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November 29, 2008
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i bought it as a dw 715, but after my personal research ive concluded it is not a 715. i can not find a gun on any gun site that matches it. its inscriptions are “dan wesson arms, monsom, ma, u.s.a. serial 3613*”
and the other inspription on the barrell is “dan wesson arms 357 magnum ctg. it came with a 2 1/2″ barrell and no tools.
can anyone shed some light on this for me?
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If it is stainless it's either a 714 or 715; the difference is if the sight is adjustable; if not it's the 714 if it is it's the 715. A few pictures would help or you could go through the pictures on the photo section of the website. You will an .006 feeler gauge and a barrel tool. The tool is available from CZ, but the older T style can be found on Ebay for less and work fine. Monson had several models leading up to the 15, but most were in the blue metal.
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November 29, 2008
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thanks for the help. i found something similar on gun broker and it claims to be a "15" looks a little like mine.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=116954740
The rear sight on my gun is adjustable and the front looks like it could come off, if i pushed out a small pin. if i wanted a larger barrell would i have to find a "pork chop" barrel shroud? Is this gun considered small frame? also i payed $380, is that a good deal for this model?
again thanks for the help
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Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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That item on GunBroker comes and goes, and never sells because it does not appear to be a Model 15, and it's overpriced IMHO. Yours appears to be a Model 12, finding barrels/shrouds will be a little harder but they do come up on GunBroker on infrequently.
Steve
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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February 23, 2008
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It's not a model 12. The rear sight is not correct for a model 12 and it doesn't have the external barrel nut as would be seen on a model 12.
It looks like your basic model 15 (not a model 15-2) to me. If you want a longer barrel then you will need to find a porkchop barrel as a straight barrel/shroud from a model 15-2 won't fit. One unique thing about most of the model 15 barrels is that they are odd lengths. Instead of a 4" or 6" barrel, most you find are actually 3-3/4" or 5-3/4".
As an aside, it is possible to install a model 12 barrel, shroud, and external nut on a model 15, but it doesn't look correct and may not regulate to point of aim, but it will work though.
-Lee
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November 29, 2008
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thanks for all your help. The dealer sold it as a 715, probably a mistake due to the confusion of lack of model numbers and similar looks in earlier models. I payed $380 for this gun. I tried looking up prices but you need a subscription to the bluebook of guns. does anyone have any idea where i can see avg. prices of the different models?
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November 30, 2008
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I can tell you right now, the Blue Book value is crap. Dan Wessons are becoming a collectors item, their accuracy and craftsmanship are one of a kind and sadly, hard to come by now.
I think mine booked at around $430 according to my local gunshop owner and friend. He hasn't had much experience with DWs, so that might tell you something too.
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