Walker vs. Dragoon

[Panzerschwein]

Hello all!

I have been thinking about which gun I would want to purchase and fire more. Not originals, I don't have that kind of cash, but replicas from Uberti:

3rd Model Dragoon:



Walker:



I like the Walker because of it's just over the top proportions, it's power, is almost crudeness. It's a brute of a gun. It's history is unique and almost legendary.

I like the Dragoon as well, the 3rd model would be my pick. The Dragoon has a rich history as well, and were used much more heavily in the U.S. Civil War of which I am very interested in. It seems like a bit more practical of a gun, but is still impressive.

If you had to pick one of these new replicas, which would it be and why?

 

[grter]

Walker and loaded with full 50 to 60 grain powder charges depending on whether I use roundball (60 grains) or connicals (50 grains.)

Why would I ever buy a huge 5 pound cap and ball saddle revolver and load it with light powder puff loads.

If you don't like the floppy loading lever tie it down with raw hide.

I would think the most practicle was the regular colt 1860 army and 1858 remington.

 

[Curator]

Since I have both, my answer is somewhat prejudiced. The 3rd Model Dragoon is the Walker with most of the bugs worked out. It is a better pistol all around. You don't give up much power with the slightly shorter cylinder. The 3rd Dragoon rarely jams on fired cap fragments unlike the Walker.

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

I own a Walker and, for just the massive "cool" factor and history, it would get my vote. But, as said above, the 3rd Model Dragoon is an improvement in design so it got my vote.
Don't own one (yet) but I'd like to...

 

[rodwha]

I need a Walker myself, mostly because of the history. Were it not for that pistol there likely never would have been any more.

My ROA almost always draws questions and looks. I can only imagine the crowd with a Walker.

 

[bannockburn]

Always liked the Dragoon models as they benefited from all the later developments and improvements after the Walker was introduced.

 

[Hellgate]

The Walker is more impressive. The Dragoons were more used in the gold rush days in Montana where I am from. The Road agents often had them while robbing gold shipments or murdering returning wealthy miners. I shot my Walkers about 2X/year in matches where there was no Frontiersman category so I used them in "Frontier cartridge" 'cause I could use two hands. The Walkers shot like rifles. Even if you jerked the trigger the guns were so heavy that I rarely missed. They were fun, I had my fun with them (Ubertis) but I sold them a couple years age since I just didn't shoot them enough.

 

[dickydalton]

I have a little of both. A Whitneyville Dragoon and being as I had The Goon work on it it has no flaws, like Curator mentioned. In fact, it is a precision shooting machine extraordinaire!

 

[Eric N.]

Whitneyville/Hartford. Best of both worlds.

 

[45 Dragoon]

Thanks Dicky!!!
The Walker is an "event" when you shoot it, the Dragoon is easier handling but still makes quite the statement!! Since it's a "poll", I'll have to go with the Dragoon (course I'm just a wee bit partial!!). Can't really go wrong with either though!! (Whitney is my favorite too BTW!!)
And when when you convert it to cartridge, the cool factor NEVER gets boring!!!!!





Mike
www.goonsgunworks.com
Follow me on Instagram @ goonsgunworks

 

[PainlessWolf]

Good morning,
I have a Goonerized Walker and a Colt Whitneyville Dragoon. I have to go with Mike's words about shooting the Walker being an "event". ( A flawless event since he has worked his magic on it ) If I had to carry either gun all day, something serious would have happened so I figure it would still be the Walker. The Colt is beautiful and jewel-like ( as much as a horse pistol can be ;o) but for sheer reach out and touch, it would be the Walker.
regards all!

 

[72coupe]

Looks like the poll is about a wash. 14/11

 

[perldog007]

The Super Walker or you don't love puppies and Apple Pie!

While I can see many advantages to the updated design of the Dragoon, assuming I could have Mike work on it or at least install slix shots and a small rare earth magnet for the loading lever I'd have to acquire the Walker first. From that day forward it would be my mission in life to convince Compound management that our shack will never be in 'best squats we never bailed and gardens' unless I round out my Colt replica collection with a Dragoon. I only have two, an 1860 Army and an 1851 Navy Pietta replica of each. So I'd like to acquire more replica Colts. Right now I'm torn between getting a .31 pocket model and a Walker next. The Walker will likely be next, as bad as I am yearning for a BP kit gun.

Yonder Super Walker of Mr. Smith's

 

[CraigC]

The 3rd Model Dragoon is the Walker with most of the bugs worked out. It is a better pistol all around.

Bingo! With the additional comment that the Dragoon retains 95% of the Walker's size and coolness. I have both and for actually shooting and using, the 3rd model Dragoon wins hands down. As noted, the Dragoon is a Walker with all the kinks worked out.

 

[Noz]

Get them both. One of our shooters carries a Walker on one side and a Dragoon on the other. His rifle is a Henry and his shotgun is an antique hammered 10 ga. There is no Question when Chaos Jumbles comes to the line.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Get them both. One of our shooters carries a Walker on one side and a Dragoon on the other. His rifle is a Henry and his shotgun is an antique hammered 10 ga. There is no Question when Chaos Jumbles comes to the line.

I can't afford both.

 

[expat_alaska]

I voted for the 3rd Model Dragoon even though I would preferably have 2nd Model (I am a sucker for squareback TG's). I know the Walker has one but I don't want the extra weight nor the load lever drop of the Walker.

Having said that, unless a rich relative dies, I'll never own either one. I am fixated upon 1851 Navies and the various Confederate renditions (G&G, L&R, S&G, et al).

I hope the rest of you don't stop posting pictures of your pistols. I enjoy the drool factor.

Jim

 

[45 Dragoon]

Thank you Painless Wolf! !!! Perldog007, you are a smart feller!! ( even if I do say so myself! !) Thank you for the nod! Thanks also for posting the pic of the Super Walker! I did in fact fix that very gun for Mr. Hovey Smith. It is definitely a hunting machine! (Don't think he'll fan it though!! (Unless a herd shows up!!))

Mike
www.goonsgunworks.com
Follow me on Instagram @ goonsgunworks

 

[alexander45]

I had a similar dilemma and ended up with the walker it's such a hilariously massive bit of iron with giggles apon giggles to be had at the range as you try your best to light said range on fire and every one stares trying to figure out why your gun keeps exploding.

 

[72coupe]

 

[Panzerschwein]

Thanks gang, very informative.

I'll have to admit, I thought the Walker would be the clear winner. It's almost put up on a pedestal, and has a near God-like status, or so I thought. It appears the improved Dragoon models have the majority of the votes so far...

 

[Noz]

I can't afford both.

Oh, child. If you buy one the other will cry until you buy it also!

Then will come the 60s then 61s then 51s...................


It's a disease, you know.

 

[midland man]

just like the naa cap and ball revolvers I bought the super companion and now want the companion and the 1860 earl! it never stops...

 

[Texas Moon]

Walker

 

[perldog007]

Go fund me?

CoolDill - forget about a replica, you need this one! You're also going to need a go fund me page unless you know where to find the last remaining deposits of gold in the Black Hills...



Only 175,000 USD last time it changed hands and I'm thinking they might even pop for shipping if you can get the current owner to sell http://archives.collectorsfirearms.com/?category=911&subcategory=1039&category=&product=C8736..


I just know that the fact I didn't end up with it is a sign that God loves old guns. I would have to take it hunting a few times... Good thing I'm not wealthy huh?