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December 19, 2015
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I have only seen and shot Monson, MA DWs. I have several and I absolutely love them. I have read in several threads all over the web that there is no discernable differences between production at Monson and Palmer (no details). What about fit and finish, materials, known issues, recalls, accuracy, reliability?
So if any of the above is true, why do so many ads point out the Monson. MA production. It appears obvious that there is an internet fact that more people believe the Monson is better. That doesn't make it a fact. The net passes on myths better than any communication in history. I have also read a couple of times about the bluing perhaps being prettier from Monson (beauty contest).
Some of us learn by reading. Some of us learn by watching. Some of us just have to piss on that electric fence ourselves. Which one are you? You know which one I am.
I bought a DW 715 made in Palmer, MA. The ad says it's the owner's personal gun from when he was a Preferred Dealer with DW, New In Box. It has never been fired and comes with a Nikon scope. I paid a couple of hundred extra for that assertion about NIB.
My dissonance is now driving me crazy. I know there are some really nice guys on here that will try to provide support and a crying towel for me. That's always great and I never say No to a neck rub, but I want something more.
Can anybody tell me the real differences between these two manufacturing sites on the 715?
Prescut
Dans Club
December 5, 2008
Online
I have noticed 2 minor differences: The Palmers use a 1 line roll mark on the BA showing only the caliber and the medallions on my Palmers (only 2 - a 722 and 7445) are plastic as opposed to the metal (brass I think) medallions of the Monsons.
My main reason for any Monson preference would be that they are the first/earliest production for what it is worth; and there is some personal value to having all of my collection being from one location.
The only time I have had what I would call a factory problem was with a Monson 722M that had 3 undersize chambers in the cylinder. This had to have come from the factory that way and was clearly not due to any powder or other buildup. I fixed the problem myself with a few hours of my labor.
The Palmers I have shot function and shoot just as well as any Monson I have handled. I have not noticed the difference in finish, but there may be some. Unfortunately I have not held, or owned as many DW's as I would have liked to, so take it for what it's worth.
I even like the looks of the new 715 and will likely own one in the not too distant future. Heresy!
In short, they're all great in my book!
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Dans Club
December 4, 2011
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Enjoy your new gun, it will be the equal of any Monson gun. In fact, on blue guns at least, the Palmers I have are better finished thany the Monson guns.
Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
My father
If a man designed it, and a man built it, then a man can fix it.
My grandfather
December 19, 2015
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Thanks for the info, guys. I think I am susceptible to that first/earliest spec as well. And for that "for what it's worth" comment, I couldn't agree more. It's really just an illusion and I know it.
Scorpio,
I much appreciate your comments. I saw your auction last week and I was sorely tempted. I wish I knew my DWs better. I have always believed you knew your pistolas and had the experience to talk and share.
I feel better now.
Prescut
So where did those myths come from?
August 28, 2009
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Ease your worries....I'm thinking you're really going to like that gun. 
Let us know how it is when you get it.... from experience my money goes on it being superb in fit/finish.
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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I have never owned a Palmer gun, but I've been on DWF a long time. I have never seen any credible reporting here about issues with Palmer guns, and a lot of people I trust here own a lot of Palmer guns.
I believe that Monson -vs- Palmer quality crap is just that, crap.
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
January 22, 2008
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I have a Palmer 4 inch fixed barrel model. It is every bit as good as my two Monson 15-2's. No worry's needed my friend.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j33/rba660/SANY1839_zpsskbimz9c.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j33/rba660/SANY1830_zpsw4ommhvw.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j33/rba660/SANY1832_zpsk5xjas39.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j33/rba660/SANY1833_zpsyxskwkku.jpg
…he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. Luke 22:36 Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project http://www.irenasendler.com/
USN-Vet, NRA, GOA, JPFO, SC-GRGR
January 22, 2008
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Main things I've noticed:
Different rear sight, I prefer the one on the Monson's.
Hammer is a little different shape and different checkering on the hammer spur.
Trigger stop screw is in the frame behind the trigger, whereas on the Monson it is on the trigger itself.
I have not pulled the side plate to look inside yet.
