Shooting the big iron - Colt's 3rd Model Dragoon

[duelist1954]

The Third Model Dragoon is said to have been Samuel Colt's favorite sixgun. There is a lot to like about this big horse pistol. In this video we'll show you how to load and fire the Dragoon with both round balls and conical bullets. Uberti in Italy manufactures this replica and Taylor's & Co. in Winchester, Virginia imports it into the United States. It is a big piece of iron, but fun to shoot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBXIV-MSqws

 

[BigG]

I love the Colt black powder revolvers. Thanks for putting up such informative videos!

 

[72coupe]

Thanks Mike.

 

[the Black Spot]

I have a 2nd model. Recoil is hardly noticeable with a 50 gr of 3f and a RB. havent tried coni ale yet. Love this revolver!
My daughter is almost a dead ringer for "Maddie Ross" in the new "true grit". At a get together she dressed as Maddie and pulled this from a sack and commenced to throw down on the steel. And the crowd roared! Lol

 

[CraigC]

Recoil is hardly noticeable but it sounds like a friggin' cannon going off! Very cool, I love mine!

 

[72coupe]

Cool story Black Spot. Post the video.

Edit: I watched the new version of True Grit twice this weekend.

 

[CraigC]

I also think Mike makes a good point about the loading procedure. Unless you shoot nothing but Ruger New Models, I think it's a really good idea to ALWAYS be in the habit of loading them with five rounds instead of six. I have a healthy mix and always load all my single actions with five rounds and it's become second nature.

 

[1KPerDay]

IF the safety pins/notches and hammer slot are intact and functional I see no reason not to load 6 in percussion revolvers unless you're shooting a competition that forbids it. IF the hammer has been filled to improve reliability/cap-sucking issues, and/or the safety pins/notches don't fit or function properly, then definitely leave one chamber empty.

IMO.

 

[BigG]

I load six when I shoot because I don't carry it. I go to the firing point and load and shoot. Maybe someday I'll take up cowboy shooting but probably not. I just like burning powder and BP is a hoot to shoot.

 

[Pancho]

Mike, in your video you were getting all head shots, where on Evil Roy were you holding and at what distance?

 

[Crawdad1]

As always, a great video and excellent information. Thanks D1954!!!

 

[72coupe]

Panco with mine I aim at the bottom edge of the standard 25 yard pistol target at 25 yards. This would be 12 inches at 25 yards. That would be equal to 48 minutes of angle.

 

[duelist1954]

I was at 15 yards. I was aiming at center mass

 

[72coupe]

To put 48 minutes angle into perspective, My 40X Remingto with a 27 1/4 inch barrel takes 42 minutes of elevation to shoot 1000 yards.

 

[JB357MAG]

That's very cool thanks for the vid.

I love the heritage that these old Colts represent.

Jimmy

 

[Moptop]

Soon to be new owner!

I just won the bidding war on GB for a New/Old stock 3rd model Dragoon. I'm hoping it will be here by the end of next week. Can't wait to try the big hog out.

Thanks for the video.

 

[Crunchy Frog]

Another great video, Mike. I always learn something about the history of the guns when I watch them.

Good shooting, too.

 

[45 Dragoon]

Thanks for the video Mike. Always fun. Needless to say, I am a little partial to the Dragoons myself !!! My Whitney 1st is my fav. but my reg. first mod. is right there with her!!! Both are converted to 45 Colt and shoot rather well. In the near future, hope to add a 2nd and 3rd. As I get older, I find the bigger scale parts are easier to tinker with than the smaller 1860 and the like (normal size !!?) s.a. parts!! These guns are big but handle well with a little practice.

Thanks again,
45 Dragoon

 

[1KPerDay]

45 Dragoon, post some pics of your converted hoglegs. I'd like to see them.

 

[45 Dragoon]

Here's a pic of both firsts and a close up of the port/gate of Whitney.

You may notice that the wedge spring is mounted on the opp. end of where it norm. is. This is my "captured wedge" system and it works very well. The wedges CAN"T come out or work loose (unless you WANT to remove it for cleaning or adjustment). This also allows you to maintain a constant bbl/cyl. gap. In conjunction with a set screw in the end of the arbor, your wedge stays in the same position from now on.


45 Dragoon

 

[1KPerDay]

Very slick!

 

[45 Dragoon]

Mike, will you make (or have I missed it ?) a .45 Colt converted Dragoon / Walker video ?

45 Dragoon

 

[CraigC]

Here's a pic of both firsts and a close up of the port/gate of Whitney.

You ever get those ejectors done?

 

[45 Dragoon]

Dang it !!!!!!! I'm sorry Craig C, I will send you a measurement and you can go with that. I just got busy and haven't had time to do it. I'll pm you.


45 Dragoon