I have handled and shot both Colt and Remington .31s, with both percussion cylinders and R&D conversion cylinders in .32 S&W. The Colt was a little bigger and easier to hold and shoot. Even though I preferred the Colt just a smidgen, I went with the Remington 1863 because I shoot the 58s with R&D cylinders.
For the full size guns with R&D cylinders, I prefer the 1858s. If money were no object, however, I would have a pair of 1872 Open Tops or Richards Mason's in ,45 Schofield. I have a soft spot for them. In California, however, that would have meant an about $400 more between the two pistols, and an additional $300 spent on the attendant FFL and DROS fees, which were irrelevant the the 1858s and R&D cylinders.
Next year I hope to get some Open Tops, too...