K.A.T.
Member
Why is there 3 models of this revolver? What is the difference of these models? They all look the same to me.
Why 3 models of the Dragoon?
- Thread starter K.A.T.
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The differences between the Dragoons
The First Model Dragoon has oval-shaped cylinder notches. The Second Model changed those to a rectangular shape, which was retained on the Third Model. The Third Model's main distinguishing feature is an oval trigger guard; both the First and Second Models had square-backed trigger guards. All three had unfluted engraved cylinders with a battle scene between soldiers and Indians; some also bore the inscription "U.S. DRAGOONS" or "MODEL U.S.M.R."
The Third Model had more variations than either of the first two. A "military version" included frame cuts for a detachable shoulder stock, a horizontal loading lever latch and folding leaf type rear sights.
Some 7,000 First Models were made from 1848 to 1850. The Second Model had about 2,550 made in 1850 and 1851. There were a little more than 10,000 Third Models made from 1851 through 1860.
Unfortunately I don't have a picture clearly showing the differences in the cylinder notches, but here's a picture of the Second and Third Models showing the trigger guards:
The First Model Dragoon has oval-shaped cylinder notches. The Second Model changed those to a rectangular shape, which was retained on the Third Model. The Third Model's main distinguishing feature is an oval trigger guard; both the First and Second Models had square-backed trigger guards. All three had unfluted engraved cylinders with a battle scene between soldiers and Indians; some also bore the inscription "U.S. DRAGOONS" or "MODEL U.S.M.R."
The Third Model had more variations than either of the first two. A "military version" included frame cuts for a detachable shoulder stock, a horizontal loading lever latch and folding leaf type rear sights.
Some 7,000 First Models were made from 1848 to 1850. The Second Model had about 2,550 made in 1850 and 1851. There were a little more than 10,000 Third Models made from 1851 through 1860.
Unfortunately I don't have a picture clearly showing the differences in the cylinder notches, but here's a picture of the Second and Third Models showing the trigger guards:
Jamie C.
Member
Y'know, I'm still trying to wrap my head around how or why oval cylinder notches would be more desirable or easier to do than the rectangular ones... ( Were they stamped instead of ground or cut? )
It's one of those things I'd like to be able to go back in time and ask about, just 'cause it makes so little sense to me. ( I grew up in a family full of machinists. )
Anybody got any thoughts on that one?
J.C.
It's one of those things I'd like to be able to go back in time and ask about, just 'cause it makes so little sense to me. ( I grew up in a family full of machinists. )
Anybody got any thoughts on that one?
J.C.
DrLaw
Member
Darwin's theory early
Evolution. Colt was working to improve his guns. The front loading lever latch came about because of the complaints of the Walker loading lever dropping down when shooting. The oval cylinder stop was just the first version applied to this gun. I imagine that it was easier to make the rectangular stop (both were ground out) than the oval.
The Doc is out now.
Evolution. Colt was working to improve his guns. The front loading lever latch came about because of the complaints of the Walker loading lever dropping down when shooting. The oval cylinder stop was just the first version applied to this gun. I imagine that it was easier to make the rectangular stop (both were ground out) than the oval.
The Doc is out now.
From Colt's point of view there was only one Dragoon revolver, which they called a "holster pistol," (as in saddle holster). The first, second and third descriptions were created by collectors to describe substantial design or internal changes. On Colt's part, they factored in these changes or improvements as they went along, without any particular comment.
The rectangular bolt cuts in the cylinder made it possible to simplify the cylinder bolt by eliminating a machining operation, and provided additional surface in the notch for the bolt to lock against. The notches were machined, not ground.
After 1860 the Dragoons became the “old model holster pistol,” where the 1860 Army became the “new model holster pistol.”
The rectangular bolt cuts in the cylinder made it possible to simplify the cylinder bolt by eliminating a machining operation, and provided additional surface in the notch for the bolt to lock against. The notches were machined, not ground.
After 1860 the Dragoons became the “old model holster pistol,” where the 1860 Army became the “new model holster pistol.”
"were created by collectors ..."
That happens alot.
the 1849 pocket model actually came out in 1850 as did the 1851 Navy. The Wells Fargo is interesting because Wells Fargo records don't show that they ever bought a 31 caliber pistol. The 1853 Pocket Navy actually came out in 1861 or 62.
That happens alot.
the 1849 pocket model actually came out in 1850 as did the 1851 Navy. The Wells Fargo is interesting because Wells Fargo records don't show that they ever bought a 31 caliber pistol. The 1853 Pocket Navy actually came out in 1861 or 62.
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