Dragoon vs Walker

[TheSquire]

I have a very beloved (but to be honest a bit shabby) Walker pistol and have now seen a Dragoon at a good price I am interested in. However, my question is this, what is the difference between the two? The loading lever latch is obviously improved but what else is different? Are they a similar weight / size etc?

 

[Curator]

The Dragoon, or more correctly, the Colt 1849 Army revolver, can be thought of as the Walker, Improved. Each version, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd model had additional improvements that made the gun more reliable. The best of the Dragoons was the third model. While nearly the same size and weight as the earlier Walker Colt, the 3rd model is definitely more refined. Some would say that the Dragoon's shorter cylinder gave up some of the power that made the Walker so impressive, but there is little difference in reality. The Dragoon functions better, rarely suffers cap-jams the Walker is prone to, indexes more precisely, and handles powder fouling better. Overall, it is the better gun. A good analogy would be the comparison of the classic MG-A and the MG-B roadsters. Having owned both (revolvers and roadsters) I prefer the refinements of the later model.

 

[Blackpowdershooter44]

A Whitneyville dragoon would be a good compromise if you can't decide between the Walker or the Dragoon's

 

[1KPerDay]

My walkers feel quite a bit more heavy than my 3rd Dragoon. Like ridiculously heavy. The third is just comically heavy.

 

[rodwha]

From what I understand the mainspring was improved over the Walkers 1-3 rd models (the Whitneyville used the same spring), the 2 nd model moved to rectangular bolt stops, and the 3 rd added leads for those bolt stops and used a rounded trigger guard. The barrel was reduced to 7.5" from 9", the cylinder was reduced to ~50 grns from 60, and the loading lever catch was changed.

I was eyeing the Walker vs the 2 nd model (I like the Geiger guard) as my first pistol. I ended up with a Ruger Old Army instead, followed by a Remington New Model Army. I am drawn to the history of the Walker as it's the gun that brought him back into business, as well as being made by a Texas Ranger. The lever catch on the Walker can be filed to become secure. I'm not convinced the other improvements are all that necessary.

What's keeping you from scooping up the Dragoon model before you?

 

[Curator]

The 2nd, and 3rd Dragoons also have the "cap-groove" on the right side of the recoil shield next to the hammer slot. This helps reduce cap-jams upon cocking the hammer. They also have a roller on the hammer where it contacts the main spring.

 

[expat_alaska]

If (and when) I get a replica Dragoon it will be a Second Model with the rectangular stop slots and the square back trigger guard (I am just a sucker for the SB TG). Although it is a large, heavy revolver, it has many improvements over the Walker (even the Whitneyville).

I am basically into 1851 Navy .36 replicas (and Confederate copies), and am partial to the 1851 Navy Second Model .36 which has the SB TG.

Many folks disdain shooting the SB TG pistols. I have a replica 1851 Navy, a replica 1848 Pocket, and a Ruger 3-screw Super Blackhawk .44 Mag, and have never had a problem with that TG. Maybe it is the shape of my hands: small with long fingers.

I have other .36 pistols on the back-burner of my mind (like a Dance & Brothers) before I seriously think about a Dragoon, but it is surely tempting.

Jim

 

[TheSquire]

rodwha "What's keeping you from scooping up the Dragoon model before you?"
Firstly, money, these go for around the £200 mark for a good second hand model and I am not flush this close to Christmas.
Secondly, the issues with firearms licencing here in the UK. I have a Walker in .44 and Remington New Army also in .44 and may have problems asking for a 3rd in the same calibre so I want to know the history of them so I can justify wanting to have one!