Colt Navy London or Third Model Dragoon

[jerlin1996]

Greetings everyone. I am in the market for a black powder revolver and plan to order one from Dixie Gun Works within the next week. The gun will primarily be used for fun, plinking, and maybe even reenactments. If I get good enough, I may try competing with it one day if there are contests out there strictly for black powder revolver shooting. It looks like most of the cowboy action contests involve the use of both pistol AND revolver. Am I correct? Anyway, I doubt I will ever hunt with it as hunting these days has become far too expensive and to be honest, I've never been that interested in hunting. I do have experience with handguns. I grew up shooting them - both black powder and non ”“ black powder, including my dad's 1858 Remington .44 and then another Remington style revolver in .36. just really want a black powder revolver. I am drawn to both the .44 Colt third model Dragoon and the .36 1851 Navy London model. I realize these are two totally different guns in two totally different calibers. I realize there are also great differences in the two sizes. I have made up my mind that I want a Colt replica from Uberti. I'm just a fan of the Colt style guns and for some reason these two styles just really intrigue me. Like I said, I am a newbie to black powder revolver ownership and I am a newbie to the forum. Any suggestions or advice any of you could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much! By the way, I know questions like this have been asked before. :slap: I have done some homework and I do know what to expect as far as loading, cleaning, and general care. I read other similar posts. I guess I am just wanting more advice about choosing between these two styles of revolvers and these two calibers.

 

[Dave Rosenthal]

Welcome to the forum!

I own a 3rd Model Dragoon and am very happy with it. Have taken it hunting several times, and enjoyed both plinking & competitions. No matter which you select, you'll wind-up gettin' both anyway at some point, so go for it & enjoy the hobby!

Dave

 

[TFoley]

Since you are quite equable about which you will end up owning, one point is that the Dragoon uses around twice as much powder per shot by comparison with the teeny .36.

This may or may not colour your decision, but for some people its a clincher. Same for ball - 50% more .36 ball per pound than .44. at a rough estimate.

tac

 

[Snakebite]

I had a Uberti London Navy a long time ago and really liked it. I traded it off and regretted it until I got another Uberti Navy a couple of years ago. Navy's have a special appeal to me. Dragoons (and Walkers) are cool, but the Navy is sweet. Also remember (correct me if I'm wrong) Dragoons were "horse" pistols, carried on the saddle where the Navy was an actual sidearm. I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever you decide and will probably end up getting the other one later down the line.

And, being in Texas, the .51 Navy is almost a must have :thumbsup:

 

[user 922]

I haven't owned a Dragoon but did shoot it's big brother, the Walker. The Dragoon would be slightly less powerful but would still satisfy every male urge to play with something that goes "bang". If you're looking for fun I'd recommend the .44.

 

[ZUG]

Jerlin, I have both the Pietta and the Uberti pistols and they are both very well made. The Uberti's are a bit higher in price and have some nicer wood grips(slightly)but there actions are very similar. Years ago Uberti was the better of the two but now they are about equal (my opinion). I noticed that Cabela's is selling some of their Pietta's for under $200.00 (pistol only) and with the starter kit for around $250.00. Check it out - one more point - some people say that the brass frame guns are just as good but if you are going to shoot it a lot get the STEEL frame model you will not regret it. :thumbsup:

 

[Treestalker]

My brother once owned a London model with a steel backstrap and triggerguard which he had silver plated! :shocked2: Man, talk about a classy rig! I guess he almost wore it out before he died, 'cause it was needing a redo on the plating. I'd go with a Navy, I've had a 3rd Dragoon and they're fine, but heavy. A fighting cavalry gun. The '51 Navy is a beautifully balanced gun, but I prefer the '61 with the round barrel and creeping loading lever. Just looks and feels so good. Choose what feels good to YOU. Cheers, Tree. :hatsoff:

 

[jerlin1996]

I had a Uberti London Navy a long time ago and really liked it. I traded it off and regretted it until I got another Uberti Navy a couple of years ago. Navy's have a special appeal to me. Dragoons (and Walkers) are cool, but the Navy is sweet. Also remember (correct me if I'm wrong) Dragoons were "horse" pistols, carried on the saddle where the Navy was an actual sidearm. I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever you decide and will probably end up getting the other one later down the line.
And, being in Texas, the .51 Navy is almost a must have :thumbsup:

I see you're in Central Texas. I live in Belton, TX. Leaning toward the Navy right now. Thanks for all the info!

 

[F.G. Ford]

I have had both, still have the 3rd model dragoon.
I much prefer the Navy over the Dragoon.
The Dragoon is heavy in the holster, heavy to shoot, probably ok for shootin' horses.
The 51 Navy has the Dragoon beat hands down as far as balance, appeal, and general overall nice handling.
That is my opinion, and I'm sticking to it!
Fred

 

[MacRob46]

If you take the time to compare the two, based on what you said you wanted the gun to do for you, I believe you will go with the Navy model. Lighter, cheaper to shoot, less recoil so perhaps more accuracy and more fun to shoot.

 

[jerlin1996]

Do you all know of any clubs, competitions, etc. strictly for cap and ball revolver? I'm located in central Texas.

 

[crockett]

If you owned both, what about the point of aim, is the Dragoon the same as the Navy?

 

[cynthialee]

What is bound to happen:
You will eventually own both. You are comparing and weighing the benefits against each other. Obviously you want them both.

So....
Buy the cheaper of the two and see if you even enjoy the sport.
If you do, you will end up with a safe full of smoke poles and pistols.

 

[Snakebite]

Just down the road. I'll IM you

 

[dcriner]

The .36 cal Navy will have less recoil - which is particularly nice if you want to introduce women or kids to B.P. (no offense, Cynthialee).

I can shoot the Navy all day, but a few cylinders of .44 is about all I need.

 

[Treestalker]

Well said. Words of wisdom. :bow: Tree.

 

[Dave Rosenthal]

:thumbsup: Just as I said (almost), lol!

Once he's hooked, he'll have several (like we all do)!

 

[cynthialee]

:thumbsup: Just as I said (almost), lol!

Once he's hooked, he'll have several (like we all do)!

Yeah, I bet ya most of us who are long time BP enthusiasts could outfit a squad with firearms. Some of us I know for a fact could outfit an entire platoon.

 

[necchi]

Yup! :haha:

 

[Heelerau]

Mate, I currently have both and use them for cowboy action and other things.
The London Navy is the better pistol to use, the economics are really good. I see why Hickock carried a brace of them into the cartridge era. The pointability of the London Colt is amazing, often taking virtually unaimed shots at the steel target with consistent hits, the Dragoon 3rd model just takes a bit longer and has to be sighted a little more careful. I am happy with both pistols for different reasons.

cheers

heelerau