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March 12, 2022
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I just bought my first Dan Wesson today, a 44 magnum revolver. Found it at an LGS that typically has a more esoteric selection. Having always heard good things about Dan Wessons, and having a number of 44 Magnums already (pre-lock 629, Henry Model X, and Ruger Model 44 Carbine), I decided to pull the trigger and buy it.
The pistol has a high polish finish. It came in the original Styrofoam case with three barrels (6", 6" vented, and 10") and two matching shrouds.
Initially, I assumed the gun was a 744VH, thinking it was stainless. Upon doing further research on the gun though, I am not sure that it is SS anymore. The SN does not start with an S (00736X), and the finish is a high polish, compared to the more matte finish I'm seeing on pictures online.
Did Dan Wesson make any 44VH revolvers with a Nickel finish, is this a non-factory finish, or am I just wrong and this is an SS revolver? Unfortunately, in my state I have to have the pistol add to my CCW permit before I can take it home, so I can't just stick a magnet on it right now.
I do have a number of pictures I took at the LGS,
.
Any info anyone might have would be much appreciated. Thanks!
DWF Supporters
July 12, 2020
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I do not know for sure but I think nickel finishes were few and far between. I know one of the more knowledgeable brethren of revo's will let you know.
But anyhow,
Welcome to the forum from PA!
Dans Club
February 24, 2013
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First,
to the 
!!!
Looks like it may be a originally blued pistol that has been given an aftermarket hard chrome finish. Very nice looking pistol, I love it!!! Others here will know more than me.
Dans Club
February 24, 2013
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Can you share a pic of the topside of the hammer? Curious if it’s knurled or slotted texture.
March 12, 2022
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Unfortunately the pistol won't be in my possession until I can get it added to my CCW.
However, I'm 99% certain it was a knurled hammer. I specifically recall noticing the knurling under my thumb when cocking the hammer.
Dans Club
February 24, 2013
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Hmmm, knurled means stainless, but again I defer to more knowledgeable people on this site.
DWF Supporters
July 12, 2020
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I don't know about that Kurt?????
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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All large and Supermag guns have knurled hammer spur. Your gun is definately a blue gun, one of the first 10,000 made with the shorter hammer spur. It is most definately aftermarket. Dan Wesson made some early factory porkchop nickel guns and a few 15-2 small frame guns, but not large frame guns in nickel or Chrome. It chrome, enjoy it. It is a very durable finish but can affect tolerances.
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Dans Club
February 22, 2009
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It could also be "in the white" so be careful of that; hard to tell from the picture.
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
March 12, 2022
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Thanks for the info everyone! Good to know it started as a blued gun. Maybe someday I'll have it re-blued, or even go crazy and do color case hardening or something. I live about an hour away from Turnbull restoration, could be an interesting project to make it truly unique since the original finish is already gone. Albeit, that would certainly be a passion project and cost WAY more than the revolver is worth.
For now, I will enjoy it and put many rounds through it, not worried about it being a safe queen. Might order a stainless 2.5" barrel and shroud assembly from CZ, to get even more versatility out of it.
Dans Club
February 24, 2013
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605Dart said
I don't know about that Kurt?????
Yep, you’re right…I was thinking about a 15-2, but this is a large frame. My bad!!
Ole Dog knows his stuff!!
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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I just noticed the second and third pictures. The hammer spur looks like a long spur but the serial number number indicates a blue gun with a short spur. I think when the gun was plated the hammer was exchanged for the long spur version.
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