Virginia Dragoon, any exp?

1911steelplate · August 21, 2012, 08:28 PM

I just got a V. Dragoon (well 3 to be honest) a 44 mag adj sights 7". a 45 colt same set up and a 45 colt 5 1/2" brl.( like the vaquero). Does anybody have exp. with these? Anything to be aware of?

SteelChickenShooter · August 21, 2012, 10:58 PM

Sorry my post is of no value. It's just that I bought one of these in 1981 and it's still new unfired in the box. Including a box of Rem 44Mag. 31 years now. Have not seen it in decades. Tucked away somewhere in Dad's house. As I recall, it was heavy and a solid firearm. Naturally I cannot comment on performance if never fired.

Bill DeShivs · August 21, 2012, 11:16 PM

I believe that the first ones were made by Hammerli.

akguy1985 · August 22, 2012, 03:05 AM

I came close to buying one a couple years ago when i just had to have a .44 mag. Instead i got a S&W model 29.

Mayor Al · August 22, 2012, 08:34 AM

I bought one at an auction a year ago...NIB, unfired, 7.5" bbl, 44 mag, SS for $300.

Sold it to my S-I-L a month later for what I paid for it. He has fired about 350 rounds thru it and loves it. He says it is the most accurate Single-Action gun he has ever shot. He prefers it to his Taurus Tracker 44 mag for woods-carry during hunting seasons in Wisconsin.

So, That may be second hand testimony, but the kid (40+) knows his guns, and if he says it is good, then it is.

Here's a photo of the revolver

1911steelplate · August 22, 2012, 06:29 PM

As Bill said the first ones were made by Hamerelli but then I believe they built a plant in Virginia. Don't quote that. So far they shoot really well, and they have a great fit and finish, action is smooth also. After I put more rounds through them I'll repost.

shurshot · August 23, 2012, 01:38 PM

I have had several. They are good, rugged guns, and thicker than Rugers. The only issue I had was trying to locate replacement grips, which can be a challenge. But they are accurate, quality built weapons.

czf · August 25, 2012, 09:03 PM

I had a 5.5 inch stainless one for about 3 years.
it ran equally as well as my Ruger SAs at the time for about a
3rd of the price of the Blackhawks and Vaqueros.

only problem was a chip in the grip, and they were soon replaced by
Ajax grips.

Buy one if the price is right.

savit260 · August 25, 2012, 10:31 PM

Quote:

I believe that the first ones were made by Hammerli.

The Virginain was made by Hammerli. (Colt SAA size) The Virginian Dragoon (Blackhawk-ish in size) were all made in the U.S.

The one and only one I've ever handled was quite nice.

a7mmnut · August 25, 2012, 11:27 PM

One of the first new revolvers I ever bought (around 1982) was a 7.5" SS Virginian Dragoon in .44 mag. It was built 10% heavier than the Super Blackhawk, and had the patented "Swiss Safe" hammer block ingeniously engineered into the cylinder pin. With the hammer at half cock, push in the detent and slide the cylinder pin all the way back to lock the hammer block in place. Mine shot 200 gr. Speer Lawman JHP's into 3" groups at 50 yards with fatory sights. I put new Pachmayr Decelerator grips on it. It was phenomenal.

-7-

sig220mwxxxx · August 25, 2012, 11:32 PM

I had one back in the early 80s in 45 colt with a 51/2 in barrel. It shot well but I didn't handload back then though. I ended up trading it for a Ruger bisley. It was a well made revolver that I liked but wanted the ruger more.

savit260 · August 26, 2012, 04:18 PM

I've been going back and forth about buying one I found locally for a couple of weeks now.

Finally sucked it up and went down and bought it this afternoon.

Fit , finish, action, lockup etc. are all outstanding. Way nicer than the price would suggest. Build quality really puts my NM Blackhawk to shame.

Here's a quick pic I took when I got home with it.

