Thread: Dragoon
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Old October 8, 2005, 05:12 PM   #3
Springer45
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Join Date: January 24, 2005
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From http://www.building-tux.com/dsmjd/tech/coltperc.htm


"The Colt firm was revived with the introduction in 1847 of the "Walker" model "Walker" model in (nominally) .44 caliber, which saw use in the Mexican War of 1848. These were namedd after Captain Samuel Walker of the United States Mounted Rifles, who had used Paterson models, and contacted Colt with suggestions for improving the arm. The resulting behemoth had an overall length of 15.5", a 9" barrel and weighed approximately 4.75 lbs. It could be loaded with a .45 caliber round ball, or a conical weighing 220 grains. Powder charge was 50 to 60 grains. The ballistics were superior to any cartridge arm until the introduction of the .357 Magnum in 1935. By comparison, the original .45 Colt cartridge was loaded with a 250 grain bullet and 40 grains of powder.

The Walker had several flaws which needed to be fixed. Most seriously, there were metallurgical problems which led to a number of the guns exploding when they were fired. This contributed to the very low survival rate of this model, of which only about 1000 were made. The loading lever was held up by a spring latch, which unfortunately would often release the lever under the influence of recoil, causing the cylinder to bind. The sheer size of the piece made handling cumbersome. Despite these drawbacks, the Colt Walker was superior to the single shot muzzle loading pistols of the era, as well as the relatively few competing repeaters. It was enough to keep Colt's in business.

The Walker was replaced by the .44 caliber Model of 1848 Holster Pistol, A/K/A the "First Model Dragoon." This was slightly smaller than the Walker, at about 4.5 lbs, and was provided with a positive latch for the loading lever. A key identifying feature is the oval-shaped cylinder stops.

The cylinder engravings on the Dragoons depicts a battle between Indians and the U.S. Mounted Rifles (A/K/A Dragoons).

The Second Model Dragoon came next, and differed in details like the square cylinder stops and loading lever latch.

The Third Model Dragoon, produced 1858 - 1861, is relatively rare. The main identifying feature is the leaf rear sight mounted on the barrel. These pieces were cut for a shoulder stock, which when fitted turned the revolver into a carbine.
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