You have to keep in mind that only a few years prior, the only handguns were SINGLE SHOTS. To have a "six shooter" was a huge advancement. The percussion revolvers were never intended for sustained shooting. Typically one had a single shot pistol and a huge (Bowie type) fighting knife. With a six shooter you were very well armed with SIX TIMES the fire power of most opponents so quick reloading was not even a consideration. After 6 shots the revolver was put away (for cleaning and reloading later) and if more fighting was to occur you drew your knife, sword, or another revolver. I read somewhere [and everything you read on the internet is true ] that there was never a documented fatality of a Confederate irregular that ever fell to a Union sword. The irregulars/geurillas, as previously stated, carried multiple revolvers & sawed off shotguns against the Union cavalry. Six shots fired, draw another and shoot the guy (a Yank) who took a knife to a gunfight. All the fuss about dealing with fouling during CAS/SASS matches is due to the design of the guns to only be fired 6 times and the cleaned. The cartridge revolvers didn't really become popular til the mid to late 1870s hence the two gun rig for those who were considering a longer shootout.
__________________
With over 15 perCUSSIN' revolvers, I've been called the Imelda Marcos of cap & ball.
SASS#3302 (Life), SASS Regulator, NRA (Life), Dirty Gamey Bastards #129
Wolverton Mtn. Peacekeepers (WA), former Orygun Cowboy (Ranger, Posse from Hell)
|