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October 17, 2017
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Ole Dog is on the right track; something is preventing the side plate from seating properly, we just have to figure out what it is. A gap at the front of the breach is not unusual on DW’s, so don’t worry about that until we figure out the timing issue.
October 17, 2017
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Jay, I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say how disappointed we are that you’re still having a problem with this revolver. Running out of ideas, but let’s have a look at the other side of both hands; and a photo of the ejector ratchet as well. Do you still have the gap between the side plate and frame? If so, we need to solve that little mystery before we can move on.
June 13, 2022
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3ric said
Jay, I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say how disappointed we are that you’re still having a problem with this revolver. Running out of ideas, but let’s have a look at the other side of both hands; and a photo of the ejector ratchet as well. Do you still have the gap between the side plate and frame? If so, we need to solve that little mystery before we can move on.
I appreciate everyone’s help as I try and figure this thing out.
I haven’t removed the side plate yet to check for true but I’m a little concerned that it might be the problem look at the picture that was posted.
Ill take the side plate off tonight and get some more pictures.
June 13, 2022
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Next question. Should I just send it off to Dan Wesson for repair?
DWF Supporters
July 12, 2020
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Not sure on this one as their revolver smith just retired. Not sure of who or if the replacement has been found.
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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Some clear photos of the sideplate ON, showing all the seams and if it is flush with the frame would be important. Especially where it meets the bottom strap and top of the trigger guard. We will figure this out!!! Maybe send it to that master DanSmith Snake-eye. 😉
June 13, 2022
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605Dart said
Not sure on this one as their revolver smith just retired. Not sure of who or if the replacement has been found.
The guy I talk to said the same… I mean exactly the same.
June 13, 2022
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Ole Dog said
Some clear photos of the sideplate ON, showing all the seams and if it is flush with the frame would be important. Especially where it meets the bottom strap and top of the trigger guard. We will figure this out!!! Maybe send it to that master DanSmith Snake-eye. 😉
This is the only one I have at the time 
October 17, 2017
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Doesn’t look bad from that angle; can you take a couple with the cylinder swung out like you did before, as clear and close as possible?
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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BTW, did you lubricate? That may make a difference.
June 13, 2022
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3ric said
Doesn’t look bad from that angle; can you take a couple with the cylinder swung out like you did before, as clear and close as possible?
June 13, 2022
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Ole Dog said
BTW, did you lubricate? That may make a difference.
I’ve tried a oil on all the pivot points and a thin layer of grease on the hand.
June 13, 2022
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not sure if I captured the slight bend in the side plate.
October 17, 2017
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Not sure if the photo in post 73 shows it clearly, but it’s likely from the photos in post 71 that the side plate is bent, or damaged in some other way. It’s impossible for us to tell from a photo; you’ll have to judge that for yourself. You’ve stated before that the side plate screws are tight, yet a noticeable gap is present. Ole Dog has warned that these side plates are delicate, so I’m leery about how to advise you on how to straighten it. If I was in this situation I would scour eBay until I found a replacement side plate. The one you have is either not original (likely), or damaged/modified, and while another side plate may not fit perfectly without a little fitting, I think it would be more effective than trying to get this one to fit properly. Not what you want to hear no doubt, but that’s my best advice. You can attempt to straighten this one first (you have nothing to lose), and you might be successful if it doesn’t crack in the process. Try not to be discouraged with all of this. I can guarantee you that neither the side plate, cylinder or hand are “original” on my 15-2!
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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What 3ric said. DWs are modular. Unfortunately except for the sideplate it seems. In my DWAS I have acquired a huge stash of parts. I have even built several Dans out of spare parts when several folks were selling bare frames. I stopped buying bare frames unless I was able to get the original sideplate because of the difficulty fitting them. I have over a dozen sideplates but the last bare frame I have does not like any of them. After ruining a couple of sideplates I stopped trying. I am saving them for when I might break a plate or find a cheap gun with a broken sideplate.
June 13, 2022
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Thank you 3ric and Ole Dog.
Do either of think it would be worth it to send it to Dan Wesson for repair?
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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I have never sent a Dan in for repair. Maybe call and talk to the Smith first. AFAIK, they have no more blue side plates. If that IS the problem. It very well may not be. If they can fix it I think it is worth it.
October 17, 2017
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At this point it couldn’t hurt to send it in for repair. Even though the DW was designed to not need the service’s of a gunsmith, I think this is an unusual circumstance.
June 13, 2022
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I think before I send it to DW. I’m going to take everything apart, clean with mineral spirits, grease every and if nothing else then ship it to DW.
I talk to customer service at DW and the sent me a form to get things moving.
I’ll keep everyone updated.
October 17, 2017
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Jay, looking back through all of the photos I may have noticed something. Since you’re taking the gun completely apart anyway, take a moment to see if the side plate will sit flush with all other parts removed. The spindle (not the right term) that the trigger goes on looks to be a bit mushroomed as does the corresponding hole in side plate. That could be what is keeping the side plate from seating correctly. Worth a quick look before you send it off to DW.
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