I love the break top revolvers especially the S&W Models. A prettier revolver was never made. They are works of art as far as I'm concerned.
The Schofield was a winner. The finest pistol a horse soldier could never find. Ever try to re-load a Peacemaker while riding horseback? What a POS as far as I'm concerned. But obviously like MOST government contracts Colt shoved some money under the table and won the Army contract. The way I feel the Peacemaker was a poor choice for the Cavalry.
Even Custer, the Supreme dumb a$$ carried a Schofield. As an Ohioan I look at Custer as an embarrassment. I also learned in Vietnam his kind would get you killed. They also seemed to have a problem about getting Fragged. Poor leadership was removed from the bottom up, contradictory to military doctrine in Vietnam.
The only problem with break tops is their lack of strength. Strength of what? As long as you shot the loads they were designed for, no problem. If you try to turn a 38S&W into a 357 mag there will be problems.
I love the break tops, thats my story and I'm stickin' to it.
Best wishes, Bill
