[OKSooner]

I'm willing to accept that his revolver was broken without further discussion.

My question is, how does this example speak to the practice (and additional weight) of a New York reload, that is to say what some refer to as a BackUp Gun or BUG, and its practicality?

It would appear that he would have had use for what we now call a short barrel K-frame or a J-frame in .38 special, or even a .22 for that matter in the desperate situation he was in.

My question was NOT to insinuate blame against him for his own demise, just to be clear. Just trying to converse about it in terms that might be useful to us semi-urbanites in our time.

[marktwain]

Today, you can obtain a 16 shot .22 pistol, which loaded, weights less than a pound.

Smith & Wesson revolvers have an excellent reputation for reliability. A very unusual case.