[2] The Old Army revolver accordingly incorporates many modern design features, though employing antiquated black-powder component loading.

This design was built around the Blackhawk, but it takes its styling cues from the Spiller and Burr cap and ball pistol.

This is due to the frame being longer in front to accommodate the loading lever and pivot pin.

[1] The revolver was tested by loading each chamber to capacity with Bullseye smokeless powder and a lead ball.

While this might result in catastrophic failure in other firearms, the Old Army proved to be strong enough to handle the pressure.