This is a copy of the Third Model Dragoon- the revolver that evolved from the 1847 Walker and stayed in Colt production until 1860 or 61 when it was replaced by a smaller army model. According to R.L.Wilson the third model began production in 1851 while other sources date it as early as 1848. The barrel is 7.5"- 2" shorter than the Walker and the cylinder 1/4" shorter. The Walker weighs 4lb 9oz while this model weighs 4lb 20z. The name "Dragoon" was applied by collectors long after its use and Colt called it the " Old Style Holster Pistol." The handy title "Dragoon" comes from its use by the United States Mounted Rifles- often called Dragoons and it was designed as a "holster pistol" to be carried in pairs on holsters mounted to the front of a saddle. Cylinders are roll engraved with the Ormesby impression of the Hays Big Fight and are further marked "Model USMR" (United States Mounted Rifles.)
The third variation features a single plane, flat mainspring, rectangular cylinder lugs and a tenuous looking vertical front loading lever latch. Some examples of both the second and Third Models have horizontal latches but the vertical seems most common and is used on the replicas. It is also distinguished by the rounded rear aspect of the trigger guard.
The Walker and earlier Dragoon variations had a hooked trigger guard like the Ruger Super Blackhawk. This prompted Elmer Keith to lobby for the name "Ruger Dragoon" when the modern revolver came out
As can be seen, the Dragoon is not overly large by modern sporting revolver standards. It does outweigh the SBH considerably.
During the years of production, about 22,000 were made domestically, 700 in the Colt London Armoury, an unknown number may have been made in Belgium under Colt Contract and a few were probably produced in the Tula Arsenal in Russia. They saw some use across the British Empire, in the Crimean War, the Sepoy Rebellion and were presented to heads of state in Europe, Asia and India.
In the United States, Military orders totaled about 9,300 with the bulk of the 22,000 revolvers being sold to civilians. The Dragoon is associated with Juaquin Murietta, a Californio who, after sufficient provocation is said to have launched a guerilla campaign against the occupying United State Army. Hariette Tubman, the Underground Railroad conductor also is said to have carried a very large Colt revolver with the Dragoon being the likely candidate. The revolver saw wide use in the western expansion and among early explorers and Westerners. Colt historic literature documents its successful use in killing bison from horseback. This gives it the same type of historical appeal that applies to the contemporary Colt Navy.
(Search this site for Gatofeo's discussion of "The Colt Revolver on the Plains.")
This 2004 Uberti replica has a 4.5lb trigger pull and the same smooth action found on the current Uberti production. Like other current ubertis, the chamber mouths and forcing cone measure a consistent .450" The initial cylinder-full we fired was loaded with .454 ball and 45 grains of FFFG and was the mildes combination shot so far. This load does fill the chambers completely. With this load, the loading lever stayed in place but the loads using bullets and pyrodex p cause the lever to drop down-either from initial loosening or the greater impulse of those loads. I have moderated this tendency by pinching the frame next to the loading lever screw and angling the loading lever latch stud.
The first group was fired one-handed from 60 feet, and struck about 8" above point of aim.
The Lee Bullets are dropping from the mould somewhat larger than the nominal .451 diameter, so I put them through a .452 sizer die and then lubricated with bore butter. The 50 foot bench group was about 3" which seems to be normal for this bullet from my Uberti .44s. This is fairly good bullet performance but the bench group is still about the size you would expect from a good off-hand group at the same distance using ball.
The supplied Pedersoli replica flask throws a consistent 36 grain charge at its largest setting. This is just about ideal for the bullet loads which like the above mentioned ball load fills up the chambers.
The dragoon is much more muzzle-heavy than other colt type revolvers-a characteristic that is valued by modern target shooters- and it hangs on target rock-steady. The trigger pull feels lighter than the measured 4lb 8oz and good 25 yard groups are to be expected
The sights are fairly large in keeping with the rest of the revolver and reasonably easy to see. Point of impact,like most caplock revolvers is several inches high at ordinary distances. Recoil, even with the top pyrodex loads, is extremely mild.
Some of us have discouraged new or occasional shooters from straying from the Colt Army, Navy or the Remington when buying a first revolver. Circumstances may have changed as spare parts are now much more obtainable from such sources as VTI gunparts and Cimarron Arms.
I find this a very satisfying revolver both from the historical perspective, the appearance and the handling charateristics that derive from the size and balance
Last edited:
) I don't shoot much BP anymore but I'll get back to it someday. I screwed up and let a really good rifle deal go by that Shanghai McCoy tried to sell me 
