In another thread, a member asked what caliber was a pictured 1851. I thought it might be helpful to post a few ways to tell things about revolvers.
If it is a six shot stepped cylinder, it is 44.
If it is a straight six shot cylinder, it is 36.
A stepped 5 shot cylinder is 36.
A 5 shot straight cylinder is 31.
From Colts, a full octagon barrel was found on the 1851, the 31 caliber and some 36 caliber pocket models. The round barrel was found on the 1960, 1861 and the Pocket Police revolver. The octagon round barrel was found on the Walker, the Dragoons and at least one of the little 31 caliber revolvers.
What am I forgetting?
