AboutCharles Gage Expertise I can answer questions dealing with firearms and their development due to western expansion. I can answer most questions about any firearms of the world manufactured after the Civil War(1868 - present. I can offer safety warnings about these. I can offer opinions and the reasons behind these.
Experience I have been at the study of firearms and their use since my first issue of Field and Stream in 1962.At that time I was completely devoted to rifles, but over the years I have experienced the thrill of the hunt with handguns, shotguns and of course rifles. I moved from Oklahoma to New Mexico in 1972 and since I have taken numerous game and non-game animals with all firearms (cannons excluded)including blackpowder muzzleloading rifles,shotguns and handguns. My favorite handgun for large non-game animals, such as feral hogs, is my Uberti replica of a 1847 Colt Walker. Very heavy, but accurate.
Education/Credentials I am a 1973 high school graduate. Junior and senior year I developed a class on Wildlife Depredation and Conservation of our Rocky Mountain states. My specialty was the brown bear.
Awards and Honors New Mexico Hunter Safety Program Instructor 5 year award.
Question Dear Mr. Gage: I have a Colt Walker new series. Reviews that I have seen long past indicated that Colt used modern metallurgy in the new series, which make them somewhat stronger and more reliable. I would like to see data that have the MAP for this model. A phone call to Colt was unfruitful. Do you know of any source that might have these data? Thanks
Answer Hello Dick. Not much more information than you received years ago. The 1847 Colt Walker .44 was able to fire 60 grains of black powder which, when coupled with an antiquated metal process, could cause a cylinder rupture. The problem was solved with the 1848 Colt Dragoon .44 Coupled with a shorter cylinder of 50 grains of black powder and an advanced metallurgy, the problem of ruptures ceased. If you own a Colt Walker 'Signature Series', the problem of metallurgy has been taken care of. I hope this information helps and thank you for asking for me. Charles Gage
