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Dan failed at the range - need some diagnostic assistance
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SIGWolf
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November 3, 2013 - 7:35 pm
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So, I should be able to remove the screw and replace the spring. I checked the latch and the catch into which it goes and they seem clean with no burrs. 

Seems this gun has seen more use than I realized.

"Life does not have to be perfect, just lived".

"Deserves got nothin' to do with it".

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Prof. Robert
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November 3, 2013 - 9:05 pm
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I had a similar problem after shooting some Herters .38's with a model 15 that I recently purchased; after a thorough cleaning, the problem seems to be fixed.goodluck

 

"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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Steve
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November 3, 2013 - 10:45 pm
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SIG Wolf- Nice job of diagnosing a possible problem.

The notch in the frame that the cylinder latch engages is one of the filthiest places you will find on a DW. It may take some pretty agressive cleaning to dig all the crap out of that area, but it's important to keep all these mating surfaces clean and properly engaged

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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SIGWolf
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November 12, 2013 - 6:31 am
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rwsem said
Latch Spring:  https://www.gunpartscorp.com/Products/155590B.htm

The screw doesn't adjust tension.  Good job with identifying the problem. 

I ordered a couple of springs and a latch, just in case. They haven't arrived, just received word they have shipped. By the time they arrive, I may not be able to install them and get to the range. Our range closes during "rifle season" from November 16 through December 2. Hunters use the property during that time.

I've checked the latch and the notch into which it locks and they seem clean to me. The edge of the frame at the front side of the notch is much thinner on this gun than the Monson guns I have but does not seem to be worn excessively.

We'll see. Anyone know of a Dan Wesson smith in the event this doesn't resolve the issue? Other than cleaning and replacing the spring, any ideas what might cause this to occur?

"Life does not have to be perfect, just lived".

"Deserves got nothin' to do with it".

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SIGWolf
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November 20, 2013 - 5:25 pm
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I got the spring which Numrich calls a "super" latch spring. It was the only one available. Unfortunately the latch was stainless, so it's of no use to me right now.

I replace the spring and hope to go out to the range to test it out. Our range is closed until "rifle season" is over December 2. 

I'll report back then.

"Life does not have to be perfect, just lived".

"Deserves got nothin' to do with it".

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mister callan
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November 21, 2013 - 12:07 pm
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This is just my opinion but I'd use the silver catch, add an ss EWK muzzle nut or comp, also in ss & start a 2-tone BBQ gun!goodluck

Matthew Quigley on handguns:

“I said I never had much use for one. Never said

I didn't know how to use it.”

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robhof
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November 29, 2013 - 1:42 pm
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I had the same problem with my 357 Max, when I first got it and sure enough it had a burred edge on the latch socket edge, I dremmel filed with a diamond fine point a little at a time til the latch held secure.  That was almost 20 years ago and it's still shooting fine and locking up tight!

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SIGWolf
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December 7, 2013 - 9:16 am
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I hope to finally take it to the range today and see if the latch spring replacement made any difference. I've checked the indent where the latch is secured and it doesn't seem to have any burrs or be particularly dirty. I've cleaned it and we'll see.

I did notice that the thickness of the frame where the latch is secured is significantly different on the Norwich gun than it is on my Monson guns; it is much thinner; not worn thin, designed thinner.

"Life does not have to be perfect, just lived".

"Deserves got nothin' to do with it".

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SIGWolf
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October 28, 2014 - 6:37 pm
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I FINALLY got around to dealing with this situation. I sent the gun back to Dan Wesson. To my surprise, they handled it on warranty.....ON WARRANTY! Here is what they did.

1. Replaced hand

2. Replaced latch

3. Installed headspace shim .004

4. Installed spring kit

The gun was test fired for function after the repairs. I have high hopes the gun is fixed. Dan Wesson paid for shipping both ways; I'm in awe. The communication was stellar. The shipping label was sent by email after a short phone call. In fact it is the second shipping label. The first I allowed to expire. It was send after a very brief conversation with the gunsmith. The second was sent after a very brief conversation with a woman who answered the phone the second time I called. I had the label within an hour. They notified me when they received it and when it was done and about to ship. They included an email stating what they had done and I was notified when the gun arrived at the FedEx station.

What's more, they actually followed my request and shipped the gun for "pick up" at my local FedEx rather than delivering it to my house. The gunsmith was great as was the woman who answered the phone the second time I called. The only question the gunsmith asked after I outlined the issue was, "Does it say Norwich on it", which it does.

This is what customer service should be. It ranks, without a doubt, up there with the best service experiences I've had.

"Life does not have to be perfect, just lived".

"Deserves got nothin' to do with it".

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Ole Dog
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October 28, 2014 - 9:26 pm
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That, SIGwolf, is one of the most wonderful things I have heard in a long time. It makes me want to buy even MORE dans.

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rwsem
SOWELA (Southwest Louisiana)

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October 28, 2014 - 9:44 pm
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Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....

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lonwolf93
Lancaster Pa
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October 29, 2014 - 6:44 am
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"The lion and the tiger may be more powerful, but the Wolf does not perform in the circus"

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SIGWolf
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October 30, 2014 - 6:31 pm
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lonwolf93 said
Very good to hear, now we need a range report!

Hopefully this Saturday or Sunday. I'm anxious to try it out. I really only shot it once at the range prior due to the failure. 

"Life does not have to be perfect, just lived".

"Deserves got nothin' to do with it".

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SIGWolf
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November 10, 2014 - 3:04 pm
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lonwolf93 said
Very good to hear, now we need a range report!

I'm DELIGHTED to report that it was flawless through 50 rounds of .357 magnum. Handled very well, felt tight and solid. As all DWs, accurate. I'm totally satisfied with the work DW did and the price wasn't bad either! big-grin

"Life does not have to be perfect, just lived".

"Deserves got nothin' to do with it".

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