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October 17, 2017
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These two Dan Wesson revolvers were probably made less than a year apart, yet are consecutive models. A model 15-1 (last pork chop) and a very early model 15-2. I've tried to have a similar perspective on the photos for an easy side by side comparison.
May 1, 2020
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3ric that is a nice pair of should I say unpair of Dans. lol
Nobody
October 17, 2017
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The 15-1 is my favorite revolver, ever. It just speaks to me. It still maintains the pork chop shroud, yet has the "improvements" of the 15-2 lock work. As soon as the 15-2 was introduced, minor changes started to occur. The first was a different profile to the hammer (more rounded profile), then the cylinder bushing/crane was changed around 1978 to what we still have today. Not visible in the photos is the 5 3/4 inch barrel on the 15-1. This occurred when the change was made from an external to an internal barrel nut. The 15-2's also spent a little more time on the buffing wheel. The subtle difference can be seen on the detail on the bolt cuts and cylinder flutes. Don't get me wrong; I appreciate the refinements of the 15-2, but for me, the 15-1 is the cat's meow!
DWF Supporters
July 22, 2018
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Hard to tell them apart at first glance. Nice duo, 3ric!
My Baby Lets Me Do What I Want
July 2, 2019
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Hey 3ric. Do you have the complete Pac with those? I'm eventually gonna buy a 15-1 revolver or pac myself. I agree that there is something super appealing about it. I hope your 15-2 isn't too jealous. 
October 17, 2017
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I've never had a complete pac on anything, but I have a feeling a 15-1 pac would be a rare find since they were only made for basically one year. Not sure if a 7 3/4 inch barrel was ever offered on the 15-1, but I doubt it. Most folks don't think there was ever an 8 inch pork chop (W-12) with external barrel nut.
July 2, 2019
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So what is the barrel length on your 15-1? That's 6", correct? I know they had different barrel lengths available on earlier models but I'm not terribly familiar. I'll snag a 15-1 if I ever come across one.
October 17, 2017
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This is a little hard to follow, but I'll do my best.
The W-12 DW has standard barrel lengths. The original pork chop shroud has a flat end, and the (6 inch for example) barrel protrudes beyond it so the external barrel nut will be flush with the barrel once tightened down. The Model 15 looks very much like a W-12 except that the shroud was counterbored to make room for the recessed barrel nut, so the barrels were cut 1/4 inch shorter to be flush when tightened down. Ditto for the 15-1 except the 15-1 frame is more sleek, has the innards of what would become the 15-2, has the smaller cylinder crane latch, and the front sight is shorter to match up with the now lower rear sight. So, the barrels for the 15 and 15-1 would interchange, but not the shrouds because of height mismatch issues. Since the 15-2 was a major redesign with regard to the shroud, DW could then resume making the barrels standard lengths again.
So, the barrel length on my 15-1 is 5 3/4 inches.
July 2, 2019
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That explanation was perfect and makes total sense. Thanks for providing that information. I only have passing familiarity with DWs before the 15-2, so it's good to learn something new about them. Thanks again!
October 17, 2017
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You're quite welcome. With the COVID-19 situation I've had a little more time to peruse through many more topics on the DWF. There is always more to learn.
July 2, 2019
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I guess that's the one good thing about COVID-19, being able to catch up on the DWF! I've been doing much the same. 🙂
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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I am very fond of porkchops. The ability to remove and clean the cylinder without removing the sideplate is a great feature in my opinion. I also think they are more accurate than the 15-2. It may be the short hammer fall of the models 12 and 15. Also 11 and 14. The 14-1 and 15-1 have the later trigger with the little ledge the trigger return spring rests on. That made the hammer fall longer. Still short but not as miniscule as the earlier version. The very first change Dan Wesson made was the slot in the hand that the end of the hand spring fit in. Prior to that the spring would rub and fail because it wrapped around the hand. That change happened around serial number 10,000. Perhaps with the debut of 14 and 15. I have several stainless 9 mm cylinders and have acquired my porkchops and extra cylinder assemblies with the intent to make 9mm cylinder assemblies that can easily be switched by removing the shroud. Different Drummer, I know that the barrel tube is still the same. Lol. It is still going to be more accurate than I am. I also need to have moon clips made or adapted. Or use a pencil. I do have some Smith and Wesson 547 speed loaders that may work. They are very expensive today.
October 17, 2017
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Dans Club
January 17, 2015
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Those are gorgeous grips on that 15-1. Who made them?
October 17, 2017
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I wish I had that information for you, Zedbra, but there was nothing on the eBay listing as to who made them or where they came from. I had been searching on eBay sporadically for DW grips and these popped up along with another one with a slightly different pattern. Never saw them again, but it could be worthwhile to check eBay occasionally.
October 17, 2017
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SK Custom Grips in Verona, Pennsylvania is a possibility. Looks like his work, but I have no way to confirm. You could google them and inquire, otherwise I have no clue.
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