Virginian Dragoon

[BlackJackID]

Just picked up a Virginian Dragoon .44 with about a 9" barrel. It has adjustable rear sights and a case hardened frame with "we the people 1776-1976" stamped on the butt.

I can find generic information on this, but nothing practical, such as; Is this a good quality revolver? It seems like it...But I know next to nothing about revolvers. Is it safe to shoot full power loads?

Aprox how much is it worth? I paid $200..Its in very good condition..

 

[silicosys4]

I have one myself, a stainless steel model with an 8" barrel
Its a well made gun, Its not "ruger super redhawk" strong but full house loads aren't an issue...once you loctite all the screws down, lol...that has been my only issue so far. About a cylinder full and the screws loosen up if they aren't.

Unfortunately they haven't appreciated significantly in price. I paid $300 for mine in excellent condition in the factory box a few years ago. I see them online and in the store now for about $400-$450 so maybe they are picking up in value. It sounds like you got a very good deal though, they are an American made gun and IMO better than the italian SAA clones.
I can't say I''m a big fan of the swiss safety, but oh well, its nice to have it if I need it. If your gun ever "locks up" and you don't know where to start, the swiss safety is a good place.

Here is a pretty good article on the Virginia Dragoon.

http://www.singleactions.com/VADragoons.pdf

 

[rondog]

You got a great deal! I have one of those, and it's a damn fine pistol. Very stout and robust, I've fired .44 mag. rifle rounds in it that would rattle your cage, and the gun just kept on truckin'. Mine has a shorter barrel, 6" I think, but otherwise the same thing. Paid $400 for mine, I can remember them being under $200 new back in 1980.

$200 for a long barreled one was a steal!

 

[FERLACH]

I have one New in the box (unfired) and kind of hate to fire that 1st cyl full. That 1st shot will depreciate the value about 20%. Bought 6 months ago for $400.00.

 

[S.B.]

FERLACH, I don't know if I could spend $400 today, and not know if a gun would shoot? The whole purpose of a gun isn't it?
Steve

 

[S.B.]

Sorry, I just questioned why the poster wouldn't shoot this gun? My opinion is, Guns are made to shoot.
Steve

 

[PRM]

I have one New in the box (unfired) and kind of hate to fire that 1st cyl full. That 1st shot will depreciate the value about 20%

Gotta disagree with that one...Shooting a gun does not necessarily depreciate it. They are a little different from cars. Most quality guns appreciate over time fired or not. Condition is more of a factor on resale, unless you are trying to trade at a LGS or similar. They have to make a profit and are only going to give you wholesale regardless of condition.

I've got several Colt revolvers that were bought in the three hundred dollar range. All have been shot and well maintained. All would bring at least double what I have invested in them.

 

[diyj98]

I've got several Colt revolvers that were bought in the three hundred dollar range. All have been shot and well maintained. All would bring at least double what I have invested in them.

I like to shoot them too, but if they were NIB, they'd certainly be worth more to a collector.

 

[PRM]

Most modern guns are not going to rise to high dollar collector status in our life time. Guess if your happy with one sitting on a shelf so your great grand kids might make a dollar, go for it.

The Virginian Dragoon was an Interarms Single Action offering. Interarms is no longer in business and there are tons of single actions offered by multiple companies for the present SASS market and other shooters. Was it a well built quality arm - you bet ya. Could you find an individual who just has to own that particular gun NIB - most likely.

It will probably never bring what a mint Colt will.

I'd enjoy it.

 

[diyj98]

I agree about the Virginia Dragoon not being a big collectible. NIB Colts are a totally different story. If the Colts you bought new and now they're worth at least double that price used, they'd be worth three times or more NIB. Compare a NIB Python or any older Colt with a used one in excellent condition and you'll see the difference in prices. I buy lots of guns to shoot, but I'm fortunate that I can buy collectible NIB guns just to collect as well. I recently sold a small collection that had some nice Colts, older S&W 41's etc. The NIB guns brought large premiums over the used but in excellent condition ones.

 

[BlackJackID]

Well this one wasn't NIB when I bought it...Personally I don't, and probably won't ever have a firearm that I wouldnt shoot.

I have already taken this one out and shot a couple cylinders out of it...Once I got the general consensus that it was a good quality gun from all of you. I am not familiar with revolvers for the most part, and just wanted to make sure my first impression was right before I went spoutin lead.

Thanks all!!