Looking for a Dance?

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Hey, Dave. While I was in the shower, a thought occurred to me. What about using a nail set? They have a cupped tip so they don't slip off finishing nails. There are some high carbon steel ones that are made in the US. Maybe temper the tip so it would last longer. They range in size from 1/32" to 1/8" One of the 1/16" ones would probably be just about the right size for the job. There are no little radial marks on the outside of it but maybe those could be put in before hardening or just use it plain.

[Drydock]

3 left!  Actually, I had a Dragoon back ordered at Midway.  I went and cancelled that, then ordered a 2nd one of these.  I figure to cut the barrel back on the 2nd one, to 5", (I know, still too long) and eventually get both engraved the way I like.  I like different length matched caliber pairs, long barrel on my hip, short barrel in a "Tanker" holster.  Helps hold my pants up.

[Smokey Dave]

Hey, Dave. While I was in the shower, a thought occurred to me. What about using a nail set? They have a cupped tip so they don't slip off finishing nails. There are some high carbon steel ones that are made in the US. Maybe temper the tip so it would last longer. They range in size from 1/32" to 1/8" One of the 1/16" ones would probably be just about the right size for the job. There are no little radial marks on the outside of it but maybe those could be put in before hardening or just use it plain.

I think those are excellent ideas Marshal.

3 left!  Actually, I had a Dragoon back ordered at Midway.  I went and cancelled that, then ordered a 2nd one of these.  I figure to cut the barrel back on the 2nd one, to 5", (I know, still too long) and eventually get both engraved the way I like.  I like different length matched caliber pairs, long barrel on my hip, short barrel in a "Tanker" holster.  Helps hold my pants up.

You won't be out of the realm of realistic by cutting the barrel down either. There are a few pictures floating around of factory Dance pistols with shorter barrels. I am in the process of building one myself, and I'm planning the same treatment.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I think those are excellent ideas Marshal.

Thanks, Dave.

You won't be out of the realm of realistic by cutting the barrel down either. There are a few pictures floating around of factory Dance pistols with shorter barrels. I am in the process of building one myself, and I'm planning the same treatment.

There ya go, Drydock. Go for it.

The Traditions 1851 Sheriff model has a 4-3/4" barrel. A dance would have way more cool factor even than this.

[Smokey Dave]

That's a good starting point Marshal!

A little grinding and filing and it'll be a Dance in no time!

[Drydock]

One of the things I really like about the Dance, is that it's a 1851 style .44 variant that actually existed.  And we do know there were hacksaw type implements and folks willing to use them back then as well!  That, and I like my .44 cylinders without the step.   

[Marshal Will Wingam]

That's a good starting point Marshal!

A little grinding and filing and it'll be a Dance in no time!

One of the things I really like about the Dance, is that it's a 1851 style .44 variant that actually existed.

This.

Plus there were .36's, both round & octagonal barrels, long and short barrels, in the white & blued, and both brass & steel grip frames. It's like there is one for anyone's preferences.

[Drydock]

And they're all gone.  Last 3 sold in one day. 

[Smokey Dave]

And they're all gone.  Last 3 sold in one day.

They seem to be very popular right now. I've seen people at other sites talking about Dance's quite a bit lately.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

They certainly seem to be popular. At least those 7 didn't hang around long.

[Drydock]

I know where a few Blue/CCH ones are, but that's it for the Old Silver.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Those Old Silver ones were really nice. CCH just doesn't look right on a Dance. I wonder how long until he gets more of them.

[Drydock]

Hard to say.  That was the first time I'd seen non engraved OS Dances.  With the improvements in factory Laser Engraving, and it's popularity with these guns, I don't think we'll see many of these.  The flat sided Dance is just so dang ideal for engraving.

[Drydock]

1st one arrived today.  Took it apart, deburred it, (Just a few, and perfectly timed) then took it out and shot it.  Very nice,  a couple inchs above poa at 10 yards, centered.  200 grain conical over 25 grains 3f.  Then noticed something:  This Dance .44 has a 7.5" barrel!  Never seen one like that, all the Pietta .44s have been 8" all the photo's show 8", Pietta's web site shows 8". 

WTH?  I like it, I'm keeping it, but  how did this happen?  I've got another coming in a few days, be interesting to see what it has.