mikthestick
New member
I read some stuff on this site about whether or not to load 5 or 6 bullets in a colt or any other revolver, holster choices etc. I thought some may be interested in a British perspective. Consider this: 1878 a British officer tired of killing the queens enemies retires to America. He will be an excellent rifle shot, because it was his job to tell the squadies at what range to set their sights. As officers could buy their own weapons he could bring with him a Webley bulldog in 442 RIC calibre. If he did he would be used to loading all the cylinders, because its mechanism is such that it holds the hammer away from the chambered round. Furthermore he would normally carry it in a flapped cross draw holster.
Upon unarmed arrival in America, he may decide to buy a local pistol type. The Colt cloverleaf can be loaded with 4 rounds and the hammer let down between the chambers. A Merwin Hulbert in 44-40 or a Belgian copy of the Webley would be the more logical choice.
If taken by the wanderlust and deciding to moving west he would require a more effective pistol. I don't know how the barrel latch on the S&W number 3 works but it looks flimsy. My choice and probably his would have been a Colt Single Action Army in 44-40. The Colt has a safety notch to hold the hammer away from the chambered round and is secure in it's flapped holster. Any pistol is a defensive weapon. Without his squadies round him he would probably buy an 1876 Winchester 45-75 (I would go for the carbine).
Our hero now has three weapons requiring different ammunition. So what?
The Winchester has power close to the Martini-Henry he would be used to, and when trouble starts this is his weapon of choice (so buy 5 boxes of 20 rounds). With this weapon all disputes are settled, the Colt is for when the Winchester is empty, yet the problem is too close and so far unresolved. I've never understood how (in westerns) horses saddles, rifles and other kit are left outside saloons for people to steal.
While having a quiet beer in a saloon, his cross draw holster is there for all to see (buy 3 boxes of 20 rounds). The Webley Bulldog for emergencies only, needs only 1 box of twenty rounds. The Webley could be tucked into a neat flapped shoulder holster.
Upon unarmed arrival in America, he may decide to buy a local pistol type. The Colt cloverleaf can be loaded with 4 rounds and the hammer let down between the chambers. A Merwin Hulbert in 44-40 or a Belgian copy of the Webley would be the more logical choice.
If taken by the wanderlust and deciding to moving west he would require a more effective pistol. I don't know how the barrel latch on the S&W number 3 works but it looks flimsy. My choice and probably his would have been a Colt Single Action Army in 44-40. The Colt has a safety notch to hold the hammer away from the chambered round and is secure in it's flapped holster. Any pistol is a defensive weapon. Without his squadies round him he would probably buy an 1876 Winchester 45-75 (I would go for the carbine).
Our hero now has three weapons requiring different ammunition. So what?
The Winchester has power close to the Martini-Henry he would be used to, and when trouble starts this is his weapon of choice (so buy 5 boxes of 20 rounds). With this weapon all disputes are settled, the Colt is for when the Winchester is empty, yet the problem is too close and so far unresolved. I've never understood how (in westerns) horses saddles, rifles and other kit are left outside saloons for people to steal.
While having a quiet beer in a saloon, his cross draw holster is there for all to see (buy 3 boxes of 20 rounds). The Webley Bulldog for emergencies only, needs only 1 box of twenty rounds. The Webley could be tucked into a neat flapped shoulder holster.
