Big Iron: Development of the Colt 1848 Dragoon Revolver

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  • Опубліковано 4 жов 2024
  • Sam Colt’s first foray into firearms manufacturing did not end well - after 6 years, he went broke and shut down production of Paterson revolvers and revolving long guns. His guns were too expensive, too fragile, and too underpowered to become a commercial success. They did make an impression on some people, however, and a few years later Colt would work with Captain Samuel Walker of the Texas Rangers to develop a much larger and more robust revolver. The US military purchased 1,000 of these Model 1847 “Walker” revolvers, and this set Colt back on the path to financial success.
    Colt contracted with the Whitneyville Armory to produce his Walkers, and part of the contract was that Colt would own any tooling developed for the manufacturing process. The Walker was successful enough that it spurred a second 1,000-pistol order form the government, and Colt used the Walker tooling along with his newfound capital to set up shop in Hartford CT producing guns himself. He immediately made a number of changes to the Walker pattern, primarily making is a bit shorter and lighter (4lb 2oz, with a 7.5 inch barrel), reducing the powered charge to 50 grains (the Walker had used 60 grains), and improving the loading lever retention latch. This would become known as the Model 1848 Dragoon revolver.
    Between 1848 and 1860, a total of 20,700 Dragoons were made, 8,390 of them for the US military. There would be three main variations, called the first, second and third types today. In today’s video, I will show you all three and explain how they differed from each other - and we will also take a look at a rare long-barreled version as well as one with an original shoulder stock.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 1 тис.

  • @dennisspencer1113
    @dennisspencer1113 5 років тому +1852

    Colt sold his revolvers for about the equivalent of one ounce of gold. Between 1850-1860 the price of gold in USD was $21.00. It's been said that 1 oz. of gold will always buy you a good pistol or a good suit of clothes. The current market for gold, about $1,500.00, will still buy a very good pistol or suit of clothes.

    • @zacharyrollick6169
      @zacharyrollick6169 4 роки тому +108

      Makes sense. World's best gun at the time.

    • @broznkyra4853
      @broznkyra4853 4 роки тому +92

      1851 was a good year for gold what with the gold rush happening in CA...prolly served to 'depress' the price per oz, I'd guess...still better than today's cost per oz...

    • @lucasallesfreitas
      @lucasallesfreitas 4 роки тому +117

      An actually interesting and meaningful comment on youtube??? What has it all come to?

    • @matteagle42
      @matteagle42 3 роки тому +9

      That's really cool to know

    • @wraithwyvern528
      @wraithwyvern528 3 роки тому +7

      Some things never change

  • @moosemaimer
    @moosemaimer 5 років тому +2587

    "a truly _revolutionary_ advancement"
    he must be spinning in his grave

  • @PLANET123100
    @PLANET123100 5 років тому +1621

    To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day
    Hardly spoke to folks around him, didn't have too much to say,
    No one dared to ask his business, no one dared to make a slip
    The stranger there among them had a big iron on his hip,
    Big iron on his hip

  • @ShootAUT
    @ShootAUT 5 років тому +461

    0:27
    "Samuel Colt invents the revolver."
    - literally shots fired in the background -

    • @iota-09
      @iota-09 5 років тому +40

      I swear if that's not edited in...

    • @ShootAUT
      @ShootAUT 5 років тому +41

      @@iota-09
      Nah, sounds more like someone dropped something in the auction house. But still, nice effect right on time. 😁

    • @ianfinrir8724
      @ianfinrir8724 2 роки тому +1

      @@ShootAUT Apparently, it's packing tape.

  • @10N1Z3D
    @10N1Z3D 5 років тому +960

    Moral of the story: gun may explode, but you should be safe as long as you don't piss off a mailman in Nevada

  • @JanTuts
    @JanTuts 5 років тому +2016

    3:18
    First batch of 1000 Colt Walkers: *occasionally explode*
    US Army: "Excellent, we'll have another 1000 of those!"

    • @topbreak38
      @topbreak38 5 років тому +151

      You know . . . minor issues.

    • @r.c.christian4633
      @r.c.christian4633 5 років тому +118

      It's a *B I G I R O N*

    • @namleist
      @namleist 5 років тому +175

      "occasionally grenade"- the logistic and supply guy

    • @Zack_Wester
      @Zack_Wester 5 років тому +45

      @@topbreak38 think its more. yes thouse also explode sometimes but not as ofthen as other. or those also explode but they are in general better.
      Heck even modern Guns explode sometimes. okey most are designed such that a explosion don't kill its user. sometime not even harming them... the moment you have something that involves fire, explosive, pressure or gas expect it to explode and design it to be as safe as posible.
      also count on the end user disabling the safety device/valve.

    • @Raven-Blackwing
      @Raven-Blackwing 5 років тому +5

      You sound surprised.

  • @eliasschroder9967
    @eliasschroder9967 5 років тому +3062

    is that the big iron that killed texas red?!

    • @Igor_lvanov
      @Igor_lvanov 5 років тому +466

      Damn. Just listened first half of the song and you spoiled the rest!

    • @RavingRaptor
      @RavingRaptor 5 років тому +525

      Yea, he even might have went on livin'
      , but he made one fatal slip.

