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May 12, 2018
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Hello,
Recently won an auction on GunBroker of a Dan Wesson 15-2 8" vented barrel revolver. Took it to the range today for the first time. After shooting about 30 rounds I noticed the ejector rod was loose, so I quit shooting it. When I got home to clean the gun I cannot get the rod to screw back in. It is not bent. When I take the star thingy off the cylinder and screw the rod in it goes in fine but does seem that some of the early threads may be stripped. It is a beautiful gun and my first Dan Wesson, always wanted one since the early 80's. Thank you for any help you can give.
February 16, 2016
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to the 
... are you a fan of the car or the band ?
May 12, 2018
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Fan of both but especially the band.
May 12, 2018
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After doing some research I found out the star thingy is called the extractor.
DWF Supporters
April 14, 2018
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If you look at the extractor rod threads do they look messed up?
One technique I use is to put a bit of pressure down on the screw and turn BACKWARDS. This is counter clockwise even though I want to screw it in. While turning backwards I feel for a click as the threads properly engage. As soon as I feel that click I then cautiously turn clockwise knowing my chances for correct thread engagement are much better.
I use this technique on just about any metal screw. It has worked wonders on those screws that need to be taken off and on a lot. On the Dan Wesson I do this all the time with the barrels into the frame and the barrel nuts. Those small screws on the side plates on the small frames worried me for a bit but the backwards thing gives me confidence that I’m not going to be the one to cross thread.
I had a stereo amplifier that blew fuses a lot and to replace them meant taking off the outer steel case. That was 54 small phillips head metal screws. Never cross threaded any of them. I also used my cordless drill with a clutch to tighten them because you never know when you’re having a high testosterone day.
May 12, 2018
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The threads look good. I tried the turning the opposite way trick but can never feel the click that I should. As I said it screws in fine when the pieces aren't on the cylinder. I think the first few threads on the extractor are bad.
Would it be best to try to find another extractor or get a Smith to try to fix it?
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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Getting another extractor is not a simple matter. They are a factory fitted part. DW will sell them to a gunsmith or FFL. With that being said, a used extractor would probably work fine. But it is a chance. They also rarely show up on ebay. More often the whole cylinder assembly shows up. That is much pricier. The fact that the extractor rod screws into the extractor( also called a star.) makes me think it is not the problem. If you use 2 empty cases in the face of the cylinder to hold the star from turning it may work.
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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My bad, rear of the cylinder
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Dans Club
February 22, 2009
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Additionally, make sure the components are installed in the correct order. Sometimes the bushing likes to find it's way to another location....
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
May 12, 2018
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Thanks, I will probably just take it to a Smith.
August 28, 2009
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Pantera63 said
Thanks, I will probably just take it to a Smith.
NOOOO!!!! DON"T DO IT!! 
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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Karl Lewis designed the Dan Wesson to not need a Smith for most repairs. Most Smiths are woefully ignorant of Dan Wessons. They know Smiths and Colts. I would read "The Average Joe Tuneup" in the forum and research past threads. Ron's diagram is self explanatory. Once you do the tuneup a time or 3 you can build a Dan from a pile of parts. Everyone on the forum can help. If you are able to screw the rod into the star when not in the gun it is likely not damaged. If in fact the threads on the extractor are damaged the best thing to do is send it to Dan Wesson. A Smith will likely keep your gun for months and then tell you he could not get the parts. Dan Wesson will have your gun back in no time.
May 12, 2018
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I will have to look into sending it to Dan Wesson. I may watch a few videos on YouTube to see if I can take the cylinder off. Maybe the spring is broke inside keeping the rod from going into the extractor. Thanks everyone for the tips and encouragement.
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