All the single action wheel gunners out there help me out. I have two Virginian Dragoons. One is a 44 Mag with a 6in tube blued. The othe is a fixed site 357 Mag deputy in SS 5 1/2 in tube. Both are as new as can be. I have shot them, like them and think they are super reliable and tuff. Pretty darn accurate also. What are your thoughts on these weapons?
Virginian Dragoon 44/357
- Thread starter azgunner
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I have a 7.5" SS .44 Mag. It's not going anywhere. They still seem to be pulling decent prices on the auction sites.
Interarms entered the market of SAA types for a time and left it (later faded awway). I assume due to market forces. BTW the early guns were made by Hammerelli!
A great number of companies have gotten in and out of SAA's, 1911's etc. during my years of handgunning many had excellent products. Also notice how many of the majors have bankrupted, sold, re-sold, been broken-up etc., etc.
One day we may be scrounging for a part and crying, but I like the gun.
Interarms entered the market of SAA types for a time and left it (later faded awway). I assume due to market forces. BTW the early guns were made by Hammerelli!
A great number of companies have gotten in and out of SAA's, 1911's etc. during my years of handgunning many had excellent products. Also notice how many of the majors have bankrupted, sold, re-sold, been broken-up etc., etc.
One day we may be scrounging for a part and crying, but I like the gun.
bannockburn
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As waidman posted, the original Virginian was made by Hammerli of Switzerland and imported by Interarms back around 1976. These models were fixed sighted and were designed after the Colt SAA; available in barrel lengths of 4 5/8", 5 1/2 ", and 7 1/2" and in .357 Mag. and .45LC. They were blued with a color case hardened frame and a nickel plated trigger guard and backstrap.
A short time later, Interarms opened a factory in Virginia to begin production of a new larger scale single action revolver, the Virginian Dragoon. It was available in a blued finish or stainless steel, with 6", 7 1/2", 8 3/8", and 12" barrel lengths and in .357 Mag., .41 Mag., .44 Mag., and .45LC. There were also models designed specifically for silouette shooting as well as the 5" barrel fixed sighted Deputy model. Production for all models ended around 1984.
A short time later, Interarms opened a factory in Virginia to begin production of a new larger scale single action revolver, the Virginian Dragoon. It was available in a blued finish or stainless steel, with 6", 7 1/2", 8 3/8", and 12" barrel lengths and in .357 Mag., .41 Mag., .44 Mag., and .45LC. There were also models designed specifically for silouette shooting as well as the 5" barrel fixed sighted Deputy model. Production for all models ended around 1984.
BCCL
Member
I had one of the Hammerli made .357's in 4 5/8th" barrel, and it's high on my wish I hadn't sold list!
Great guns, hang on to them and enjoy them!!
Great guns, hang on to them and enjoy them!!
BCCL
Member
If I hadn't been in a real financial bind at the time, I'd have never parted with mine.
20 years ago, and I still browse gun shows hoping to find it laying on a table someday.
20 years ago, and I still browse gun shows hoping to find it laying on a table someday.
I had a new .44.
I could not get enough windage adjustment out of the sights to shoot straight, and the grip panels would not stay put under heavy recoil. One rotated on one shot & the forward edge cut my finger.
Sold it.
Looked very nice, just didn't measure up.
Denis
I could not get enough windage adjustment out of the sights to shoot straight, and the grip panels would not stay put under heavy recoil. One rotated on one shot & the forward edge cut my finger.
Sold it.
Looked very nice, just didn't measure up.
Denis
I bought one earlier this year from a local feller. I've ran some handloads through it that I made for my .44mag rifle, and they're a little too hot for a handgun, rather unpleasant. But didn't faze the pistol any. I need to make up some lighter target loads, just haven't got around to it. Seems to be a very beefy and well-made handgun, I like it.
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