    • @comradeurod9805
      @comradeurod9805 5 років тому +305

      @@RavingRaptor when he tried to match the ranger

    • @MyspaceNihilist
      @MyspaceNihilist 5 років тому +125

      The very same the ranger had fired before Texas red had even cleared leather

    • @Agentcoolguy1
      @Agentcoolguy1 5 років тому +82

      For a bullet fairly ripped

  • @erikd2628
    @erikd2628 5 років тому +335

    I clicked on this video knowing exactly what the comment section would be like and was not disappointed.

  • @ringsystemmusic
    @ringsystemmusic 5 років тому +1851

    100% of the comments on this video: B I G I R O N

    • @QUIROPTEROHOLLOW
      @QUIROPTEROHOLLOW 5 років тому +56

      You can't invoke a meme without people reacting to it hahaha

    • @rwhite3345
      @rwhite3345 4 роки тому +18

      Hey, did a feller named Texas Red come through here? I've been looking for him.

    • @samdherring
      @samdherring 4 роки тому +4

      I specifically chose this video in the hopes of seeing said comments. Am not disappointed.

    • @bennetrussell3567
      @bennetrussell3567 4 роки тому

      I was actually wondering if he has a model with an octagon barrel

    • @aleisterwilloughby3930
      @aleisterwilloughby3930 4 роки тому +2

      B L O O D. M E R I D I A N

  • @janwacawik7432
    @janwacawik7432 5 років тому +698

    BIIIIIG IROOOON, BIIIIG IROOOON,
    When he tried to match the ranger with the Big Iron on his hip.
    Big Iron on his hiiiiiip

    • @HereticalKitsune
      @HereticalKitsune 5 років тому +25

      Fallout New Vegas vibes are strong in this one.

    • @Zack_Wester
      @Zack_Wester 5 років тому +7

      @@HereticalKitsune I knew some one would post thouse two comments. the first been the music from when (wikipedia says 1960) and fallout New Vegas.
      So Sorry Ian but I had a song stuck in my head throughout the whole video.

    • @elicrane2221
      @elicrane2221 5 років тому +4

      I’m so proud of this community.

    • @willh.7755
      @willh.7755 5 років тому +3

      Marty Robbins lives on

    • @Guru_1092
      @Guru_1092 5 років тому +5

      Literally the song that plays in my mind anytime I'm playing New Vegas, even when there's no music.

  • @Ltp1305
    @Ltp1305 5 років тому +1112

    This makes my iron become THE BIG IRON

    • @RokuroCarisu
      @RokuroCarisu 3 роки тому +5

      You are a very naughty Hobbit Jerkins.

    • @leggo0116
      @leggo0116 3 місяці тому +1

      Put that thing away kid! You'll poke your eye out

  • @williambeavers9046
    @williambeavers9046 5 років тому +371

    *Video focuses down the barrel*
    Voice in my head: Truth is the game was rigged from the start.

    • @Sacremas
      @Sacremas 5 років тому +28

      Eh, that should be from looking down a decorated Browning Hi-Power 9mm. A revolver like this however, that should put you in the mind of some sweet revenge...

    • @haha-on5fd
      @haha-on5fd 4 роки тому +11

      @@Sacremas new vegas bounties?

    • @Sacremas
      @Sacremas 4 роки тому +9

      @@haha-on5fd Someone got it! You made my day good sir. :)

    • @owen723
      @owen723 3 роки тому +6

      Comment and reply sections like this is why I love the new vegas community.

  • @TheAnalyticalGamer101
    @TheAnalyticalGamer101 5 років тому +844

    "You take a sip from your trusty vault 13 canteen"

  • @cerealata9035
    @cerealata9035 5 років тому +413

    "A truly revolutionary... _points at camera_ eh heh heh~ uh, advancement. Sorry."
    Keep on making us smile with moments like this, Ian.

  • @ShootAUT
    @ShootAUT 5 років тому +472

    Glad you put their price in context with a typical salary.
    I'm really tired of the old "guns were so much cheaper back then".
    They were not. They never were.

    • @444mopar
      @444mopar 5 років тому +29

      @Jim Man that and I have never seen a movie depict a realistic level of bp smoke during a gun fight. In most movies, for the amount of shots fired, everyone would have been blinded by a grey haze.

    • @xkavarsmith9322
      @xkavarsmith9322 4 роки тому +21

      It's 2020. A Hi Point was $100 USD last year. Checkmate, atheist.

    • @BogeyTheBear
      @BogeyTheBear 4 роки тому +34

      "Guns are very expensive and difficult to get. Why don't you hire men?"
      "Men?"
      "Gun men. Nowadays men are cheaper than guns."

    • @EFCasual
      @EFCasual 4 роки тому +3

      It looks a bit different if you measure value in gold, land, or barrels of oil.

    • @ScottKenny1978
      @ScottKenny1978 4 роки тому +14

      @@EFCasual sure. $20 in 1860 was an ounce of gold (defined in law). What's today's spot price of gold? $1500 an ounce?
      Income has gone up a lot faster than the price of gold (which has zero relationship to the way the stock market moves).

  • @theforcedmeme
    @theforcedmeme 5 років тому +202

    "20 men had tried to take him, 20 men had made a slip...."

    • @mrwdpkr5851
      @mrwdpkr5851 3 роки тому +5

      21 would be the ranger ....

  • @Tkon321
    @Tkon321 4 роки тому +388

    I was born raised in Connecticut. It honestly hurts my heart how much the state tries to deny and shy away from its robust and historical firearm history.

