The Dragoons: Which one?

[Crow Choker]

Oregon Bill---The post by Mako giving the seven differences between Uberti made Dragoons pretty well speaks for itself. I can't comment on other makes. I have and shoot a 2nd Model (Uberti/Cimarron) since '07 and it is my favorite cap and baller. When I made up my mind to get one, I wanted a 2nd Model because I like the square back trigger guard, but I did some research as in the original ones, the earlier ones (approx serial numbers 8000-9000 had the V spring and didn't have the roller on the hammer. In the 10,000 serial numbered bunch, Colt went to the leaf spring and roller on the hammer. What I found out was that Uberti was making all their 2nd Model Dragoons with the leaf and roller. Can't say if the Ist Models are that way or retain the original V spring and hook. I have medium/large hands and the square back trigger guard poses no problem even with heavy powder loads. I normally shoot approx 40 grains of FFF Goex under a grease wad and a .454 ball. Any less seems to be under powered for the big Colt, any more overkill. I have shot 45 grains from time to time, but no increase in accraucy was evident, just more smoke and bang. I do have a Colt Signiture 3rd Model (with round trigger guard), that I also bought in 07, but it is yet unfired(NIB). It's tempting to fire it, but quess I'll leave it in it's box, maybe someday. Reference cap frag  jams, when I first got the gun, I had a frag jam on the 3rd shot, but since then, I've never had another one. I use #10 Remingtons and it's still fitted with original nipples. May some day add Tresco's, but so far it's runnin good.

Mako---Thanks for the 'wonderfull pictures, ref the bolt and bolt stops, with all the information. I always assumed the rectangular bolt cuts were stronger than the ovals. Assumed that the bolt would go into the rectangular stops better than the ovals. Maybe some day I'll 'snag' a Whitneyville' model, do like the looks of that Walker grip.

Blackpowder Burn---I had problems with my 2nd Model dropping it's lever from time to time with any charge over 35g's of FFF. Cured the problem by carefull filing of the barrel latch with a triangular needle file and touch up with coldblue. Problem solved, if you have any metal/gunsmith skill at all, a very simple process.

'Is the Dragoon to heavy'? I like a gun with heft and the Dragoons fill the bill. Standing on a line at a shoot, most shooters should be able to handle them, although I admitt, they are better shot with a two-handed grip. Also I'll admitt they aren't for everyone. When walking along a stretch of my favorite 'shootin spot' along a local river, I love sticking thee Ol' Dragoon in a cross draw on my left side and another 'hog' on my right, sometimes a conversion, sometimes either a 1860 or '51 Colt both in 44, sometimes a 357 or 1911 45 acp. Whatever I'm packin, I'm heavy laden with spare ammo, powder and ball, will sink in deep water, but I have a whole lotta fun at it. Good Days Fer ya all. Crow Choker

[Oregon Bill]

Crow Choker, thanks for sharing your experience with the Uberti Second Model. I'm ordering one this morning. Looks like I'll need to find my triangular needle file ...