Have this pistol

[kary krahel]

Hello,
I have read this forum before but this is my first post. I enjoy shooting and hunting with
traditional weapons here in the great Pacific Northwest. I have an old revolver that I received as a gift about 20 years ago. I don't use it and I am considering trading it off for a rifle or smoothbore that I would use. I do not have an idea what it might be worth or if it is a desireable gun to keep. I was told that it was made in the late 1960's. It is new, has never been fired and is in the original box. here are the specs..
Colt Dragoon Model .44 Cal. 7 1/2 in. barrel
I would be glad to here from any body with an opinion on this subject. Thank You, Clarence.

 

[Wes/Tex]

The value of percussion revolvers depends on the maker. Are there maker's name, importers name, etc? Colt's Dragoonn revolvers have been around since the 60's when the old Replica Arms Co. & Navy Arms first started importing them. Since then, most guns are from Uberti or Pietta. More info or especially photos would help giving you more precise info.

 

[kary krahel]

Thanks for the quick reply West-Tex. This gun is manufactured by Samual Colt, New York. Thanks.

 

[Wes/Tex]

This sounds like one of the "Second Generation" Dragoons Colt brought out about 1974. If so, it's probably worth something in the $750 to $1,000 range now. They've shot up in value since Colt had later "Second Generation" and a "Third Generation", now called a "Signature Series" that has Colt's supposed signature along the backstrap.

 

[mykeal]

Ah, maybe and maybe not.

Depends on where the Colt name appears.

The Uberti-made Dragoons carry period markings on the barrel; my Uberti 2nd Gen Dragoon says "Allen FA Mfg Co Santa Fe NM" on the top of the barrel. It also has A. Uberti Italy stamped on the left side of the frame above the trigger and the Italian proof and date stamps on the right side of the frame. If one simply used the barrel stamp without knowing what the A. Uberti and proof stamps meant one might ID the maker wrong.

My Colt Signature 3rd Gen Dragoon has the SamL Colt Manufacturing Co. New York stamp on the top of the frame just behind the barrel, with Colt's Patent stamped on the left side of the frame above the trigger and the Sam Colt signature on the backstrap. No way to misidentify this one.

Clarence needs to look a little further for the backstrap signature and the Colts Patent stamp on the frame (and absent any Italian proof marks or Uberti stamps) before he can be sure that its a real Colt Signature.

 

[kary krahel]

First of all it is in the original Colt box. The markings are as follows.

Top of strap behind barrel is "Address Sam L Colt New York City".

Left hand side of case hardened frame below cylinder stamped "Colts patent".

Serial # 23924 stamped on bottom of strap, frame, brass trigger guard,and the butt plate.

Thanks for any info you may have.

Clarence

 

[Wes/Tex]

Those markings make it a Colt product. Uberti is still in the mix since they provided the basic formed parts of the Colt modern percussion series. The parts were fit and finished by Colt so they could actually mark them as if it was an all-Colt product. Since Colt did a good job with the finish it matters little where the original unfinished parts came from.

 

[Zonie]

This is what the "Third Edition Blue Book of Modern Black Powder Values" copyright 2003 has to say about what may be your pistol:

3RD MODEL DRAGOON "C" SERIES
.44 cal. perc., 7.5 in. round barrel, hinged loading lever, six shot cylinder with rectangular bolt cuts and roll engraved Texas Ranger and Indian scene, "C" Series Royal Blue barrel and cylinder, case hardened frame, loading lever, plunger and hammer, brass backstrap and round trigger guard, one piece walnut stocks, 66 oz. This is the first series of second generation 3rd Model Dragoons produced. Serial number range 20901-25099. 3.899 mfg. 1974-78.

In 2003, the value for a NIB pistol was given as $700.

I can't say what the present value is, but as I understand it, these Second Generation pistols are increasing in value.

zonie

 

[davy]

First of all it is in the original Colt box. The markings are as follows.

Top of strap behind barrel is "Address Sam L Colt New York City".

Left hand side of case hardened frame below cylinder stamped "Colts patent".

Serial # 23924 stamped on bottom of strap, frame, brass trigger guard,and the butt plate.

Thanks for any info you may have.

Clarence

Pictures man pictures ... ! If you can that is!:hatsoff: :grin:

Davy

 

[Robert an saa fan]

Zonie sure seems to have the Colt pegged and Davy is right about pictures to be absolutely sure. Do not have access to my references now.

Colt's box end label should be printed that it is a 3rd Dragoon with serial number, caliber, barrel length, etc.

Agree on values given if the right retail buyer finds it or you can make an o.k. trade. At gunshows I go to it would take time to find a top retail price buyer. This site's free classified's would be a good place to offer the Dragoon. You likely will come out better selling the Dragoon vs. trading.

It is a desireable gun especially if in NIB (new in box) condition with all the paperwork. All the Colt 2nd Generation black powders have not appreciated like some other Colt models but most of them are very fine quality and extremely handsome.

Certainly well worth keeping. Good luck however you decide!

 

[FlintlockJonny]

KEEP IT!!!! I'm only 24 but dang...if anything is increasing in value I have learned to.....KEEP IT!!!!
Would love to see some pics though. Especially if it was gift from family. sounds like a nice gun to hang onto though.

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

Is the box black or brown? The "C" series Colts used a different box from "F" series or "black box" guns. Either way, you have a fine and valuable firearm.

 

[Zonie]

It could be an "F" series however, if the Blue Book is right, the F series 3rd Model Dragoon serial numbers are 25100-34500 (2900 mfg 1980-1982).
The Blue Book says the "F" Series has a "durable dark "Colt Blue" finish while the "C" Series finish is a more lustrous "Royal Blue."
The "F" Series 3rd Model Dragoon is shown with a NIB value of $625 (in the 2003 Edition).

zonie

 

[kary krahel]

Thanks for all the help. Sounds like you guys got it narrowed down for me. The box is brown wood grain. I will try to send some pics.

Clarence

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

That makes it a "C" series gun. Zonie is right--the finish is much nicer on these revolvers.