    • @shauny2285
      @shauny2285 3 роки тому +43

      Yes, these days certain history is either ignored or vilified due to the current political sensibilities.

    • @dembro27
      @dembro27 3 роки тому +21

      This may not be relevant, but when I was very young, I lived in New Britain and my dad worked in Hartford. Sometimes he drove me into the city. Because I was a kid, I mostly just thought of it as an old, poor place. I knew it had factories, but I didn't know what they made. I was surprised when Ian mentioned Hartford in this video, which sent me on a Wikipedia rabbit hole. Cool stuff.

    • @RockyMountainWest13
      @RockyMountainWest13 3 роки тому +15

      False flags will do that

    • @bugwar5545
      @bugwar5545 2 роки тому +9

      Price you pay for being in the blue state gulags.
      C'mon down to the free lands like Florida and Texas.

    • @thenoblepoptart
      @thenoblepoptart 2 роки тому +24

      @@bugwar5545 I live in Texas, people still fall prey to petty ideology and quarrel about stupid things all the time.

  • @Taistelukalkkuna
    @Taistelukalkkuna 5 років тому +177

    Walker revolvers success was not just from power and capacity. The fact that they roundhouse kick the opponent after being emptied made them truely formidable.

    • @porrod4313
      @porrod4313 3 роки тому +10

      And occasionaly can be used as a hand grenade

  • @phantomthiefirwin9631
    @phantomthiefirwin9631 5 років тому +761

    Prepare for Fallout NV References traveler as you go into the comment section.

    • @muzzmac160
      @muzzmac160 5 років тому

      ua-cam.com/video/4AWUPFwieWo/v-deo.html there you are

    • @muzzmac160
      @muzzmac160 5 років тому

      ua-cam.com/video/4AWUPFwieWo/v-deo.html ther you are

    • @ianwalker8042
      @ianwalker8042 4 роки тому +7

      That’s... why I’m here

    • @meeptowner8440
      @meeptowner8440 4 роки тому

      I've already hit some of them in some of the replies it's to late to turn back now

    • @seethenero2555
      @seethenero2555 3 роки тому +1

      Thank you kindly stranger, much obliged.

  • @A-G-F-
    @A-G-F- 3 роки тому +13

    Samuel Colt presence is so powerful that when Ian said his name, there was a gunshot in the distance, probably in heaven

  • @richardpcrowe
    @richardpcrowe 3 роки тому +38

    This is the first reference I have found to users of Colt Walker Revolvers tying the loading rammer to the barrel. My great aunt once showed me a Daguerreotype image of a man she told me was my third great uncle, Timothy Hart (born 1810 - yes I am that old) who rode with Mabry Gray's Company of Texas Mounted Volunteers during the Mexican War. The image shows Timothy holding what I believe was a Colt Walker Revolver which had a band of cloth or yarn tied around the barrel and loading lever of the pistol. When I originally viewed the image, I thought that this was just a decoration but, now I realize that this was very likely an attempt to solve the problem of the loading lever dropping away from the barrel which would have been a problem for a mounted rider who was shooting the pistol one handed while on horseback.
    Unfortunately, my great aunt passed away about 40-years ago and that Daguerreotype image has vanished without a trace. No one on that side of my family remembers it or had any idea that Timothy Hart served with that Texas Ranger Company... That is a shame. My great aunt was a depository of family history and I regret that I did not pick her brain about what she had been told about the family during the War for Texas Independence or the Mexican War.
    "Mustang Gray" and his company of Mounted Volunteers were very harsh men and gave captured Mexicans no quarter. I can believe this because blood was hot at that time. Timothy's brother in law, William Quinn was killed at the Battle of Coleto (one day before the massacre of Colonel Fanin's captured troops at the Massacre of Goliad) and his brother was believed to have been murdered by Mexican Irregulars in 1837.
    I don't know if the Daguerreotype image was taken while Timothy Hart was serving with than Ranger Company or taken sometime later...

    • @binalith4898
      @binalith4898 2 роки тому +4

      awesome. thanks for sharing.

    • @craigthescott5074
      @craigthescott5074 2 роки тому +3

      Awesome family history too bad your Aunt didn’t have his dragoon. I have a Reproduction modern Colt Dragoon 3rd model that I just bought used at a gun show. I need to go out at test this smoke wagon.

  • @andy_in_nh9243
    @andy_in_nh9243 5 років тому +46

    Josey Wales (Clint Eastwood) carries two Colt Walker 1847 revolvers in twin holsters as his primary sidearms.

    • @Halbared
      @Halbared 4 роки тому +4

      THat's the reason I like this pistol

    • @federicofernandez1361
      @federicofernandez1361 2 роки тому +3

      That’s right
      I’ve got two of them because of that movie
      I bet after wearing them all day he wanted them off
      They sure are heavy

    • @andy_in_nh9243
      @andy_in_nh9243 2 роки тому +5

      @@federicofernandez1361 I believe they were originally designed as saddle pistols and not meant to be carried on a belt, but hey - "Hollywood."

    • @chrisbrowne4669
      @chrisbrowne4669 5 місяців тому

      They were issued in pairs to the Rangers.

  • @KretinD
    @KretinD 5 років тому +91

    Love my boy Marty Robins.
    "Please tell her won't you mister that she's the only one.
    But a woman's love is wasted when she loves a runnin gun."

