Refining the heavy cavalry platform, the 2nd Model introduced rectangular cylinder notches for superior timing. This rugged .44 caliber powerhouse defined mid-century military reliability during the escalating tensions of westward expansion.
Produced for a brief window between 1850 and 1851, the Colt Second Model Dragoon arrived as a direct response to the mechanical feedback received from soldiers and frontiersmen using the First Model. It is the rarest of the three Dragoon iterations, with a total production of only about 2,700 units.
Samuel Colt pushed this model into production because the 1st Model’s oval cylinder stop slots were prone to failure; the 2nd Model remedied this by introducing robust rectangular slots, ensuring the six-shot cylinder locked up more securely during rapid use.
Like the predecessor, the Second Model Dragoon is a robust single-action, six-shot. 44 caliber percussion revolver with a 7.5-inch barrel. Visually, it is distinguished from its predecessor by the transition to a rounded trigger guard, but the most significant internal change was the addition of a roller on the hammer to reduce friction and the adoption of the aforementioned rectangular cylinder notches, which worked in tandem with a wider, more durable locking bolt.
Its service history is deeply tied to the expansion of the American frontier and the U.S. Mounted Rifles. While it was quickly superseded by the 3rd Model Dragoon, the 2nd Model saw active duty during the mid-century Indian Wars and was a staple for soldiers stationed at remote Western outposts.
In civil contexts, it was frequently used by Texas Rangers and overland pioneers who valued its massive powder capacity for defense against large predators or multiple attackers on the trail.
The primary advantage of the Second Model was its near-indestructible build and improved timing reliability, which solved the "skipping" issues found in earlier models. However, its significant bulk remained a primary disadvantage, as it was virtually impossible to conceal or carry comfortably on foot. Anyway, users deeply appreciated the Dragoon revolvers for their sheer intimidation factor and their reputation for working every time the hammer was cocked, cementing its status as the king of the pre-Civil War frontier.
Variants
- W00 - White finish
- C00 - Charcoal Blue finish
- A00 - Old West antique finish
- G10 - Buffed finish walnut grip
- G08 - Buffed finish selected walnut grip
- E03 - Standard engraving
- E40 - Deluxe engraving
- E43 - Prestige-gold engraving
- E44 - Prestige-gold engraving with Eagle
- E26 - Hand engraved Monograms
- E27 - Hand engraved single letters
- E28 - Hand engraved gold inlayed letters
Refining the heavy cavalry platform, the 2nd Model introduced rectangular cylinder notches for superior timing. This rugged .44 caliber powerhouse defined mid-century military reliability during the escalating tensions of westward expansion.
