I have to rethink the spare cylinder idea

[Flint1]

My 1858 replicas did not come with spare cylinders but every one has one now and a pouch to carry it.

I just want to clarify what you mean. When you say "everyone" are you referring to shooters or to pistols now being supplied with spare cylinders by manufacturers? In a period of just over a year now I have bought four Colt Ubertis, an 1849 Pocket Model, 1862 Police Model, and a Whitneyville and First Model Dragoon. None came with spare cylinders but maybe they have started that since. If I ever carry those Dragoons through the woods on an outing I don't want a spare cylinder. That way I have an excuse to carry both. As far as Hollywood and swapping spare cylinders, what comes to mind for me are scenes from the Young Riders. Correct or not if it had been made in the 50s or 60s they would have been carrying Colt Model 1873s.

 

[TNGhost]

heck. I have 3 spares for my 1858. There is just no evidence that this was done in the 1860s or 70's in America. And NO, Pale rider is not evidence.

I beg to differ, as I posted on page one of this thread evidence of just that:

https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/...k-the-spare-cylinder-idea.185929/post-2713559

It is fact they were not general issue in the military for a couple reasons, the first being handguns were only generally issued to cavalry and officers, both equipped with sabers that never need be reloaded. Cavalry had the doctrine of using their revolvers to close to saber range, and they could carry extra pistols because they were mounted and didn't have to carry them afoot, they usually carried a carbine or shotgun as well. The doctrine was to close to the point where you could use the sword. With officers it was sort of the same, they weren't fighting at range, they were directing when at range, and their sidearm was a symbol of authority and to be used when things got close, and they also had the sword. Most troops, infantry, artillery etc., were not issued handguns so they had no need for extra cylinders either.

Civilian law enforcement Wells Fargo employees etc. did have a use for them and it is documented that they did avail themselves of extra cylinders. Remington specifically advertised the sale of extra cylinders. Also, as cartridges were invented and came into use, many continued carrying their 1858s, but with a cartridge conversion cylinder and a spare C&B in case cartridges were not available.

 

[AlexB]

I just want to clarify what you mean. When you say "everyone" are you referring to shooters or to pistols now being supplied with spare cylinders by manufacturers? In a period of just over a year now I have bought four Colt Ubertis, an 1849 Pocket Model, 1862 Police Model, and a Whitneyville and First Model Dragoon. None came with spare cylinders but maybe they have started that since. If I ever carry those Dragoons through the woods on an outing I don't want a spare cylinder. That way I have an excuse to carry both. As far as Hollywood and swapping spare cylinders, what comes to mind for me are scenes from the Young Riders. Correct or not if it had been made in the 50s or 60s they would have been carrying Colt Model 1873s.

I mean every one of mine has one because I aquired another one for them.
Was easy to think of and do,I aint that smart.
So I figure if I thought of it so did someone else.
Their brains were actually smarter than ours.

 

[Bad Karma]

I mean every one of mine has one because I aquired another one for them.
Was easy to think of and do,I aint that smart.
So I figure if I thought of it so did someone else.
Their brains were actually smarter than ours.

Maybe, maybe not. People have tended to become smarter than the previous generations. Until recently apparently…

 

[Bad Karma]

For the sake of your children, kill the internet.

 

[AlexB]

For the sake of your children, kill the internet.

We are much dumber than they were of that I have no doubt.
We produce college graduates who cannot define a woman and believe a man can menstrate.

 

[revo3.3]

Now that is very interesting. For good cap fit I've always just swapped out to Slixshots on the revolvers never figuring it would affect accuracy. Now I'll have to try a set of TOTW stainless.

Me too !

 

[buttap]

I still go with its holyweard. Horse troopers carried carbines and why have a spare cylinder that will not fit your gun vs hello have a repeating carbine.

 

[shorthair]

I bought a second cylinder for my 58 Rem Pietta target model and it always shot to a different point of aim than does the original fit to the gun. It grouped well but to a different POA. The chamber alignment to the barrel is different.

At the average gun fighting range of 5 - 15' a difference of a couple of inches is probably not a huge factor.

 

[Bad Karma]

At the average gun fighting range of 5 - 15' a difference of a couple of inches is probably not a huge factor.

Surprising how many misses there are at those ranges. Fine motor control goes all to hell…

 

[SDSmlf]

At the average gun fighting range of 5 - 15' a difference of a couple of inches is probably not a huge factor.

Yep….. but I wonder why a recent study I saw showed in police shooting engagements averaged 3 meters or so, with 6 out 10 shots missing the intended target (less than 35% hitting) .

Personally, I would want every bit of accuracy I could squeeze out of a firearm in a real life or death situation gunfight once adrenaline, nerves and all that excitement kicks in, none of which improve accuracy. ‘Probably not a factor’ doesn’t get a passing grade with me.

 

[nick_1]

I am reading Bufalo Bills auto biography. Lots of mention of carrying multiple revolvers in indian fights. Mentions reloading in lulls in the battles. No mention yet of spare cylinders.

 

[Smokerr]

Civilian law enforcement Wells Fargo employees etc. did have a use for them and it is documented that they did avail themselves of extra cylinders. Remington specifically advertised the sale of extra cylinders. Also, as cartridges were invented and came into use, many continued carrying their 1858s, but with a cartridge conversion cylinder and a spare C&B in case cartridges were not available.

This lacks any citation. Flip is I have seen the pictures of people aka no military carrying multiple revolvers, one as I recall had 6.

Ok, full stop, there is also a logic bust. If a civilian of any type needed more than 6 shots, does anyone think they would carry a spare cylinder to swap out amidst a shooting situati9on? Really. Ooops, I dropped the Base Pin in the water trough and dear oh me.

And by default, if you got a conversion cylinder you would have a spare C&B cylinder. But would you CARRY it? Hmmm.

 

[nick_1]

Buffalo bill was a civilian scout for the army and the railroads. he carried as many revolvers as he could and a needle .50 cal buffalo gun.

 

[M. De Land]

Surprising how many misses there are at those ranges. Fine motor control goes all to hell…

Yeah, I haven't a clue how well I'd do when hot lead is buzzing by my ears, might freeze up for all I know. I was able to keep my wits and get the gun shooting in a bear charge though so that might be some indication. I don't think anyone knows what they will do until they actually experience the situation and that's where training takes over.
I know I've had my brains turn to applesauce in timed fire events when a windage sight change was required !

 

[Nazgul58]

For the sake of your children, kill the internet.

Posted on the internet........

Don