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Thread: Virginian Dragoon 44mag?

  1. #1
    Boolit Master
    2ndAmendmentNut's Avatar
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    Virginian Dragoon 44mag?

    What can you all tell me about them? I see them priced at half what a Ruger is, are they half the gun?

    Thanks
    Last edited by 2ndAmendmentNut; 12-24-2009 at 01:11 AM.

  2. #2
    Boolit Master
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    I have only seen one of them and it looked like a decent revolver but as I did not fire it that is all I can tell you.

  3. #3
    Boolit Grand Master
    Mk42gunner's Avatar
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    I haven't seen any in probably twenty years; but the word then was that they were very good guns. I liked the looks of them, I just wasn't into single actions at the time.

    Robert

  4. #4
    In Remembrance

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    I just got one a couple of weeks ago and unfortunately haven't got to shoot it yet. However it locks up tight, there is no excess play in the cylinder and when I slugged the barrel and each cylinder I was surprised with the results, each cylinder slugged at .430 and the barrel was .429 with no tight or loose spots. I am hoping to shoot it this weekend if I can get away for a while. I think the fit and finish is great and I am quite happy considering the price of the gun being a couple hundred less than some others.

  5. #5
    Boolit Master

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    Smile

    A nice read!
    http://www.singleactions.com/VADragoons.pdf
    Here's a picture of my safe queen.
    Last edited by boatswainsmate; 12-24-2009 at 06:52 AM. Reason: Added picture

  6. #6
    Boolit Bub
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    i have one in 44 mag,ran about 10,000 thru it so far and it is still tight,it will keep up with the rugers thats for sure.but defenitely a heavy piece.

  7. #7
    Boolit Master
    2ndAmendmentNut's Avatar
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    I guess I am a little surprised. I have seen these guns in SS and good condition for under $300. Is there a reason they are so much cheaper? Are there any specific dates of production that where not real good?

    Oh, and Merry Christmas!

  8. #8
    Boolit Master Sprue's Avatar
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    There is one with at least a 7 in bbl at a pawn shop near here. Its a huge pistol and looks ultra heft. Its either 44 Mag or 45 C, I don't remember. Anyway its been laying there for months now. Its SS with white/ivory colored grips, looks a little used for the mere price of $500. Again, its a large gun nearing Smith 500 size. The reading that I have done (when I first saw it) is favorable.
    Sprue ™

  9. #9
    Boolit Master

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    I have 2. Big beefy guns. I split a forcing cone on my long-barreled Stainless. Use some locktite to keep the Ejector Housing screw tight, or you may lose the screw and housing.

    CDD

  10. #10
    Boolit Master doubs43's Avatar
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    I looked at one some 30 odd years ago and it was SS in 44 Mag as I recall. It seemed to be of excellent quality and the salesman, whose opinion I respected, told me that they were very well made. I wasn't interested in a 44 Mag at the time so I passed.

    About 15 years later I bought one NIB in 357 Mag with a 12 inch barrel and adjustable sights. It was blued. I had an FFL at the time and it took about a year to move it but IMO the buyer got a great pistol, especially if he was into handgun hunting.

    Until now, I've seen very little about the Virginian Dragoon and apparently most owners are keeping them.

  11. #11
    Boolit Master

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    Never owned one in .44 but, once upon a time, had one in .41 Mag...and have often regretted trading it off. Excellent fit and finish with solid lock-up. If I was offered a "Dragoon" today, in good condition (in any caliber), for "half what a Ruger is", I'd grab it and run.

    Bill
    "I'm not often right but I've never been wrong."

    Jimmy Buffett
    "Scarlet Begonias"

  12. #12
    Boolit Master

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    Good guns, strong well made they would be a bargain at prices that are less than a Ruger. The only problem might be parts if they are ever needed. I am keeping my eye out for one in 44 mag. or 45 colt.
    Mtgrs737
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  13. #13
    Boolit Master
    2ndAmendmentNut's Avatar
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    Anyone happen to know what a 44mag with 7.5” barrel weighs? I personally would like a little extra heft for the hot loads.

  14. #14
    Boolit Buddy TDC's Avatar
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    Here ya go, guys.... Virginian Dragoon revolvers that were marketed by Interarms are a super bargain. They are on a par with Ruger Super Blackhawks with features and strengths surpassing them in some areas. This one is NIB and I'm trying to find Pachmayr grips to fit it.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails PC240255 - 2.jpg   PC240258 - 2.jpg   PC240257 - 2.jpg   PC240253 - 2.jpg  
    "Hindsight is always so much more accurate than foresight, but well considered foresight so much more valuable." - Dwight D. Eisenhower

  15. #15
    Boolit Buddy
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    I have a 44 mag SS and LOVE it. It is a beefy revolver. I dont use/care for the funny "safety" feature on it though.
    Jeff

  16. #16
    Boolit Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jeffery8mm View Post
    I have a 44 mag SS and LOVE it. It is a beefy revolver. I dont use/care for the funny "safety" feature on it though.
    Jeff
    Okay I did a little research and it looks like these guns have what is called a “Swiss Safety.” Now could somebody please explain what the heck that is and how does it work?

  17. #17
    Boolit Master doubs43's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by 2ndAmendmentNut View Post
    Okay I did a little research and it looks like these guns have what is called a “Swiss Safety.” Now could somebody please explain what the heck that is and how does it work?
    I guessing but I believe it's the ability to push the cylinder pin back so that it blocks the hammer from reaching the firing pin or primer if the firing pin is attached to the hammer. My Armi San Marco 1873 SAA revolver works that way. It's effective but not very practical.

  18. #18
    Boolit Buddy TDC's Avatar
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    doubs43 is correct...

    The cylinder pin has an additional locking notch and that allows the pin to be pushed back through the frame and press against the hammer, keeping it from touching the firing pin.. It was called a "Swiss Safe" safety.

    It isn't necessary to use the pistol with that feature. Its usefulness is to make it unshootable unless the pin is move back to the other notch. It was an especially useful safety for making the firearm unshootable for children.

    The Virginian Dragoon is a very, very beefy and well designed Colt clone, enhancing every feature of the Colt with modern technology and extra dimensions for large magnum use.

    For the prices they are selling for today they are an absolute steal. If anyone finds a NIB 7 1/2" SS 45LC let me know where. Same for Pachmayr's to fit them...

  19. #19
    Boolit Mold tomcat's Avatar
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    I just took one in trade here at my shop. It is a SS 44mag. with 7 1/2 barrel. The previous owner had only fired about 10 rounds through it, with six being 44 special. It is dated 1974. I am asking $385.00 for it. I considered posting it here in the for sale forum.

  20. #20
    Boolit Mold
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    I used to sell both Virginian Dragoons and Super Blackhawks back in the 70's and was jealous that the Virg Dragoon was a better gun than my beloved SBH but also more expensive. I bought (stole) a SS Virg Drag for my son to take to AK 3 summers ago for $205, new in the box, not even test fired at he factory and I promptly fell in love with it. Much better trigger than any of my SBHs, shoots better groups. Heavier gun, better trigger, three lovely clicks upon cocking the hammer. The only weakness is the Colt style stud/nut that is soldered into the barrel to hold the ejector housing in place. Too bad they are out of production for 20 years and Numrich does such a poor job stocking parts for them. Ruger still produces new guns and stocks every part you need for the SBH, so practicality forces me to stay with them.

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