New Dragoon

[madcratebuilder]

Did "3rd Dragoons" have more than one Latch type in their day?

Yes. Thumb latch or Navy latch.
I did find a few photos online of originals that had the Navy latch, but most have the thumb latch. As far as replicas most use the thumb latch. Either would be correct because the original 3rd models had both. Here is one description I found that mentions the Navy latch.

There were more variations of this model than earlier types. Features incorporated on some Third Model Dragoons include frame cuts for detachable shoulder stocks, horizontal "Navy-type" loading lever latches (most Dragoons have a vertical latch), and folding leaf sights. The key external identifying feature of the Third Model is the round trigger guard, instead of the square-back trigger guard of earlier types.

Das Jaeger, I have to apologize, your description of "new and improved latch" threw me and I was thinking you were saying something else. Some 3rd model Dragoons have a "new and improved" (Navy) latch, most have the thumb latch.

 

[Das Jaeger]

MCB

I had a Colt Black Powder 3rd Model Civillain about halfway through there production . Previously I had bought another 3rd Model Civillian at the beggining of thier production right when they came out , still have that one , serial number 085 . that's this one :




Odd part about this is the second one I bought I traded to my buddy that just had to have one , after shooting mine , and he sure as heck wasn't getting my 085 seriel number . So I traded him the second one I bought for his Grandads Boxlock shotgun ( kicking myself now , traded that too for other guns :banghead: ) , but the second Colt Black Powder had the Navy lever latch , but really high seriel numbers ? Now I am uncertain , but at some point I think Uberti started selling Colt Black Powder more parts than were on the first productions comming out of New York ? So I know they did make two styles for sure , the early verticle latch and the Navy Horizontle latch on Colt Balck Powder versions . I have also seen Uberti have the Navy latch too at a gun show years ago , but I don't owne one of them , wish I did , then I could have proved my case easier . My 3rd Model Civillian Uberti has the older style second and first model latch , and as admitted now and then by me , early examples of the 3rd model too .
I personally like the Navy style much better , sleaker , stronger design too . Although I will say my Colt Signature Series 3rd Model Civillain Dragoon has never dropped its lever ? And you darn well know the history of this gun MCB and that Pops fed it a steady diet of 60 grains of 2FF for years , and only 60 grains . So I think if some peoples latches are falling down , they may want to hone the slot sharper or latch sharper , should solve the problem . I never had a problem with the Navy style latch though on the second one I bought and neither has my buddy . I really do think it is a better design .
Both work fine though . I sure wish Colt Black Powder was still in bussiness , with different Owners ! ....ME !
Regardless , I am just glad Uberti is makin um now , they do a very nice job on them . But, they are not a good gun for little people with little hands and weak muscles , you got to pretty manly or womanly to handle one Same with the Walker, thier both beasts of a revolver , but what fun !



Das Jaeger

 

[madcratebuilder]

Damn, those look nice, you must buy powder in five pound kegs.

 

[Das Jaeger]

I did the math

50 grains times six , each time you set off a session in each , it eats the stuff by the pound is right at 300 grain increments
Like a Dodge Charger, somethings are more important than gasoline , Black Powder fire and smoke is more important than money too for happiness .

jaeger

 

[arcticap]

My middle 70's vintage ASM 2nd model Dragoon has the horizontal latch.
It's a tight old cannon, with a good trigger too.
But when I touch her off with 'full house' loads, she sometimes unlatches the lever! Maybe it needs a new spring? Where do I get one?

You might try Deer Creek for ASM parts at 865-525-6181.

Here's a thread discussing latch fixes but doesn't reveal whether the stronger humbucker guitar pickup spring fix will work with the horizontal latch or not.

Dragoon Droop fix! Courtesy of AdmiralB

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=440014