2nd Gen. Colt Dragoon

[JohnnyGillette]

I have recently purchased a 2nd Gen. Colt Dragoon. It has been a while since owning a percussion cap revolver. I have found that the #12 caps are not made anymore. Do the nipples on say a Uberti have the same thread? If so, that should work, they take 11 (I think). I saw where Dixie for example has cylinders for the Dragoon with nipples included, would a swap be in order? I dont want the timing off or worse. Looking for suggestions. Please no unfounded speculation.
And no, 2nd Gen Colts are not Italian made. These were made in 1970s-82 and, well just look at the Italian pistols from the 1970s and compare it with a 2nd Gen Colt. I know nothing about the Uberti pistols made today, maybe they are the same and made from Colt blueprints. I would guess they have metric threads though which is why I thought about the cylinder swap.

Thanks,
Rae Whitley

[Frenchie]

Get a copy of The Civil War Reenactor's Black Powder Guide by David T.T. Smith.

The parts of all 2nd generation Colts were made in Italy to high standards, then fitted, finished and assembled here in the USA.

Are you sure you can't use #11 caps on the original nipples? That would be best. If they won't go on without splitting, try chucking the nipples into a drill and lightly and carefully sanding them down with emery paper a little bit at a time until the #11 caps will just barely slide down and set in place. Do not change the taper or length of the cone.

By the way, never force the caps down on a cone with your finger, that's a good way to get it peeled back like a banana. Use a capper or a small wooden stick.

Lots of good advice and information here: http://www.cascity.com/index2.shtml Check the Gunsmithing and Darksider (black powder) forums.