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December 4, 2017
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I have a Dan Wesson revolver in .32 H&R magnum with two barrels. Both look like they are 8" and one says "first issue 46."
The serial number is B00046. The only other identification I can find says it was manufactured in Norwich NY. Any help would be appreciated.
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DWF Supporters
June 11, 2016
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You have a very collectable 32-V first issues have serialized barrel it came with that matches the frame serial number. The first 400 produced are First Issue. You also have the door knob style barrel tool which has been selling on E-Bay for over 100.00 by itself. That is all I can add maybe someone else can tell you more. Very Nice! Very Collectable! Dan Wesson's were produced in three plants, Monson, Palmer and Norwich. Norwich are said to be very favorable based on the finish.
Welcome from Wisconsin!
Dans Club
October 17, 2008
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To
Very nice hard to come by Dan Wesson with factory box.
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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IMHO Norwich First Issue are among the finest guns Dan Wesson ever made. There is really no difference between the First Issue and the guns made after that. Except it will be impossible to find extra Barrel Assemblies with the First Issue crest and matching number. That makes pistol packs extremely rare. I think the fit and finish is the equal to the world's finest revolvers. The small frame gun are especially nice. I like the bead blasting of the top rail and strap. When Bob Serva bought DW he discovered the machinery was worn out so he spent much time and money to produce them on CNC machines instead of investment casting the frames. One complaint I have read about was the poor fit of the sideplate. I discovered the sideplate was a fabulous fit except for the edge under the grips. In my opinion a totally forgivable sin. In fact, it may have enabled the rest to fit so perfectly. I suspect that the term First Issue relates to first year production. I recently saw on Gunbroker a 44 mag with number 831.
March 25, 2008
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The pistol you have is very rare. also being a first issue it will continue to increase in value over time. I have a question to the forum experts how many eras are there with the Dan Wesson history. My thought is there are four. 1. Monson, @. Palmer, 3. Norwich, and CZ Norwich. Please correct me if I'm wrong. Dayton
February 16, 2016
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to. Michael, nice First Issue !
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Dans Club
December 4, 2011
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Rare caliber and rare First Issue configuration, NICE SCORE!
Way to start your 
.
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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Dayton, I think that the case can be made that there is a Pre Palmer Era. 1986 to 1991. Important changes were the knurled hammer spur and improved sideplate on small frame blue guns to match stainless. There was a change in ownership I think. The serial numbers began with the caliber. Ron
March 25, 2008
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Yup! there is so much confusion with the in/out of business with dan wesson I would just like to have a historical lay out for referencing to the many production era's over time. Dayton, Thanks for the response Ron!
February 16, 2016
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pops2 said
I would just like to have a historical lay out for referencing to the many production era's over time.
Check out this article for a quick history summary, including a timetable chart;
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Dans Club
February 22, 2009
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Or... read through the History files in the Site Supporter's section....
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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Stinger said
pops2 said
I would just like to have a historical lay out for referencing to the many production era's over time.Check out this article for a quick history summary, including a timetable chart;
This article has been updated and is more accurate than it was
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