A couple of questions on 2 different .44 mags

B

bergie

New member
Was in a local shop today and they had a couple of .44's that weren't there last week.
One was a stainless Super Blackhawk with a 5 1/2" barrel. Looked to be in decent shape, no obvious scratches,dings etc., felt tight, however, there was a bunch of carbon on the face of the cylinder, and around the end of the barrel, so assuming it hadn't just been shot, and had even been "kinda" cleaned up before it was sold or put on the rack, it probably hadn't had the tlc that I and I'm sure most of you give the guns we own. I think I would prefer a 7 1/2", but at their asking price of $250 what do you think?
The other .44 that they had was also a stainless single action revolver, and it had a 7 1/2" barrel. However, I am not familiar with the "brand" name that was stamped on it. It was a Virginian Dragoon. The name and the patent # and a date were the only markings. I did a search here and found only one post that even happened to mention this pistol, no comments on it, only included it in a list of their guns. Anybody have any comments on the quality of this pistol, esp. as compared to the above Ruger? It looked to be extremely clean, I don't know if has ever been fired, the gal behind the counter couldn't tell me. The price on this gun was $10 more than the Ruger.
thanks,
bergie
 
I bought a Ruger SBH stainless that had obviously been laid down on hard surfaces a lot -- probably a bench at the range. Also, the bore was filthy and the end of the cylinder heavily blackened. But it was tight and the bore was in good shape. They clean up easy.

5 1/2" barrel is pretty short unless you're planning to use it for a hunting "defense" gun against bear and other dangerous game. 7 1/2" barrel will get you more velocity, but if you're looking at a Blackhawk in 44 mag, you should hold out for a 10 1/2" barrel. There are a lot of these around because they're a favorite of silhouette shooters.

The Blackhawk is a beefy cannon to begin with. It's designed for heavy loads and long ranges. You may as well hold out for the full-boat and get a long barrel.

Never heard of a Dragoon. Stick with what you know . . . Ruger, Colt, Smith (used). The Dragoon sounds like a "cowboy" gun in a heavy caliber. You want a Blackhawk in 44 mag, not a cowboy gun.
 
Highly recommend the 5.5" Ruger, handiest barrel length for all shooting, and still gives sufficient sight plane and velocity.

A longer barrel does NOT automatically mean increased velocity...

------------------
"All my ammo is factory ammo"
 
I would go for the Ruger over the Dragoon. Years ago I had a Dragoon I picked up cheap and it was a rattle trap. If I remember correctly, It was made by J.P. Sauer&Son in germany. Seems like I have seen a Dragoon that was made in brazil also. The one I had had a dangerously light trigger on it.You would be better off with the Ruger. I wouldn't think $250.00 was too much to pay for a S.S. super blackhawk if it wasn't worn out. It would be hard to wear out a Ruger SBH. Good luck with your new cannon!
 
Early examples of the Virginia Dragoon were but in Switzerland by Hammerli and imported be Interarms in Viriginia. Beginning in 1976 they were manufactured in Midland, Virignia until 1984. None were built or manufatured since '84. The Swiss made gun will have a "banner" on the butt with the words, "Liberty Forever", printed on it. Later, American made examples will have the words, " Don't tread on me" with serpet surounding it. I have examples of both guns in my collection.
They are both constructed with typical Swiss precion and are as strong, if not stronger, than the Ruger. (cplane, I'm not sure what happened with yours. :confused: ) The primary draw back to the Dragoon is the over all size and weight, which dwarfs about anything, including the Super Blackhawk. They incoorporate the old Colt style action, just in a larger scale, rather than the new model Ruger acction with transfer bar safety and loading gate cylinder release.
Prices on the Dragoon's have remained low in spite of their quality and relative scarcity. I do not think you could go wrong with either. But if it were me I'd buy the Dragood. Every body and their grandma has a Super Blackhawk. But you will see dang few Virginia Dragoons at your local range.

------------------
Gunslinger

I was promised a Shortycicle and I want a Shortycicle!

[This message has been edited by Gunslinger (edited September 02, 2000).]
 
I have no personal experience with the Dragoon but FWIW I recall some older gun rags,in the early days of the .454 Casull ,stating that the Virginian Dragoon was *the* prefered platform for conversions due to it`s large cylinder window and overall strength. Marcus
 
What Gunslinger said.
A little Loctite keeps the rattles at bay for a session. The Dragoons are massive and strong enough to take some seriously strong loads. FWIW, the swissafe thingie is the only drawback, and even that is minor.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top