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June 3, 2009
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Hi Folks,
thanks particularly to Dusty for his information on the DW that I have been
looking to purchase over the past few weeks. The model is a 15/2 with 6" barrel,
half under lug, and has hardly had any use - locks up tight, is crisp etc. A
detailed investigation and a heap of rounds showed the unit as very tidy.
I was also trialling a Colt Trroper Mark V in nickel, also with a half underlug,
and a Ruger GP161 with full underlug in Stainless.
I found the Ruger too muzzle heavy for my taste, and both the Colt and the Dan
Wesson appealed very much. Unfortunately the Colt had wear and allowed the
cylinder to slip back when using the extractor - so that made my choice much
easier - I thought I would take the Dan Wesson 357.
I was advised by a local gun sales organisation, the manager of which is a
personal friend and who had in fact brought the pistols to the range for me to
test, that the last recommendation he would have made was the DW - He reckoned
the Colt was a better option for me - not that particular revolver as it had
issues, but the Colt in general - apparently the Dan Wesson range in Australia
is less accepted, with stories of difficulties of parts and finding experienced
gunsmithing support being the reasons for his recommendations.
So folks, my questions are along these lines: What experiences of things going
wrong with a DW Model 15/2 357 do the members of the group or the Dan Wesson
forum have that might help me with my decision.
ie what goes wrong, what usually breaks, how available are spare part - do parts
get repaired or replaced etc etc.
Also, are there any Australian owners who may wish to share their experiences
with DW in Australia.
If it had not been for the massive difference in expereince with revolvers, and
the fact that my mate is our clubs president and training officer with over 55
years practical experience wth all makes and models, I would have proceeded with
my initial feelings and gone for the DW 357.
If breakdowns or repairs are an issue with the DW Model 15/2 357, then I will
persist and track down a Colt Trooper MkV.
Would anyone with experience in any or all of these please give their view?
Thanks
John Hunter
Model 15-2V 6" Blued
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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John-
First of all 
. We have a few international shooters stop by, it's always interesting for us to hear more about the shooting sports in other places. I own 2 M15-2's, a 715, a 722, and now a 744, and I have never had a problem with any of them, so I can't offer much help as far as what goes wrong. I think the experience here is that a DW revolver that functions well, times and locks up well, and feels tight and solid will stay that way for a pretty long time. They rarely seem to break, sometimes they need some tuning up, new springs, etc.
I do believe that you will face more challenges with a broken DW in Australia than you would with a Colt/S&W/Ruger. DW was clearly the smallest manufacturerof the four, and gunsmiths everywhere are less knowledgeable about them. Parts are still readily available from Dan Wesson/CZ, however some of them are Factory Fit only, although a reputable gunsmith in Australia should be able to get any parts needed. I have assisted a couple of Canadian owners get small parts and accessories that they had difficulty with, simply by shipping them "machine parts". Depending on the parts involved, I think folks here would be willing to assist. There's a big difference between a manufacturer exporting and a hobbyist sharing with another hobbyist.
Kind of a tough choice for you, I will say that as you look through our Forum (and others), you will find very few people that have ever regretted owning a Dan Wesson revolver, and a Model 15-2 that is good now should stay good for many more years. My original M15 is over 30 years old, many (MANY) thousands of rounds through it including some serious, heavy duty reloading experimenting, and it has never needed any repair. The sideplate has only ever been off for cleaning and lubricating.
Sorry to be so long winded, hope this helps. Other fanatics will soon throw their thoughts in, I am sure
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
Range Officer
Range Officers
Dans Club
February 28, 2009
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John:
I have a model 715 which is the stainless version of the 15-2. I bought it new in 1989. It gets shot regularly, several times a year, and a range session usually means upward of 100 rounds. This gun performs flawlessly and still has perfect lock-up after 20 years.
Now, let me say this; most people do not clean their guns very often. I clean mine after every range session, weather it had 12 rounds through it or 1200. 
Yeah, I know I couldn’t put 1200 through it in one session. The point is that maybe my meticulous maintenance is the reason for no failures, I can’t answer that.
One more thing; most parts are still available from DW in Norwich NY, USA via the simple expedient of a phone call. Also, they are very good about service. Some parts take a little longer. For example, I just ordered a new barrel assembly for the 722M ( stainless .22 Magnum) that I recently bought. DW told me that it would be three weeks because all barrel assemblies are custom made to order. That’s pretty good service if you ask me.
I hope this helps with your decision.
December 17, 2008
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Hey John to the DWF - glad you made it over.
The Model 15-2 is the final product of about 10 years of engineering improvements at Dan Wesson.
