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April 15, 2016
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I just inherited my fathers High Standard Sentinel II 357.
I did the Dan Wesson 15, 6" barrel conversion, and it shoots really great.
However I shot the gun today, and was hitting down, and to the left.
After loosing the barrel shroud, and a slight adjustment I got the front sights better aligned. Now I'm just hitting low.
Two ways to cure this.
One is buy the conversion barrel from EWK arms to make the front sight shorter [like a 14 vs the 15 I have]
Two is buy an adjustable rear sight which would be great as I can adjust left, to right.
I looked at removing the front sight, and it looks like it would be too much as there is a blind pin that has to be drilled out, and what looks to be either another pin in the front, or very tiny allen head screw [for which I have nothing that small].
Also, on a smaller note. I reblued the revolver, and I couldn't get the rest of the pistol to match the dark finish of the barrel shroud. What method is used to get that finish? [I used the Casey perma blue cold paste, and of course followed all of the directions, plus I polished the revolver beforehad]
So other than drilling, and tapping a hole in the frame what else is involved in making the rear sights adjustable?
Side of front sight with blind pin.
Front of barrel with either pin, or small allan head screw.
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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Regarding the front sight, you can back out that allen screw, and the front sight blade will lift right out.
EWK has had lower profile front sights available in the past, he may have some available.
Dan Wesson in Norwich, NY had lower profile patridge front sight blades available in the past, you can call them during normal business hours at 607.336.1174
You could do some reshaping of that front sight blade to lower it's profile and raise your point of aim.
To answer you primary question, there are circumstances in which people have had their frame milled and fitted with an adjustable rear, this would likely be done by a skilled gunsmith.
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
April 15, 2016
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Ok thanks. You saved me a ton of work.
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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Steve is correct, an EWK conversion sight will be the easy method. It may not be perfect though. A gunsmith could mill the frame and install an adjustable rear sight. I just happen to have a High Standard one. It would be a lot easier than a Dan Wesson one. One other option is a scope mount and scope. The shroud and scope could also be used on the other DW's you acquire.
Whether you use cold or hot blue it is unlikely you will be able to match the shroud, sideplate and frame. The frame is investment cast and the silica in the ceramic mold( fine sand and clay) affects the surface of the steel and the blueing. The longer you collect dans the less it bothers you. We call the purple color Barney after the dinosaur.
December 19, 2014
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Buddy_1 said
After loosing the barrel shroud, and a slight adjustment I got the front sights better aligned. Now I'm just hitting low.
Ok, this got my attention. Now I only have porkchop-shrouded DW's (14 no dash and a 15 no dash), and I've never experienced the ability - or disability in my opinion - to "adjust" the shroud such that it would change my POI. Is this common in the non-porkchop-shrouded DW's? Seems like that would be a PIA-thing to have to deal with every time you cleaned the gun (i.e. removed the barrel and shroud).
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Dans Club
December 4, 2011
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I've never noticed any way to adjust the shroud. I think we need clarification on that point Buddy1.
Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
My father
If a man designed it, and a man built it, then a man can fix it.
My grandfather
April 15, 2016
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The High Standard used a pin on the crane to locate the barrel.
On the Dan Wesson there is a locating pin right where the barrel meets the frame. I may drill a hole in the frame for said pin, but so far the barrel has stayed tight.
Another thing I'm looking for is a crane for a Dan Wesson.
As I said the HS used the barrel to hold the crane in place. This isn't a problem with the new barrel when the cylinder is locked into place, but when the time comes to load the cylinders I have to put my finger on the bottom of the crane to keep it from coming out.
Here is a picture of the shroud/barrel assembly that was on the HP, which I'm selling on GB.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=552632709
Where the crane goes into the frame there is a spring attached to the end of the crane, then a nipple that pushes against the bolt [part number 26 in the diagram below]. You can see them as part number 18, and 19 in the diagram in the link below.
http://www.histandard.info/manuals/hprevolvers/1132D150R.pdf
On the Dan Wesson there is no spring the bolt is just one piece. [instead of having the nipple at the end of the spring] The bolt is held in place by a "c" shaped piece of metal. Here is the diagram of the DW. Look at the bolt, there are no part numbers 18, and 19 [where there would be in the HS bolt]
https://www.danwessonforum.com/forum/revolvers/my-357-broke/
Also, if someone has an extra crane for sale for the Dan Wesson I would be glad to buy it from you.
March 22, 2016
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SCORPIO said
I've never noticed any way to adjust the shroud. I think we need clarification on that point Buddy1.
if I'm reading this correctly, he has installed a non porkchop ba on a gun desinged for a porky ba, because it came extra with the gun and was in better condition, I think a simpler, and less costly mod would be to trade the newer ba with someone here that has a porky ba in good shape, and be done with it... saves messing with a crane, and cylinder assy which may or may not be timed correctly... no?
might be wise to state that over on the sale or trade threads...
