Dragoon Loading Lever Latches

[Niederlander]

Hello!
     I've never owned a Dragoon, but I'm considering it.  Does the loading lever stay latched pretty well when using forty-grain charges?  I've read where some people seem to have issues with that.  Thanks!

[Flint]

The vertical earlier latch doesn't hold as well as the later horizontal latch, but is certainly holds better than the Walker. You can always put in a stronger latch spring.

[Hoof Hearted]

The vertical earlier latch doesn't hold as well as the later horizontal latch, but is certainly holds better than the Walker. You can always put in a stronger latch spring.

I just repaired one of these that was "falling down" (funny thing was the owner paid another smith to do the job and the smith did nothing but take his moola). Was a Uberti 2nd model with the "vertical" latch.

I squared the catch on the rammer. These are color cased but they are buffed first leaving round corners.......this is not conducive to good lockup. I corrected this so the "steps" on the latch and the catch fit together with a slight undercut then I upped the spring pressure and it no longer has a problem.

Regards,
HH

[Niederlander]

Okay, I have another question.  Do the 3rd Models use the horizontal latch or the vertical, or does it go by who manufactures it?  It looks to me like the horizontal latch is a much more efficient design.  Thanks!

[PJ Hardtack]

My Colt 2nd gen 3rd Model Dragoon has the vertical latch of the type.

Occasionally it will pop open with 50 grs of FFg. The spring is quite stiff and there is excellent engagement with the barrel lug.
I've learned to live with it.
Some of our Dragoon and Walker shooters use a leather thong or even a wrap of masking tape! We regard it as part of the game.

When you consider the sheer mass of the Walker lever, someone at Colt wasn't thinking too clearly. Part of the charm of shooting them.

[Flint]

The VTIgunparts site shows a horizontal latch on the photograph of the gun, but lists the same part number in the part list without specifying the model, may be a mistake on their part.

I find the vertical ;latch a but uncomfortable on the hand when loading, as it sticks up above the lever surface, the horizontal one would be better in that case.

[Crow Choker]

I have a Cim'ron Uberti 2nd Model with the vertical latch bought in '07 and shot often since. I had to do what Hoof did with workin on the latch 'points' as shooting anything over 35 grains would alow the lever to drop. Had to do it twice as the first time at it didn't do the trick (I didn't do anything with spring pressure, but a good idea). Since the 2nd go round at it have no problem. Shoot up to 45 grains and all holds together.