Register
Log In
Home
January 31, 2016
Offline
Hey everyone! I'm new to the forum. A good friend of mine inherited a Dan Wesson .357. He doesn't know what he has, so he brought it to me. I'm somewhat of a gun enthusiast, so I guess he thought I would know something about it. I don't. I've perused this forum, trying to get some information on the serial numbering. What I found did not answer my questions. The revolver is stainless with what appears to be a 5" barrel. The serial number starts with SD and is followed by six numeric digits. Can anyone shed any light on this? I can post a picture, if needed. Thanks for the help and thanks for letting me be in your forum.
WJ
Supporter
Moderators
Dans Club
February 22, 2009
Offline
Welcome! Pictures are always good but you are correct- a stainless (S) .357 magnum (D). Most likely a 6" barrel though. Model # is 715.
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
Offline
Welcome to DWF! A picture(s) would help, and when measuring the barrel, be sure to measure from the forcing cone (inside the frame, just forward of the cylinder) to the end of the barrel (which will likely be slightly shy of the end of the shroud. If this is truly a 5" it is likely a fixed barrel (no removable barrel nut)
"SD" s/n's generally ran from 1982-1987, a six digit would probably be 1984-87, and that can probably be narrowed down with the actual number.
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 31, 2016
Offline
Hey, thanks for the tips. Model 715 and likely a 1982-1987 date of manufacture. That helps. I've attached some pictures. There is a little wear on the gun, but everything appears to be pretty superficial. I know that the cylinder would not cycle when firing, but this gun was taken to a gunsmith and was repaired. I did not hear what the problem was, but it cycles fine now. Base on that little bit of information and the attached pictures, would you be able to give me a ballpark (major league sized, not little league!) idea of value. I mean, is it a $1,500 gun or a $500 gun? That would help tremendously in the decision of what to do with it. Thanks for all of your insight and experience!
WJ
Supporter
Range Officer
Moderators
DWF Supporters
Dans Club
December 4, 2011
Offline
Looks like a very nice 715 6". Grips look nice too. Value depends on a lot of factors, ie. accessories, do you have the box, barrel tool and gap gage, any paper work? Also your area of the country and time of year also affect what it is worth. Taking a WAG I'd say the gun alone as pictured should be worth $650-$750, more if you have any of the goodies. If your intentions are to sell the gun, listing it on a national auction site would probably net you the best price, mainly due to potential audience of buyers.
As a member, you can use the for sale section to offer the gun for a fixed price to the membership here. Please be aware that it is not an auction site and the gun should be offered at a fixed price. All communications are to take place via PM's.
Please read the rules prior to posting an ad. BTW there is a 10 post minimum before you can sell and item on the DWF.
Unless your friend needs money, I'd keep that beauty and shoot it, it won't disappoint.
Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
My father
If a man designed it, and a man built it, then a man can fix it.
My grandfather
January 23, 2016
Offline
Welcome from another new guy. I also have a 715 with an SD XXXXXX serial number. I should have kept better track of that darn box. Lost in the shuffle.
Dans Club
DWF Supporters
April 20, 2010
Offline
Welcome to the forum, the 715 looks nice so I would agree with Scorpio's ballpark value. If I was to give an opinion, I would keep it and shoot it. The Dan Wesson is a durable revolver, generally very accurate and a lot of fun to shoot.
"The lion and the tiger may be more powerful, but the Wolf does not perform in the circus"
Supporter
Range Officer
Dans Club
Range Officers
Members
July 2, 2011
Offline
I would agree with Scorpio's evaluation and estimate. Lonwolf is right, keep it and shoot!
To the paranoid people who check behind shower curtains for murderers:
if you find one...what's your plan?
January 22, 2008
Offline
Welcome from SC. Nice Dan, another vote for keeping it.
…he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. Luke 22:36 Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project http://www.irenasendler.com/
USN-Vet, NRA, GOA, JPFO, SC-GRGR
DWF Supporters
Dans Club
Moderators
November 17, 2008
Offline
Nice 715, Just thought I would mention did anyone notice the recessed cylinder? That question came up just recently about if any Stainless Dan's had the recess. Most I have seen just have the ridge around the cylinder.
Sorry guess I hijacked the thread.
LB
Wisdom is merely the realization of how little one knows, therefore I am wise.
Supporter
Range Officer
Moderators
DWF Supporters
Dans Club
December 4, 2011
Offline
I think I have a 715 with the recessed cylinder, I'll have to go look to be sure.
Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
My father
If a man designed it, and a man built it, then a man can fix it.
My grandfather
January 31, 2016
Offline
Hey, thanks for all of the insight and advice. As it turns out, I ended up trading for it with my buddy. I gave up a Glock 26 (generation 4), with a couple of holsters, a couple of extra magazines, night sites, and a box of range ammo (all valued at +/-$750). I got the Dan Wesson and some assorted .38 and .357 range ammo (which he's bringing by today, so I'm not too sure of the quantity), which based on what I've learned from this forum is a fair trade. I plan to keep the DW for my own personal use and enjoyment. The Glock was a gun I purchased for my wife as a concealed carry, but she never carried it. She says it's too heavy. So, it was just laying in the gun safe. I'll get her a smaller .380, like a Ruger LCP or S&W Bodyguard. Anyway, that's how the deal turned out. Thanks again to all of y'all for the good input and advice. Peace.
WJ
DWF Supporters
February 1, 2016
Offline
nice dan. check out bodygaurd of mine on small frame pic thread
new find @ pawn shop
for light gun it shoots very nice and easy, weighs a little over 1lb loaded
not a dan but not much kick she'ed love it
SIZE DOES MATTER
DWF Supporters
February 1, 2016
Offline
no offence to any woman, but at ccw range
on 1-30, 3 females w/ little exp. fumbling around w. semi autos
is scary, and 1 jambed. Can't beat a revolver for easy to use !!!! My wife
loves her bg 38.
SIZE DOES MATTER
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
Offline
pete_1 said
no offence to any woman, but at ccw rangeon 1-30, 3 females w/ little exp. fumbling around w. semi autos
is scary, and 1 jambed. Can't beat a revolver for easy to use !!!! My wife
loves her bg 38.
Women are waking up to the fact that they are in a world that will target them (as women) as easy targets, much like older Americans are viewed as "easy opportunities". Several years ago, my wife got her Connecticut Carry Permit. "I probably won't carry a gun, but I will never have anyone tell me I can't".
And a Carry Permit in CT is NOT an easy process.
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
Supporter
Moderators
Dans Club
February 22, 2009
Offline
Best Defense just highlighted the fact that women are also responsible for their own safety. Well done segment.
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
January 23, 2016
Offline
lbruce said
Nice 715, Just thought I would mention did anyone notice the recessed cylinder? That question came up just recently about if any Stainless Dan's had the recess. Most I have seen just have the ridge around the cylinder.Sorry guess I hijacked the thread.
LB
My 715 has the recessed cylinder as well.
Supporter
Range Officer
Moderators
DWF Supporters
Dans Club
December 4, 2011
Offline
Just checked, all mine have the recessed cylinder. I think the Norwich guns lack the recess. I don't own a Norwich 715 so can't say for sure.
Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
My father
If a man designed it, and a man built it, then a man can fix it.
My grandfather
1 Guest(s)
