1st Model Dragoon .44, 7 1/2"

With the 1847 Walker's military success, Colt immediately began improving his revolver by making needed changes. First in his line of his improved "revolving horse pistols" was the 1st Model Dragoon. Improvements included a loading lever catch under the barrel, which was also shortened from 9 inches to 7 1/2 inches, and the Dragoon's cylinder was reduced by 1/4-inch, thus bringing the sixgun's overall weight from 4 pounds, 9 ounces, down to 4 pounds, 2 ounces. With about 7,000 1st Models produced between 1848-1850, this .44 caliber six-shooter was issued to the U.S. Dragoons and was a favorite with the Texas Rangers. Famed Ranger Ben McCulloch packed a 1st Model Dragoon in his pre-Civil War years, and Dragoons of various models were sought after by the '49ers--good and bad--in the California gold fields. Cimarron's 1st Model Dragoon is a first class copy of the original with its oval cylinder stop notches, square-back brass trigger guard and back strap, German silver blade front sight and notched hammer lip rear sight, the "Ranger and Indian" scene roll engraved on the blued cylinder and the oiled walnut one-piece Walker-style grip. The part round/part octagonal barrel is also blued while the loading lever assembly, frame and hammer are color case-hardened, and Cimarron's Dragoon uses the improved flat main spring.