4 1/2 or 5 1/2

[ssb73q]

I have never read anything about Colt making a short barreled Navy sized revolver with the round profile and ratchet lever and calling it an 1862 police.

That's what collectors call them. Here's a pretty good write up on the two models. http://americansocietyofarmscollectors.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Colt-small-frame-36-caliber-percussion-pistols-B085_Breslin.pdf

Hi Hawg, thanks for that reference. Do you have any idea of the number of cylinder chambers in the first revolver shown in your reference?

Regards,
Richard

[Hawg]

Judging from the cylinder notch spacing I would say it's a five shot.

[Holeinhide]

Hi OldFart,

When I was looking to buy a pocket model colt I had the same question. I was lucky enough to have a friend who had an 1849,1862 police in 5.5 and a 1862 navy in 6.5 all Uberti as the Pietta is not a true pocket. For me having shot all 3, I fell in love with the 1862 police with a 5.5 barrel. The grip fits my hand the weight is perfect to balance in my hand and it points with no effort. That is why I chose to go with the 5.5 police. The bad news is when I received it from midwayusa it was the worst made black powder gun I have ever bought. I like a challenge and have since stoned trimmed added filed sanded well you get the picture.... Now I love it if there was a conversion to cartridge for the 1862 it would be my carry gun. Like I said for me nothing points more natural. Hope this helps.

Holeinhide.

[ssb73q]

Hi Holeinhide, why oh why would you use a BP revolver as a carry gun?

These are what I consider carry guns:



or



or



All .45 caliber.

When I want to go light:



IMO carrying a BP revolver for personal protection is a fools errand.

Regards,
Richard

[ssb73q]

Hi holeinhide, if you really want BP revolver for personal carry, this 1851 with .45 Colt conversion cylinder would be a good choice, see:



Regards,
Richard

[jaxenro]

I think he said if there was a conv cylinder. Maybe 380 or something

[Hawg]

Richard, Richard, Richard, if you have never fired bp out of that 1911 you haven't lived. Now that's a hoot.

[prof marvel]

Richard, Richard, Richard, if you have never fired bp out of that 1911 you haven't lived. Now that's a hoot.

Even better is the looks from all the other unsuspecting shooters!   

yhs
prof marvel

[Hawg]

[Holeinhide]

You are correct jaxenro I did say if there was a conversion. I was just trying to express my opinion of the 5.5 police versions pointability.  I would imagine that in its day the 1862 was just the thing for carry.

[ssb73q]

You carry what you want to carry Holeinhide and you do not have to justify your choice to anyone around here.

Richard, your opinion means little when you close out your advice by mentioning the word "fool."

Hi scooby, of course, nobody needs to justify anything they say or do. That includes me. I stand by what I said. Using a small caliber BP revolver today for personal protection is a fool's errand. Back in the day when a gut shot of any caliber was almost always a death sentence, the BP mouse guns made sense. Even .22s intimidated.

Regards,
Richard

[ssb73q]

Fair enough, but you might want to reconsider that same approach next time you start a topic to promote and encourage more responses and involvement to posts on the forum.

Hi scooby, I agree. 

Regards,
Richard

[G Dog]

Good then.

When I walk the tree line and the grounds at my rural place, day or night, I usually carry a BP .44 in Colt or Remington and feel adequately heeled and weaponed-up against any potential quadrupedal threats.   I’ve never felt unarmed while carrying one of those.

For town, city or motor travel something in the nature of a modern firearm (read .45 ACP or its equivalent) is certainly more appropriate for the type of trouble most likely to be encountered.