Virgian Dragoon Cylinder

Question
I am thinking of buying a Virginian Dragoon in .45LC. Are the cylinders
of this gun by chance interchangeable with the Ruger Old Blackhawks?
The reason is that I would like the capability to change to a .45ACP
cylinder and back. I don't think they make a .45ACP cylinder for the
Virginian Dragoon.  

Answer
Hi Stewart.

I haven't seen a Virginian Dragoon in person but I have read a number of very favorable reviews of them.  They were initially made by Hammerli and imported for sale by Interarms but Interarms eventually started making them in the USA on their own.

To the best of my knowledge the parts are not interchangeable with Ruger firearms.  The following web site does sell replacement parts for the Virginian model including a 357 and 45 Colt cylinder but not a 45 ACP cylinder:

http://www.e-gunparts.com/products.asp?chrMasterModel=1610zVIRGINIAN&MC=

This is an excellent article which gives you more history and info:

http://singleactions.com/VADragoons.pdf

And here are some forums where some other owners discuss the gun and share a few photos:

http://forums.sixgunner.com/Interarms_Virginian_Dragoon/m_44669/tm.htm

http://shootersforum.com/printthread.htm?t=8613

You can probably get a cylinder made for it by any reputable gunsmith although the cost may be prohibitive unless you are really dead set on having it.  It would be a good idea to see a gunsmith anyway since they can tell you more about the gun and might be able to provide some helpful info before you purchase.

You can also get info from the Blue Book regarding history and current values.  You can access the book instantly online at https://store.bluebookinc.com/Home/default.aspx or purchase it from any major book store such as Amazon, Borders, Barnes & Noble, etc.  The price for either option is usually around $35 but I highly recommend the online subscription because you can get the information immediately plus check the site for updates at any time during the year.  If you don抰 want to pay the full price for an online subscription or printed book then you also have the option to download a single section of the book for a specific manufacturer.  The individual sections usually cost $5 or $10 but some of the sections are free.  Here is the link to purchase a section by manufacturer:  https://store.bluebookinc.com/download/Manufacturer.aspx?product=GUN

Hope this helps and good luck with your quest.

Bob