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April 22, 2009
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Hi, I'm new to this forum. I'm looking to trade one of my rifles for a .357MAG/.38 SP revolver to go with my Marlin 1894C in same caliber.
A guy has offered a Dan Wesson revolver... shown in picture. This is the info he provided:
" Dan Wesson .357, 6 round revolver, red front sight, hague rubber grip, nickel plated black, approx. 98% condition.The gun was manufactured in approx. 1993. I am the second owner, I traded a Maine State Trooper for a rifle that I had last fall. O ya, the barrel is 2 1/2"
The revolver is stamped:
Dan Wesson Arms
Monson, MA. USA
S/N: xxx088
Stamped on the barrel:
Dan Wesson Arms
.357 Magnum ctg
I only have the revolver and the barrel that is on it. I understand that is came or could be purchased with the entire kit, to include the tools, but I'm afraid that I only have the gun."
[Image Can Not Be Found]
[Image Can Not Be Found]
So, is that a good deal? I'd not heard of a Dan Wesson before and understand that they are no longer produced. Also a concern, the CZ website doesn't seem to have the barrel wrench and gap tool that his gun does not come with. Also, I was hoping for a slightly longer Bbl than the 2.5" snubby. what's everyone's advice on this?
Range Officer
Range Officers
Dans Club
February 9, 2009
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The missing items from the gun can be purchased on auction sites such as Gunbroker and Auction Arms. The picture did not come up. Is it a model 15 with adjustable sights? model 14 with fixed sights? That would have some say in its value. The barrel wrenches are often for sale as well and I believe CZ still sells them if you call and ask.
SMF
A man cannot have too many SuperMags
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Moderators
January 24, 2009
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I haven't heard it called "nickel plated black" before, but that's a pretty good description. I used to call it black chrome, when I was a hundred years younger.
As SMF stated, you can get additional barrels & stuff on the auction sites, and there's also stuff still available from DW/CZ, check the "Where can I order parts" link in the "FAQ's" section at the right of this screen. There's also other tips in that section, that may help you get familiar with these guns.
Try posting your pics again (link in FAQ's, too), so we can see the gun's condition.
I hope you end up doing the trade, DW's are cool!
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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A Monson .357 should be a very good revolver (if it is a Monson it was probably made earlier than 1993). Barrels, tools, etc. are all available, and the beauty of the DW is that you can put a 6 or 8" barrel on for hunting, keep the 2 1/2" for CCW if you are so inclined, and a 4 or 6" for general shooting/home defense (even better that your revolver is the same caliber as your rifle).
If I could have only one revolver, it would be a Dan Wesson. It just so happens that I have several revolvers, and they're all Dan Wessons (that's almost a new signature line!)
Welcome to DWF, we're here to help, and there is lot's of introductory info on our Dan Wesson Collectors Association site as well
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
January 4, 2009
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Lizzylynn.. do it....don't even hesitate.... Dan Wesson revolvers blow the doors off of Smiths, Rugers.. all of them.. for quality, looks, accuracy..and practicality as noted above by all...
Not happy with your trade... one of us will most likely buy it from you at a fair price.
You will not have any trouble with it... check out this site and read ALL about it..
http://www.notpurfect.com/main/dwrev.htm
it was very helpful to me when I was first thinking about getting my feet wet.
and.. welcome to the Forum hope you stick around.
Wayno
DWF Supporters
Dans Club
Moderators
November 17, 2008
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Lizzylynn, sounds like the guys have you covered on info so I will leave you with good luck and WELCOME.
Wisdom is merely the realization of how little one knows, therefore I am wise.
December 17, 2008
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Lizzylynn to the DWF. You are definately in the right place!
The guys have probably provided all the info you need.
As Steve said, if it's Monson it's well before 1993. Edit out the serial number in your original post and give us the serial number as #####XX and we can better approximate the date of manufacture. Those first numbers can be correlated chronologically (relatively speaking!).