    • @Sosig593
      @Sosig593 5 років тому +7

      I really need to get the context to this comment please, ive been thinking about this for 4 h o u r s

    • @KretinD
      @KretinD 5 років тому +4

      @@Sosig593 ua-cam.com/video/HZr4XbE4FkY/v-deo.html all you need to know

    • @vladimirlem1104
      @vladimirlem1104 3 роки тому +2

      Now my strength is slowly fading and my eyes are growing dim
      And my thoughts return to Jeannie
      and the home that we had planned

  • @kgilliagorilla2761
    @kgilliagorilla2761 3 роки тому +100

    “Glanton leveled the huge pistol in one hand and thumbed back the hammer. The explosion in the dead silence was enormous. The cat simply disappeared. There was no blood or cry, it just vanished.” From Blood Meridian. The Colt revolver made for slaying dragons.

    • @BogeyTheBear
      @BogeyTheBear 3 роки тому +6

      Dragoons were so-named because the gun made men _into_ dragons.

    • @theprojectproject01
      @theprojectproject01 2 роки тому +14

      Great. Now I gotta listen to the audiobook again, and I don't know if my soul is ready to view the evening redness in the west, again.

    • @kgilliagorilla2761
      @kgilliagorilla2761 2 роки тому +9

      @@theprojectproject01 It’s a hell of a book that’s for sure.

    • @dimproductions1
      @dimproductions1 Рік тому +4

      I just posted a comment asking if these are the same guns from that incredible story, should have just scrolled down a couple comments lol

    • @goldrush49
      @goldrush49 Рік тому +3

      Great book

  • @PorcuPineAppleSauce
    @PorcuPineAppleSauce 5 років тому +261

    I LOVE EVERYTHING FROM THE VIDEO TO THE COMMENTS! Lets drink to this moment. *You take a sip from your trusty vault 13 canteen*

    • @drownsinkoolaid4203
      @drownsinkoolaid4203 5 років тому +15

      Take 1 sip and 19 more!

    • @avaiboot
      @avaiboot 5 років тому +4

      Right!? History and comedy gold all at the same time.

  • @scipio10000
    @scipio10000 5 років тому +62

    Little known fact: a Colt Paterson saved the life of Giuseppe Garibaldi in a firefight in Uruguaian civil war, where he managed to keep at bay a bunch of Rosistas with his 6 shooter. No Colt, then a much more difficult Italian independence.

    • @gaetandenis9672
      @gaetandenis9672 5 років тому +16

      Fun fact, a Paterson is a five shooter.

    • @scipio10000
      @scipio10000 5 років тому +11

      @@gaetandenis9672 I stand corrected 😉

    • @Bourikii2992
      @Bourikii2992 2 роки тому +4

      Nah the sixth shit comes from the shrapnel of the exploding cylinder.

    • @1nfamyX
      @1nfamyX 2 роки тому

      My friend is from pizzaland, i must remember this historical instance.

    • @scipio10000
      @scipio10000 2 роки тому +2

      @@1nfamyX Always happy to help the good people of obesityland

  • @yuletide1281
    @yuletide1281 5 років тому +45

    Imagine Arthur Morgan’s lightening fast reloads with percussion caps added to the mix

  • @eliasschroder9967
    @eliasschroder9967 5 років тому +164

    watch out! the comments! they are about the... B I G I R O N

  • @RichardCranium321
    @RichardCranium321 5 років тому +137

    A pistol that doubles as a hand grenade, truly ahead of its time... 😂

    • @Sacremas
      @Sacremas 5 років тому +19

      Must have inspired later Samsung phones!

    • @RichardCranium321
      @RichardCranium321 5 років тому +1

      @@Sacremas almost pee'd a bit when I read that... well said

    • @joekeys9021
      @joekeys9021 5 років тому +1

      Right before the nambu pistols, lol

    • @RichardCranium321
      @RichardCranium321 5 років тому +1

      @@joekeys9021yeah the nambu did have a few flaws & isn't that also why they experimented with the smaller sizes? Also, arisaka's were built ok for the time which is surprising considering the volume & speed with which they were pumped out.. Yes, a number have failed in recent years but that has to do as much with modern ammo being more powerful as it does them just being older & HIGHLY mass produced. I'm honestly shocked MORE haven't blown up though.

    • @kungflumaster5495
      @kungflumaster5495 5 років тому +8

      Jakobs and tediore

  • @clawrence034
    @clawrence034 5 років тому +45

    "The captain carried a pair of dragoon pistols in scabbards that mounted across the pommel of the saddle- these guns were United States issue, Colt’s patent, and he had bought them from a deserter.” -Cormac Macarthy, Blood Meridian

  • @horsestewart9864
    @horsestewart9864 3 роки тому +14

    Forty five years ago, I owned an Italian repro Third Model Dragoon. It gave decent accuracy out to 100 yards, as long as you kept the powder load at about 35 grains. Sure packed a whallop.

  • @burialgoods
    @burialgoods 5 років тому +54

    "Colt's Dragoon!"
    "Yer no bigger than a corn nubbin. What're you doin' with a pistol like that?"

  • @lukevader240
    @lukevader240 5 років тому +81

    Did a stranger come to town with that big iron on his hip?

  • @Xaxares
    @Xaxares 3 роки тому +6

    Nice detail, at around the 9 minute mark when he talks about the version 2 Dragoon, the closeup on the cylinder, you can faintly see the battlefield carvings he mentions in the Walker video.

