O.K. Here is what little I know about the Virginian Dragoon: These were large framed Single Action revolvers, made in Alexandria, Virginia, in the early 'Seventies. They were very robust, well made revolvers, rivaling the Ruger Super Blackhawk. So far as I know, they were made in .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, and .45 Colt, with the .357 Magnum being the rarest. There are possibly some in .41 Magnum, though I'm not sure about that.
They were made in case hardened/blue and in stainless steel. The 7 1/2" barrel is the most common length, though some 5 1/2" and 10" were made as well. They all incorporated the "Swiss Safe" safety introduced on the Hammerli made Virginian. This consists of a longer base pin with two stops: One stop holds the base pin in the normal firing position, as on all other Single Action revolvers. Placing the hammer at half cock allows the base pin to be pushed back further and prevents forward movement of the hammer. It works as a safety, but is most impractical. For safety, the gun should be loaded with only five cartridges, leaving the empty chamber under the hammer. There are two punch marks on the perimeter of the cylinder, straddling one chamber. If this chamber is left empty, index the cylinder so the top strap straddles these punch marks, and this indicates the empty chamber is indeed in line with the hammer.
Grips were two-piece walnut as supplied from the factory.
The gun you show looks to be all blue, though not too sure from the photo. If it is not case colored, it has been re-blued. Also the grips are after market.
I do believe a few guns were made having fixed sights also, though these seem to be rare.
Parts, if needed, probably can be had from GunParts, Inc. (formerly Numrich Arms). Maybe a few other sources also.
These guns are rugged, and, like Rugers, feature coil springs. The frames are investment cast, as are the Rugers.
My little experience with these had a rather "mushy" trigger pull to me, compared to Colts and Rugers. From reports I've seen from other owners, they are accurate and pleasant shooting. Their weight tends to dampen the recoil of the magnum cartridges.
This is about the sum total of my knowledge the Virginian Dragoon.
Bob Wright
P.S. In good working order, $500 is a very fair price for one.
