Colt Dragoon

The Colt Dragoon Revolver was introduced in 1848 when the Mexican War ended. It was designed for the use of the U.S. Army's Mounted Rifles. The Colt Dragoon Revolver was extensively used during the 1850s and '60s for civilian service and even during the Civil War. The Colt Dragoon Revolver was massive and had been designed to correct defects that were present in the Colt Walker revolver.

These defects included the Walker's large size, i.e., four and a half pounds. Some of these had exploded when fired. The Colt Dragoon Revolver had a comparatively shorter cylinder and held up to 50 grains of powder and a round ball. It had a shorter barrel at 7.5 inches as compared to the 9 inches barrel in the Walker. It had a user-friendlier loading lever latch that kept the lever from dropping during recoil and prevented jamming of the revolver. These variations made the Colt Dragoon Revolver 4 pounds two ounces. Its lower powder capacity lowered chamber pressures. These alterations reduced risks of the Colt Dragoon Revolver from exploding when fired. The Colt Dragoon Revolver metallurgy was also improved.

In the troublesome events that led to the Civil War, Colt Dragoons became extremely popular. In the beginning Colt Dragoon Revolver were issued for the U.S. Army's Mounted Rifles (U.S.M.R.) in pairs. They were carried in pommel holsters on the saddle. The Colt Dragoon Revolver gained popularity amongst civilians in the Southwest where many had served in the Mexican War. The Colt Dragoon became a chief weapon for civilians who hailed it as a powerful weapon of the time.

The bandit army of Joaquin Murietta used the Colt Dragoon Revolver. Legend has it that Murieta; a Mexican had great admiration for the Americans in the beginning. However he soon took a dislike to them for the way they treated him. All hell broke loose when 5 American miners broke in to his house and raped his wife. Soon after, Murietta and his followers started their own outlaw association and continued on a devastating rampage for nearly three years, when the California Rangers finally stopped them in July 1953. Interestingly, Manuel Garcia who was Murietta's lieutenant handed a Second Model Dragoon to the Higuerra Ranche Higuerra Ranch owner in respect to his assistance wherein he provided the outlaws with a place to hide.

The Colt Dragoon Revolver was in production between 1848 and 1860. When the Colt Model 1860 Army revolver replaced it, the Colt Dragoon Revolver was being produced in three main variations. They were referred to as the First Model, Second Model, and Third Model Dragoons. Government records showed an order for 8,390 Colt Dragoon Revolver was placed at this time.

The First Model Colt Dragoon Revolver has oval-shaped cylinder notches. Colt produced about 7,000 First Models between 1848 and 1850. The Second Model had rectangular notches and had either the regular leaf mainspring or the "V" mainspring used in the First Model. The company made about 2,550 Second Models in 1850 and '51. The Third Model Dragoon numbers stand at 10,000 between 1851 through 1860. This design had more variations as compared to its earlier counterparts. Some of the Third Model Colt Dragoon Revolvers had frame cuts for detachable shoulder stocks, horizontal "Navy-type" loading lever latches and folding leaf sights. This Colt Dragoon Revolver had a round trigger guard.

A unique feature present in all three Colt Dragoon Revolver models is that they bear an engraved scene of a battle between the Indians and the soldiers. Some may even bear the inscription "U.S. DRAGOONS" or "MODEL U.S.M.R.". The guns averaged 14 inches.

The Colt Dragoon Revolver is at present a collectors' item and the internet provides detailed information about some varieties that have survived till this century in a pristine condition.