Walker vs. Dragoon decided

[Hezekiah]

Guys, I am pretty pumped. I just ordered a 2nd Model Dragoon from the Possible shop! I will soon join the ranks of the big boys. Can anyone recommend a decent holster to fit this beast? My thanks to all for input on this choice. I considered every comment. I had to have the square trigger guard and like a lever latch. Walker will be next (someday).
Regards, Hez

 

[TheWall]

Congrats...

Enjoy! In a very short time you will be hankering for the Walker...

But the Dragoon is a very sweet gun -- my cousin has an Uberti Dragoon and he was down last weekend. First time I fired it I hit dead center at 25 yards.

Have fun and please post pictures when she arrives...

 

[Jaymo]

I also have trouble deciding between the Walker and the Dragoons.
Just how common of a problem is it for the loading lever to fall down on it's own?

What are the differences between the second and third Dragoons?
What are the pros and cons of the second and third Dragoons?

How much powder can you load in the Dragoons? I like the ability of the Walker to handle fifty to sixty grain loads.

 

[Oyeboten]

Ony difference I recall between the 2nd and 3rd Dragoon Models, is the shape of the Trigger Guard.

The 1st Dragoon Model had Cylinder Indexing/Bolt locking aperatures like the WALKER did, sort of oval in shape, rather than rectangular...and had the 'square' Trigger Guard.


Loading Lever should never be an issue on any of the Drgoons, unless the latch is damaged or loose.

On the WALKERS, if need be, one ties a thin strip of Cloth around it and the Barrel, to keep it from falling.

 

[rwiliff]

Dixie Gun Works has a nice flap holster pretty cheap that works well with my dragoon.

Robert

 

[SC_Slowhand]

Walker Versus Dragoon? Not a problem.

Congratulations of the purchase of the Dragoon.



I wanted to get a Walker just to have one in my collection, plus shooting it would be a hoot. I got one. I then ran into a good deal on a 1848 Colt Dragoon, 3rd Model. So I got have both. They were used but well cared for by their previous owners.

 

[ironhead7544]

I always thought the Dragoon was about the best of the C&B revolvers. The grip is perfect for me. Its powerful enough for most uses. Im thinking of getting one and putting a decent set of sights on the barrel for hunting. I hope you are going to put up pics of the gun and your targets.

 

[Foto Joe]

I also have trouble deciding between the Walker and the Dragoons.
Just how common of a problem is it for the loading lever to fall down on it's own?

The Loading Lever drop is dependent upon the gun. Some will drop the lever with light loads others take a pretty good "Whump" to get the lever to drop. In reality, the lever dropping isn't that big of a deal, that is unless you happen to be in a "Gunfight".

What are the pros and cons of the second and third Dragoons?

It's personal preference. The Colt's 1st Dragoons were an adaptation of the Walker with improvements like the locking loading lever.

How much powder can you load in the Dragoons? I like the ability of the Walker to handle fifty to sixty grain loads.

Ahhh....The $64.00 question!!! The quick and simple answer is: Not so much that you can't get the ball rammed down far enough to turn the cylinder!!!

Personally I use 45gr 3f or 30gr 3f Goex simply because I have those two size flask spouts. If I had a 40gr spout I'd probably use that. I don't really know how much you could stuff into the cylinder but I'm guessing 55gr would about do it.

The 30gr charge works great for the Dragoon but in reality just sounds a little whimpy for a gun that should come with a gift certificate to the Chiropracters office. When in public and not wanting to be made fun of I do load the 45gr, that's a conversation stopper when it goes off.

The bottom line is: Get what appeals both to you and your wallet.

 

[Hezekiah]

Roger on the holster at Dixie. From what I have read, 50 is a max load in the Dragoon. I am planning on 40, with a 454 ball. Standby for pics, and some range results.