If conditions permit, consider getting your BP firearm in stainless steel.
And FWIW, an 1858 Remington cap-and-ball pistol (available in stainless, and with adjustable sights) is stronger than the equivalent Colt.
If you have the foresight to simultaneously order a couple of spare cylinders from the same manufacturer as the pistol, the Rem can be reloaded with a new cylinder in a surprisingly short period of time.
Now, if someone gives you static about the authenticity of the stainless, just say it's nickel-plated. Or do as I did, and just claim it's from excessive holster wear.
Seriously, if need be, bead blast it, and paint with Brownell's Aluma-Hyde II paint.
But the stainless steel takes the edge off immediate cleaning. You'll still need to clean often, though.
My method of cleaning a Rem is to remove the handgrips, dismount the used cylinder(s), and completely immerse in a bucket of HOT soapy water. Come back in 10-15 mins, swab barrel and bores of cylinders, and re-assemble. Being hot, the water just evaporates off the gun. A drop of oil on the springs, and that's it. Quicker and less hassle than cleaning some modern guns.
Be advised that if you eventually intend to compete with this firearm, the sanctioning bodies probably will have some configuration and authenticity restrictions that you should know about before purchase.