I'm imagining myself on a trap line fussing with the paraphernalia and wherewithal to reload a '49 Colt under less than ideal conditions..... doesn't seem that practical of an idea. If any gun is going to throw a shoe at the most inopportune moment, it will be a cap & ball gun.
We have an ongoing discussion across the DMZ with regard to the packing of what the RCMP considers to be an 'antique' revolver. They are exempt registration and you don't need to be a licenced gun owner to own one either. While we cannot legally hunt with a handgun, pre-1898 'antiques' are an exception. The problem is that most come in such anaemic calibres as to render them virtually useless against any critter larger than a rabbit.
While it provides an excuse for packing a handgun in our gun-paranoid society, those who insist on exercising their rights in this regard are setting themselves up for a high risk takedown if reported by some well meaning do-gooder and having the awkward job of proving either on the spot or in court that you are not breaking the law. Difficult to do while face down in the dirt. Most LEOs are not aware of this exemption.
While walking our dogs, my wife and I have been charged three times by the same bear, the last charge stopping a scant 15 yds away before the bear stopped. I was carrying my Shiloh 50-70 carbine - one shot and then I would have an expensive club.
I own two 'antique' revolvers (.450/.455) and I can't think of a more useless gun to have under those conditions. Short of sticking the muzzle in the bear's ear, all it would do is make it likely that the bear and I would die together.