I'm still unsure what the back-up was intended to back up against.
Out here hunting with a flintlock, I suppose I'm backed up with a knife and light axe /tomahawk.
Never even Thought about carrying anything else.
The home-made knife was my "second shot", but only used it as such on about 2 occasions.
For revolvers, I really like the Tranter fourth model, (But I sold mine!)
It was a .44, 5 shot but the safety permitted safe carry with all chambers charged.
I liked the single and double action feature.
Grand pistol and Very solid, being a solid frame, and actually the barrel and frame were forged in one.
Best thing to me though, is the Third model, or Tranter-Admams-Kerr!
It is the Best thing in revolvers since sliced bread.
Yes, it looks like a nightmare....a second trigger below the trigger-guard. (Look them up and see, if not familiar with them)
But, in use it's a dream.
I got mine, made I think in 1862 and it looked Rough'
Rusy and pitted,it's also a .44 (54 bore) and has a 6" barrel.
Cleaned it up and made a few parts.
The mechanism was a s good as the day it was made, and still indexes correctly.
It is the best feeling revolver I've ever held.
As you point the pistol, you just pull tight on the spur trigger-guard, and this, (being really the second trigger, ) cocks the hammer. If Proper trigger is not pulled, and the lower released, the hammer drops back on the safety stop.
If trigger is pulled it is the same as a well set -up single action, only Much faster to cock.
If anyone ever sees one of these odd looking revolvers at a gun-show, handle it and see what you think if possible.
To me the 'spur " does it. It gives a very firm grip and mine shoots better than I can.
The safety is designed so that all chambers can be carried loaded, and will hold 40 grainjs and a ball if needs be.
Safety is also automatic, and never comes to mind when shooting.
Please pardon long post!
Had this revolver years and still find it fantastic.