  • @timothyboles6457
    @timothyboles6457 5 років тому +9

    Really outstanding when you can do a video like this showing all the variants of a firearm

  • @ethanbaker6264
    @ethanbaker6264 4 роки тому +14

    In the book Empire of the Summer Moon about the Comanches when talking about the Texas Rangers fighting the Comanches initially with two single shot pistols and a single shot rifle it went in to pretty good detail about how Jack Hayes trained his men to fight like the Comanches and ultimately by extension live and travel like them too. Throughout that it goes into pretty good detail about how incredibly crucial those Patterson colts were in competition with the Comanches and how the second in command Samuel Walker got into contact with Samuel Colt about how important the colts were as well as the development of the Walker Colt. The idea behind that ridiculously heavy charge in the Walker was that he wanted a handgun that could kill a man at 100 yards like they could with their carbines.

  • @DomRivers67
    @DomRivers67 4 роки тому +43

    The Walker remained the most powerful handgun in mass production right up until the 357 magnum
    You can't really count the early Tranter .577 "stopping revolvers" as they tended to be bespoke or very limited run and were barely practical to fire UNLESS you were being eaten by a tiger as the alternative

  • @bunkstagner298
    @bunkstagner298 4 роки тому +9

    Fascinating, need a Walker for comparison? Here it is. A table full of rare guns laying around like this is every day.Thanks Ian this is a marvelous history lesson.

  • @petehall889
    @petehall889 5 років тому +4

    I have original 1st and 3rd Model Dragoons and they are handsome handguns. The 3rd is cut for the shoulder stock. I'm getting to the age now where I can't hold them at arm's length for very long! Absolutely the favourites of my collection...

  • @maxx_2245
    @maxx_2245 5 років тому +10

    The Dragoon with the stock looks absolutely stunning. I love the lines and the stock mounting mechanism.

  • @myotiriouslatine6829
    @myotiriouslatine6829 4 роки тому +7

    Its good to see that in the 4 years gap between the walker and dragoon video Ian had improved so much on his videos. His presentation is way way smoother now and he no longer clicks his tongue whenever he needs to jump to the next point on his list. Plus, less jumpcut and some videos no longer have jumpcut even. Love this channel.

  • @twjonckheere
    @twjonckheere 5 років тому +9

    I love my 1848 Dragoon replica. Really fun gun to shoot.

  • @adissentingopinion848
    @adissentingopinion848 3 роки тому +7

    In a Source mod, Fistful of Frags, the most powerful gun is literally the Walker, which kills in 1 shot. But in the game, the reloads are accurate, meaning that it takes a full minute for fully reload. I'm glad to know that the reason it was so powerful was because it almost had enough gunpowder for a rifle.

  • @EpicPBear
    @EpicPBear 3 роки тому +1

    I love the cross-hatched detailing on each barrel

  • @georgeholt8929
    @georgeholt8929 4 роки тому +6

    First things first, for those of you who are not familiar with Black Powder firearms, to blow then up either means you loaded them as you would normally except the ball was not seated deep against the powder charge, meaning there was a gap between the powder and the ball, or you load the revolver with FFFF (4F) powder rather then the normal powder which should have been 2F or perhaps 3F. A 60 grain charge of 4F, most definitely will cause a Walker to go to pieces. Any gun can Blow Up or explode as they called it if dirt covers the muzzle.

  • @MrSheckstr
    @MrSheckstr 3 роки тому +10

    So something I never thought about the “stocked” revolver.
    I seems to me that this frame could have been used/adapted for a close quarters assault weapon (19th century SWAT)
    Longer barrel, larger caliber bullet, higher capacity cylinder, and the ability to quick change the cylinder

    • @theprojectproject01
      @theprojectproject01 2 роки тому

      Interesting. I wonder if you could do a LeMat pattern, with that central shot barrel and maybe 9-10 shots in cylinders surrounding that.

    • @paulpolito2001
      @paulpolito2001 Рік тому

      Barrel-Cylinder Gap means you inevitably end up with a face full of hot, high-pressure gas and lead shavings. Some models introduced had shields on the left grip frame, but it's an innate problem with such a weapon system.

  • @TheHylianJuggalo
    @TheHylianJuggalo 5 років тому +50

    I got exactly what I expected and wanted from the comment section, you are all beautiful people.

  • @raymondwilliamblack
    @raymondwilliamblack 3 роки тому +18

    CAPT WALKER was later killed, speared by a Mexican Lancer.as an aside the pistol was designed to be issued to Dragoons and carried in holsters attached to both sides of a saddle hence it was known as THE DRAGOON HORSE PISTOL.

    • @MilanskaSila
      @MilanskaSila Рік тому

      Wasn’t he shot in the chest/head by a Mexican sniper?

  • @revolverDOOMGUY
    @revolverDOOMGUY 5 років тому +34

    Reads title: "I miss my ranger sequoia"

  • @craigthescott5074
    @craigthescott5074 2 роки тому +1

    I’ve got a reproduction Colt Dragoon 3rd model that I knew nothing about. Thx Ian now I know something about these pistols, I just need to get out and shoot it.

  • @TheEdmond30
    @TheEdmond30 5 років тому +72

    My girlfriend, just agreed she didn't have enough "Dragoon Revolvers" in her life... I concurred. then i caught the note of sarcasm...

