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November 4, 2013
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Hey everyone,
Looking to purchase my first revolver and I had been primarily looking at S&Ws until I came across some references to Dan Wesson revolvers. After doing some reading it seems they are just as good as S&Ws, but can generally be had for less money.
What I haven't been able to determine in my Internet searches is which DW .357 Model and iteration is considered the "best". I know that opinions will vary, but I'm looking for a majority opinion.
Thanks!
Treker22
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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Where to start?
The most common DW revolver you will find is a 15-2 or 715
https://www.danwessonforum.com/forum/revolvers/what-model-do-i-have-start-here/
My personal preference is the 4VH (4" Vent Heavy) barrel assembly, and I especially like stainless guns.
Here's a little background info:
http://dwcollectors.org/history
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
Supporter
Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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Treker22, Your due diligence is very impresive. SteveCT may be right about 4"VH and the durability of stainless is a big plus. If you can afford a pistol pack you may be able to avoid DWAS If you buy blue first you will crave a stainless before long.
Range Officer
Range Officers
Dans Club
February 28, 2009
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My wife's favorite is a 715VH8.
She really loves the long barrel assembly.
-Mike
November 4, 2013
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Thanks for the replies guys!
I have noticed by trawling GB and Armslist that the 15-2 is the most commonly available DW .357, but is it the best?
I've noticed several listings for a DW CTG, but that model designation isn't on the list. What's up with that?
Also, aren't the revolvers manufactured in Monson supposed to be the best quality?
I guess by analogy, I'm looking for the 686-4 or GP100 of the Dan Wesson revolvers.
Thanks!
Treker22
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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.357 CTG refers to .357 "Cartridge". Just buy a 15-2/715, you will likely not go wrong.
Don't pay any attention to the Monson -vs- Palmer silliness.
If you want to settle for 686 or GP100 equivalent, OK.
Dan Wesson blows them both away. I bought my first 15-2 in 1977, it is still shooting, and I could not even guess how many rounds have gone down range from this gun, including some fairly ill advised reloading experiments.
S&W and Ruger make good guns, I'm just not ready to trade down from what I already have.
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
Supporter
Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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I'll try. The original models 11+12, later 14+15 and finally 14-2+15-2 are all very similar .357 magnum ctg revolvers. The 14-2 and 15-2 are the newest and most improved versions. If made of stainless they are called model 714 and 715. 14 is fixed sight service model and 15 is adjustable sight target model. A larger frame revolver was made for more powerful cartridges starting with .44 mag. in early 1980's. Most dans are "small frame" 357's but some small frame are chambered in .22lr, .22 mag., .32 h+r mag. and .32-20.The are named after their cartridge.
Regardless of model, DW are at least the equal of S+W, Colt or any other IMHO.
Supporter
Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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I meant to add that to perform better than any production revolver ever made special care must be taken to set the cylinder/ barrel gap, properly change grips, keep the cylinder face clean and check the barrel nut. This is more attention than most revolver owners want to give. My nephew who loves to shoot his .50AE desert eagle just told me he never cleans his pistol. I told him I like to buy lightly used guns from people like him. Clean them up and they look and work great.
August 15, 2013
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I could add that in my misspent youth (early 30's or so) I spent more than a few pleasant outings, shooting silhouettes with my Python, and on more than one occasion, the Dan Wessons were shooting the socks off of everybody and everything.
"We are like dwarfs on the shoulders of giants, so that we can see more than they, and things at a greater distance, not by virtue of any sharpness of sight on our part, or any physical distinction, but because we are carried high and raised up by their giant size." Bernard of Chartres
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