Virginian Dragoon (I did it !)

[savit260]

So I've got a line on a late production stainless steel 44 magnum 7 1/2" Virginian Dragoon for reasonable money. Here's my issue. I don't reload for 44 magnum ( not a huge deal but I've been trying to keep it down to just a couple calibers ) and I'm just not a fan of long barrels like that. It's in what I would describe it as very good condition with just some small dings in the grips and a few minor scratches on the stainless . Action in trigger feel very nice in the lockup is outstanding. Finding another one grandfathered under Mass crazy laws would be fairly difficult if not highly unlikely. Would it be a crime to have it chopped down to 5 1/2 inches? What would you guys do if you were in my shoes?

[savit260]

And before you say move to New Hampshire... that's not an option.

[Boge Quinn]

Just BUY the dern thing, and worry about the rest later!

[majorKAP]

Since you asked......If it was me, I wouldn't stop at five and a half inches.

[maxcactus]

YEAH!! What majorKap said! Outstanding!

[buckelliott]

That is the best-looking Dragoon I have seen... Very nice work! Hope the end result was worth the effort..

[akray]

There doesn't seem to be a lot of collector's interest in these guns, so it's unlikely that you'd be chopping a big hunk of money off along with the end of the barrel. Buy it, customize it to suit you and enjoy owning a 44 Magnum revolver.

[COR]

I miss that Dragoon...

I'd buy it and chop it, they are kinda big guns but well made with tight lock up. Iirc, that one shot the 240xtp really well...

[COR]

Great pic too Major!

[Lee Martin]

Buy it, chop it, and shoot the hell out of it.

My favorite Virginian is this 5.5" 45 Colt with buffalo horn grips:



I also have a few 4 5/8" Dragoons but find the 5.5" models balance a tad better.

-Lee
www.singleactions.com
"Building carpal tunnel one round at a time"

[dlhredfoxx]

Leave it to Lee to drop a full house on the card table!

Savit260, buy that sucker, chop the bbl to whatever length you like and shoot it!!!

[savit260]

My favorite Virginian is this 5.5" 45 Colt with buffalo horn grips

Now THAT'S exactly what I'd want if I could find one in state (Fat Chance of that ever happening) as I already reload for 45 Colt, and that looks just about perfect to me !!

I have to say that the chopped one that MajorKap posted looks fantastic too.

I may have to see if I can snag it.

[weagle99]

Help me to understand the Virginian: Does it use a traditional SA action? If so, why are there no screws protruding through the frame on Lee's gun?

[majorKAP]

Yes, it is a traditional single action. Lee's pictured gun does have screws, just as those pictured on my gun. But, like a few other makers, the opposite side of the frame simply is not drilled completely through and threaded, the hammer pivot pin notwithstanding. If I remember correctly, there is a threaded boss in the frame to accept the distal end of the other screws.

Here's a more examples from a couple of noteworthy makers:

[weagle99]

Interesting! Thanks for the explanation and photos.