Some of the earlier models had issues, but those issues were designed out and the final product is a remarkably sturdy and reliable workhorse, as the others have stated above.
There are points where caution needs to be observed:
- Never try to bang a shell out of the cylinder with the cylinder still on the crane. It is a guarantee that the cylinder stop on the side plate will pop out / break off. The stop is more than adequate but is not designed for abuse.
- Always use care when seperating the ejector from the extractor (they unscrew, one from the other) & keep them lubed.
- Don't overtighten the barrel nut and always use a firm and judicious motion when removing it.
Ok, that's the list as far as I know.
If you treat it well it will last a lifetime - and as the guys mentioned, spring kits are available should you wish to refresh them.
Addtionally you can still buy shrouds and barrels, so you can have a snubbie to target piece with a couple of quick changes.
Good luck and let us know what you decide. If it's DW we're going to expect pictures!
-Dusty
February 2, 2009
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I had a 15-2 in 1983 that I bought used, but was tight and looked lightly used. I shot many rounds through it over 5 years, including a range session with a neighbor, who was a millitary policeman. His job was to get rid of 4 cases of 38 special and 357 rounds that were in excess of their allowed storage, prior to an upcoming inspection. We shot at targets til we ran out of targets and continued to shoot til the guns got hot, took a break til they cooled and started again till all the ammo was gone. That was the first year I owned my DW and I had many good years after that and regret selling it to this day. I now have a 357Max that will never be sold. The 15-2 still locked up tight when I sold it.
Supporter
Moderators
January 24, 2009
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I have a 15-2 too...owned it less than a year, but I sure like it.
These guys pretty much covered all the other stuff, so I'll say...
DWF Supporters
Dans Club
Moderators
November 17, 2008
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The guys have all the info covered so.
Wisdom is merely the realization of how little one knows, therefore I am wise.
June 3, 2009
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Hi Dusty,
made the decision today and started the purchase price on Model 15/2 that we have been discussing. Also have my local dealer on the lookout for a S&W Model 27 in 6" - if he can't find an original one, will probably organise one of the new Model 27 in 6 1/2" later in the year.
I also have found out that full DW sets were sold in Australia, although not that often - so we are also on the lookout for barrels, sights, case etc, with the help of my fishing mate who owns the Adelaide Gun store, so here's hoping.
Will post photos once I pick it up.
cheers
John
Dusty Trail said:
Hey John
to the DWF – glad you made it over.
The Model 15-2 is the final product of about 10 years of engineering improvements at Dan Wesson.
Some of the earlier models had issues, but those issues were designed out and the final product is a remarkably sturdy and reliable workhorse, as the others have stated above.
There are points where caution needs to be observed:
- Never try to bang a shell out of the cylinder with the cylinder still on the crane. It is a guarantee that the cylinder stop on the side plate will pop out / break off. The stop is more than adequate but is not designed for abuse.
- Always use care when seperating the ejector from the extractor (they unscrew, one from the other) & keep them lubed.
- Don't overtighten the barrel nut and always use a firm and judicious motion when removing it.
Ok, that's the list as far as I know.
If you treat it well it will last a lifetime – and as the guys mentioned, spring kits are available should you wish to refresh them.
Addtionally you can still buy shrouds and barrels, so you can have a snubbie to target piece with a couple of quick changes.
Good luck and let us know what you decide. If it's DW we're going to expect pictures!
-Dusty
Model 15-2V 6" Blued
June 3, 2009
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Hi Dusty,
made the decision today and started the purchase price on Model 15/2 that we have been discussing. Also have my local dealer on the lookout for a S&W Model 27 in 6″ – if he can't find an original one, will probably organise one of the new Model 27 in 6 1/2″ later in the year.
I also have found out that full DW sets were sold in Australia, although not that often – so we are also on the lookout for barrels, sights, case etc, with the help of my fishing mate who owns the Adelaide Gun store, so here's hoping.
Will post photos once I pick it up.
cheers
John
Model 15-2V 6" Blued
December 17, 2008
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Great to hear!
I saw your other post that detailed the buying process "down under" - gad!!
I think you would like Texas. If you have a Concealed Handgun License you can walk into the gunstore, buy your gun (anything except full auto) fill out / sign a short form, take it on home & do with it what you please (for the most part)!
Hope you find an Aussie Pistol Pac (full DW set) - that would be treasure indeed!!
Good luck, we'll be looking for pictures...
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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John-
Congratulations on your choice. DW's are special, and I think you will find the guys here pretty committed to helping you as much as we can. Parts are availble, both new from CZ, and used on the Auction Sites and Ebay. I have started buying up parts just to put away for the future, but by and large, Dan Wessons are pretty durable, and the simple design makes for a pretty high degree of self gunsmithing.
