Virginian Dragoon

[COR]

CCH Virginian Dragoon 44 Magnum "We The People" 1776-1976 stamped on butt.

I reluctantly got rid of a stainless version this year and then my fiance snuck this in under the tree (she's the best).

Deep bluing and some decent CCH considering the age, I am happy as heck. Just thought I'd share it here since it was Lee's articles that got me interested in the history of these underrated hoglegs. This one locks up tight (like they all do), has a good bore, and has a nice crisp action with a better than average trigger. The factory walnut grips need some TLC but this one is a shooter and will get shot. I've heard mixed bag of opinions of the early guns so we'll see how she shoots later. S/N 14807

Here are a few pics with a Thad Rybka holster I took this afternoon. If you look closely at the cylinder you can see the "empty chamber indicator" or dimples, they put on their guns since this needs to be loaded like a Colt or an unconverted OM (Load 1, skip 1, load 4, fully cock and return hammer home) Just one of those unique things you'll find on these guns. Enjoy the pics and Merry Christmas

[chiefbg]

Very nice! I have a stainless one that I bought earlier this year. I love mine. It shot a little low and I had to replace the rear blade with a higher one. Shoots dead on now with 225 grain Leverevolutions. Took a small buck at 49 yards with it a few weeks back. I think I'll keep it... Barry

[majorKAP]

Tell us about that holster.

[COR]

That holster is unique one and very special since it is my only Rybka design. I believe he called it a "Long Hunter" but that may not be correct, it is designed for a handgun hunter who sits and needs the guns to be out of the way, it is a crossdraw design, rough out horsehide. It actually is designed to swivel as you sit or get into a stand. Thad is one of the most gifted and creative holster makers out there and amazingly still requires you to write him a letter to make your order, no emails or phone calls. His stitching is flawless and his attention to detail is spot one. There is no exposed metal to glare or "glint" from the sun. He used small pieces to cover all the snaps. The flap actually has the holster slot. Here are a couple pics with my 3 screw .45 for some more detail. The holster fits a SA like a glove. A great way to carry a 7 1/2" Hogleg, the ONLY WAY, IMHO.





His simple makers mark.

[COR]

Dec 25, 2010 17:44:11 GMT -5 chiefbg said:

Very nice! I have a stainless one that I bought earlier this year. I love mine. It shot a little low and I had to replace the rear blade with a higher one. Shoots dead on now with 225 grain Leverevolutions. Took a small buck at 49 yards with it a few weeks back. I think I'll keep it... Barry

This will get a steady diet of the RCBS 250K in front of 20grs of 2400. I laid it across the hood last night and it was making the clay birds just disappear on the bank at 40 paces. Never touched the sights. I think its a sign!

I snuck a look at the receipt and my little lady is a helluva negotiator...Cabelas never knew what hit them, they didn't have a chance. She even manged to get them to ship it for free (normally $45 overnight) since it was an out of state purchase. Still didn't even break the $300 mark, I am so proud of her. You have to love a woman that keeps an FFL copy (or two) with her from your local shop, I am a lucky man.

[jayhawker]

Thad R. is a master. His holsters have become collectors' items. But the design of this holster goes to Chic Gaylord, the NY City holster genius in the late 1950s -60s.

[Lee Martin]

Slick old Virginian you have there...and a clean one at that. Thanks for posting photos of it. I always enjoy seeing Dragoons.

-Lee
www.singleactions.com

[COR]

Dec 26, 2010 11:27:11 GMT -5 jayhawker said:

Thad R. is a master. His holsters have become collectors' items. But the design of this holster goes to Chic Gaylord, the NY City holster genius in the late 1950s -60s.

Interesting info Jayhawker...Thanks. I also got another message from a member correcting the name of the holster. He said it was a "Tomahawk" model.

[kings6]

Nope, it is not one of Thad's Tomahawk models. I have his tomahawk for a 5 1/2" bisley and it does have a flap but it is fixed and does not rotate. He does do great work and it is always fun to write him and wait for the actual envelope to arrive with his response.

[Frank V]

Very nice, thanks for sharing.
Frank

[contender85]

Nice looking gun, great caliber too!

[ezekiel38]

Great field set up. Enjoy your time with that nice set up.