Horns of a Dilemma

[PainlessWolf]

Evening all,
I've found myself with a pleasant problem, deciding between a new Uberti Walker or Dragoon. I favor the Dragoon slightly but wonder about brass backstraps and how the finish holds up to sweat and powder smoke. The Walker just looks like fun and would be a great companion as well to my LeMat. Pros and Cons between the two ( and models of Dragoon as well if you want? ), please if you folks don't mind.
regards,
Painless

 

[rodwha]

I'm more in favor of a Walker, but I'm a little partial to the history and how it's the gun that saved Colt. And then there's the small rifle charge...

The loading lever issue can be fixed.

I do prefer the cleaner lines on the grips of the latter Colts though, and I read that the spring is more friendly, too, then the Walker or Witney Dragoon's.

Were I to chose a Dragoon I'd likely go for the 2nd model as I like the square trigger guard despite never having handled (read shot) one. But then I have smaller hands and likely wouldn't have issues.

A Walker is on my list...

 

[PainlessWolf]

Rodwha,
Thanks for the things to consider. I have big hands so hopefully the square trigger guard of either a Walker or First Model wouldn't be an issue. I like the rounded trigger guard on the Third Model more probably because it's familiar. The rounded cylinder slots look elegant but again I know why the square ones were introduced. Whichever one of these I go for, the other will be on the list for a future buy.
regards,
Painless

 

[rodwha]

My understanding is that you'll likely have issues with the square trigger guards. But do ask around before you consider that. I've not owned/shot one and even if I had my experience likely wouldn't mean much.

 

[rodwha]

If you'll likely get both then I'd suggest a Walker and 3rd model Dragoon, though the Walker first to possibly appreciate the design changes more.

 

[PainlessWolf]

Rodwha,
Thank you again. Many things to consider especially in light of my busted up knuckles. ;o)
regards,
Painless

 

[mykeal]

Got bofum. Don't be buying any ankle holsters. Neither one exactly lends itself to concealed carry. The Walker. Is. More. Of. Everything. It's going to cost you more money, and I'm not talking about the initial purchase price. If you plan to carry it in a holster, which I do not recommend, the leather will cost a fortune because it must be the heaviest duty you can buy. The Walker just eats gun leather for lunch. Powder - you'll consume a lot more, both because you'll shoot it every chance you get but because you'll load it heavier every time. And finally, you'll need to invest in some tooth whitener, because you'll spend your range time grinning from ear to ear.

 

[rodwha]

Sounds like another vote for a Walker!

 

[PainlessWolf]

I agree, another vote for the Walker. ;o) Mykeal, I carry the LeMat in a crossdraw belt holster I had made up for it but when I get the Walker, I'm going to be looking for a shoulder rig like the Mike's Ranger series from around 30 years ago. It puts any big revolver at an angle across your chest at a height where you can sit yet still easily draw it.
regards,
Painless

 

[Crawdad1]

My vote is for either the Second or Third Model Dragoon. They handle better and their ramrods are secured better and they both can be loaded extra stout. But the Walker has that history of badassery behind it that's hard to ignore.

 

[bannockburn]

I would go with the Third Model Dragoon, mainly for the rounded trigger guard. Just more aesthetically pleasing to my way of thinking.

 

[45 Dragoon]

My vote is for the Walker for any of the many reasons already mentioned !! As well as the Whitneyville Dragoon (my personal fav. Dragoon), the 1st. Mod., 2nd &3rd Dragoons because of their handsome lines and brute strength!! All of the Large Colts command attention!!!

Sorry I'm not much help!!! Ha!!

What you might consider is "hot roding" a Dragoon in a "period" sort of way (though I don't know if there are any doc'd examples of one) by having a Walker cylinder fitted to a Dragoon so you could have the "best" of both!! If I shot b.p. I would def. have one!! (or a pair!!)

Dang!! Now there's even more to think about !!! I was just tryin to help!!!

Check out Brushhippies video on my website and see what a Dragoon CAN do!

Mike
www.goonsgunworks.com

 

[fineredmist]

I have both and while the 3rd Model Dragoon is a very impressive handgun it's just another large handgun but the WALKER is THE LARGE HANDGUN. The sound and the fury of a WALKER firing can only be compared to 16" Naval guns and that is not an over statement. As big as they both are I have found neither one to be difficult to shoot nor is the recoil any bother. Over the past few years I have tried loads from the max 60 gr to 40 gr in the WALKER with little or no difference in the sound and fury and the light loads reduce the stress in the frame. The WALKER is the way to go.

