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January 12, 2012
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I can never forget the first time out on the firing range with my new-to-me Model 11 that I had just purchased from a local pawnshop in November 1997. I still have the original receipt from the purchase, the "only" reason I can remember the date. In 1997 my experience with the Dan Wesson sixgun was zero as these revolvers were not marketed much here in Columbus Georgia, my birthplace. None of my shooting buds own a Dan Wesson with most of us packing the Smith & Wesson, Ruger, or Taurus in sixguns. In 97 I already was a 26-year vet in law enforcement and had experienced the transition from sixgun to semi-auto in 92. I was grand-fathered in with my Colt Official Police .38, thank goodness, and didn't switch over. Something I don't regret! My Colt .38 has served me welll these pass 41+years now that I have served, and continues! That is another story though as this is about my first experience with the "legendary" Dan Wesson six-shooter, the first production Model 11. I was taken back by the exposed barrel nut on the end of the four-inch barrel at the pawnshop where I spotted it. I was already aware, from gun magazines, about the reported accuracy factor of the Dan Wesson line. I didn't know that the Model 11 was the first-in-line in the development of a fine double-action revolver then (1997). It (Model 11) was "different" ,to say the least, and for 175-dollars it was a buy-on-a-whim that was to lead me 'lock, stock, and barrel" into the Dan Wesson world of sixguns. Over time I got to liking that exposed corrugated barrel nut profile that my 11 has. Not liking, but to loving! The first time at the range, after my initial purchase, led to my capture by the Dan Wesson sixshooter.
At the range, the first time, I seated my Model 11 into a pistol perch and secured a solid fit. Using regular factory loaded 158-gr, lead round nose (old .38 Police Load) I sent six-rounds down range at a standard bullseye target 8" X 11". I was using the original walnut finger-groove target DW Factory Grips that came on my 11 at purchase for this first test. The target was 15-yards away and from my position I couldn't see the results clearly. Matter-of-fact I thought I had missed the target and was mumbling some unkind words about my new-to-me 11. When I rolled the target back to me there were two three-round cloverleaf patterns dead-in-the-bullseye where I couldn't see from the 15-yard line. BANG! That was it! It was all down hill from that point on and now it is 15+years and four more Dan Wessons later and I'm still singing its praises! Sorry about the length here as I get so excited writing about my now "not-new-to-me" Model 11, serial number 1131. Thanks my friends!
David
Range Officer
Range Officers
Dans Club
March 27, 2009
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David,
Well writen and a great history of the New to Me Dan! Someday I hope to say how and why Dan is my wheel gun of choice! Thanks for sharieng!
The ole pork does grow on you! 
January 12, 2012
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My friends, I guess my passion for my Model 11 sometimes creeps out in my writing this fine forum. I get such a thrill "still" competing in matches and doing so with my Dan Wesson sixgun in a world of polymer made pistols. I got started late with my DW but after I shot that Model 11 the first time the fire was "stoked" high. The accuracy factor along with the strong rugged frame and action were the primary reasons for my late found enthusiasm with the Dan Wesson sixgun. Whether it was my 11, 14-1, 14-2, or the 15-2 all were capable of those tiny small groups that competitive or target shooters crave.
The exposed barrel nut profile of the Model 11 grew on me with time. I never have taken off the barrel as it is shooting and grouping just fine and I wouldn't want to take a chance in upsetting the accuracy factor. I hope to add a Model 12 to my modest DW collection someday but finding a DW in these parts (Cols. Ga.) is hard to do. Most people who own a Dan keep that Dan for more or less the same reasons but maybe I'll get lucky. I know the barrel nut profile with the big bulky sights didn't agree with some handgun shooters. As for me, those small groups made on the target by my 11 made me love the "look" it has. My 11 has been caterwauled at by some at the range "until" the shooting ended. The high post front sight and dovetail rear sights helps a 60-something cop acquire the target picture quicker. It is a shame how accurate my 11 is (in steady hands) when shooting the combat matches. I am "absolutely" NOT bragging on myself but on the performance of my Dan Wesson, one of Mr. Dan's first models, his Model 11. He probably couldn't envision back in 1970 that in 2013 an elderly cop would "still" be using his Model 11 for duty use. My gun is a testament to Mr. Dan and honors that man each time I manage to "place" in competition.
David
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