Smith & Wesson held the patient for the "bore thru cylinder" that allowed a metallic cartridges to be safely loaded from the rear. Having to front load a paper or linen cartridge could be quite hazarous in best of circumstances. I have found cylinders only at Mossy Creek which has led me to believe that the Michigan Troops likely carried preloaded spares. The revolving rifle was expensive and was likely privately purchased by wealthy commanders. An account of the Battle of Mossy Creek by W R Carter (History of the 1st Tn Vol Cav US)describes the devastating affect of the weapon on Longstreet's Infantry by dismounted Cav.