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May 6, 2024
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I’m likely purchasing my first DW. It appears to be in good shape but I’m not familiar with the fine details. Is there anything I should look for as far as potential problems. It’s used but appears to be in good shape. The cylinder indexes correctly and seems to lock tight. No obvious wear on the cylinder notches. Finish looks good on metal and grips. The one thing I noticed is that the cylinder release seems tight. Is this a problem or normal. May just need cleaned and lubed. Are there any common problems I should look for? Were the barrels numbered to match the frame, or is there any other way to tell if it’s an original Pac? Thanks in advance for any help or advice. I remember looking at these as a kid in the 80s and always loved them. Excited for the purchase.
Dans Club
February 24, 2013
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Does the suitcase have the original label on it? If it does, does the serial number on the label match the serial on the pistol frame?
As far as I know, the only pacs that had the barrel assemblies (BA) serialized to match the frame were Norwich First Edition pacs.
Great looking pac! It even has the zebra wood grip, worth about $250 alone.
May 6, 2024
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I actually didn’t look at the case. Where would the sticker be on the case. Can someone post a pic of what the cases looked like.
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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You have a factory case in what appears excellent condition. The label will be on one end. They often get rubbed off or damaged. Some folks counterfeit them. Importantly, the belt buckle, patch and tool all are age appropriate. Circa 1978 or 79. The serial number should be in the 170,000 to maybe 200,000 range. There should be 2 white and 2cyellow insert front sights in the manilla, envelope. And a metal gap guage of point 006. There may be goodies under the foam.
Be careful to not over tighten the barrel nut. It it is too tight it might break the plastic tool. It would be wise to find a metal tool on eBay or elsewhere if the barrel nut is too stuck. Pay attention when ejecting cartridge cases. With your left thumb working the latch keep your right index and middle finger pushing the cylinder open through the frame. It tends to close while the extractor star is extended and the star can badly scratch the sideplate.
DWF Supporters
July 12, 2020
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Welcome to the forum from PA!
Nice pack for a starter!
Dans Club
February 24, 2013
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DWF Supporters
June 11, 2016
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Welcome to the Forum from Wisconsin. Very nice looking Pistol Pack.
DWF Supporters
March 28, 2023
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Looks like the real mccoy! Those 22 pacs are worth more than 357 magnum pacs! THere were a lot fewer of them made!
May 6, 2024
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Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. I’m picking it up tonight. Can’t wait.
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Moderators
January 24, 2009
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dw77 said
The one thing I noticed is that the cylinder release seems tight. Is this a problem or normal. May just need cleaned and lubed.
Most likely that is the problem. It probably has old, dried lube in there & the gun just needs a good scrubbing. Every new "to me" Dan I buy, I usually blow apart for a good scrubbing & light lube job, so it functions properly.
Congrats on finding yours, please show it off some more once you get it home! 
Oh, and the extra barrel assemblies...from here they all see correct. As long as they have Monson roll marks on them, you are good. None will be numbered to the gun, but again, they all appear to match the others.
May 6, 2024
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Charger, what would be the appropriate marking on the barrel shrouds (what are the Monson roll marks). Also, I noticed that the 2 shorter barrels look rough with lathe marks and the 2 longer barrels are smooth and blued. Is this an indication of different periods of manufacture. I can post pics later if needed. Serial number is 20xxx. Does anyone have an idea on manufacture date for that number. I don’t have access to the serial number lookup.
Dans Club
February 24, 2013
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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22LR Dans debuted in 1979. I think 20,000 were made within a year or two. The patch and belt buckle are from a few years earlier so I would suspect it is not an original pack. Since there are no records to be had it doesn't seem to matter compared to Smiths where Jinks letters are available.
May 6, 2024
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Ole Dog said
22LR Dans debuted in 1979. I think 20,000 were made within a year or two. The patch and belt buckle are from a few years earlier so I would suspect it is not an original pack. Since there are no records to be had it doesn't seem to matter compared to Smiths where Jinks letters are available.
Good info. Thanks. I’m not really a “collector” so if it isn’t all original, I’m ok with that as long as all the parts are there. The shop that I bought it at had 4 or 5 different pacs all from the same owner so perhaps some of the patches and buckles etc were mixed up at some point. All the others were sold prior to me purchasing the 22. No sticker on the case so nothing to go on there. I want to clean it up and am anxious to shoot it.
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Moderators
January 24, 2009
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Let us know what you think of it once you get it to the range! 
Dans Club
December 7, 2020
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dw77 said
...The shop that I bought it at had 4 or 5 different pacs.....
So, if you're not going to buy additional pacs....(and we all assume you will 
), then share the knowledge so we may get them off the market for a good price. Or you can just PM me so I can have first shot! lol.
May 6, 2024
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Scout728 said
dw77 said
...The shop that I bought it at had 4 or 5 different pacs.....
So, if you're not going to buy additional pacs....(and we all assume you will
Haha. The others all sold before I got the .22. When I first looked at the 22 a couple weeks prior to purchasing, there was a 2 barrel 357 Max set but it sold before I went back.
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