I have been a student of the Frontier West since the 1970s. I know of no credible, documented instance of someone exchanging a loaded cylinder for an empty cylinder (mid gunfight) in the percussion era, or in the cartridge era that followed. This whole idea is pure Hollywood.
If they thought they needed more than the 5-6 rounds their primary carry provided their speed reload was a second revolver, or even just a pocket gun or derringer. If they knew they were going into a fight a repeating rifle (think 66 or 73 Winchester) would be the primary weapon. In town and at closer ranges a double barrel shotgun might replace the Winchester.
And to move the discussion into the 21st Century, unless a single action revolver is THE gun you shoot most and best, and manipulation of the hammer and trigger are second nature, choose something less quaint. Getting shot at is not the time for fantasy.
Dave
If they thought they needed more than the 5-6 rounds their primary carry provided their speed reload was a second revolver, or even just a pocket gun or derringer. If they knew they were going into a fight a repeating rifle (think 66 or 73 Winchester) would be the primary weapon. In town and at closer ranges a double barrel shotgun might replace the Winchester.
And to move the discussion into the 21st Century, unless a single action revolver is THE gun you shoot most and best, and manipulation of the hammer and trigger are second nature, choose something less quaint. Getting shot at is not the time for fantasy.
Dave