SIGSHR · August 26, 2012, 04:25 PM

The Virginian was made by Haemmerli, is a Colt SAA clone, the Virginian Dragoon was US made and scaled up-as others have noted, Ruger Black Hawk (Old Model) vs. Ruger Super Blackhawk. Some have reported poor accuracy due to oversized throats.
Here is a link to an excellent article about them-
http://www.singleactions.com/VADragoons.pdf

Infidel08 · August 26, 2012, 05:15 PM

My uncle has a blued one that was in terrible condition• He had bought it along with a sks from a guy at work, he gave it to me to try to salvage when I got it it had the cylynder out and had surfuce rust with patches of pitting all over it, long story short I repaid it the best I could removed all the rust and some of the pitting and resembled ( not bad for a 14 year old) and it is very accurate• The most accurate single action 44 I've shot besides my ruger super blackhawk

SIGSHR · August 26, 2012, 05:27 PM

One caveat on purchasing a Virginian Dragoon is that replacement parts are EXTREMELY hard to find. Gun Parts Corp lists a trigger guard-that's it.

markggtp · August 28, 2012, 12:55 PM

I have 2, a 44mag 8 3/8 & a 357 buntline. Both are really great shooters, especialy the buntline...

Bob Wright · August 28, 2012, 09:41 PM

For whatever its worth, the Virginian Dragoon has two stab points on the side of the cylinder. These are supposed to straddle the empty chamber, then index the cylinder so that, when looking down on the top strap, the punched points are on either side of the top strap. If done correctly, the empty chamber is under the hammer.

The original Virginian was a very close copy of the Colt, except for a little less curve in the backstrap, and did introduce the "Swiss-Safe" safety, utilizing the base pin to block the hammer.

The Dragoon always seemed to have a "mushy" feel to its action, and I didn't think it was as sleek looking as the Ruger. But what little I've shot in them, they put the bullets where they were supposed to go.

They are somewhat collector's pieces today.

Bob Wright

1911steelplate · August 28, 2012, 10:32 PM

well I got out and shot them. They all shot great, I dont have any issuses with them. They grouped good. They do seem to be a touch larger than the rugers or colt (grip area anyways). But Im very happy with them, and at a good price too. The only thing I guess is resale will be less then the colts or rugers

savit260 · August 30, 2012, 05:15 PM

Quote:

The Dragoon always seemed to have a "mushy" feel to its action, and I didn't think it was as sleek looking as the Ruger.

That's about the exact opposite of my take on them.

The action is far crisper than my Blackhawk, even after a sweet action job, and the Ruger is positively blocky in appearance IMO compared to the Virginian, which has lines more similar to a SAA (i.e. Sexy!)

savit260 · August 30, 2012, 07:09 PM

Quote:

They do seem to be a touch larger than the rugers

Tried putting mine in a holster for a Blackhawk, and it was a tight squeeze. I'd say they are just a tiny bit beefier.

Just got back from shooting mine for the first time at the indoor range today.

First five shots without touching the sights off hand unsupported at 30 ft.

Made a quick adjustment, and sent the target out to 50 ft, and threw one away in the 7 ring , 3 just barely out of the black in the 8 ring centered nicely , and the rest in the black.

I'm pretty happy with that off hand unsupported shooting range reloads.

Going to get a set of dies soon and work up a nice load for this one.

peabee · September 4, 2012, 03:03 PM

I recently purchased a Dragoon (stainless) .44 Magnum in excellent condition. Love it. It came in original box and with original manual. It's great to look at and fun to shoot.
I know the manuals are very tough to find. I am willing to make copies for anyone interested in receiving one. The cost for copies and mailing will be $10.00. If you are interested in getting (staples) copies let me know.
email is [email protected].

peabee · September 13, 2012, 08:48 AM

I have one. Purchased it used but it is great condition. Fired it recently and it felt great to shoot. No problems. came with original bx and even the original user manual which I understand is difficult to find. My revolver was manufactured in 1981. Also came with a few magazines from Inter arms and a price list from 1982. Wonderful gun to handle and to look at.

sils79 · September 13, 2012, 10:09 PM

I inherited one from a long lost uncle, literally. Mine is a blued .45 Colt, I have found it to be a phenomenal firearm in all regards. The build quality is great, action and trigger are perfect and the accuracy is superb. At the prices they (don't) command I will be looking for a .44 mag eventually.

