Parker Hale Dragon Prototype

[JustinThyme]

For those like me that appreciate the Dragons and have a interest in them, here's one that I finally got around to sorting out and which I believe is the only only one in existence and possibly a pre-production prototype.

Whereas the .22 Sporter model has the 650mm tubed action and the .177 Field Target version has the 700mm tubed action with the 50mm longer barrel to suit, this particular one has a 675mm tubed action with a shorter .22 length barrel in an unmarked breech block, all other breech blocks are stamped up "Parker Hale Dragon" along with "Made in England" on the earlier Dragons and have an additional "MKII" stamp on the later versions.

The barrel support has been modified to accomodate the barrel to suit and along with the action is not blued as per production models but painted black.

Now benefiting from a complete reseal and rebuild it is producing a healthy 12ftlb from its single stroke workings.

Another bit of British History saved.

https://imgur.com/Mi32Up5
https://imgur.com/znJV293
https://imgur.com/nsSN31P
https://imgur.com/0MMCXFY

[Shed tuner]

interesting... I guess they weren't sure what cylinder length they needed initially. Is the lever longer or std ?

[JustinThyme]

interesting... I guess they weren't sure what cylinder length they needed initially. Is the lever longer or std ?

Strange that they had the shorter barrel in the unmarked breech and not one 25mm longer to suit this action length, possibly all part of the trials to arrive at what length tubes and barrels were to be finally required be put into production and to keep within the power output legislation as a 25mm longer barrel on this one would put it over. Maybe a longer barrel was trialed at some stage and then a decision made to use a shorter barrel and tube to keep within legislation, who knows.

The Cocking Mechanism oal on this is same length as the .22 Sporter at 540mm and finishes 25mm short of being flush with the rear action whereas the mechanisms finish flush with rear of actions on both the Sporter and the FT.

Having a 25mm longer compression stroke than the sporter it produces 12ftlb in .22 where the Sporter generally runs around 11ftlb and the .177 FT runs at around 10.5ftlb.

I keep threatening to build one in .25 from the spares stock that I have, maybe the next project

[rapidresponse1]

very nice guns

[tomdavies9]

For those like me that appreciate the Dragons and have a interest in them, here's one that I finally got around to sorting out and which I believe is the only only one in existence and possibly a pre-production prototype.

Whereas the .22 Sporter model has the 650mm tubed action and the .177 Field Target version has the 700mm tubed action with the 50mm longer barrel to suit, this particular one has a 675mm tubed action with a shorter .22 length barrel in an unmarked breech block, all other breech blocks are stamped up "Parker Hale Dragon" along with "Made in England" on the earlier Dragons and have an additional "MKII" stamp on the later versions.

The barrel support has been modified to accomodate the barrel to suit and along with the action is not blued as per production models but painted black.

Now benefiting from a complete reseal and rebuild it is producing a healthy 12ftlb from its single stroke workings.

Another bit of British History saved.

https://imgur.com/Mi32Up5
https://imgur.com/znJV293
https://imgur.com/nsSN31P
https://imgur.com/0MMCXFY

Great stuff mate! Will have to get down to see you soon! Not forgotten just super busy!

[Shed tuner]

interesting, many thanks... with a std lever but an extra 25mm compression, I'm thinking it must be a little tougher to cock.. but I know the sliding pivot point really reduces the effort at the end, so probably not a big deal.

[eyebull]

Do these, or any other SSP, have a ratchet on the compression stroke? I've often thought it would be a good idea.

[Shed tuner]

Do these, or any other SSP, have a ratchet on the compression stroke? I've often thought it would be a good idea.

these, nope. Can't think of an SSP that does tbh...

[AC all day]

I have shot a SSP with an anti slip device can't remember which thou... Maybe FWB?? Or other target rifle

[eyebull]

these, nope. Can't think of an SSP that does tbh...

Odd, as it would make it safer and easier to cock.
Not a few nipples have been tweaked by SSP pistols on that closing stroke.

[Mark D]

Odd, as it would make it safer and easier to cock.
Not a few nipples have been tweaked by SSP pistols on that closing stroke.

The Diana 100 SSP uses a ratchet system. The only downside on the Diana is that you must complete the opening stroke completely otherwise you will strip the teeth on the cogs if you try and close it, say halfway through the opening stroke.

[brassbanjo]

Having a 25mm longer compression stroke than the sporter it produces 12ftlb in .22 where the Sporter generally runs around 11ftlb and the .177 FT runs at around 10.5ftlb.

Hmm it's bit strange, that power level is what many .177 Dragon owners report - but I have a couple of the .177 Dragons, and (with JSB pellets at least) they both do a bit better than that.
The better one is very close to the limit with JSB heavy, the other one is a bit leaky but still is doing 11 and a bit ft lbs. I have seen the velocity wander round a bit for no obvious reason though.