Colt Dragoon 3rd Model .44 Caliber Percussion Cap/Ball Revolver, 1978
SOLD FOR: $775
WOA#: WY230730DT004
Make: Colt
Model: Navy Dragoon
Serial Number: 25747
Year of Manufacture: 1978 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .44 Caliber Cap and Ball
Action Type: Single Action Percussion Revolver
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “- ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY”. The left of the frame is marked “COLTS / PATENT”. The bottom of the barrel assembly, frame, trigger guard, cylinder, and butt are each marked “25747”. The outside of the cylinder has a complete Ranger and Indian scene roll-mark.
Barrel Length: 7.5” Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade at the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch in the hammer.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is smooth walnut. There is very light handling wear with some shallow compressions. There are no cracks or chips. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 99% of its current metal finish. The screw heads are sharp. The pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly . The cylinder lockup has very little play. The barrel assembly has no play to the frame. The trigger is crisp. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: If you’re holding a 1978-manufactured Colt Dragoon 3rd Model, you’re not just holding a piece of weaponry, but a slice of history reimagined. This modern iteration pays homage to its mid-19th-century predecessor with impeccable detail, capturing the essence of an era when revolvers were more than just firearms—they were symbols of westward expansion, American innovation, and military might. As a later reproduction, the quality of steel and precision of manufacture are likely superior to original models, benefitting from over a century of advances in metallurgy and machining capabilities.
Though the 1978 version doesn’t share the direct historical lineage of its antecedent, it carries the aura of authenticity. From its robust frame to the engraved cylinder scene, this Colt Dragoon 3rd Model reproduction aims to faithfully replicate the original, offering enthusiasts a chance to own a piece that evokes the spirit and aesthetics of the classic American West. It carries the added benefit of modern manufacturing techniques, making it not only a collector’s item but also a reliable firearm that meets contemporary quality standards.
For the collector or the historical firearms enthusiast, a 1978 Colt Dragoon 3rd Model represents the best of both worlds. It bridges the gap between a storied past and the advances of modern firearm manufacturing, providing an opportunity to own something that stands as both a functional firearm and a tactile connection to a transformative period in American history.