I found I had to do the same thing--extend the latch. When you simply deepened the catch the latch didn't extend forward enough to benefit from that modification. Also the same results, good at 40grs but drops at 50
Great Information! I live this history - I have a Uberti, Whitneyville Dragoon. I am just a few miles North of Deadwood in the Black Hills of South Dakota. ...Great Information!
Dragoons are fun. Love my Walker... My dad refuses to shoot it... Too heavy for him. I got a historically accurate dragoon bullet mold from Mark Hubbs, drops something looking like a johnson and dow but weighs between 250-270 grains. Managed 40 grains of fffg swiss behind it. Nearly knock a 44 mag spinner out of the ground with it. I couldnt help but chuckle. Love that Walker... As for the spring for the losding lever, i carved s shelf with a needle file on that rounded catch. I rarely have it drop anymore. I hunt deer and elk with my Walker as my back up to my rifle. Actually trying to get a second one and have some pommel holsters made for my saddle lol
I’m looking for pommel holsters. I’m a mule rider for many years. They gonna show up on my videos at some point. I’m thinking of the dragoon mold from mark. It’s a lot of fun. I’ll work on that catch. If all else fails I’ll go to a leather keeper.
@@CapBallFanatic-gb3jb check with DukeFrazierProduvtions hes a little hard to get a hold of, but he does holsters and has a pattern for pommel holsters
Hooray for the Dragoon! 2nd model, too, and this one's a shooter! Nice job one-handed at that 29 yard plate. Looks like you'll get to practice your cavalry draw with that holster. I'm waiting for a chance to get a civilian half flap from Duke Frazier set for a cavalry draw, myself. It'll hold my New Model Army 44. Next up is a 2nd Dragoon and a London model Navy down the line. But then, I also need a Cimarron Old Model P in .45 😅
A lovely pistol the Dragoon! I have shot mine for 40 plus years now and still enjoy it, I think mine is made by ASM as it has an 1851 type latch, which I am sure was fitted back in the day by some, mine does have a low right impact point, but I have shot balloons out to 100 yds with it. Chris B.
The lever spring is weak. The piece that goes into the bbl is also dull. There is a pin on the end of the loading lever. Push that one out, slide out the loading plunger, and spring. A cartridge pen spring goes into the hole. You may or not reduce the length to make it fit. Check the angles of the holder, and plunger. They should fit tightly. Reassemble and enjoy firing the beast. I have an original, and it does the same thing, at least untill I changed out the spring and sharpened the plunger. Also, look at the grip. The back of the revolver looks like it sways outwards. It should be like a Bisley. Straight down. Remove the grips and on the brass strap, make the line straighter.The brass sands easily, and the wook also. You got a fine shooting iron. It sure looks sweet.
Hey thanks! I will do that. I’d already been looking at the angles and they don’t fit well at all. So I will get it done. I enjoy shooting it. It’s a beast alright! But it’s a fun beast. I appreciate you taking the time to send the info along. And thanks for watching.
Having used a pair of 2nd Model dragoons occasionally at Cowboy Shoots, I didn't find the weight too objectionable. The "feel" is the familiar "Colt" in the hand, unlike the Walkers. At 70 years old I'm not looking to put stress on my back, but a nice tight wide belt seemed to help control the holstered Dragoons, at least for the duration of a six hour match.
Thanks! The heavy was something I got used to after a bit. This was my first time and I got the feel and balance down. I have a holster that works great. But it would be a pain to belt carry all day everyday! It’s a good shooter. I’m 67 so those concerns are mine too. Thanks brother.
Another vote for the 2nd Model Dragoon (as you can see from my avatar), the sidearm of the "Ysabel Kid" in the J.T. Edson western series! I have not had a problem with the loading lever dropping, even with stout charges, and even loaded with .45 Colt in my conversion cylinder. I do have that problem - all the time - with the Walker Dragoon.
I’ve been really debating on getting either a dragoon or walker replica. Only thing that really turns me away is that for the price they’re currently going for, I can get two .36 pietta navy’s for the price of the walker. Great video, definitely something to ponder.
