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.