Some comments and thoughts on recent posts.
CCCLVII, Ferretboy, et al - Breaktop revolvers. Keep in mind that break top revolvers have inherent weaknesses in the design. The latch mechanisms are generally not robust enough to stay locked under magnum recoil. Plus there will be a lot of wear and pounding on the front hinge of the frame. At least until someone comes up with much better designs.
barnbwt - Broomhandle (1896) Mauser pistol in .22LR. IIRC, one of the earlier Charter Arms incarnations produced a "Mauser-like" pistol with the magazine in front of the trigger. Even in .22LR, it didn't sell well and they dropped it. However, if we went full-goose Gonzo and built that Mauser pistol in .45 ACP and 10mm with detachable box magazines...
And since the length of the cartridge won't affect the grip, we could offer it in .45 ACP and
.30 Carbine to start with, since the .30 Carbine makes a dandy pistol cartridge. (Obviously modify and simplify the action to reduce costs too.)
Cheapshooter, et al - Small, compact .45 caliber revolver. Taurus did make their "Big Bore Snubbies" for a while, including 5 shot .41/.44/.45. The models were designated as 415 (.41 Mag), and 445 or similar for the others. Ask Taurus how well they (didn't) sell. Seems there are some of us who like the idea, but aren't willing to buy. S&W's 696, a .44 Special 5-shot L-frame, sold poorly (and wasn't well marketed, IMHO) but now demands a premium. If we want these guns, we have to drum up the interest and specify the format. These would be
carry guns and I see them with a 2.5-3 inch heavy barrel, low profile fixed sights, a smooth combat trigger, round butt grip, unshrouded ejector rod and made in a matte stainless steel finish.
Creek Henry - For cowboy shooting, why not a small break-top six-shooter in .32 H&R Magnum (also shoots .32 Long)? The .327 Magnum would be too much for a break top action I think.