Top, built for shooters who want old-west style with contemporary reliability. Chambered in .38 Special with a 3.50-inch snub barrel and six-shot cylinder, this single-action revolver combines a blued barrel and engraved cylinder, color case-hardened steel frame, walnut Army-style grip, and a hammer bar safety for daily carry confidence.
| Manufacturer | Taylors and Company (Uberti) |
|---|---|
| Model | Hickok Open-Top |
| Caliber | .38 Special |
| Barrel Length | 3.50″ |
| Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Action | Single Action |
| Finish | Blued barrel, color case-hardened frame, blued engraved cylinder |
| Grip | Walnut, Army-style |
| Safety | Hammer bar safety |
| Weight | Approx. 32 oz (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Centerfire Conversion Design — Why it matters: Fires modern .38 Special cartridges instead of obsolete black-powder rounds, so you can shoot readily available ammo without hassle.
- 3.50″ Snub Barrel — Why it matters: Compact enough for concealed carry or a coat pocket, yet retains enough sight radius for accurate defensive shots.
- Color Case-Hardened Frame — Why it matters: Adds authentic 1870s character while the hardened surface resists wear, keeping the revolver looking good for years.
- Hammer Bar Safety — Why it matters: Allows you to safely carry six rounds without resting the hammer on an empty chamber — a modern upgrade for peace of mind.
- Engraved Cylinder — Why it matters: Classic scrollwork gives this revolver a custom, heirloom-quality appearance straight from the factory.
Who It’s For
This revolver is for the EDC enthusiast who appreciates old-school aesthetics but demands modern safety and ammunition compatibility. It’s ideal for collectors who want a shooter-grade piece, open-carriers who value style, and anyone building a period-correct rig for reenactments or range days. If you carry a .38 Special snub-nose but wish it had more personality, the Hickok Open-Top bridges that gap.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Authentic open-top profile with a low bore axis reduces muzzle flip.
- Pro: Six-round capacity without needing a loading gate — easy to unload.
- Con: Single-action only — you must manually cock the hammer before each shot, which requires practice for defensive speed.
Comparison vs. Competitors
| Feature | Taylors/Uberti Hickok .38 Spl | Ruger Vaquero .357 Mag | Colt Single Action Army .357 Mag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .38 Special | .357 Mag/.38 Spl | .357 Mag/.38 Spl |
| Barrel Length | 3.50″ | 4.62″ | 4.75″ |
| Capacity | 6 rounds | 6 rounds | 6 rounds |
| Frame Material | Color case-hardened steel | Stainless or blued steel | Color case-hardened or blued |
| Safety | Hammer bar safety | Transfer bar | Half-cock notch |
| Price | $674.51 | $800–$900 | $1,800+ |
| Weight | ~32 oz | ~38 oz | ~36 oz |
FAQ
Is the Taylors and Company Uberti Hickok .38 Special 3.50″ Open-Top safe to carry with all six chambers loaded?
Yes — the hammer bar safety prevents the firing pin from contacting the primer unless the trigger is pulled. This is a modern safety feature not found on original Colts, so you can carry six rounds without concern.
Can I use .38 Special +P ammunition in this revolver?
Per Taylors and Company, the Hickok Open-Top is built for standard-pressure .38 Special loads only. +P ammunition may accelerate wear on the frame and cylinder. Stick to 130-grain FMJ or lead round-nose for reliability and longevity.
Does this revolver require a special holster due to the open-top design?
Most holsters designed for Colt Single Action Army or Ruger Vaquero revolvers with 3.5–4 inch barrels will fit the Hickok Open-Top. The exposed barrel and cylinder profile are similar, but you may need a holster with an open muzzle or a fitted thumb break for retention.
What parts are compatible with modern aftermarket upgrades?
The Hickok uses Uberti-manufactured internal parts, so Wolff springs and aftermarket grip panels (for Army-style grips) are drop-in compatible. The cylinder and barrel are specific to this model, so avoid swapping those without gunsmith consultation.
Is this revolver suitable for new shooters?
Yes — the .38 Special recoil is mild, and the single-action trigger is crisp and light. However, new shooters should practice loading and unloading with snap caps first, since the open-top design requires a different manual of arms than a modern double-action revolver.
Why Carry the Hickok Open-Top?
With over 1.5 million single-action revolvers sold in the U.S. last year (per NSSF data), the demand for authentic cowboy-style guns with modern safety is higher than ever. The Taylors and Company Uberti Hickok .38 Special 3.50″ Open-Top delivers that blend for under $700 — a price that undercuts both Ruger and Colt while offering comparable fit and finish. Check out all our single-action revolvers.
Trust & Shipping
- ✅ Nationwide delivery — all 50 states
- ✅ Ships 1–2 business days
- ✅ 30-day returns
- ✅ Secure checkout
Also see: Concealed Carry Holsters | .38 Special Ammunition
Last updated: April 2026





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