Detachable shoulder stocks predate the percussion era and were often used on European cartridge guns including the Mauser types and the Luger. They became passe in the United States when the National Firearms act of 1932-34 deemed them to be gangster weapons and subject to tax and registration.
Tried out this rig with my standard messing around load of 30/PyrodexP/.454Ball.This is an 840 fps load and quite accurate. The general reports from people using detachable stocks with older or more modern pistols is that they don't help all that much.
This was a good feeling rig and the stock acts as a convenient loading stand. It does steady the revolver but the trade off is a fuzzy sight picture from holding the gun closer to the eyes. To prevent injury, it is necessary to keep the support hand behind the cylinder- a grip that proves quite steady. Even though the sights were much closer, I found that I was hitting to the same point of aim as when I hold the gun at full arms length in one hand.
My standing, unsupported 25 yard accuracy improved just a bit over what I do with one hand. Having not shot this revolver two-handed, I can't give a good comparison but I believe I would have done as well or better because of the improved sight picture out at arms' length.
At 50 yards, I used the fork of a small tree for support and came up with results that would likely match what I can do sitting on the ground,back rested and shooting over my knees at the same range.
Colt supplied detach stocks for early dragoons, navies and the Army Model- the theory being that soldiers would use them after dismounting and seeking cover. Some of the dragoons and at least one prototype Navy had barrel mounted sights to overcome the disadvantages of having the hammer/sight notch too close to the eyes. The Stocked revolver would probably prove a worthwhile rig for soldiers not particularly well practiced at precision handgun shooting and there would probably be a real advantage with a revolver with a heavy trigger pull.
My army has a very light trigger and is easy to shoot one-handed. I believe with just a bit of practice, my close-in accuracy would improve and this would be a handy small game rig
