Only an estimated 2,700 Colt Second Model Dragoon revolvers were manufactured around 1850 and 1851 compared to 7,000 of the First Model Dragoons and 10,500 Third Model Dragoons. They are thus by far the scarcest of the primary Colt Dragoon revolvers that are the descendants of Colt's massive Model 1847 Walker revolver. They weigh around 4 pounds and thus were designed specifically for mounted use and to be carried in pommel holsters. The Second Model Dragoon revolver features are the combination of square-back trigger guard and rectangular cylinder stops. The U.S. contract Colt Dragoon revolvers were used primarily by the First and Second Dragoon Regiments and the U.S. Regiment of Mounted Riflemen from 1849 until the Civil War, and many saw use by the Union and Confederate cavalry throughout the Civil War. The barrel has the one-line New York address, the frame is marked "COLTS/PATENT/US," the cylinder retains traces of the Texas Ranger and Indian fight scene, "B" inspector initials appear on the barrel, frame, cylinder, and back strap, and faint cartouche on each side of the grip. The loading lever is a replacement ("0357"). Matching serial numbers appear on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, arbor pin, and wedge.

Good as a well traveled U.S. sidearm, heavily used in a hostile environment. Subsequently this revolver was had some professional restoration to include re-engraving the barrel address. The replacement cylinder has been professionally renumbered to match. The weathered, well worn grip shows similar authentic working gun character. Mechanically fine. One of only an estimated 2,700 Colt Second Model Dragoon revolvers that are becoming difficult to find in any condition.