From what I understand through research and talking to 'Old Timers' who should have known, brass frame revolvers came about in the Confederacy from a shortage or lack of access to steel. don't know this to be a fact, but when a 100 something year old man, claiming to have served with the South, (this happened when I was very young) tells you this, you don't call him a liar unless you have absolute proof of the opposite. Can't say for sure, but the Confederacy seemed to have good (ok) luck with brass frames, but hen, they lost, so, go figure. Other than. lack of repair parts, the Confederate Colt I had was a good shooter, though I kept the loads light.