August 21, 2012, 08:28 PM	#1
1911steelplate Member Join Date: August 7, 2012 Location: colorado Posts: 30	Virginia Dragoon, any exp? I just got a V. Dragoon (well 3 to be honest) a 44 mag adj sights 7". a 45 colt same set up and a 45 colt 5 1/2" brl.( like the vaquero). Does anybody have exp. with these? Anything to be aware of?

August 21, 2012, 11:16 PM	#3
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,985	I believe that the first ones were made by Hammerli. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com Last edited by Bill DeShivs; August 22, 2012 at 02:31 AM.

August 22, 2012, 03:05 AM	#4
akguy1985 Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2012 Location: Claremore, Oklahoma Posts: 179	I came close to buying one a couple years ago when i just had to have a .44 mag. Instead i got a S&W model 29. __________________ Marksman of the mezzanine

August 25, 2012, 09:03 PM	#8
czf Senior Member Join Date: June 3, 2004 Posts: 431	I had a 5.5 inch stainless one for about 3 years. it ran equally as well as my Ruger SAs at the time for about a 3rd of the price of the Blackhawks and Vaqueros. only problem was a chip in the grip, and they were soon replaced by Ajax grips. Buy one if the price is right. __________________ CZ Pics and Reviews: THE CZ-ZONE www.cz-zone.com Old Name, New Face- CZF: www.czforum.com CZ, and Ruger Pics, Reviews and more!: http://cz-gunstuffs.webs.com/

September 4, 2012, 03:03 PM	#21
peabee Junior Member Join Date: September 4, 2012 Posts: 2	Virginia dragoon manual I recently purchased a Dragoon (stainless) .44 Magnum in excellent condition. Love it. It came in original box and with original manual. It's great to look at and fun to shoot. I know the manuals are very tough to find. I am willing to make copies for anyone interested in receiving one. The cost for copies and mailing will be $10.00. If you are interested in getting (staples) copies let me know. email is [email protected].

August 21, 2012, 10:58 PM	#2
SteelChickenShooter Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2011 Posts: 863	Sorry my post is of no value. It's just that I bought one of these in 1981 and it's still new unfired in the box. Including a box of Rem 44Mag. 31 years now. Have not seen it in decades. Tucked away somewhere in Dad's house. As I recall, it was heavy and a solid firearm. Naturally I cannot comment on performance if never fired.

August 22, 2012, 08:34 AM	#5
Mayor Al Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Southern Indiana, Near Louisville. Posts: 211	I bought one at an auction a year ago...NIB, unfired, 7.5" bbl, 44 mag, SS for $300. Sold it to my S-I-L a month later for what I paid for it. He has fired about 350 rounds thru it and loves it. He says it is the most accurate Single-Action gun he has ever shot. He prefers it to his Taurus Tracker 44 mag for woods-carry during hunting seasons in Wisconsin. So, That may be second hand testimony, but the kid (40+) knows his guns, and if he says it is good, then it is. Here's a photo of the revolver

August 22, 2012, 06:29 PM	#6
1911steelplate Member Join Date: August 7, 2012 Location: colorado Posts: 30	As Bill said the first ones were made by Hamerelli but then I believe they built a plant in Virginia. Don't quote that. So far they shoot really well, and they have a great fit and finish, action is smooth also. After I put more rounds through them I'll repost.

August 23, 2012, 01:38 PM	#7
shurshot Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2006 Posts: 1,819	I have had several. They are good, rugged guns, and thicker than Rugers. The only issue I had was trying to locate replacement grips, which can be a challenge. But they are accurate, quality built weapons.

August 25, 2012, 11:27 PM	#10
a7mmnut Junior member Join Date: February 27, 2009 Location: NC Foothills Posts: 1,150	One of the first new revolvers I ever bought (around 1982) was a 7.5" SS Virginian Dragoon in .44 mag. It was built 10% heavier than the Super Blackhawk, and had the patented "Swiss Safe" hammer block ingeniously engineered into the cylinder pin. With the hammer at half cock, push in the detent and slide the cylinder pin all the way back to lock the hammer block in place. Mine shot 200 gr. Speer Lawman JHP's into 3" groups at 50 yards with fatory sights. I put new Pachmayr Decelerator grips on it. It was phenomenal. -7-

August 25, 2012, 11:32 PM	#11
sig220mwxxxx Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2011 Location: Marshall, Texas Posts: 104	I had one back in the early 80s in 45 colt with a 51/2 in barrel. It shot well but I didn't handload back then though. I ended up trading it for a Ruger bisley. It was a well made revolver that I liked but wanted the ruger more.

