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November 7, 2016
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Many years ago, my brother bought my dad a Dan Wesson .357 magnum revolver for his job as a security guard. When my dad died, the gun went back to my brother who kept it for a number of years and he just recently gave it to me.
The gun has some tarnish and rust which I plan to have taken care of by a gunsmith. The problem that really concerns me is a crack in the frame between the trigger opening and the cylinder (please see attached picture). I don't feel comfortable shooting this firearm unless the crack can be repaired.
I would like to know the model number of this gun. The serial number is 172742.
Is this crack repairable and, if so, how could it be addressed? Thank you for any help.
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DWF Supporters
June 11, 2016
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November 7, 2016
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As I pull up pictures that others have posted on the internet, those guns have the same line in the frame that I thought was a crack. I have come to the conclusion that what I'm seeing is not a crack, but the parting line of the trigger guard assembly. I received the gun last night and only had time to take pictures. Feeling apologetic and a little dumb. 🙁
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DWF Supporters
June 11, 2016
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If you are looking for some nice grips for it conceal carry or the like Try E-Bay. A real nice set of conceal carry grips at auction right now.
Dans Club
December 5, 2008
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You are correct about the "crack". It is where the sideplate meets the frame. There is an allen head screw on the left side of the gun near the rear sight and another one underneath the grip. Removal of these screws allows the sideplate to be removed. See the following post for more detailed info:
https://www.danwessonforum.com/forum/reloading/tuning-up-your-15-2-the-average-joe-method/
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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It is good you are cautious. What you see is the edge of the sideplate that can come off to access the lockwork. If you look at small frame Revolvers, The Average Joe tuneup it will explain everything. When ejecting cartridges, keep the pointer and middle finger through the frame pushing against the cylinder to keep it open. Otherwise it may try to close while ejecting cartridges and the star will make nasty scratches on the sideplate behind the cylinder. Please study the forum to learn how to remove any rust and dust. Ask here if you are not sure. Most of today's gunsmiths are ignorant of Dan Wesson revolvers and can do serious damage. The grime and rust can be usually removed by rubbing gently with Flitz. I use my fingers and then wipe with a clean cloth. Other folks here have different methods.
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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Welcome to DWF, that is a really nice looking 1978 15-2 4VH the 4" Vent Heavy shroud is my personal favorite 
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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Dans Club
December 4, 2011
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Welcome to the forum from PA. Nice that you have your dad's gun in the family.
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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Dans Club
March 27, 2009
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Welcome and now the journey begins! I hope you find the DWF with the info you need to keep your DW in top shape. Take it out and put some rounds through it. Thanks for the pictures as we love seeing Dan's!
November 7, 2016
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Steve said
Welcome to DWF, that is a really nice looking 1978 15-2 4VH the 4" Vent Heavy shroud is my personal favoriteSteve
Steve,
Thank you for identifying the model number for me.
Jack
February 20, 2008
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Welcome to DWF. You are indeed a lucky man on two fronts. One you are now a proud owner of a DW. Two, you now possess a firearm passed on to you which was family owned.
Shoot the heck out of that bad boy!
If you're going to drink, don't drive. Don't even putt.
May 22, 2016
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The configuration that you have is my personal favorite configuration for social carry.
I don't see the trigger stop screw in your pics. Look at the back of the trigger. Is there a tiny threaded hole? This is for an itty-bitty hex screw, which limits trigger pull distance. Adjust this to allow the trigger to move a millimeter or two past the "break" (check each chamber, both single- and double-action). On later guns, the screw is on the frame. If you don't have a hole either on frame or trigger, then yours has the later trigger, indicating replacement by a gunsmith (and possible trigger job).
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