Colt’s Dragoons!?

[Smokey Plainsman]

Thinking about picking up one of these big fellers:

A Colt’s Dragoon! Uberti makes a copy of it. Have been going back and forth with different models for my new cap n’ ball, and for years the big horseman’s pistol has been calling to me. I like it better than the Walker. It’s a more refined gun mechanically, isn’t obtusely huge, but is still mighty impressive. So what do y’all think? I figure I ain’t gettin’ no younger and why not! Should I get ‘eem??

-Smokey

 

[shortstart]

Thinking about picking up one of these big fellers:

A Colt’s Dragoon! Uberti makes a copy of it. Have been going back and forth with different models for my new cap n’ ball, and for years the big horseman’s pistol has been calling to me. I like it better than the Walker. It’s a more refined gun mechanically, isn’t obtusely huge, but is still mighty impressive. So what do y’all think? I figure I ain’t gettin’ no younger and why not! Should I get ‘eem??

-Smokey

Oh yeah! Big noisy but a hoot to shoot.

 

[Phil Coffins]

Get it! I like the 3rd model with folding rear leaf sight. But don’t get the shoulder stock because you’ll want to shoot with it once. After that if you're like me it will never be of value as a shooting accessory. Cap fragments in your forehead and ringing ears.

 

[Stophel]

I have a "Whitneyville transitional Dragoon". It had the oval cylinder stop cuts...which were nothing but trouble. I bought a later style cylinder and cylinder stop and fitted them to the gun and now it cycles and locks up just right... and I still haven't fired the dang thing!

The dragoon isn't really much different than the Walker. Just the cylinder stops, the loading rod, the different grip frame, the reduced cylinder charge capacity, and the mainspring. ... and it's still over four pounds! Pretty much, just as huge as a Walker. I think until people actually get one in their hands, they don't appreciate the gravity of the situation!

 

[TBone]

Excellent pistol. Used to be able to hit clay pigeons on a bank at 20 years with my 3rd model.

 

[Grumpa]

As an old friend of mine used to say: "I don't have one of those...I must need it."
It has obviously caught your fancy, so buy it. If you own a horse, buy two Dragoons, and sling them in pommel holsters. I fancied one, too, but I don't own a horse.

Like most of Colt's revolvers, they are objects of beauty in their own right, and need no further justification.

Richard/Grumpa

 

[Treestalker]

I packed one of these several years in my misspent youth traipsing in the swamps and baygalls of SE Texas. It was a comfort to have at hand, powerful and accurate. It made a great bedside companion in camp, when the howling horrors drew near in the depths of darkness.

 

[Marc Adamchek]

I've got one of Colt's second generation (black box) re-issues of the 2nd model dragoon. It's just great, plain and simple. All my other cap 'n balls are Ubertis and I love them all, so I can't imagine you wouldn't be happy with one made by them.

 

[bang]

If the price is right go fer it.

 

[Columbus]

I like the square back trigger guard of the first model and the oval stops on my Uberti are no issue; timing is right on the money. These are my "horse" pistols.

 

[Gun Tramp]

Smokey, I found the weight impractical; these were originally horse pistols. Thought I couldn't live without the third model but my '51 is the one that gets shot.

 

[Tom A Hawk]

I have a Uberti 2nd Model Dragoon. It shoots great with 200 grain Lee conicals and I once killed a buck with it. Front sight replacement should be considered. As previously mentioned, it is a hefty piece and one is advised to invest in a stout pair of suspenders if belt carry is anticipated as it will drag your britches down. There is a good reason why they were called "Horse Pistols". They were intended to be housed in pommel holsters.

 

[nkbj]

Mine loved the Ideal #45266.
The bevel base fit the chambers and the nose fit the loading ram.

 

[Smokey Plainsman]

Smokey, I found the weight impractical; these were originally horse pistols. Thought I couldn't live without the third model but my '51 is the one that gets shot.

Smokey, I found the weight impractical; these were originally horse pistols. Thought I couldn't live without the third model but my '51 is the one that gets shot.

I see. I have also been considered a Pietta steel frame Navy London model in .36 caliber. A part of me understands the Navy would make a much more practical field revolver and I really enjoy shooting the .36. The other part of me says “get that big Colt’s dragoon horse pistol!!” !

 

[Gun Tramp]

Smokey, sorry I didn't notice it was your post on the Aston. You certainly don't need me to describe a horse pistol! Your Aston is superb, thanks for the great photos. For those interested, page 58 of Rosa's "Age of the Gunfighter" shows a U. S. military issue pommel holster for a 1855 pistol carbine on one side and a Walker on the other.

 

[Smokey Plainsman]

Smokey, sorry I didn't notice it was your post on the Aston. You certainly don't need me to describe a horse pistol! Your Aston is superb, thanks for the great photos. For those interested, page 58 of Rosa's "Age of the Gunfighter" shows a U. S. military issue pommel holster for a 1855 pistol carbine on one side and a Walker on the other.

Thank you! It’s a great pistol, I sure enjoy it!

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

Smokey, I found the weight impractical; these were originally horse pistols. Thought I couldn't live without the third model but my '51 is the one that gets shot.

I carry my 2nd gen Colt 2nd model in a military holster and belt, but I add a wide over the shoulder strap from the belt that spreads the weight more evenly. Think Sam Browne rig. Very comfortable for all day carry.
Russ

 

[Stophel]

Texas Ranger "Rip" Ford with a pair of Walkers on his belt.

That's like 9 pounds of iron hangin on that narrow little belt!

 

[Treestalker]

Texas Ranger "Rip" Ford with a pair of Walkers on his belt.

That's like 9 pounds of iron hangin on that narrow little belt!

---Mr. Ford didn't want to get killed for lack of shooting back!

 

[Golfswithwolves]

Gus McCrae carried one.