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November 23, 2011
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I have been researching some Dan Wesson history here and on the net. As I read about Dan's made at Monson, Palmer, and Norwich, I get conflicting opinions as to which is better made and as a rule more desirable. I believe that our members have seen more Dan Wessions than anyone and are better able to shed light on this subject. If this subject has been covered here before, I did look but could not find it. I apologize. R S
Remembering Bill Ruger
January 22, 2008
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I'm sure we've discussed this before but it's an interesting topic to revisit.
All of my Monson produced guns are very nice and the bluing is stunning (unless you have a barney gun which I personally don't care for). Fit and finish is very nice.
You read all over the internet to stay away from DW's manufactured in Palmer. I know there were some quality issues during that time because the machining was aging by the 90's however based on reports from members who were actually purchasing them back them they were very responsive about fixing any issues that arose. This could be one of the issues that lead to closing in Palmer and Bob Serva buying them out. I only have 1 Palmer gun which is a Lil Dan (738P) that is nice but gap where the side plate meats the frame is a little wider than I would like. Not sure someone else would notice it or not but when comparing it to my Monson's I can see a slight difference.
I have a few Norwich guns and fit and finish has been outstanding. When Bob Serva bought out Wesson Firearms he retooled using new state of the art CNC machines. I did have a blued NIB 44 once and it was nothing like the Monson bluing so I sent it on down the road.
I'm sure some of the others will voice their opinions as well. Not sure this helps any.
May 17, 2010
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I have only ever had Monson guns, but I don't think I would hesitate to buy a DW from any plant. I think Jody pretty much nailed the "Palmer's aren't good" topic. On top of that I have wondered how much grief was due more to shooters simply pushing the limits on shooting the DW. Either going through a lot more rounds than guns in the past had to endureor testing the limits powder charges to get their gun to perform as they want in competition.
Soap Box, Ballot Box, Ammo Box
in that order.
4 Monson Model 15's
1 Palmer FB 15
1 Rossi 357 Model 92 (lever)
1 CZ 75B
Range Officer
Range Officers
Dans Club
March 27, 2009
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I own Monson's and Palmer's (haven't had the chance to pick up a Norwich)! They all do as they should from beaters to like new! Don't let the Wesson scare you. some differences in markings, frame and shrouds! The rest is pure Dan! Palmer sold fixed barrels, why I don't think any of us know, they work just fine and could or can be modified to interchangeable. (I haven't unfixed any).
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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I own only Monson guns (by coincidence, not plan), so I have no personal basis to compare. No credible evidence has ever been presented here to support any of the stories about any of the three being better or worse.
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman "Were is the Self Help Section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
George Carlin
Dans Club
DWF Supporters
April 20, 2010
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My guns are all Monson, and all well made and without any deficiencies I think. I have read on here from others that the bluing on their Palmer guns is outstanding. I have not read anything negative at all about Norwich guns, seems like they were all superbly made with the latest in machining.
I think, with the age of existing Dan Wesson revolvers, the original plant is not as important as what care and maintenance or abuse the gun has been subjected to in its life.
-Lonwolf
"The lion and the tiger may be more powerful, but the Wolf does not perform in the circus"
November 23, 2011
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Thanks Guys. This clears up a lot for me. R S
Range Officer
Range Officers
Dans Club
February 28, 2009
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Jody was spot-on. I only have 2 Palmer made guns; both Li'l Dan's and their fit and finish is comparable to my Monson guns. However, one of them shoots high an left while the other is spot-on.
The one issue with the Monson guns is that they heat treated the cylinders after machining which resulted in the faces of the cylinders being somewhat less than flat, so if you're gapping at only .002 as I do, you have to be sure that you find the tightest cylinder position and set the gap for that one. Otherwise you may have binding issues at the range after things heat up and some GSR builds up on the front of the cylinder.
The fit and finish of the Norwich guns is simply outstanding, period.
-Mike
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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Mike- Thanks for the info on heat treating, I never understood why the cylinder face was not true.
Just goes to show how you learn stuff every day.
Steve
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman "Were is the Self Help Section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
George Carlin
Supporter
Moderators
January 24, 2009
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Steve CT said:
Mike- Thanks for the info on heat treating, I never understood why the cylinder face was not true.
Me too, and it makes complete sense! 
As to the OT, I have three Palmer guns (one's a Lil' Dan & is in a class by itself) and have yet to notice a discernible difference between them & my Monson guns. The fit & finish on my 15-2 FB's are both fantastic.
Let me expound on that a little...the finish on my blued Palmer gun is just about the *best, deepest, most flawless finish I have on any of my blued DW's. I don't know if I just lucked out, but dang this this one sure loves to shine!
(the pic does absolutely no justice)
* Actually the jury is still out on this one...one of my 'ol Dubya 12's is running neck-n-neck with the "ancestorial likeness" judging. I hope to have a decision soon, but the latest rumor has it that it may end up as a hung jury.
hehe
Range Officer
Range Officers
Dans Club
February 28, 2009
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CF:
Those are both stunning!
I remember an instance which must have been about 20 years ago. We still had only 2 DW's; my wife's 715 and my 744. We were at our favorite outdoor range and the guy in the next shooting station had a 44 VH6. I was absolutely blown away by the bluing on that gun. I still have a crystal clear image of it in my head. Yeah, I know, 
. I'm afraid I always will be.
-Mike
Edit: BTW guys, I believe it was Dean who first posted about the heat-treatment issue. I just want to give credit where due.
April 25, 2008
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I think Palmer did some good bluing.
The Savantist
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