Seems to me there is more real estate of frame showing under the lug on the Palmer, maybe the frame is a little taller? I'll check it again today. Doesn't affect fit in the same holsters though.
…he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. Luke 22:36 Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project http://www.irenasendler.com/
USN-Vet, NRA, GOA, JPFO, SC-GRGR
June 8, 2009
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Precut: I always liked that all three of my Dans were Monson made. If you read in the History forum: all the early large frame guns were made in Palmer, even though they were marked Monson during this time.
So, my .44 Monson was actually made in Palmer. I haven't shot it since I found out... I hope it still shoots OK.
December 19, 2015
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thanks guys for all the reassurances. This is better than therapy.
Harley and Steve,
Always nice to read your posts.
Boss Dog,
That's the best detail I've seen on differences. I have to follow up on those specs. Nice post.
LeonardC
"So, my .44 Monson was actually made in Palmer. I haven’t shot it since I found out… I hope it still shoots OK."
Now that's funny. Beautifully put! It just points out how influenced we are over feelings and not facts.
March 21, 2010
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LeonardC s If you read in the History forum: all the early large frame guns were made in Palmer, even though they were marked Monson during this time.
So, my .44 Monson was actually made in Palmer. I haven't shot it since I found out... I hope it still shoots OK.
I don't think that is an accurate statement at all. Production at Palmer didn't start until @ 1993. The first large frame was the 44 magnum in 1980. The first supermags were produced @ 1983.
While a few of the very first Palmer produced guns may have been leftover Monson marked frames, by far, the majority of large frame Monson marked guns were in fact, made at Monson.
December 19, 2015
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I hate to pass along another net myth, but I too have read stories of early production in Palmer having a Monson label. Just a few, certainly not the majority.
If it's not accurate, maybe someone can give us the details.
Prescut
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December 4, 2011
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According to Eric Wesson, all the large frames were made at Palmer and marked Monson. Much later, all production wad moved from the Monson schoolhouse to the new works at Palmer. There is a thread on here somewhere where he explains it all.
Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
My father
If a man designed it, and a man built it, then a man can fix it.
My grandfather
June 8, 2009
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Old thread under General Discussion "I'd like to Know...DW Timeline History"
Post #4 by Mike Sheehan
"All .44's are Palmer Manufacture..."
January 22, 2008
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Sorry it took so long to get back. What my faulty memory was trying to tell me is; The curve cut in the front of the frame just below the barrel is cut higher on my Palmer than on the Monsons, making it appear the frame is larger. They are the same size however.
…he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. Luke 22:36 Life in a Jar: The Irena Sendler Project http://www.irenasendler.com/
USN-Vet, NRA, GOA, JPFO, SC-GRGR
December 19, 2015
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From the OP:
OK, Guys, the gunbroker "Never Fired" 715 Palmer came into my gunsmith for transfer. The first thing he said when he saw it, "bullsh*t". He spent an hour cleaning the barrel and cylinders. With that said, I can not see a mark on it and the barrel now looks like a mirror. It is a beauty. The nikon scope and rail look really good on it. I contacted the seller and asked about the description. I'm waiting to hear.
Now the story gets twisted. My gunsmith, and friend, took off the plate and lost the horseshoe clip for the yoke. The gun is still with him waiting for the part.
I can't find the part. Monday I go through DW in Norwich and see what I can find.
The gun looks great, it's the seller who's questionable.
Prescut
more to follow......
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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The good news is that DW has the crane locks. I ordered 3 extra last week. Hoping I can find some inoperative Dans cheap and fix for a few bucks. Won't be the first time. Order an extra cylinder stop and a strut plunger. All easily lost parts that cost less than the shipping.
December 19, 2015
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Ole Dog,
thanks for the reply. right on target for what I needed.
awesome to have online friends!
Prescut
October 13, 2009
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I plan on offering crane lock rings and cylinder stops in the near future, so there will be another option in addition to CZ/Dan Wesson. Though, are there any 715's that used cylinder stops? All 715's I've seen they are part of the sideplate.
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December 4, 2011
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That's great news Eric, I'll be watching for them. I agree, I think all the 715's have the stop integrated into the sideplate.
Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
My father
If a man designed it, and a man built it, then a man can fix it.
My grandfather
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