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February 18, 2010
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I understand DW moved from Palmer to Norwich and was purchased by Bob Serva who made the move. There is a series of "First Issue" revolvers, which I assume were the first revolvers out of the Norwich operation. Was this the first and last run or were there others?
Is there a date when production of revolvers ceased?
I'm also curious about the "D" at the beginning of the serial number. I've seen some with a "B", it was a stainless that started with "S", then "B", then the number. I've also seen a thread with someone asking about an "M". At any rate, this one begins with a "D".
"Life does not have to be perfect, just lived".
"Deserves got nothin' to do with it".
August 28, 2009
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There was actually a run of .357 revolvers manufactured in Norwich in 2011. It was the last attempt to revive the revolver line and failed for whatever reason. For starters, the gun was priced way too high and the quality in fit and finish was inconsistent throughout the run. After a lot of hype about bringing back the revolver, the gun made a brief appearance in the market and then quickly disappeared without further notice. I actually inquired several times about its continued existence and was assured "yep, it's still available". It never made it and less than 100 revolvers were released.
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DWF Supporters
May 11, 2011
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I have one of those last run revolvers, The fit and finish on mine is good. It came in black plastic hard case. Number is in the 50's.
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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Just the other day I saw one of the latest ones in the "used" gun showcase, selling for $799.
Looked to be shot very little, the polishing on this one was a little off, the frame/sideplate definitely looked different than the barrel. That may have been due to some work done by the owner, but the grain of the polishing didn't seem to be consistent.
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
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February 18, 2010
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harly said
There was actually a run of .357 revolvers manufactured in Norwich in 2011. It was the last attempt to revive the revolver line and failed for whatever reason. For starters, the gun was priced way too high and the quality in fit and finish was inconsistent throughout the run. After a lot of hype about bringing back the revolver, the gun made a brief appearance in the market and then quickly disappeared without further notice. I actually inquired several times about its continued existence and was assured "yep, it's still available". It never made it and less than 100 revolvers were released.
Can you include a picture?
"Life does not have to be perfect, just lived".
"Deserves got nothin' to do with it".
Dans Club
DWF Supporters
April 20, 2010
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Go to the 'Dan Wesson Small Frame Revolvers' forum in DWF pics, and search Shot Show Preview. There are pics of an early prototype. I can't post a link for some reason, my old laptop will not cut&paste today.
I know there are other threads around somewhere discussing the new 715 when it came out.
-Lonwolf
"The lion and the tiger may be more powerful, but the Wolf does not perform in the circus"
August 28, 2009
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Here it is at the 2011 SHOT show. The most noticeable change is in the profile of the top rib.
October 26, 2008
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I have one of the new ones from CZ (2011) and it's serial # 143 so I'm going to guess they did a run of 150. Here is a link to my write up when I got it
https://www.danwessonforum.com/forum/revolvers/whats-in-the-box/page-2/
and a pic comparing the old and new style shrouds
Photo resized-Steve
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Dans Club
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November 17, 2008
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To try and answer the original question. The letter D represents the caliber 357 magnum. The letter thing has been a little confusing but I believe you will only find the letter D on a 357.
LB
Wisdom is merely the realization of how little one knows, therefore I am wise.
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