1st,2nd.3rd Model Dragoons

[bpjim]

What is the difference between the 1st,2nd and 3rd model Dragoons?

 

[mykeal]

The differences are actually pretty minor.

I don't have a picture of one, but the First Model Dragoon retains the Walker double leaf ('V' shaped) mainspring, has square cylinder stop notches and a squareback trigger guard.

The Second Model Dragoon went to the single leaf mainspring and changed the cylinder stop notches to an oval shape. The trigger guard is the same as the First Model.

The Third Model Dragoon changed the trigger guard to the rounded, or oval, shape.

Here's a side by side photo of the Second and Third Dragoons.

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

Ah, but now for a tough question! Do you have a favorite among the three? 1st, 2nd or 3rd model? :grin:

 

[mykeal]

Who, me? Favorite?

Yeah, the Walker.

No, the 2nd Model because I've had it for so much longer, and it doesn't have that #%&+## mainspring.

No, the 3rd Model because the trigger guard feels a little more comfortable.

No, the Walker.

No, ... ah, never mind.

 

[Zonie]

mykeal forgot to mention the GREATEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD!

All of the Dragoons had improved the latch on the loading lever.
Between the three Dragoons slight changes were made to the latch, but all of them use some form of forward catch instead of that damn spring that hangs down under the Walker's barrel that is supposed to (but never does) keep the loading lever from falling.

Also, all of the Dragoons used a shorter cylinder which reduced the powder capacity of each chamber but got about 4+ ounces of weight out of the guns.

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

I understand--and I'm in complete agreement with you!!! I think.... :hmm:

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

Zonie--have you ever thought about how pretty one of these guns would look with one piece ivory grips? Maybe a Second Model with a Texas star or a Walker with those little shell things at the top of the grip and at the heel and toe--like some Patersons had. Just the thing for the next barbecue...

 

[mykeal]

mykeal forgot to mention the GREATEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD!

All of the Dragoons had improved the latch on the loading lever.
Between the three Dragoons slight changes were made to the latch, but all of them use some form of forward catch instead of that damn spring that hangs down under the Walker's barrel that is supposed to (but never does) keep the loading lever from falling.

Also, all of the Dragoons used a shorter cylinder which reduced the powder capacity of each chamber but got about 4+ ounces of weight out of the guns.

I understood him to be asking for the differences between the three Dragoon models, not between the Dragoons and the Walker, so I intentionally left that out.

 

[Rollover Jack]

Personally, I very much like the trigger guard of the 2nd, and don't like the rounded one of the third. I don't know why, don't ask me. But this is only my opinion, everyone has their own.

"When you see the smoke on the wind, look for me."