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Dans Club
December 5, 2008
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Hi Joe & welcome back to the forum.
Your new DW is a model 15-2, not a 715. The 7 in the model number designates stainless versus a 15-2 which is the blued version.
It sure looks nice and condition is important to value. A 15-2 is likely to bring $400 - $600 for the gun alone as pictured. Any extras such as box, tools etc. will increase value. These numbers can vary a lot depending on the area of the country where the gun is being sold. You could try checking completed sales on Gunbroker to get a better idea.
It's not particularly rare, so not much value on that score. However, all DW's are steadily increasing in value and some recent sales have been surprising.
They are made to shoot, so enjoy and give us a range report when you can.
Enjoy.
February 14, 2017
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Thanks, Snake, but the gun is stamped 715, not 15-2, and I believe the 715 designation refers to the newer SS guns made by CZ, but there are older 715's like mine from the 70's and 80's that were finished in blue. So I am a bit confused. Also, I would note that checking GB for listings, there are NO 715's offered for sale except for SS ones. I did find one 715 blue on Guns America that has since been sold.
https://www.gunsamerica.com/986755914/Dan-Wesson-357-target.htm
Perhaps you can elaborate.
Thank you.
Dans Club
December 5, 2008
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Joe, That's unique. I've never heard of a DW being "stamped" with 715. When you receive the gun, it would be a big help if you would take some pics showing this "stamp". Anything could happen and if so, you may have a truly rare gun.
Please note that the 15-2 models were not "stamped" as such. DW stopped stamping model designations on their revolvers in the 70's.
Pics would be great!
February 16, 2016
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Joe Wisk said
There are older 715's like mine from the 70's and 80's that were finished in blue.
Ummm, I don't believe so. Where specifically is this stamped "715" located ?
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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According to the Serial Number, that is a 15-2 made in 1979. A Monson 715 definitely would not have that type S/N. It may have been incorrectly sold or transferred as a 715.
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.
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July 2, 2011
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Steve said
According to the Serial Number, that is a 15-2 made in 1979. A Monson 715 definitely would not have that type S/N. It may have been incorrectly sold or transferred as a 715.
Exactly!
To the paranoid people who check behind shower curtains for murderers:
if you find one...what's your plan?
February 14, 2017
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delete
What would be a good price for one
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February 16, 2016
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Joe Wisk said
I do not see a model number at all. I was under the impression that the Model 15 and 15-2, while blued, were half lugged, not full.
Model numbers were only on the early production frames. Model 15 is the first generation design, then the 15-1 and finally the third gen is 15-2. Since barrel assemblies can be easily changed, they do not officially become part of the model number, but do have a designation nomenclature themselves. A 'Standard' shroud has a solid rib and regular underlug, which is referred to by no designation letter. The 'Vented' shroud is designated with a "V" vented rib with regular underlug. The "Heavy" (H) shroud has a solid rib with a full underlug and finally the "Vented Heavy" (VH) has both vented rib with full underlug.
February 14, 2017
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Stinger said
Joe Wisk said
I do not see a model number at all. I was under the impression that the Model 15 and 15-2, while blued, were half lugged, not full.Model numbers were only on the early production frames. Model 15 is the first generation design, then the 15-1 and finally the third gen is 15-2. Since barrel assemblies can be easily changed, they do not officially become part of the model number, but do have a designation nomenclature themselves. A 'Standard' shroud has a solid rib and regular underlug, which is referred to by no designation letter. The 'Vented' shroud is designated with a "V" vented rib with regular underlug. The "Heavy" (H) shroud has a solid rib with a full underlug and finally the "Vented Heavy" (VH) has both vented rib with full underlug.
Thanks for the clarification. I am getting both the H model and the VH model. Is there a difference in value/desirability/performance?
Dans Club
December 5, 2008
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Joe,
There is no difference in performance.
Value and desirability are pretty heavily intertwined. My experience is that the VH shrouds are the most desirable and so will command a premium over the other shroud styles. However the H is rising in popularity and seems to be harder to find, so may eclipse the VH in value. If I understand your post, you are purchasing both guns, so you have probably the 2 top values in available styles for the 15-2. But remember that opinions change and so the values will fluctuate.
The major thing to consider between the two guns pictured is that the first one (the H gun) has the dreaded scratches on the left side of the frame on the side plate and so is definitely not a 99% finish condition. luckily, you can remove the side plate and have it refinished but that is of course an added expense. If the scratches are not too deep it may cost less than $100 for the refinish. I recommend Ford's Guns in Crystal River, Florida https://www.fordsguns.com/
These scratches are caused by the ejector star. When you eject rounds it is important to hold the cylinder away from the frame until the ejection process is complete and the star has completely retracted to the cylinder. It only takes a moment of inattention to screw up a side plate. I know this from experience.
Assuming that the grips are original to the guns, they are early production, as evidenced by the DWA medallions. Later production medallions are DW only. Of course the grips are interchangeable so this is not a deciding factor.
The guns look very nice to me, with the exception of the scratched side plate on one.
I'm guessing that your LGS is not very knowledgeable about DW's or they would not be labeled as "715" so you may get a good deal on them.
Good luck and let us know how you do.
February 14, 2017
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snake-eye said
Joe,There is no difference in performance.
Value and desirability are pretty heavily intertwined. My experience is that the VH shrouds are the most desirable and so will command a premium over the other shroud styles. However the H is rising in popularity and seems to be harder to find, so may eclipse the VH in value. If I understand your post, you are purchasing both guns, so you have probably the 2 top values in available styles for the 15-2. But remember that opinions change and so the values will fluctuate.
The major thing to consider between the two guns pictured is that the first one (the H gun) has the dreaded scratches on the left side of the frame on the side plate and so is definitely not a 99% finish condition. luckily, you can remove the side plate and have it refinished but that is of course an added expense. If the scratches are not too deep it may cost less than $100 for the refinish. I recommend Ford's Guns in Crystal River, Florida https://www.fordsguns.com/
These scratches are caused by the ejector star. When you eject rounds it is important to hold the cylinder away from the frame until the ejection process is complete and the star has completely retracted to the cylinder. It only takes a moment of inattention to screw up a side plate. I know this from experience.
Assuming that the grips are original to the guns, they are early production, as evidenced by the DWA medallions. Later production medallions are DW only. Of course the grips are interchangeable so this is not a deciding factor.
The guns look very nice to me, with the exception of the scratched side plate on one.
I'm guessing that your LGS is not very knowledgeable about DW's or they would not be labeled as "715" so you may get a good deal on them.
Good luck and let us know how you do.
Thanks for the info. The scratches appear worse in the photos than they actually are. I'm not inclined to have it refinished, but the website info may be useful someday. I have both guns on layaway and will give a range report when I finally secure them. I like the looks of the VH shroud but wondering if strictly cosmetic or does it help performance or function in anyway?
February 16, 2016
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Joe Wisk said
I like the looks of the VH shroud but wondering if strictly cosmetic or does it help performance or function in anyway?
The immediate benefits might be additional shroud rigidity and additional weight to help offset recoil.
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