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June 26, 2011
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Hi, first off an introduction as this is my first post. My name is Matt and I'm a 100% disabled veteran. I of course enjoy firearms and also "shredder" guitars (Kramer, Charvel, ESP, etc.) As I'm a product of the 80's. I stopped by one of the gun shops near where I compete and saw a Dan Wesson revolver tucked waaaay back in a display case in the back of the shop. I always wanted one and with a price of 280.00 out the door it was an offer too good to pass up. Overall condition is good with some light rust and some finish wear. It appears mechanically sound. She is .44 magnum caliber with a 4" ported barrel and shroud. This is also a very heavy girl!! The markings are exactly as follows:
DAN WESSON ARMS
MONSON, MASS. U.S.A.
0115xx
The barrel shroud is marked:
DAN WESSON ARMS
.44 MAGNUM CTG.
first off, there is NO model number/designation and alo there is no letter prefix for the serial number. I also looked around on how to disassemble her but to no avail. She has what appears to be a modular trigger group like on a Ruger double action revolver (SP 101) and I don't even see any type of seam from a removable side plate...like there isn't one as the frame is 1 piece. There is a single pin for the hammer and a small allen screw behind it. So, what exactly do I have and how do I take her apart?
Range Officer
Range Officers
Dans Club
February 28, 2009
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What you have is a model 44. Sounds to me like you stole it. I haven't taken any of my large frame Dan's apart so someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it's as simple as removing the allen screw and the pin and then the action pulls out from the bottom.
-Mike
Dans Club
DWF Supporters
April 20, 2010
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Welcome to DWF, and thank you for your service to your country. I don't have a large frame so can't help you too much, but there is a tutorial here under gunsmithing https://www.danwessonforum.com/forum/reloading/large-frame-disassembly-tutorial-pics/
I hope that helps you. There may be other postings on working on large frame ones, stay a while and look around. I do know that large frame Dans have no sideplate, and other more knowledgeable guys say that they are a little tricky to tear down and assemble the first time, but after that it's a snap.
I'd definitely say at that price you got a heck of a deal.
Lonwolf
"The lion and the tiger may be more powerful, but the Wolf does not perform in the circus"
DWF Supporters
June 20, 2010
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......
Above is not quite true of course, but we are always interested to see DWs and it sounds like your purchase was 
.
Acronym definitions are under the FAQs Header on right side of page.
May 17, 2010
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Welcome to the forum! You got one heck of a deal on a 44!
and if you think she's hevty now.. try putting a 6 or 8 inch barrel on it!!!
Pics and range report... HUA
Soap Box, Ballot Box, Ammo Box
in that order.
4 Monson Model 15's
1 Palmer FB 15
1 Rossi 357 Model 92 (lever)
1 CZ 75B
June 26, 2011
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Yea, I know…pics or it didn't happen. Thanks for the welcomes and replies. I spent 17 years, 7 months & 25 days in the Air Force before getting medically retired with 9 1/2 of those years overseas. This is my 3rd .44 magnum and I currently own 2. My first was a 6" Colt Anaconda that I got in Germany new for like 550.00 from the rod & gun club. I regret selling it but one day I'll pick up another. I have a Ruger Super Blackhawk in stainless with a 4 5/8" barrel which for me is the perfect length. I haven't been very successful with any handgun with a barrel longer than 6" for some reason. Anyway, as you can see my Dan is in "shooter" condition, but for less than 300.00 OTD I think anyone would've picked her up…definately worth getting in trouble with the wife over, ha! I need to pick up a barrel spanner wrench soon, but I did notice some "dinging" around the ball detent…anyone have any idea what might've caused it? Enjoy the pics and I look forward to more responses as well as hoping to make some new friends.
Dans Club
DWF Supporters
April 20, 2010
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Matt,
Your your .44 just has a bit of 'character', and yep, I would still say you got a heckuva deal on it, I think 4" vent heavy barrels seem quite uncommon on large frame Dans. A good reblue would really make it a beauty. To get a barrel wrench check out EWK Arms which advertises on the right column of this screen, he makes great wrenches and also fiber optic sights and several other things for Dan Wessons.
Not sure about the little dings, somebody else more knowledgeable will chime in, but looks like a bit of home gunsmithing to me. Lots of great guys on here that know a lot more than I do about all things DW.
Lonwolf
"The lion and the tiger may be more powerful, but the Wolf does not perform in the circus"
June 26, 2011
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I did notice while poking around the site that a member does reblue jobs for 95.00...does that sound correct? It looks like she was in a leather holster judging by the rust patterns and by the muzzle wear. Again, I just couldn't pass up a .44 magnum for the price and it being a DW is a bonus to me as I haven't owned one before. I was planning on giving it to my dad as he lives in bear country (he has had bears on the porch and also playing in the back yard) and it makes me nervous that he only has a 5 shot .357 Ruger which just isn't enough horsepower to stop a 400+ pound angry bruin. I do plan on placing an order with EWK here shortly and quite possibly a nice reblue if the member still offers the service.
Dans Club
DWF Supporters
April 20, 2010
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There is a member here 'Hotbluer' who does rebluing, from what I understand he did bluing on new Dan Wessons back in the day. Several members here have had pistols done and were very happy with them. Not sure how to contact him other than a pm, maybe a member who has more experience with him will let you know.
Lonwolf
"The lion and the tiger may be more powerful, but the Wolf does not perform in the circus"
January 22, 2008
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Welcome to the forum! $280 out the door was an awesome price!
June 26, 2011
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So, what is the average price for what I have here? I know 280.00 is unusual...so what is normal?
Supporter
DWF Supporters
May 15, 2011
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Welcome, Matt!
http://www.blueridgebluing.com/ is the member's business for bluing.
Looks like you have a great shooter and project for a terrific price. Congrats!
February 15, 2009
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Thank you for your service to our country. You got a heck of a deal. It looks like you only have a little surface rust. You might try using some 0000 steel wool and oil to remove it. Use only a little pressure. A new blue job and it will look brand new. Or you could just try to touch it up with some cold blue.
September 1, 2010
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Welcome Matt great, great buy. I purchased this 44mag. beauty on GunBroker.com for $395. It came w/4" v bbl. I added the 6VH for $190 also frm GB. The grip was made by our own Lawerence Bruce.
again
June 26, 2011
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I finally was able to disassemble, clean, lube and reassemble her this afternoon...getting the transfer bar and hand was an experience to say the least. I would like to get a more comfortable set of grips,, something more normal sized. I'm hoping to put some rounds through her this week.
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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The Hogue Large Frame DW Fingergroove grips will make that very manageable to shoot
I really like your .44, I'd love to have a 4"
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
Range Officer
Range Officers
Dans Club
March 27, 2009
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Nice looking 44 I like the way she looks and not sure I would do much to her! Great price too, folks around these parts want and like the 4"> keep us posted and happy Shooting!
September 1, 2010
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Welcome to the forum and thank you for your service to our country from the volunteer state. Very nice price on your .44 Magnum, it could use a little TLC but it is a great addition for you.
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