Anyone have a fix for the Dragoon loading lever drop?

[docone31]

I got me a #2 Dragoon. Love it. The issue is,
With stout loads, the loading lever drops. Not every time, but it does drop.
Any fixes out there for this?

[Outpost75]

Old timers cut off the finger from an old glove, and then cut the fingertip off it to poke the muzzle through.

Slide the leather sleeve over the lever to keep it from flopping, slide it towards the muzzle to free the lever.

[Walkingwolf]

O-ring...

[docone31]

I had read, where they either replaced the spring, or used a washer. I did remove the catch and stretched the spring, but I suspect I gotta do more than that.

[marada]

the 2 mating surfaces did not match up on the catch on the loading lever on my dragoon, i took a needle file and squared up the mating surfaces and have not had a problem since. i did not even reblue, but u could use some cold blue and never tell the difference.

[docone31]

I did that. Got it so no light is visible on the surfaces. It still popped down on 40gns and up loads. I might make a washer for the bottom of the spring.

[dondiego]

I was thinking of using a small thin piece of the very powerful magnets that come out of computers. Glue a piece to the underside of the barrel to hold the lever up. Haven't tried it yet.

[curator]

This is how I fixed my Walker Colt

149216

[docone31]

That looks good on that Walker. My Dragoon came with one of those. It pops loose on firing 40gns and up. I filed the contact points, and stretched the spring. Waiting to hit the range.
I had a Walker, but the previous owner did 70gn loads in it. It was shot loose when I got it. Sold it off.
I did find, that, you can file and weld the wedge. Heavy loads will peen the wedge, even when you file it, or peen it, metal is missing. Went to a muffler shop and filled it in. Tightened it up real well.
Speaks with authority for sure.

[Geezer in NH]

elastic made to fit then done shooting throw it out

[AtomHeartMother]

Helps too if you snug up the lever hinge screws.... You'll have more resistance when loading but it works. If the lever is wiggling at either hinge recoil will pop it loose.

[bubba.50]

I thought everybody just carried a pocket full of rubber bands when they shot these things[smilie=1::Fire:.

[docone31]

I learned the tighten the screws with my 51 Navy. That helps some, but I am hoping my spring tweak does the trick. I honed the catch and instep. They fit tightly now.
I gotta rerivet the pin, and try the fix.
Lets hope that works.
I really like the Dragoon. Feels good, hits with authority. I can see why this was a desired pistol back then.
I have taken .50cal balls, and run them through a .452 sizing die. Looking forward to seeing that in action.