    • @TheEdmond30
      @TheEdmond30 5 років тому +3

      @@CountArtha its all about the long barrelled Model 29

    • @aninjawaffle98
      @aninjawaffle98 5 років тому +5

      Everybody knows bull barrels are better!

    • @jimtreebob2096
      @jimtreebob2096 5 років тому +12

      TheEdmond30 challenge her to a duel. Assert your dominance.

    • @TheEdmond30
      @TheEdmond30 5 років тому +5

      @@jimtreebob2096 dont panic dude. i got this.no need to duel the girlfriend, and it was a strong action that allowed her chamber reaming... an enjoyable task for the home gunsmith... I'm keeping this one

    • @444mopar
      @444mopar 5 років тому +2

      For those few fleeting milliseconds of joy, you considered proposing to her!

  • @oftenwrong.
    @oftenwrong. 5 років тому +2

    Wonderful video! I am a big Colt fan! A loyal fan stays true to their faith. Colt has had so much history in the last 175 years. So many landmark guns! My favorite is the famous Colt single action army revolver!

  • @curtisstewart9594
    @curtisstewart9594 4 роки тому +5

    The dragoon was a cavalry soldier on offence but infantry on defence. This concept was used up to the civil war.
    Effective distance for these heavy revolvers was up to 200 yards. A heavy powder charge was needed.
    The idea of power to drop a horse would put the opposing cavalry on the ground with only edged weapons. Maybe a single shot carbine.
    As tactics changed a powerful light hand weapon was needed. The 1860 Colt and 1858 Remington revolvers allowed cavalry a light weapon which could be carried on the person rather than slung on a horse. Effective range needed dropped to 50 yards needing a less powerful charge. Most civil war field charges were 30 to 35 grains. The standard issue rounds were 40 grains over a 150 grain conical ball. This was still a rather heavy load.

  • @randymagnum143
    @randymagnum143 5 років тому +69

    Square backed trigger, like Marlin's squared lever.......so your knuckles *know* how much powder you're burning

    • @hambone950
      @hambone950 4 роки тому

      so your saying go round...

    • @BogeyTheBear
      @BogeyTheBear 4 роки тому +1

      Round guards on something that pre-dates the Gold Rush is like putting a rail and red-dot on a Winchester 92: Sure, it'll help. But it looks so danged wrong...

    • @filianablanxart8305
      @filianablanxart8305 4 роки тому

      Some people like them . Some people have their second finger get smacked .

    • @Rack47
      @Rack47 3 роки тому

      STERLING MALORY DUCHESS ARCHERRR!!! Or you might prefer Randy Randerson or Randleman.

  • @Anonymous.034
    @Anonymous.034 5 років тому +12

    HE'S AN OUTLAW LOOSE AND RUNNIN, CAME THE WHISPER FROM EACH LIP -
    AND HE'S HERE TO DO BUSINESS WITH THE
    Colt
    Walker
    ON HIS HIP

  • @jasonsantos3037
    @jasonsantos3037 Рік тому +1

    The big iron revolvers are very cool my favorite gun from the old West.

  • @klusenschmiedmike5157
    @klusenschmiedmike5157 3 роки тому +7

    Few people know, that Geronimo owned one of those Dragoons.
    It did a lot for his reputation.

  • @menotel
    @menotel 4 роки тому +2

    Nice it is great to get to see all of them and hear the history. Thank you!

  • @YsabelKid1964
    @YsabelKid1964 5 років тому +5

    Ian, my favorite videos are when you look at cap & ball handguns. Have you ever thought of doing a side by side comparison of the original specimens compared to the modern reproductions (often from Italy)? A series on this would be very interesting and informative!

  • @healyburnham393
    @healyburnham393 Рік тому

    Ian, this lecture is superb. Incredibly accurate and precise. And I finally saw how Sam shortened the Walker cylinder and made use of the barrels which had already been made. Dad gave me his daddy's 1860 Army, an old Allen & Wheelock rifle, and a Spencer carbine to play cowboy & Indians. I made all 3 function again. I disassembled and cleaned that Spencer last year for my Brother, no doubt it's first cleaning in 120 years or so. LIFE did an article on Cased Colts back in the mid 60's, and I wanted some. Eventually I copied the sea captain's case for my Signature Series Walker. Cased my original 1860 with another, and a modern shoulder stock. Then started on Colts & Remingtons from Cabella's. These are affordable, with accoutrements from Dixie Gun Works. Single, double, and a triple casing, all in French style. These I presented to beloved relatives. How many 10 year old girls got a brace of cased police pistols for a birthday? Please continue giving us your wisdom.

  • @dtnetlurker
    @dtnetlurker 4 роки тому +4

    Great collection of Dragoons. All are represented except for the Whitneyville Hartford Dragoon that had the same exact larger grip with iron backstrap as the Walker. The 1st, 2d, and 3rd all had the smaller grip with the brass backstrap.
    Wish Ian would do the Whitneyville-Hartford Dragoon so we can see the very earliest "Colt" Dragoon.

    • @BogeyTheBear
      @BogeyTheBear 3 роки тому

      If the Uberti replicas are an accurate representation of the historical pieces (🤷‍♂️) then the Walker grip merely _looks_ longer in photos because it's actually thinner than the Dragoon grip.
      The upper portion of an Uberti Walker grip is square in proportional thickness-- the width of the grip and the front-to-back thickness are the same. The Dragoon grip is oval-- thicker than it is wide. I've held both models in hand, and the Walker is like grabbing hold of a broom handle while the Dragoon feels like a gun.

