Register
Log In
Home
August 20, 2019
Offline
I hate to discuss similarities between a Taurus and a Dan Wesson but bear with me. I just watched a video review on the Taurus "Raging Hunter"44 magnum which was described as the most accurate 44 mag the reviewer had shot. I was surprised to see the identical barrel nut/shroud(Aluminum) and forward cylinder release as seen on DWs. I thought that would be patented by DW/CZ. No mention of the ability to change barrels was made. Maybe stopping short of changeable barrels kept it from being a patent infringement? Does any other manufacturer use the barrel nut/shroud set up? Pardon the blurry cylinder release photo.
February 16, 2016
Offline
Karl R. Lewis designed the initial removable barrel concept that the Dan Wesson company was built upon. If you are not familiar with him, this is a good read;
August 20, 2019
Offline
Stinger said
Karl R. Lewis designed the initial removable barrel concept that the Dan Wesson company was built upon. If you are not familiar with him, this is a good read;
That was a very interesting article. What a brilliant inventor he was. Did CZ buy the patents? I'm wondering how Taurus can use a Lewis/CZ patent. I was thinking how great it would be if Ruger could implement the changeable barrel design but figured it would be a patent infringement.
July 2, 2019
Offline
I could be wrong, but I don't think it's a patent infringement unless the designs are exactly the same.
Supporter
Dans Club
March 25, 2013
Offline
I believe that the patents have expired by now. They would be over 50 years old. In 2005 in order to cut costs Bob Serva made a deal with Smith and Wesson. S&W provided DW the frames and DW supplied the interchangable barrel. In return, S&W got the rights to use the barrel and front lock up patents. Serva sold DW shortly afterward to CZ. Some of the prototypes, in 22lr, 38 special, 357, 44 mag and 45acp, 6 of each were shared with executives but Serva sold at least one on Gunbroker. I have that one. A 715 that has a Smith frame and 6"VH barrel. The buyer had it engraved by a very good young engraver.
Smith used the shroud, barrel and nut on their X frame guns. Also on the N frame 357s. I know of the 2" and 5" barrels. It is strictly for accuracy I believe. S&W only sells the barrel tool to Gunsmith and FFLs. Since Taurus used to own Smith and Wesson they may have a deal to share technology. I know Manurhin and Korth both at one point in time switched to the barrel and shroud system. The Janz revolver that is evolved from Korth sells interchangable barrel packs and also interchangable calibers. They are extremely expensive. Karl Lewis is considered the second greatest firearms designer after GOD, John Moses Browning. Lewis offered the interchangable barrels to Colt, who declined.
August 20, 2019
Offline
Ole Dog, thanks for the great detailed information.
August 8, 2016
Offline
Ole Dog said
I believe that the patents have expired by now. They would be over 50 years old. In 2005 in order to cut costs Bob Serva made a deal with Smith and Wesson. S&W provided DW the frames and DW supplied the interchangable barrel. In return, S&W got the rights to use the barrel and front lock up patents. Serva sold DW shortly afterward to CZ. Some of the prototypes, in 22lr, 38 special, 357, 44 mag and 45acp, 6 of each were shared with executives but Serva sold at least one on Gunbroker. I have that one. A 715 that has a Smith frame and 6"VH barrel. The buyer had it engraved by a very good young engraver.Smith used the shroud, barrel and nut on their X frame guns. Also on the N frame 357s. I know of the 2" and 5" barrels. It is strictly for accuracy I believe. S&W only sells the barrel tool to Gunsmith and FFLs. Since Taurus used to own Smith and Wesson they may have a deal to share technology. I know Manurhin and Korth both at one point in time switched to the barrel and shroud system. The Janz revolver that is evolved from Korth sells interchangable barrel packs and also interchangable calibers. They are extremely expensive. Karl Lewis is considered the second greatest firearms designer after GOD, John Moses Browning. Lewis offered the interchangable barrels to Colt, who declined.
Damn got any pics of that DW/S&W hybrid???
1 Guest(s)
