I've read reports saying the pistol was a Pietta Colt 45 reproduction. (Real gun) And nice well made Italian pistols. I've owned Pietta's. Both cap and ball, and cartridge guns. If it was cap and ball, it would be easy to check to see if it was loaded. Single action Cartridge gun, not so easy since the cylinders do not swing out, and have a loading gate. With the loading gate open, you can spin the cyl. and check for rounds visually. Or just pop the cylinder out, and be really sure you didn't miss one. Baldwin should have checked, but evidently didn't. Sounds like negligent homicide, since he is the one pulling the trigger. Why do they need to use real guns on a movie set? It should be criminal to hand any actor any real weapon. They act! So act like you have a real gun.