 

[StrawHat]

I have them all. If you like the Walker and the Dragoon, consider the Whitneyville Dragoon or the Improved Walker. It used the grip frame of the Walker but added the improved loading lever, shorter barrel and shorter cylinder of what came to be known as the Dragoon revolvers.

http://www.cimarron-firearms.com/percussion-revolvers-2/walker-dragoon/dragoons-whitneyville.html

Otherwise, I am firmly of the belief that everyone should have one of the horse pistols to shoot for a while. Then when you come to your senses, get a good copy of the 1860 and really have fun.

Kevin

 

[Panzerschwein]

Get the Walker.

Bigger is better, go all the way, 'MERICA!

Welll that's what I'd do, but the 3rd model dragoon is more refined in many ways, and more portable, but are you really going to be packing it around much?

Oh, and as far as the brass getting effected by sweat/powder residue, keep in mind that hardly nobody back then cared if the brass tarnished. It wasn't really for looks, and dulled brass actually looks much better on the old smoke wagons than skiny brass methinks.

 

[doubleh]

Brass is going to tarnish no matter what. Like the scorpion stinging it's just what it does. Blackpowder just speeds up the process. Keeping a good wax like Johnson't paste wax on it will slow down the process and a coat of lacquer or polyurethane will last for a really long time. Too much trouble? There are several polishes that do a good job of cleaning it up. I use Semi-chrome.

I don't understand the dislike for square backed trigger guards. Round ones beat up my finger, square ones don't.

I have a dragoon and enjoy it. No experience with the Walker.

 

[PainlessWolf]

Good Morning, Gentlemen,
Thank you all for throwing in. It's sounds like I'm going to be extremely pleased with either one ( and out of the Dragoon models, the Third one is favored ) so owning both is the way to go. May as well throw a Whitneyville Walker in there as well to get the steel back strap with the shorter cylinder and barrel. 45Dragoon, your idea of the Walker cylinder on a Dragoon frame reminds me of Tuco putting together a gun from several examples in TGTB&TU. Worth thinking over. ;o)
regards,
Painless

 

[rodwha]

Dragoon: Would you just cut the forcing cone back on a Dragoon barrel or swap out the arbor to make a Walker cylinder work? Or something else?

 

[45 Dragoon]

Rodwha, I think shortening the f.c. would def. be the easiest way to do it. After using the orig cyl. to establish a good barrel/cyl gap ( by correcting the short arbor), then shortening the f.c. to fit the longer Walker cyl. and fine tuning the gap to .002.

Mike
www.goonsgunworks.com

 

[White Walker]

I think that the square backed trigger was developed to assist the shooter in resting the revolver's weight on the back of the middle finger, muzzle up in the vertical while pulling the hammer back again or for just keeping the revolver at the ready.

 

[CraigC]

There's not 'that' much difference between the two. The Walker's cylinder is about a quarter inch longer and the barrel 1.5". All else is dimensionally the same. Handling and using both, you quickly understand why the improvements were made on the Dragoons. They are the more refined of the Colt horse pistols. The redesigned bolt notches and lever latch make them more reliable. For using, the Dragoons are better. Either carries just fine in a belt holster.

 

[PainlessWolf]

Good Afternoon,
As far as the cutting of the FC and swapping cylinders, I'll be following along to see what you two do. ;o) White Walker, I definitely see the slight curve in the back of the trigger guard on the Walker. Perfect to rest against a finger on the hand holding the grips. CraigC, that's a couple of fine looking revolvers there. Horse pistols, both. Thank you all.
regards,
Painless

 

[rodwha]

Were the oval bolt notches a problem?

And the leads added later? I cannot say I've done mush reading specifically about cap and ball pistols but it's obvious today that leads are very beneficial. I'm guessing if it's cocked too quickly it's possible that it may not engage?

 

[PainlessWolf]

Good afternoon,
I've been reading and researching. The anticipation of making a choice and actually ordering is a good feeling. I love the look of the big horse pistols. I don't mind the size and weight either. My LeMat at almost four pounds is very pointable.
regards,
Painless

 

[StrawHat]

The Whitneyville Walker, best of both!

Kevin