WB
Performance is impressive despite the 150 gr. RB
Saturday, November 05, 2022, 14:19

Oh they had some bullets back then a little later but topped out around 200 grs. BP needs some barrel to burn powder, I think the Walker is about 9” plus maybe a 4” cylinder so 13” of burn time. The full power loads are normally super Sonic (Over 1050 fps) and you can tell easily by the sound. Be careful with less than full loads though. BP cannot tolerate an “air-gap” or radical pressure can manifest! Even with a light load. You have to use wadding or fillers. The rammer might not reach for a light load. FWIW.

It is a ponderous beast weighing just under 5 lbs. , about the same as a hunting G2 with scope! The 150 gr. ball running 1200-1300 is pretty serious, .357 Magnum territory, given almost 175 yrs. old tech. Add modern 777 powder by Hodgdon and you gain 150-200 fps!

The term “Dragoon” was a British class of Calvary who specialized at fighting from horseback with swords and firearms. Units were issued a brace of large hefty handguns that mounted in a special holster over the pommel of the saddle, one on each side. The Walkers were used in this manner (12-shots!) as were the later “Dragoon” 1st, 2nd, 3rd variation Colts. Only little smaller than the Walkers, maybe 15%, and shot a 50 rather than 60 gr. Charge. Most Military Colts were designed for use with a buttstock that could be attached for more precise aiming and effective range. Even up to the later 1860’s.

It’s common to refer to these large handguns as Dragoons, or Horse Pistols in reference to their intended use. It is an accepted and correct term. IMO