@@CapBallFanatic-gb3jb just recently I was looking on midwayusa and the walker jumped from $449 to $519 and the dragoons also from $449 (minus the third model dragoon) to $499. Just makes me think a little more consciously before dropping the money.
I guess so. A friend told me his is good up to 30 grains. As you saw mine got better but not good. I’ll make a leather loop. That’ll look cool lol. Thanks
I think I told you I have a pair of Uberti dragoons both the same model and I to prefer the 2nd model for the squared back trigger guard and apart from my baby dragoon are the only cap and ball revolvers I own and favor them for the weight and power in my opinion the colt walker is the 44 mag and the colt dragoon is 357 mag of the 1800’s which back when I had modern guns I favor the the 357 mag I wear both dragoons on my waist and have no problem carrying both but I am built like them short and stocky they did carry them in pommel holsters though the problem with the loading lever you can take a small triangle file make the notch deeper on the lever catch I’ve seen people do that before but I’ve never done than before because I want them to be historically accurate I like how you mentioned that Gus McRae Carried a dragoon most people only refer to the movie and not the novel when I say Gus carried a dragoon they say no he didn’t he carried a walker I say he Carrie a dragoon in the novel if you don’t mind me saying my art teacher said I remember him of Gus which got me to watch the movie and eventually read the novels when I was in high school I only read and watched the ones Gus is in I enjoyed the video as usual keep them coming when you have the time please and think you very much
Thanks brother. I happen to love my dragoon…I like you analogy of walker and dragoon to modern 44mag and 357. Thanks for writing! Keep on shooting those big boys!
I have had that happen with my Walker, 1860 Army, and the old 1851 Confederate Navy .44 caliber. And yes I know the story about the last gun not being a historical gun so spare me the lecture. Now I do not have the Walker anymore nor do I have the 1851 Confederate Navy .44 anymore and I am on my second 1860 Army, but the way I solved that leaver drop was to simply tie a thin piece of leather lace around the loading lever then wrapping that around the barrel twice and tucking the end between the barrel and the loading lever. Ways to fix it is to put a stronger spring in, and to flatten inside ledge on the keep so the loading lever catches better as some of the Dragoons have the wrong latch on the loading lever. As some have the 1860 Army latch instead of the rocker style latch that was actually on the Dragoons.
Thank you. I’ll probably use the leather strap cause it’s cool. You will never get the lecture from me on the 44 navy. Just did a video about that last month where I talk about the lecture! Thanks.
Actually no. The dragoon was about 2” high from point of aim. I was impressed that it was closer to on point than many of the other colt replicas! Thanks. I’ll be shooting a walker on video soon and that one is close too!
I do believe I can fix the lever issue for you. However my ability to explain it through the written word is sorely lacking. I have to in on my bench. I tried to explain it to Blackie, and unsuccessful in in doing so. Mountain man.
Blackie Thomas has a video on how to fix the falling loading leaver.
Blackie Thomas has a video on filing the latch on the barrel but I also extended the latch on the rod and manholes with 40 plus but 50 still drops
I am going to look at Blackies video. I forgot about that. I appreciate your reaching out!
I found I had to do the same thing--extend the latch. When you simply deepened the catch the latch didn't extend forward enough to benefit from that modification. Also the same results, good at 40grs but drops at 50
Blackie thomes Has A.
Video on how to permanently fix the loading lever latch on the dragoon's And the walkers.
I’ve seen it and will be doing something soon….i watch a lot of Blackie!
Great Information! I live this history - I have a Uberti, Whitneyville Dragoon. I am just a few miles North of Deadwood in the Black Hills of South Dakota. ...Great Information!
Dragoons are fun. Love my Walker... My dad refuses to shoot it... Too heavy for him. I got a historically accurate dragoon bullet mold from Mark Hubbs, drops something looking like a johnson and dow but weighs between 250-270 grains. Managed 40 grains of fffg swiss behind it. Nearly knock a 44 mag spinner out of the ground with it. I couldnt help but chuckle. Love that Walker... As for the spring for the losding lever, i carved s shelf with a needle file on that rounded catch. I rarely have it drop anymore. I hunt deer and elk with my Walker as my back up to my rifle. Actually trying to get a second one and have some pommel holsters made for my saddle lol
I’m looking for pommel holsters. I’m a mule rider for many years. They gonna show up on my videos at some point. I’m thinking of the dragoon mold from mark. It’s a lot of fun. I’ll work on that catch. If all else fails I’ll go to a leather keeper.