CZ website does not list many parts, but we all buy direct from Dan Wesson in Norwich, NY (as well as CZ). They list and stock almost all parts for that gun, including all barrel & shroud lengths. They will be deep blue though, not black chrome or nickel. See the DW parts list Chargerfan referenced under FAQS.
Brand new barrel wrench is $43 and available.
April 22, 2009
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Well, seems to be unanimous support... but I guess that's to be expected with you guys 
Here's another shot of uploading a photo of the revolver:
[Image Can Not Be Found]
Also, I read the http://www.notpurfect.com webpage before I found my way to this forum. Seemed to indicate that the Palmer guns were produced around 1990 to 1994? If so this contradicts what the guy said about having the Monson stamp. I'll have to email him to see if he'll send the resto of the SN... wasn't sure at that point if I was even interested in having him bring it up to me to look at. I've had a lot of intetrest in the rifle I'm trading (in terms of having people offer a S&W and a colt service revolver)... but I do like the idea of interchangeable barrels. I'm just a little nervous about measuring the Bbl gap myself and doing maint. on a firearm from a company who seems to have gone under and are no longer producing guns. I understand that these were/are quality guns, but I'm no gunsmith. This paragraph on the notpurfect.com probably descibes me well enough:
"Though the Dan Wesson series of revolvers were reliable enough, they did require a bit more attention than most shooters were used to having to give their guns. Once again, the problem centered around the unique, interchangeable barrels. The barrel cylinder gap of a revolver is a very precise adjustment. In the Dan Wesson, this adjustment is set when screwing in the barrel. As a result of this, the barrel cylinder gap of a Dan Wesson can change over time, and should be periodically checked with a gauge which is provided with the pistol. This is not a problem for competitive shooters who are used to codling their guns, but it is more maintenance than the average shooter cares to favor his gun with."
Hence my concern. Also can anyone confirm that they don't seem to have the barrel wrench for .357 at the CZ website?
https://shop.cz-usa.com/SearchByCategory.aspx?CategoryCode=30
Anyway, your continued advice is very much appreciated. I've got a little time since this guy seems to be more eager to make the trade than I am (begs the question why?)
Thanks
Lizzy
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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That is actually a Dan Wesson Model 715, the stainless steel version of the Model 15-2. The 715 was introduced in August 1982, and is almost invariably a fine revolver. Dan Wesson relocated to Palmer, MA in 1992, and the Palmer revolvers are also well manufactured and good revolvers. Your picture is of a Model 715, 2&1/2" barrel with a Hogue grip.
The site you noted has lots of great information, however issues noted with the interchangeable barrels are vastly overstated. Please check the FAQ's on our sidebar for more info about changing barrels, however it is a simple process that takes 60-90 seconds, and a barrel properly installed stays installed, requiring no adjustment or maintainence other than standard cleaning. The barrel on my first 15-2 stayed in place for over 20 years with no adjustment.
CZ probably has the wrench/gauge in stock, and not listed. In addition, they have 8 6" and 7 8" barrel/shroud assemblies in stock currently all in the VH (Vent Heavy) configuration. The wrench/gauge is almost always available on Ebay, both the original DW items, and several types of recent manufacture. I, and many other members here, have purchased an Ebay item from a seller named "blueirish" that is equal or superior to the original DW item. Barrel/shrouds, parts, grips, etc. are also ALWAYS available on GunBroker, they always have a minimum of 10 pages of DW Auction.
CZ still offers full parts support and repair service for DW revolvers, many of our members have commented on the quality of their work and support. Dan Wesson revolvers are not orphans!
No one here is trying to sell you anything, and in fact, if you pass on this revolver, you will likely get a request from someone here for contact info for this seller.