  • @stevenhoman2253
    @stevenhoman2253 5 років тому +5

    Hi ian, have I mentioned the channel capandball? He is in Hungary but speaks very good English. He does a lot of black powder shooting and game hunting. He also fires MP40's etc. Watching him construct the paper/ wax ammunition is interesting in it self. He's also a championship shooter with many victories. I think an episode done with him would be very educational for viewers viewers.

  • @mechaman7818
    @mechaman7818 5 років тому +3

    To the hive of Aguafrias came a stranger one grim day
    .
    Hardly spoke to the Arbites, didn't have too much to say
    .
    No one dared to slit his purse-strings, no one dared to make a slip
    ,
    for the black-clad man among them had a boltgun on his hip
    .
    Boltgun on his hip.

  • @Fuzzthefurr
    @Fuzzthefurr 3 роки тому +1

    Gotta say, any time I have a gun-liking client, I always tend to recommend either your channel, or RIA auctions directly. Such a vast and diverse spread of guns on display there, I only wish I could go there sometime.

  • @phantomreaper2057
    @phantomreaper2057 4 роки тому +3

    The only one I wasn't aware of existing was the one with the shoulder stock but I didn't realise that the three versions were so different to each other as from a distance they all look pretty much the same as the others apart from the small details other than the shoulder stock one that is. I also really like your videos keep up the good work

  • @ValMartinIreland
    @ValMartinIreland 3 роки тому +1

    The invention of the percussion cap was vital to the invention of the revolver.

    • @BogeyTheBear
      @BogeyTheBear 3 роки тому

      Vital, yes. But there is such a thing as a flintlock revolver.
      ua-cam.com/video/i9Km5KaeO7I/v-deo.html

  • @F4Wildcat
    @F4Wildcat 5 років тому +23

    3:17 So thats where Gearbox software got the idea for the tedoire weapons

  • @jerryjohnsonii4181
    @jerryjohnsonii4181 5 років тому +2

    Wow, that is a lot of Colt Dragoon revolvers in one place. Very Cool video Ian !!!!!!

  • @burntorangeak
    @burntorangeak 5 років тому +23

    When you need a full foot of leverage for pistol whipping your enemies.

  • @Vickyvee97
    @Vickyvee97 10 місяців тому

    As soon as I thought I've quit you I'm pulled back in once again! You have my RE RE RE RE RE subscription good sir!

  • @FrenchBzh
    @FrenchBzh 5 років тому +8

    Very good video as always and with old revolvers i love 😍.
    I wish you could make a video about the remington 1858 and its latest versions (1861 and 1863).
    This is my favorite cap and ball revolver ❤!
    Congratulation again and greetings from France (Brest town in brittany's far west 😁)👍👍.
    And sorry for my bad english, i'm trying to emprove myself 😅.

    • @rezasandresa5916
      @rezasandresa5916 4 роки тому

      1858 was a remington patent for the base pin allowed to be catched by the loading lever,

  • @generatorjohn4537
    @generatorjohn4537 3 роки тому

    Excellent description of these early Colts.
    Thank You.

  • @blamokapow137
    @blamokapow137 5 років тому +6

    Always loved the title of Dragoon.

  • @SangTheCryptek
    @SangTheCryptek 5 років тому +3

    That stock is just gorgeous. Man.

  • @catyear75
    @catyear75 5 років тому +5

    This was just a wonderful history lesson ! For some reason the Dragoon is my favorite of Colts pistols ... I'd love to get one - someday!

    • @petehall889
      @petehall889 5 років тому +1

      I have original 1st and 3rd Model Dragoons. They are great guns and can be bought as replicas. It is quite an experience handling one, so I hope you get your wish!

  • @andrewabbott2656
    @andrewabbott2656 4 роки тому +18

    Imagine how impactful a gun is if 1/3 of the guns are sent back to the factory for repair, and despite that, another shipment is ordered .

    • @kinsmart7294
      @kinsmart7294 2 роки тому +1

      @Peter Angles They are so cheap its worth it even if you have to send them immediately to an gunsmith to polish the action. Especially their pt92s that are literally licensed production from beretta, including using the same machinery after beretta left their factory in Brazil.

    • @craigthescott5074
      @craigthescott5074 2 роки тому +1

      Probably because there wasn’t a lot of competition or choices back then.

  • @cristianpopescu78
    @cristianpopescu78 Рік тому +7

    I think, Samuel Colt ,fortunately,made his revolvers at the time when the Lathe and other Tools mashinery becomes quite popular, which made possible the mass production of such weapons.It was ' at the right time and right place" success story
    He has had lot of luck,as well ,remember comanche vs colt paterson Fights.

  • @johnoneil9188
    @johnoneil9188 5 років тому +2

    And here I just managed to get that song out of my head....

    • @smithwesson1896
      @smithwesson1896 4 роки тому

      *T O T H E T O W N O F A G U A F R I A R O D E A S T R A N G E R O N E F I N E D A Y*

  • @KAKADOUJACK
    @KAKADOUJACK 5 років тому +18

    They say a man has to have true grit to fire one of these, unless he can find a fence post to prop it up on.

    • @petehall889
      @petehall889 5 років тому +2

      The 1969 John Wayne film was the reason I bought my two Dragoons! Interestingly, the gun carried in that film was actually a Colt Walker. In the new True Grit film, Mattie carries the correct 2nd Model Dragoon.

