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September 21, 2009
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I stopped by a local pawn shop today, looking to pick up some tools for cheap to work on my Jeep. Wandered over to the gun counter and noticed not one, but two Dan Wesson .357 revolvers! Both are 2.5 in barrel models with fixed rear sights. Both were from the Monson factory. Both had a price tag of $350, but after chatting with the counter clerk, I learned that they have been sitting there for 4-5 years. I'm thinking the owner would come down at least $50, maybe more if I haggled.
I've never owned a handgun other than a Ruger .22 auto, but have been reading about DW .357's all weekend after stumbling across a picture of a PPC. I am fairly familiar with firearms, though. I tried to open the cylinder on both and was only able to one one of them after pressing pretty hard on the release. Perhaps I was being too timid with them, or is there some kind of trick to releaseing them? The one that I couldn't open had a line around the cylinder where it was dragging on something as the cylinder rotated. Neither one is in pristine condition. Blueing is pretty good on the revolver, but the barrels have scratch marks.
I wanted one with a 6 in VH barrel with adjustable sights. Seeing how I would have to eventually buy a 6 in barrel, is $350 a reasonable price to start haggling, or would I be better served shopping around until I find one with the barrel I want. CZ-USA has new barrel/shrouds for $304. That would put the gun in the $650 range (before haggling), which is closer to what I was expecting to pay. Should I be concerned over how difficult, at least to me, it was to open the cylinder? Perhaps it just needs a really good cleaning after sitting on a shelf for so long?
I plan on going back tomorrow and getting a closer look. I have fairly small hands and the one I'm leaning towards fit like a glove and pointed like second nature.
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Range Officer
Range Officers
May 2, 2009
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I paid $318 and $325 for each of my model 14's, but they are in excellent condition. If you want a 6", you might as well hold out for a model 15 with adj sights.
SHOOT
July 25, 2008
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I would hold out for what you want, if you are thinking of paying $650.00, that isnt to far from a whole pac, If I went into a pawn shop, and they said the the guns were their for over 4 years, I would offer them alot less, but maby they think they have a trophy and that is why they are still their.
Pikepoola1racer
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Moderators
January 24, 2009
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I agree, I would probably hold out until you find the one that's more inline with what you want. Also take note of which grip the one you like is wearing, you should be able to find that same grip to fit a Model 15. Look around on Gun Broker & some of the other sites, for one that is more to your liking...$600 can buy a really nice Model 15 on GB.
The prices at that shop sounds about like the pawn shops arouns my area. Only around here, the guns look like they have been dragged to the pawn shop on the end of a rope.
September 21, 2009
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Well, I plan on going back tomorrow and checking the gun out some more just to learn a bit about it. Find out the model/number, grip type, etc. Glad I posted to keep my "omg, there is an actual DW in a pawn shop down the street" impulse buy tamed down. Thanks for all the replies.
July 25, 2008
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Their is a 15-2, 6", on auction arms, 9339350, $300 buy it now.
Pikepoola1racer
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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Based on what you want (6" + adjustable rear) you are much better off to keep looking. You should be able to find a Model 15-2 6" in at least good condition for $400.
Those two sound pretty overpriced to me
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
May 17, 2009
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I agree. Buy on impulse and tomorrow you'll see a beauty for a 
price. It's happened to me.
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Range Officer
Range Officers
May 2, 2009
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jaggman said:I agree. Buy on impulse and tomorrow you'll see a beauty for a
But...Impulse buying is an underlying effect of 
sometimes it just can't be helped
SHOOT
DWF Supporters
Dans Club
Moderators
November 17, 2008
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I agree on waiting for what you want. However a model 14 would be great if you can haggle the guy down to a good price. Whats a good price will be your decision. As far as the trouble opening the cylinder go it may be sticking or may just be a matter of familiarity. Try pulling down on the release with your thumb while pushing the cylinder out with the rest of your fingers. I have seen many shooters who are used to smiths , colts, and rugers have trouble with Dans until they figure out the technique. There are plenty of 15s out there so don't settle for less than what you want, unless you are like most of us and want them all. 
Wisdom is merely the realization of how little one knows, therefore I am wise.
September 21, 2009
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I'm definately going to go back and look at it again, but I'm going to shop around a bit before I buy that one. I was kind of expecting the cylinder to just drop open from gravity when I pressed down on the release, so that's probably my problem.
Dans Club
May 17, 2009
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Gravity won't do it. That little spring loaded ball will hold it in until you give it a loving push with the fingers. 
with 
September 21, 2009
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Learn something new every day. Thanks!
June 5, 2008
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If you don't get in a hurry and hold out you will find a nice gun for a good price and get what you want.
I will be getting a NIB S&W 5" 686 357 next week and If I like it I might sell my model 15 with just the start of that turn ring all revolvers get. It has a 4" partial lug and a 6" barrel that is D&T and has scope mounted. But this is not a for sure thing yet, but will probably happen before November if I do decide to sell.
Revolvers
New Model M-715 Pistol Pack
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Bob Tail RZ 10mm - Bob Tail RZ 38 Super by Keith @ DW - DW 38 Super Guardian
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Range Officer
Range Officers
May 2, 2009
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you'll regret it....
... I have a 686, and I rarely fondle it--I always have a DW next to the couch. I sold a mint PP once... I still remember it
SHOOT
June 5, 2008
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This new 686 is my second 686 and the first one was not up to par with my 15 for accuracy and it was a Performance Center gun. Also I am not crazy about ported hand guns, and it was the ported model.
The thing the S&W has going for it is the 5" barrel and unfluted cylinder. Kind of a odd ball gun.
Revolvers
New Model M-715 Pistol Pack
1911's
Bob Tail RZ 10mm - Bob Tail RZ 38 Super by Keith @ DW - DW 38 Super Guardian
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Range Officer
Range Officers
May 2, 2009
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Waldo Pepper said:This new 686 is my second 686 and the first one was not up to par with my 15 for accuracy and it was a Performance Center gun. Also I am not crazy about ported hand guns, and it was the ported model.
The thing the S&W has going for it is the 5" barrel and unfluted cylinder. Kind of a odd ball gun.
I have a magazine article that covers "oddball" S&W's with weird barrel lengths and configurations--I'll see if I can dig it up.
SHOOT
June 5, 2008
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Man that would be great, maybe you could find out how odd a 5" unfutted is. I wanted to try it because it always seem that it should be an easier to clean gun without the flutes to catch powder residue.
Revolvers
New Model M-715 Pistol Pack
1911's
Bob Tail RZ 10mm - Bob Tail RZ 38 Super by Keith @ DW - DW 38 Super Guardian
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