More info at http://dwcollectors.org/
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
April 22, 2009
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Thanks Steve and others. So I understand that it is essentially a model 15, and the 7 in front denotes the stainless steel finish. any way to tell if it has the adjustable or fixed sight... and any way to pinpoint the date? If I asked for the entire SN would there be some indication of the date of manufacture? Is the 715 a more or less desireable gun than other 357 models? (I assume the SS is the better finish... anything else?) Finally, what would be an approximate fair market value on the gun pictured? I mean, it lacks the Bbl tool and extra barrels... ya'll have me pretty much sold on the Dan Wesson, but could I do better to take $450-$550 for my Saiga in cash and perhaps buy a pistol pac... or a blued finish 357 with a couple of diff barrels? This guy is also offering to throw in a tatical molle vest and a K-bar knife, which I'm not really interested in, but may indicate that he precieves a difference in values between the two?
Or should I strike while the iron is hot?
Lizzy
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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715 models are adjustable rear, and your picture shows the adjustable rear.
You won't easily find a Pistol Pack at less than $1000, possibly a bit higher for SS
I own blue and SS, quality is pretty much equal. I personally prefer SS, and if this is a hunting/field gun SS may be preferable.
$450-500 is a bit high for this pistol, but not by much. $500 is not enough to buy this elsewhere (in the current market) and have much left over for anything else. Barrel tool and gauge will run $25-40, barrels from CZ are $185/$259 I believe. Take a quick look at http://gunbroker.com/Auction/SearchResults.asp?SearchResults.asp?SearchType=0&Keywords=Dan+Wesson to help determine current retail costs.
With a DW s/n doesn't help as much as other brands. I don't have any personal experience with Palmer guns, the guys here with them like them a lot, and generally put them on a par with their Monson guns. I've had good experiences with all 5 of my Monson revolvers.
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
January 4, 2009
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Lizzy…
#1… you will NOT have trouble changing the barrels.. I had that exact concern..
but once you go thru it.. it's a piece of cake.. really..
Actually I LOVE taking the barrels off.. it gives me a great chance to do a thorough cleaning and lube job … truth is handling it is part of the fun of owning it..
#2. Patience is the name of the game when buying these things..
I just bought a Model 15-2… ( all that the ” -2″ means is the revolver has all the latest “improvements” that D/W did before it moved from Monson..it was fully evolved)
anyway.. I paid $385.00 for a blued 15-2 including shipping and FFL transfer and that includes the wrench, gage, a 6' and an 8″ barrel.. The frame has a couple of minor scratches on it… but for the price… really sweet.. think about it.. it's like buying 2 different .357 Magnum pistols for $385. bucks…
Now I have the fun of buying other barrels for it.
I read where a gunsmith had a model 15 in because there was a bullet lodged in the barrel.. not enough powder in the hand load to get it out.. what did he find ??? a total of 10 bullets lodged in the barrel.. THINK OF THAT… think of the pressure that barrel received… also.. it's a SIX shot… the duff.. sorry shooter had to RELOAD and fire 4 more rounds before he/she realized something was amiss… in a Smith and Wesson.. my guess is the barrel would have ruptured.. big time.
Lizzy. the point is .. these are real treasures…. no matter that they are not made anymore.. .
If it was me… I'd do the deal.. S/S guns are not all that common..you can carry it a awhile.and if your not happy…. I or someone here will buy it for a fair price..( give me first shot though..huh.. LOL ), you will not lose on the deal.. hey.. tell the guy to keep his other stuff and throw in 100-150 bucks and you'll do the deal.. see what he says.. what have you got to lose ??
Wayno
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Moderators
January 24, 2009
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landpanther1 said:
I read where a gunsmith had a model 15 in because there was a bullet lodged in the barrel.. not enough powder in the hand load to get it out.. what did he find ??? a total of 10 bullets lodged in the barrel.. THINK OF THAT… think of the pressure that barrel received… also.. it's a SIX shot… the duff.. sorry shooter had to RELOAD and fire 4 more rounds before he/she realized something was amiss… in a Smith and Wesson.. my guess is the barrel would have ruptured.. big time.
Speaking of which, check out this barrel.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=127104241
January 22, 2008
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Hey lizzylynn, 
to the forum!