    • @KAKADOUJACK
      @KAKADOUJACK 5 років тому +2

      @@petehall889 I actually knew that about the gun in the film being a Walker. I'm not big into black powder, but a couple years ago a friend of mine who knows a lot more about cap and ball guns told me that fact and it crushed my dreams a little bit haha

    • @BogeyTheBear
      @BogeyTheBear 3 роки тому

      Colt Dragoon: The preferred gun of teenage girls everywhere.

  • @jem5159
    @jem5159 3 роки тому

    My favorite old style pistol.

  • @YCCCm7
    @YCCCm7 5 років тому +3

    7:17 Reasons why the internet is the best entertainment medium. Exceptionally authentic.

  • @MMINTY02
    @MMINTY02 4 роки тому

    Undoubtedly my favorite old school revolver aestheticly

  • @nathandorman1827
    @nathandorman1827 4 роки тому +3

    " That piece will do the job for ya; if ya find a high stump to rest it on and a wall to put behind ya" -Rooster Cogburn

  • @SnipeU696
    @SnipeU696 4 роки тому

    Thank you.

  • @nindger4270
    @nindger4270 5 років тому +7

    Imagine these days that a third of your guns fail in some way and the military asks for more. Gives some perspective.

    • @edgarmatsuzawa4524
      @edgarmatsuzawa4524 4 роки тому

      Robin Schuhmacher yes but for the most part the users were uneducated in the use of the gun

  • @1381greg
    @1381greg 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you for sharing your knowledge on these very special and extraordinary firearms....I've never shot, seen, or ever held one. The only time I can ever reference to one is when Clint Eastwood used them in his great movies. Especially in one movie he wood do a reload with the whole cylinder.....

  • @Mamiya645
    @Mamiya645 5 років тому +4

    In the beginning, Samuel Colt invented the revolver, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.

  • @357magdad
    @357magdad 5 років тому +1

    If you're in the area, the Paterson Museum is worth a walk through. The water falls are cool too.

  • @mrclaw4715
    @mrclaw4715 3 роки тому +4

    Is there one with 1 notch and 19 more?

  • @dudearlo
    @dudearlo 2 роки тому

    Othias got me up to speed on Sam Colt back in the day.
    Oh Sam Colt would have been a hilarious friend to chill with back in the day xD

  • @philipfear4649
    @philipfear4649 3 роки тому +3

    I've been involved with Black Powder competition for 20 years and I've found a 60 grain Powder charge is one of the most common Powder charges for a 50cal rifle today.....
    That's a modern reproduction with modern steel.....
    The 45cal Walker Colt's steel was greatly inferior to today's steel and the smaller caliber......
    This shows how highly powered these hand cannons were over the first "Paterson Revolver" that was originally designed.....
    And why they were reduced in power in the later Dragoon models.....

    • @craigthescott5074
      @craigthescott5074 2 роки тому +1

      Phill I’m new to this game, not guns I collect class three weapons for 40 years but I recently bought a reproduction Colt 3rd model Dragoon. I want to shoot it so is 50 grains of black powder too much ?

    • @maxmcneeley74
      @maxmcneeley74 2 роки тому

      I was just wondering if the modern replica walkers were stronger then the original walkers and could they handle the 60 grain charge.

  • @silverstar4289
    @silverstar4289 7 місяців тому

    Just saw one on display at the Charleston SC museum. Owned by a local gunsmith, that he carried in his service with the Confederacy. Very nice condition example

  • @BYLRPhil
    @BYLRPhil 5 років тому +9

    Ian, never apologize for puns, you beautiful musketeer, you,

  • @paradigmstudiosca
    @paradigmstudiosca 3 роки тому

    That shoulder stock configuration is awfully slick.

  • @DP-fq7iy
    @DP-fq7iy 5 років тому +14

    Samuel Colt and Marty Robbins.
    Name a more ironic duo.

  • @grizzlyblackpowder1960
    @grizzlyblackpowder1960 Рік тому +1

    Interesting thing about walkers and dragoons, it's my personal belief that while the walker was prone to being overloaded and had a tendency to explode, many early heavy horse revolvers were sent back with broken springs. I had a long conversation with a one of the fine folks at the cody firearms museum and we talked about the weight of the action being extra rough on small springs used. He told me that many horse pistols in private ownership today do not have their original springs, and I think much of that has to do with the action putting too much stress on them to move heavy party around. I only have personal experience with modern reproductions of those firearms my self so my knowledge of the ruggedness of the original springs is quite limited, but I think it could explain why so many early horse pistols saw repairs at the factory within their service life.

    • @BogeyTheBear
      @BogeyTheBear Рік тому

      Thing is, if you have replacement springs available, it's much easier to replace the spring at depot or even in the field rather than sending it back to Hartford. Burst cylinders and barrels are structural compromises-- a cracked spring is just a component failure.

  • @gunluver3578
    @gunluver3578 5 років тому +6

    To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day

  • @wooptydo6241
    @wooptydo6241 5 років тому +25

    The puns...
    M O R E.

  • @davidegaleotti94
    @davidegaleotti94 5 років тому +2

    Love the Gblellee technical definition at 7:25 XD

  • @emborg3145
    @emborg3145 4 роки тому +5

    You: lists all of the faults of the pistol
    Me: *B I G I R O N*