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August 10, 2014
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Just got back from purchasing my first DW 14. The previous buyer didn't know much about it. I'm just curious if anyone can point me in the direction of how old it is. The serial number is 19265. Also, can anyone recommend a good leather holster? I'm not looking for something to conceal it I'm actually looking for something that will show it off!
S
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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That looks like a Model 14 from the early 1970's. A holster for a S&W K frame would be correct.
Welcome to DWF you have a pretty nice looking early DW revolver
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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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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If you haven't had a chance to shoot it yet you are in for a pleasant surprise. The fixed sight guns can be extremely accurate and are heavy enough to gentle a 357 recoil. Please get a barrel tool and make sure the barrel assembly is on right. A .006 cylinder gap is the factory specs. but .003 on the proudest chamber will reduce spitting and imcrease bullet velocity. You should check all chambers to find the proudest. When you remove the shroud, keep in mind that the flange is what holds the cylinder crane on.Your gun was probably made in 1972. Also, barrel nut and grip screw, snug is tight enough. Especially if the grip screw is over tightened you could have problems with SA and light strikes. And welcome to the forum. Any problems , just Holler.
Dans Club
April 18, 2014
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to 
.. Nice old piece you got for yourself. 
...it is a sickness.. we all have it and soon you will as well....bahahaha!
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"To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them."
Richard Henry Lee
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Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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Ole Dog said
If you haven't had a chance to shoot it yet you are in for a pleasant surprise. The fixed sight guns can be extremely accurate and are heavy enough to gentle a 357 recoil. Please get a barrel tool and make sure the barrel assembly is on right. A .006 cylinder gap is the factory specs. but .003 on the proudest chamber will reduce spitting and imcrease bullet velocity. You should check all chambers to find the proudest. When you remove the shroud, keep in mind that the flange is what holds the cylinder crane on.Your gun was probably made in 1972. Also, barrel nut and grip screw, snug is tight enough. Especially if the grip screw is over tightened you could have problems with SA and light strikes. And welcome to the forum. Any problems , just Holler.
Maybe the clearest description of how to get acquainted with an early DW that I have ever seen.
Ole Dog hit the bullseye on this one!
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
August 10, 2014
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Thanks, I've already ordered the barrel tool. Is this something I can take care of myself? I've been traveling all day and haven't had time to dig around the forum yet to see what I need to do. Is this something I need to see a gunsmith about?
Thanks
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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Everything in Ole Dog's post is well within the ability of anyone with the right tools and minimal mechanical ability.
I know, because I actually have "minimal mechanical ability", and about a dozen DW's have survived my ownership.
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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
Dans Club
DWF Supporters
April 20, 2010
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Honestly, if you have an average amount of mechanical ability and even no previous experience working on guns you can do lots on a Dan Wesson yourself. Half the time gunsmiths seem to be unfamiliar with Dan Wesson revolvers anyway. Check out the threads here- https://www.danwessonforum.com/forum/reloading/
there is a thread about changing barrels, grips, with a video I think, and also check out the great thread "honest Joe Tuneup", even of you do not need to take your Dan apart it will give you real understanding of how everything works.
"The lion and the tiger may be more powerful, but the Wolf does not perform in the circus"
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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I appreciate the kind words Steve. Lonwolf is correct, If you can barely drive a nail and screwdrivers are difficult you will be able to totally disassemble , polish the lockwork and troubleshoot with the help of the "Average Joe Tuneup " and the Dan lovers of the forum. By your third or fouth Dan you will be an expert. lol . Ese927 was not kidding about DWAS. But the syndrome is managable with enough money. My ffl buddy and his gunsmith are afraid to mess with Dan Wessons but the were designed by a genius to be simplicity , durability ,beauty and strength that has never been properly recognized.
August 10, 2014
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Great, well now I know the barrels for the 14 and 15 are interchangeable. My question is did the 14 come with a pack of various barrels? If so were those barrels also in the porkchop style? A guy is selling some barrels in NC and I'm tempted to get them just for giggles (I really like barrel it currently has.) The problem is they aren't in the porkchop style.
Thanks again for your help.
July 14, 2013
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You need to get pork chop barrels for your gun. Yours is a first model 14. The non pork chop are 14-2 and 15-2. Enjoy!
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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That may be one of the fastest cases of DWAS on record!!! Barrel lengths of a model14 and 15 are 21/4," 33/4", and 53/4" because when the exterior barrel nut was disconinued they just shortened the barrel 1/4". The shrouds are the same length. If you purchase barrel assemblies make sure they are the 1/4" shoryer ones. Model 15 shrouds will not have the right front sight and as they are not easily removable you should look for model 14. Or be happy with your 14 and male your next dan a 15-2 .
April 25, 2008
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Congrats on your first DW! There will be more.
The Savantist
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Dans Club
Range Officers
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July 2, 2011
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IHMSA80x80 said
Congrats on your first DW! There will be more.
I believe you are in the running for understatement of the year! 
To the paranoid people who check behind shower curtains for murderers:
if you find one...what's your plan?
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