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Dans Club
December 4, 2011
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Ok Buddy1 I see what got are doing now. EWKArms makes an adapterfor porkchop frames that allows you to use later model non porkchop shrouds and it holds the crane in the frame. It's a very well made piece. Check out his site listed on the sidebar. It will save you all the drilling and hassles.
Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
My father
If a man designed it, and a man built it, then a man can fix it.
My grandfather
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January 24, 2009
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I'll add some photo addition to Scorpio's post. This is one of EWK's prototype adapters that he sent me for feedback. It fits & works very well & will allow you to reload without having to hold onto the cylinder.
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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It probably is not safe to be shooting that without the EWK adapter.
April 15, 2016
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Thanks so much guys.
Yes that adapter is exactly what I need.
Its my fathers pistol that I have shot since I was a kid so I don't want to buy another pistol. I just like the look of the heavy 6" barrel vs the stock HS 4" barrel.
I will order the adapter today as well as the front sight conversion.
April 15, 2016
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Anyone know what size hex wrench is required for that tiny screw in the front sight?
I would hate to go into the hardware store with the barrel of that pistol......[even though its just a barrel I don't want to take a chance on the potential drama].
Again, thanks for all of the quick helpful replies. I will be back to this forum again as I really like the Dan Wesson revolvers.
Question: Why hasn't the Dan Wesson revolvers not gone up in value vs the S&W, and Colts? I've shot them all, and I personally can't say one is better than the others.
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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I don't know the exact size of the hex wrench, I've had one in every shooting bag I own for so long, I have not kept track of the size. Good news is that someone much smarter than I will provide that soon.
On your second question, we have tried to stay way below the radar in the Smith/Colt/DW "which is best?" question because S&W>Colt>DW all made/make great guns. If everyone actually knew how superior DW's were, we would not be able to afford the best/most versatile DA revolver you can actually afford to buy.
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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Dans Club
December 4, 2011
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I threw a set of calipers on that little wrench and it measured at .0495" so that is about 1/20"+/- . Hope that helps.
Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
My father
If a man designed it, and a man built it, then a man can fix it.
My grandfather
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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Go to Lowe's or Home Depot and buy one of those sets of wrenches that swing out from the base. All sizes including the e you need for a Dan and the one for 1911 grips. And scope mounts.
BTW, I an sure I have a 21/2" VH BA i would trade for that HS porkchop BA.
Dans Club
December 5, 2008
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Buddy,
If you have a factory barrel wrench for your gun it will have the right Allen wrench on it.
April 15, 2016
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snake-eye said
Buddy,If you have a factory barrel wrench for your gun it will have the right Allen wrench on it.
No, I had to buy the wrench from EWK.
Also, I've got about five of those swing out allan wrench sets, and as luck would have it I don't have the correct size.
I was truly amazed at how accurate the pistol was [before the barrel change]. It was like I couldn't miss shooting in double action.
After this experience I will most likely buy another DW in 44 magnum, as like you all have mentioned the prices are very reasonable.
Its sad that my recently deceased father can't see what his pistol looks like today. Its also unfortunate that the other two pistols that lay at the top of his bed are missing. That being said, I'm glad now that I asked if he would mind my taking the 357 the week before his death. [it was a hard thing to do as I didn't want to appear to be a ghoul.]
April 15, 2016
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Quote:"BTW, I an sure I have a 21/2″ VH BA i would trade for that HS porkchop BA. "
I actually need the money to help pay for the 6" barrel setup.
If I can't sell it I might take you up on that offer.......
March 22, 2016
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both an old porky wrench, and a newer (80) wrench show the two small hexes at .049" and .078"..
common hex sizes.
I have an old Porky end wrench, I don't need, if you want it, to toss with your barrell sale, pm me, and I'll drop it to you in an USPS envelope, contact me if interested.
I do have to ask, after looking at the photos you provided at the top posting, do you have any idea when the shroud and barrel you show installed, were actually purchased? I ask because I see a 4 notch nut, and the barrel seems as normal, AND flush (assuming again it was barrel AND shroud change, if you just changed a shroud, id assume with correct gap clearance, there would be about 1/16" protusion of the oem barrel.. I know you posted the original for sale, I would think about holding onto that for a while... just making a comment, as I've been seeing a trend.
just asking as my first Porky DW is long gone, and I have nothing in hand to do a comparo with currently.
forgive me for my ignorence, I sold many old Dan's before it was cool to own one.. I pay for it now...
,the internet is a bastiche.. no?
oh, 4" b/a ' s are going for a lot of money... I would not sell one, personally, for any reason if I owned one... just saying... I'm sure others will interject, and say something similar... 6" stuff is common, getting 4", mm mm hold onto it, in .357 mag, it works well, and I wish I could get 4" .44 b/a's for an affordable price...
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