Early '60 Army

[Fox Creek Kid]

Most people don't know that the first batch of '60 Armies not only had a fluted cylinder but also a 7.5" barrel and not the 8" of later guns. Here's a good example:

http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/admin/product_details.php?itemID=32810

[Mako]

Kid,
I knew there were submissions with shorter barrels, the 1851 and actually the Dragoons had set the common military pistol barrel length to be 7 1/2", but what I haven't read is why the length was changed.  Was the Army performing penetration tests as they did with the SAA?  Since the War Dept. and the Army had accepted  Dragoons with 7 1/2" barrels, I've always wondered why they went up to 8" and then back to 7 1/2" with the SAA.

What has your research turned up?

Regards,
Mako

[Flint]

James Serven's Book from the '50s simply stated "The 7-1/2 " barrel was used in some early pistols, especially those pistols with fluted cylinders.  Army tests provede the 8" barrels more efficient, and therefore the 8" length became standard".

What the tests were is not descruibed.  Probably penetration tests, as I doubt there were any chronographs available.  The 1860 was considered more efficient than the Dragoon, from what I've read.

[Fox Creek Kid]

Better for clubbin' hostiles & ruffians.  

[Mako]

Well Flint and Kid,
It appears you have the same answer as I.  I was pretty sure I had exhausted the sources.

Thanks,
Mako

P.S. actually the additional 1/2" will provide an additional 8 ft-lbs of energy when used by the average trooper when striking an adversary.

[Fox Creek Kid]

FWIW, 8" original Dragoons are very rare and are priced as such. Did not Uberti make a short run of 8" Dragoons for the Colt 3rd Gen.?