A single percussion revolver isn't a game changer. It came in clutch only after the work of 15 or so trained bodyguards. Even then, had Sagara missed the head, it would've had little difference on the outcome. But, he didn't. He knew what he was doing, and with a little luck, it panned out for the slimy bastard.
Failure is common among rebels. The key is persistence. If the status quo is truly unacceptable, then existence is futile. Your choice is between effort and oblivion, provided you continue to believe in the ideal in full. It's that last part that tends to waver as time goes on...