January 22, 2008
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Hey Charger,
I just checked out that barrel on the Colt... I've never seen anything like that!
JB
Range Officer
Range Officers
Dans Club
February 28, 2009
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landpanther1 said:
Post edited 8:56 pm - April 23, 2009 by landpanther1
Post edited 8:57 pm - April 23, 2009 by landpanther1
Lizzy…
#1… you will NOT have trouble changing the barrels.. I had that exact concern..
but once you go thru it.. it's a piece of cake.. really..
Actually I LOVE taking the barrels off.. it gives me a great chance to do a thorough cleaning and lube job … truth is handling it is part of the fun of owning it..
#2. and that includes the wrench, gage, a 6' and an 8″ barrel..
I remove the barrels on my DW's after every time I shoot them. That way I know they are as clean as I can get them. Also, I'm not driving the cleaning rod into the firing pin because the barrel is off the frame. Plus, like wayne said, handling is part of the fun.
BTW Wayne, that 6 foot barrel must be a bear to shoot one handed. 
Sorry, the image of a model 15 with a 6 foot barrel just set me off and I couldn't resist teasing you. I am such a poor typist myself that you may notice that almost all of my posts are edited.
Oops! I almost forgot. Welcome Lizzy! (Yes, this is a bloody edit).
December 17, 2008
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Hey lizzy,
Just a quick note on CZ Website Vs DW Norwich.
DW Norwich provides the parts and you can buy directly from them. The CZ website only lists a small amount of the parts DW Norwich sells. Danged if I know why and I've asked up in Norwich and they don't really know either.
Anyway, the DW Norwich parts list is posted under FAQS (Where do I buy parts?) and they have a new wrench and tons of other stuff. Steve referenced that BlueIrish wrench and have one and really like it as well.
Lots of good info and advice in this thread.
My two cents: Do the deal 
December 17, 2008
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Charger, Jody, all - I just checked out that Colt barrel too. Youch!! Never saw one like that either. Glad I wasn't holding it when that took place...
January 4, 2009
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Oh Yeah Zoom…. really.. my six foot barrel is loads of fun.. it has a removable support leg with a little wheel so I can move it around the shooting range no problems… I must admit though it takes 3 of us to clean it.. Hey !! I'm willing to sell it to you… but I must caution you.. it's a “one of a kind”.. so it's not cheap !!! SEND LOTS OF CASH !!
alright.. sorry for the typo….hahahahaha.. but hey.. they ARE on the same key.. does that count ??
And that Colt barrel..”SCHNIKE BABY.. “ I have heard that Rugers are the strongest.. but are second to Dan Wesson's. I have hand loaded for my Ruger Super Blackhawk for 40 years.. I remember once loading up 12 or so and going out and shooting 5.. and thinking .. “MAN that was a powerful load !!”.. I stopped shooting them , and went home.. I took one apart and found that I had misread the powder amount and had loaded them up off the rifle page !!! DUH !!! but the Ruger took it.. no hint of a problem.. no matter how hot I made the rounds it always took it.. I don't do that anymore… but I have heard that Smiths are famous for not being able to take more then a few hot round's.. even hot factory loaded round's..
April 25, 2008
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landpanther1 said:
Post edited 7:56 pm - April 24, 2009 by landpanther1
...but I have heard that Smiths are famous for not being able to take more then a few hot round's.. even hot factory loaded round's..
That is very true. Handgun silhouette was the big proving house for magnum revolvers. Until it's advent, most magnum owners would be lucky to fire a couple boxes of factory loads through their guns in a years time. On the other hand, silhouette shooters would fire thousands of factory loads and hot handloads in practice and matches in a year's time. It didn't take long to find out which manufacturer built the toughest guns. Smiths started coming apart, Rugers were tough, but suffered quality control problems.
The new winner was Dan Wesson. These guns can take those 1,000's of loads and keep on ticking, plus, they were very accurate. Witness the scores of victories in IHMSA matches chalked up to Dan Wesson revolvers.
The Savantist
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