August 26, 2012, 04:18 PM	#12
savit260 Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2006 Posts: 702	I've been going back and forth about buying one I found locally for a couple of weeks now. Finally sucked it up and went down and bought it this afternoon. Fit , finish, action, lockup etc. are all outstanding. Way nicer than the price would suggest. Build quality really puts my NM Blackhawk to shame. Here's a quick pic I took when I got home with it.

August 26, 2012, 04:25 PM	#13
SIGSHR Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2005 Posts: 4,700	The Virginian was made by Haemmerli, is a Colt SAA clone, the Virginian Dragoon was US made and scaled up-as others have noted, Ruger Black Hawk (Old Model) vs. Ruger Super Blackhawk. Some have reported poor accuracy due to oversized throats. Here is a link to an excellent article about them- http://www.singleactions.com/VADragoons.pdf

August 26, 2012, 05:15 PM	#14
Infidel08 Junior Member Join Date: August 11, 2012 Posts: 6	My uncle has a blued one that was in terrible condition• He had bought it along with a sks from a guy at work, he gave it to me to try to salvage when I got it it had the cylynder out and had surfuce rust with patches of pitting all over it, long story short I repaid it the best I could removed all the rust and some of the pitting and resembled ( not bad for a 14 year old) and it is very accurate• The most accurate single action 44 I've shot besides my ruger super blackhawk

August 26, 2012, 05:27 PM	#15
SIGSHR Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2005 Posts: 4,700	One caveat on purchasing a Virginian Dragoon is that replacement parts are EXTREMELY hard to find. Gun Parts Corp lists a trigger guard-that's it.

August 28, 2012, 12:55 PM	#16
markggtp Junior Member Join Date: April 13, 2012 Location: new hampshire Posts: 13	I have 2, a 44mag 8 3/8 & a 357 buntline. Both are really great shooters, especialy the buntline...

August 28, 2012, 09:41 PM	#17
Bob Wright Senior Member Join Date: July 10, 2012 Location: Memphis, Tennessee Posts: 2,989	For whatever its worth, the Virginian Dragoon has two stab points on the side of the cylinder. These are supposed to straddle the empty chamber, then index the cylinder so that, when looking down on the top strap, the punched points are on either side of the top strap. If done correctly, the empty chamber is under the hammer. The original Virginian was a very close copy of the Colt, except for a little less curve in the backstrap, and did introduce the "Swiss-Safe" safety, utilizing the base pin to block the hammer. The Dragoon always seemed to have a "mushy" feel to its action, and I didn't think it was as sleek looking as the Ruger. But what little I've shot in them, they put the bullets where they were supposed to go. They are somewhat collector's pieces today. Bob Wright

August 28, 2012, 10:32 PM	#18
1911steelplate Member Join Date: August 7, 2012 Location: colorado Posts: 30	well I got out and shot them. They all shot great, I dont have any issuses with them. They grouped good. They do seem to be a touch larger than the rugers or colt (grip area anyways). But Im very happy with them, and at a good price too. The only thing I guess is resale will be less then the colts or rugers

September 13, 2012, 08:48 AM	#22
peabee Junior Member Join Date: September 4, 2012 Posts: 2	I have one. Purchased it used but it is great condition. Fired it recently and it felt great to shoot. No problems. came with original bx and even the original user manual which I understand is difficult to find. My revolver was manufactured in 1981. Also came with a few magazines from Inter arms and a price list from 1982. Wonderful gun to handle and to look at.

September 13, 2012, 10:09 PM	#23
sils79 Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2005 Posts: 180	I inherited one from a long lost uncle, literally. Mine is a blued .45 Colt, I have found it to be a phenomenal firearm in all regards. The build quality is great, action and trigger are perfect and the accuracy is superb. At the prices they (don't) command I will be looking for a .44 mag eventually.