@@CapBallFanatic-gb3jb check with DukeFrazierProduvtions hes a little hard to get a hold of, but he does holsters and has a pattern for pommel holsters
@Rumblestrip I will do that for sure. I’d probably get a walker to go with my dragoon.
Hooray for the Dragoon! 2nd model, too, and this one's a shooter! Nice job one-handed at that 29 yard plate. Looks like you'll get to practice your cavalry draw with that holster. I'm waiting for a chance to get a civilian half flap from Duke Frazier set for a cavalry draw, myself. It'll hold my New Model Army 44. Next up is a 2nd Dragoon and a London model Navy down the line. But then, I also need a Cimarron Old Model P in .45 😅
A lovely pistol the Dragoon! I have shot mine for 40 plus years now and still enjoy it, I think mine is made by ASM as it has an 1851 type latch, which I am sure was fitted back in the day by some, mine does have a low right impact point, but I have shot balloons out to 100 yds with it. Chris B.
Fantastic! 100 yards! That’s something I have to try! Keep shooting that big Dragoon. Thanks
Love all of your videos,very informative.
Thank you
Thank you for your channel!
You’re welcome! Thanks for helping make it possible! I’ll keep em coming!
The lever spring is weak. The piece that goes into the bbl is also dull. There is a pin on the end of the loading lever. Push that one out, slide out the loading plunger, and spring. A cartridge pen spring goes into the hole. You may or not reduce the length to make it fit. Check the angles of the holder, and plunger. They should fit tightly. Reassemble and enjoy firing the beast. I have an original, and it does the same thing, at least untill I changed out the spring and sharpened the plunger. Also, look at the grip. The back of the revolver looks like it sways outwards. It should be like a Bisley. Straight down. Remove the grips and on the brass strap, make the line straighter.The brass sands easily, and the wook also.
You got a fine shooting iron. It sure looks sweet.
Hey thanks! I will do that. I’d already been looking at the angles and they don’t fit well at all. So I will get it done. I enjoy shooting it. It’s a beast alright! But it’s a fun beast. I appreciate you taking the time to send the info along. And thanks for watching.
Having used a pair of 2nd Model dragoons occasionally at Cowboy Shoots, I didn't find the weight too objectionable. The "feel" is the familiar "Colt" in the hand, unlike the Walkers. At 70 years old I'm not looking to put stress on my back, but a nice tight wide belt seemed to help control the holstered Dragoons, at least for the duration of a six hour match.
Thanks! The heavy was something I got used to after a bit. This was my first time and I got the feel and balance down. I have a holster that works great. But it would be a pain to belt carry all day everyday! It’s a good shooter. I’m 67 so those concerns are mine too. Thanks brother.
The grip of the Walker is skinnier, so it doesn't fill the hand as completely as what you get with a Dragoon.
@BogeyTheBear I have to shoot a walker. Thanks
Another vote for the 2nd Model Dragoon (as you can see from my avatar), the sidearm of the "Ysabel Kid" in the J.T. Edson western series! I have not had a problem with the loading lever dropping, even with stout charges, and even loaded with .45 Colt in my conversion cylinder. I do have that problem - all the time - with the Walker Dragoon.
That’s good to hear. I’m gonna find a fix soon cause I love the revolver.
I’ve been really debating on getting either a dragoon or walker replica. Only thing that really turns me away is that for the price they’re currently going for, I can get two .36 pietta navy’s for the price of the walker. Great video, definitely something to ponder.
I hear you. My walker was on sale at midway which is why I got it. I actually think I like shooting the dragoon better … but it’s close
@@CapBallFanatic-gb3jb just recently I was looking on midwayusa and the walker jumped from $449 to $519 and the dragoons also from $449 (minus the third model dragoon) to $499. Just makes me think a little more consciously before dropping the money.
@SunriseSideIronworks I got my walker at 449 in Feb. the dragoon was like 385 last summer. I don’t blame you. I’d be waiting too.
