Aviation Naval Warfare Land Systems Small Arms

Colt Model 1848 (Baby Dragoon)

1848 AMERICAN CIVIL WAR

Colt Model 1848 (Baby Dragoon) History

The success of the Colt Model 1848 "Dragoon" line (described in a separate entry) prompted Samuel Colt to design a civilian-minded derivative that was more compact and lightweight. This became the Model 1848 "Baby Dragoon" which carried the same general shape and configuration as the full-sized Dragoon with a redesigned front-end managing an octagonal barrel assembly of 3", 4", 5" or 6" length. The same percussion cap actuation system was retained through the chamber was now of a five-shot, . 31 caliber design. (original Dragoons were . 44 in caliber). Baby Dragoons featured a square-backed trigger ring as seen in the Dragoon First and Second models, a spur trigger on the hammer and a downward-curving pistol grip. 15,500 Baby Dragoons were produced from 1848 into 1850 and, despite their civilian-minded design elements, were pressed into service during the American Civil War due to a need for all manner of small arms in the war.

The Baby Dragoon preceded a whole line of compact, lightweight handguns intended for the civilian market under the Colt brand label.

Colt Model 1848 (Baby Dragoon) Specification

ROLES

- Close Quarters Battle (CQB) / Personal Security

- Sidearm

STRUCTURAL

Overall Length:

175 mm (6. 89 in)

Barrel Length:

150 mm (5. 91 in)

Sights:

Iron Front and Rear

PERFORMANCE

Action:

Percussion Cap; Repeat Fire

Rate-of-Fire:

5 rounds-per-minute

VARIANTS

Model 1848 "Baby Dragoon" - Base Series Designation

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