The .31 caliber?

Something you also have to consider is that in the 1800's, people were smaller in average height and stature, weighed less (unless you were a tad rich in which case you could eat a lot) and health services were not what we have today. Back then, the dirty little .32 could 1) do actual damage to the thinner body, 2) bring infection in with it for which there was no treatment, 3) people were not as healthy overall, teeth rotting, no bathing, etc..., and 4) the gun battles were close-in.

Everybody else has pretty much given the other reasons why small guns were liked in the old days.

The Doc is out now. :cool:
 
the popularity goes to several major factors.

economics for the most part. back then the standard was to squeeze the dime so hard the buffalo dropped 3 plops.

alternatives for pocket carry were

-colt pocket pistol with or without loading lever
-colt paterson in a short barrel configuration, .18 to .28 calibers
-colt paterson, 36 cal, cut down to short length

-sigle shot derringer
-single shot "travelors friends" consisting of 60-75 caliber single shot with 3 to 4 inch barrels

-full size single shot horse pistols
-full size dragoon or walker revolver.
-full size pepperboxes, variable calibers


can ya see the reason now?
 
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