@@CapBallFanatic-gb3jb definitely going to be waiting for things to go on sale. Maybe around hunting season or Black Friday/cyber Monday.
@SunriseSideIronworks that’s what I do! I’m a working man…gotta watch my Pennie’s!
Very nice video
Thank you! Have a great new years!
I had one years ago in the 1990s and got rid of it because of the ram rod dropping down
I feel your pain on that ram rod!
I have a third model I shoot 30 grains with a 454 round ball my loading lever almost never falls down I guess I got a good one
I guess so. A friend told me his is good up to 30 grains. As you saw mine got better but not good. I’ll make a leather loop. That’ll look cool lol. Thanks
I think I told you I have a pair of Uberti dragoons both the same model and I to prefer the 2nd model for the squared back trigger guard and apart from my baby dragoon are the only cap and ball revolvers I own and favor them for the weight and power in my opinion the colt walker is the 44 mag and the colt dragoon is 357 mag of the 1800’s which back when I had modern guns I favor the the 357 mag I wear both dragoons on my waist and have no problem carrying both but I am built like them short and stocky they did carry them in pommel holsters though the problem with the loading lever you can take a small triangle file make the notch deeper on the lever catch I’ve seen people do that before but I’ve never done than before because I want them to be historically accurate I like how you mentioned that Gus McRae Carried a dragoon most people only refer to the movie and not the novel when I say Gus carried a dragoon they say no he didn’t he carried a walker I say he Carrie a dragoon in the novel if you don’t mind me saying my art teacher said I remember him of Gus which got me to watch the movie and eventually read the novels when I was in high school I only read and watched the ones Gus is in I enjoyed the video as usual keep them coming when you have the time please and think you very much
Thanks brother. I happen to love my dragoon…I like you analogy of walker and dragoon to modern 44mag and 357. Thanks for writing! Keep on shooting those big boys!
My 1st model Uberti dragoon has not dropped the loading lever in the 15 years I've had it....40+ grains....I must have got a good one?
That’s great. Either you’ve got a good one or me a bad one lol. I’ll get it right so it doesn’t keep that up. Thanks for watching.
I have had that happen with my Walker, 1860 Army, and the old 1851 Confederate Navy .44 caliber. And yes I know the story about the last gun not being a historical gun so spare me the lecture. Now I do not have the Walker anymore nor do I have the 1851 Confederate Navy .44 anymore and I am on my second 1860 Army, but the way I solved that leaver drop was to simply tie a thin piece of leather lace around the loading lever then wrapping that around the barrel twice and tucking the end between the barrel and the loading lever. Ways to fix it is to put a stronger spring in, and to flatten inside ledge on the keep so the loading lever catches better as some of the Dragoons have the wrong latch on the loading lever. As some have the 1860 Army latch instead of the rocker style latch that was actually on the Dragoons.
Thank you. I’ll probably use the leather strap cause it’s cool. You will never get the lecture from me on the 44 navy. Just did a video about that last month where I talk about the lecture! Thanks.
Waxed cat gut for leather. Tie on barrel make loop bottom.
I like it. Thanks! I have bunch of rawhide and leather too. I’ll fashion something.
When you said that you figured out where it was shooting, was it shooting as high as other Colt replica revolvers?
Actually no. The dragoon was about 2” high from point of aim. I was impressed that it was closer to on point than many of the other colt replicas! Thanks. I’ll be shooting a walker on video soon and that one is close too!
I do believe I can fix the lever issue for you. However my ability to explain it through the written word is sorely lacking. I have to in on my bench. I tried to explain it to Blackie, and unsuccessful in in doing so.
Mountain man.
I’ve developed a strap for now that works old school great. But I think I’ve figured out how to do it with a needle file.
Do video, show us.
@Sleepindragon2 what you want done?
@CapBallFanatic-gb3jb i was replying to mountain man. He keeps offering a fix but can't explain it in words lol
@Sleepindragon2 ok. Lol
I bet you’ve got a healthy stash of #10 caps.
lol. I have enough to get by for a while. But I’m always in the hunt. I shoot ALOT so I go through them
I still would rather have a 1860 Army…
These are a bit of a chore to shoot too frequently.