I've got a question regarding original handguns of this model and similar models. And Hollywood.

First seeing that cylinders can be purchased which can be loaded with modern .45 Colt cartridges of suitable power I guess.

Hollywood often shows handguns in Westerns which look like front stuffing cylinder BP revolvers. But which are being reloaded with brass cartridges. Hollywood of course is rarely historically accurate.

But where old front stuffing revolvers in historical times, given a more modern upgrade in the 1800s with cartridge cylinders being purchasable? Extending their lives and allowing folk of limited means to modetise their handgun without needing to buy a whole new handgun.