heheheheh I've them both, and actualy,I asked myself the same question few years ago. I started with the remington 1858, one made by UBERTI with a 5 1/2" barel. A very good revolver. Then I got a 1860 and finally a 1851. Personnaly I shoot the 1851 much better and faster. For me it point much more naturaly than any other... With 23grs BP the .36 caliber can be quiet effective