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
June 3, 2009
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Dusty and Steve,
Thanks for your help.
I have a question regarding self gunsmithing - the trigger feels a touch agricultural, particularly in double action. Is there any simple idiot proof way to refine the trigger that I can do in my worshop?
Also am happy to leave it to a gunsmith if it's tricky or that's your advice.
Cheers
John
Model 15-2V 6" Blued
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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This will seem nutty, and I know we're looking at some cultural differences, what do you mean by "agricultural"?
Loose, with lots of pre-travel? Post-travel?
Stiff, with lots of effort, heavy pull?
Sloppy, inconsistent in let-off?
The good news is that many of the trigger related problems with a DW are fixed with the installation of new springs
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
June 3, 2009
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By agricultural, I mean a bit coarse, heavy, and not all that crisp at let off - particularly noticeable in double action. If I had to pick one of your descriptions it is probably leaning towards the stiff, heavy pull, although not requiring heaps of effort.
Single action is better.
I will be shooting the revolver at the club on Saturday and will specifically study the movement, feel etc . Cetainly doesnt feel slick and crisp, however, is definately not clunky or spongy.
Will get back to you over the weekend/early next week.
Thanks
John
Model 15-2V 6" Blued
December 17, 2008
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The action of the 15-2 is pretty straight forward.
Just as "preventative maintenance" I would pull the side plate off and give all the parts a good cleaning and proper lube. Make sure the posts are all clean and the trigger, strut and hammer interacting surfaces are shiny.
Chances are this will eliminate a percentage of "resistance".
June 3, 2009
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Dusty and Steve,
took side plate off, degreased and relubed, shot single action, trigger surprised me every time it went off - couldn't be happier. Double action seemed to be in stages, but I'll wait until I bring it home to really test it - wasnt resistive, just seemed to me to be in three disctinct stages of pull - light for a bit, then heavier to full cock, then a surprise as it went off - will take much more notice when next I shoot it - only shot about 20 or 30 rounds double action.
Thanks for your help guys
John
Model 15-2V 6" Blued
June 3, 2009
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Good evening Gents
Took your advice Dusty, actually stripped the whole thing down, degreased, and reassembled with a powdered teflon as lubrication. Has significantly reduced the resistance, and the stacking effect is actually pleasant - can stop right on the point of hammer fall and hold - just squeeze off for the final little bit. The entire movement is now smooth and increasing - no more "stages of resistance".
It actually feels like a totally different trigger - cheapest trigger job I've ever had, and the single action is even better than it was before.
A couple of questions - does anyone have any experience of projectile weight and profile that go particularly well in a 6" barrel? Would be pleased for any information I can get hold of.
I'm currently using lead coated projectiles due to cost and the fact that I am only shooting on the firing range at this time. A link to the projectile manufacturer site would be handy if you do have it, as I qouldn't expect plain cast lead to be imported from USA, so will check the profile.
I'm using Australian made ADI powder AP70N pushing 128gr round nose wad cutter proj, and am getting reasonable results, but want to work on getting the load and accuracy up as far as I can. I have heard that 158gr is the " best weight" from a couple f sources, so let me know what you think.
Would be interested in a blue 4" barrel and shroud, an inlet grip ready to shape, and a 357 barrel removal tool if anyone has one.
Since the major clean, cannot believe how good the 15/2 feels. 'I am definately now a DW convert.
For those interested in how long it took to get the firearm purchase approval, I am happy to say that firearms branch had the approval back in my letter box within 8 days - hence my shooting and maintenance work over the weekend.
Thanks to all for your advice and help.
Cheers
John Hunter
Model 15-2V 6" Blued
Supporter
Moderators
January 24, 2009
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I can't help much on the ammo question, since I don't reload yet. But I'm glad your trigger action feels much better after a good clean & lube job. It's amazing how much better they can work when they can slip-n-slide as they're supposed to.
December 17, 2008
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John Hunter said:
It actually feels like a totally different trigger – cheapest trigger job I've ever had, and the single action is even better than it was before.
Hey John - that's great! Exactly how it should be!! Saw the post on powdered teflon and will look into it - it sounds great. It's starting to sound like your decision to buy the DW is getting better every day!
Remarkable on the license. Quick!
Range Officer
Range Officers
Dans Club
February 28, 2009
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John Hunter said:
Would be interested a 357 barrel removal tool if anyone has one.
John:
There's a listing on eBay for the .357 barrel tool. It's item # 360166945525.
-Mike
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