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January 13, 2011
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Hello All,
I have a 70's era Dan Wesson D-11 .357 revolver, (external barrel nut) that I bought on Gun Broker and pretty much cleaned and stored in the safe. It has not been fired much in the decades since it was made and I have not fired it.
I had it out for a check and a wipe down, (it is blued steel and this is the Pacific Northwest) and noticed that the cylinder was hanging up every third trigger pull, (dry-fire) until now the cylinder does not move when the trigger is pulled. I admit, I have not had this revolver apart for a deep clean, (more out of fear that I would botch something up...this is my only DW revolver and I am not in the know with this D-11.)
Can anyone recommend a good Dan Wesson gunsmith? I would want someone who could do this revolver justice. Or is this just a gun in need of a deep cleaning, (gummed-up internals?)
Thanks for your time and advice. All the best to you all.
Stay safe,
Mike
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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Mike- Look first at your barrel/cylinder (B/C) gap. It is very possible that your gap is too tight. Check gap on all 6 chambers, and gap to .006" on the tightest chamber.
Although this Topic is based on a -2 model (later than yours) the basics of cleanup, spring replacement, etc. will apply.
https://www.danwessonforum.com/forum/reloading/tuning-up-your-15-2-the-average-joe-method/
If you have any basic gun management/maintenance skills, you do not yet need a gunsmith.
Steve
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
Dans Club
December 5, 2008
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Steve is right! I had never disassembled any revolver before I joined this forum, but with the info and member help available here I have solved a number of problems. Best of all, I have a better understanding and appreciation for my DWs.
The only downside is that you probably will catch 
and end up needing another safe.
Good luck!
Supporter
Moderators
January 24, 2009
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It sounds like your D11 is probably suffering from gunk & dried-up lube in the action. A good scrubbing is definitely in order.
The inner workings of a DW are really simple compared to most other brands, and the link that Steve posted should get you in & back out with little difficulty. The only reason I can think that you'd need a gunsmith, is if you've never had a gun apart before at all.
Here is a photo of what's inside, complete with dried-up dirt & gunk. As you can see, there's only about a dozen parts inside. This was one of my model 14 Porkchops when I first brought it home. It's not rusty, the brown you see is actually 40 year old dried up grease. After a good scrubbing & lube job, it now cycles like a brand new gun.
and let us know how you make out.
January 22, 2008
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I cleaned one of mine that looked worse than that one and didn't even remove any parts. I didn't have any pics or diagrams at the time and was nervous about taking it apart. I opened my second Dan and set it aside for reference in case any parts flew! 
It wasn't quite that dry but had much more thick, pasty, dark lube in it. I just kept spraying it with Rem-Oil and swabbing it out with Q-tips, keeping a small wooden dowel on the hand to keep the parts in place when cycling it. When I got it clean to my satisfaction I swabbed it dry and then applied a couple drops of Mobile-1 motor oil. It runs great. Also just did a S&W-10 for a family member the same way and it is much improved 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
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