Has anyone determined if this was a replica/prop gun, or was it a genuine antique?
I’ve been wondering the same thing. I own two Ruger single action revolvers. I bought both new, one about 1970 ((yep, I’m old as dirt) and the other about twenty years ago. The older gun doesn’t have the pin protective shield and should be carrier with the hammer on an empty cylinder. The newer gun does have the firing pin shield and can be safely carried with all six cylinders loaded and hammer down. I don’t know if revolvers used in western scenes are actual old western pieces or period correct appearing revolvers with modern inner mechanisms.
Also, there’s a lot not yet Know about The who, what, when of the live ammo on site. I don’t think there was any malice intended by anyone. Guessing it’s a case of gross negligence and incompetence.
Real gun, italian replica of a period piece. Comes in two models one with modern internal safety bar the other is historically accurate with no safety at all. The historical version absolutely will fire the round under the hammer if the hammer is dropped. The trigger has nothing to do with this form of discharge. Revolvers were redesigned to eliminate this risk. It is the origin of the expression going off half cocked.
“Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza identified the gun used in the shooting as a modern Pietta replica of a single-action army revolver. Those guns can be bought either with a transfer bar that makes it impossible for the firing pin to strike the primer unless the trigger is pulled or without one. Often, enthusiasts and collectors prefer the models without modern safety devices because it’s more authentic and perfectly safe when handled properly”