I have a couple of Old Model Blackhawks in .357 and .44 Mag and a New Model Blackhawk in .45 Colt. I like the OM action (four clicks) and loading by cocking to the third click. I am looking for a .22 convertible single-six. What are your thoughts as to the NM Vs the OM in the .22 convertible?
Old Models are loaded on the second click.
Starting with the hammer fully down on the frame . . .
First click locks the hammer back just far enough to retract the firing pin, sometimes called the "safety click".
Second click frees the cylinder for rotation for loading/unloading/inspection, sometimes called "half cock".
Third click is the bolt dropping onto the cylinder surface, hopefully at the leade to one of the locking notches.
Fourth click is the hammer dropping into the "full cock" position.
I love my Old Models.