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April 10, 2019
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DWF members,
I am new to owning a weapon but have used many types over the years. Over the weekend, I was passed down a DWA model 15-2 V4. I am debating wether to keep it as a collector piece or use it for play.
Here is the reason I ask: IT HAS NEVER BEEN FIRED. It has been kept in a holster in a thick industrial ziplock with a cleaning rag.
I can see it has a small amount of "Barney". I have read this means it could be late 70's production. How can I verify that and does this make it a "bad" choice for collecting?
I have had a hard time finding a pic with this grip via Google. Does this grip style have a name I can reference? If I decide I should use it for play, will I want to change the grip because this one is not ideal?
Any suggestions (besides "give it to me") are always welcome.
- retsehc
February 16, 2016
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Firearms are tested and fired at the factory, so there is no such thing as "never fired", although it can be "fired very little".
Collectors rarely fire their guns, since wear reduces the condition and value. Shooters use them, but usually care for them. The model 15-2 is DW's most common model and am not sure about their collectibility with regards to an investment that will substantially increase in value.
There are many styles of factory and aftermarket grips available, for varying hand sizes and purposes. See my grips thread for a pic of some of them and their names.
September 10, 2010
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Shoot it. It's a nice gun but not rare at all. Enjoying it equals more than keeping it "pristine".
Without a beard you are no different from any woman or child.
February 12, 2018
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Looks like it has a turn ring on cylinder, it has been fired at least a little.
Friday a thief ,Sunday a king
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Dans Club
February 22, 2009
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I once bought a car and never drove it, hoping it would gain value..... Shoot it!
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
Dans Club
October 17, 2008
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The Barney eliminates any collector value SHOOT it !!!!
August 8, 2016
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Shoot it! This isn't some ultra rare limited edition pistol. Then again I'm not a collector. If I'm spending money on guns, they're going to get shot, not collect dust.
October 1, 2012
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Its a nice DW, i would go out and enjoy shooting it. If you had zero turn ring, a pristine box, manual, wrench, yellow plastic cylinder protector etc... Maybe there would be merit in not shooting it.
February 20, 2008
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Stinger is correct. There is a flame cut on the underside of the top strap on every revolver ever tested at the factory. The more you shoot it, the deeper the cut.
Don't forget to show us your target!
If you're going to drink, don't drive. Don't even putt.
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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Hugelk reflects my thinking. Pristine, box, etc and I would keep it that way. On any day there are dozens of unfired Colt Pythons on Gunbroker. Very rarely is a Dan Wesson in that condition found. They were not considered collectable back then. They are now. However there are quite a few in very fine condition that have been languishing in drawers and safes for 30 or 40 years. Be aware of the propensity for the cylinder to close while ejecting cases and the star to scratch the sideplate. Keep the pointer and middle finger on your left hand pushing against the cylinder through the frame to keep the cylinder open while the extractor star is extended.
Barney can happen to any Dan, not just those from the late 70s. In fact, all Dans will show a different hue on the frame than the sideplate and shroud in sunlight. The investment cast steel of the frame seems to have absorbed silicon from the mold that interacts with the blueing salts to a degree depending on the strength of the particular batch of salts. Unless it is a weird shade of pink or mottled I don't think it greatly affects value However, some folks don't care for it.
April 10, 2019
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Thanks to all of you that responded. I am going to go enjoy shooting this later this week.
Since I have not been an owner before, I am learning a lot from reading your responses and looking up terms I have never heard before like: flame cut and turn rings.
Can the turn ring be caused by an idiot (um, me) spinning the cylinder and wrist closing it while it is spinning?
If so, I will stop that. Yes, I am like a kid at christmas with a new toy. I watched all the old westerns growing up and I always wanted to do the things I saw the gunslingers do: shoot from the hip (never going to do this), close a spinning cylinder (unloaded only cause I am cautious and scared to be shot and then made fun of if I lived), among others..
Thanks again!
February 16, 2016
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retsehc said Can the turn ring be caused by an idiot spinning the cylinder and wrist closing it while it is spinning?
If so, I will stop that. I watched all the old westerns growing up and I always wanted to do the things I saw the gunslingers do: shoot from the hip, close a spinning cylinder
Stop closing the cylinder using the "wrist-flip" method, it is not good for the revolver and could damage parts. A "turn ring" is considered wear, not damage and is formed by the bolt riding along the cylinder as it spins.
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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What Stinger said. Flipping the cylinder closed is called Bogarting after the actor of old. It will bend the crane that holds the cylinder. NEVER do it. The turn ring is normal on a Dan Wesson or Smith and Wesson. On a Colt it indicates it is out of time. The bolt on a Colt does not rub until it drops into the slot in the cylinder .
February 16, 2016
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Ole Dog said
The turn ring on a Colt indicates it is out of time. The bolt on a Colt does not rub until it drops into the slot in the cylinder.
Thanks for the lesson Ole Dog ... I'm still learning.
April 10, 2019
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No more Bogarting, got it.
Took it to the range today. Put 24 rounds through it. Will learn to adjust the site and do it.
Ammo used was: Fiocchi 357 Magnum 142 Grain Full Metal Jacket Truncated Cone
10 - 15 feet I am ok. 30 is iffy. I missed paper twice. Felt bad about missing. First time I fired a weapon in 20 years.
I need to get a better grip. Will review Stinger's grip post.
Now to I need to learn to clean her.
I am happy with her.
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July 2, 2011
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Won't own a car I won't drive. Won't own a firearm I won't shoot. 
To the paranoid people who check behind shower curtains for murderers:
if you find one...what's your plan?
February 16, 2016
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retsehc said
I need to get a better grip. Will review Stinger's grip post.
Here is the link; https://www.danwessonforum.com/forum/dan-wesson-small-frame-revolvers/my-grips-dwas-thread/
June 8, 2009
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I like the Sacramento grips. In the above link, I think Post #10, Pic. 2, 4th row, #2 from left in the Box. Mine came from the factory, ordered as Sacramentos.
They are pretty narrow and will smack your web if you're shooting hot loads. For me they feel great on the small frames.
April 24, 2018
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I am usually in the shoot it that is what it was made for crowd.
But I debating wether or not to even shoot this Pistol Pack I just bought. Guy says it likely was never fired after leaving the Factory. And is a numbers matching 100% complete Factory Pack.
I have another 15-2 I shoot. Kinda am on the fence on this one wether to shoot or not. Probably will not find many other Packs this complete, excellent condition, and matching. Many put together packs out there that are nice, but not to many original ones this nice that I have ever seen anyway.. So convince me to to use it. I do really want to,LOL
Side question, I know the grips on my Revolver are Zebras. But what is the Model of the spare grip in the case?
I am kinda leaning towards just admiring this one. Which would be a first for me on any Firearm. Antique or Modern. It has a few more Paper documents included not shown in the pics, like the owners manual and I think original sales receipt also.
I have not even seen it yet, have about 42 Hours to wait till it is here. Yes I am counting down the Hours,LOL
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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That is a combat grip in the case. If you look on Gunbroker you will find dozens of Colt Pythons ANIB. Dan Wessons were usually shot, not kept as investments. In my not so humble opinion you should shoot your used one, buy a couple of more, maybe large frame or Supermags, and save this one as an investment. It is getting harder to find packs in that condition. There is up to a 30% premium on Gunbroker for one in that condition.
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