October 12, 2012
I bought my second DW 44 back in the 80's... first was a blue with 4" and 8" and got quite a bit of use from the early 80's (but that is another story altogether).
This was a stainless beauty with 4" and 8" heavy vented barrels, Pachmayer and Zebra wood grips, and several other accessories. It too got a lot of use, and was affectionately called 'baby'.
I was involved in an auto accident and was unable to work (commercial electrician), so I borrowed some cash for rent from a buddy who I wrapped fishing rods for. Shortly afterward his tackle store burned down and he moved out of the area. I had the address and looked him up to let him know I was willing to make payments, but he wanted a lump payment. Later that summer I went to the River with some friends, and lost my wallet with his contact info.
I've searched for him off and on, and finally found a couple of potential addresses earlier this year. A week ago I finally was able to dig up a phone number and made contact, and found that he still had my 'baby' waiting for me! I talked my wife into driving down (300 miles) that day, and spent a great evening catching up over dinner. We drove back up the coast route and it was just a wonderful course of events.
What a stroke of good fortune, and what a good friend I have!
I'm really looking forward to getting it out and firing off a bunch of rounds. Also bought a Dillon 550 so that I can get back into loading and keep its hunger satiated!
Glad I ran across this forum - great to see there are so many other DW aficionado's in the world.
Roger
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March 27, 2009
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February 22, 2009
January 22, 2008
That is a good friend indeed! Enjoy your long lost but new found baby! I hope to get a 44 one day also.
…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
October 12, 2012
Thanks folks! Yes, that is the zebrawood grip. Love the looks of them, and I see some other nice exotic grips are also now available... just missed on an eBay auction for one yesterday.
I found the 4" barrel was invaluable for those times I wanted to wear it in a shoulder holster, and it was surprisingly accurate due to the overall heft.
Of course it is hard to beat the accuracy of the 8" barrel though - I recall some relatively tight groupings for a casual shooter.
For the last several years I've had a search on Guns America sending me all Dan Wesson listings, but unfortunately (or fortunately as it turns out) all of the good ones were out of state and not eligible for FFL here in California. I'll still be on the watch, but now I can focus on finding a good 357 perhaps.
Roger
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