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January 25, 2022
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Growing up as a child my parents were gun collectors. A couple of decades ago they lost interest and slowly sold nearly everything. I recall them having a few DW examples but one gun they held on to was a DW .44 with several barrels with the tool and buckle. They have recently started handing the guns down to me as I've started collecting myself. A few months ago the passed the .44 down to me an I discovered that 6 years ago it was involved in an areal flood in their home. To make matters worse, it was in a foam-padded case and they never realized it. It looked like it was in a shipwreck found by divers. I had a gunsmith reblue it and the barrels to match. I got it back and it looks factory-perfect. However the barrels were for a .357 that they sold off years ago. FML. So now I have a .44 with no barrels and (3) .357 barrels with no gun. Is it worth it for me to get a .357 for the barrels and barrels for the .44? I've attached some pics of the .44 after reblueing if anyone can help with model ID.
Dans Club
February 24, 2013
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First, welcome to the DWF!!
Based upon the documentation here on DWF on serial numbers and manufacture dates (https://www.danwessonforum.com/wp-content/files/DanWessonSerialNumbers.pdf), it looks like your 44 was likely born 1981.
In reply to your questions, I think you’ll find the advice of most DW fans is 
.
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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You have one of the first 10,000 Model 44 DW's. They have a shorter hammer spur than later guns. That is the only difference. The 44 Pack had 6 and 8 inch barrels with 2 barrel tubes for each length. One tube had ports that really don't work well. They came in a factory brown suitcase case with tool, 2 grips and other accessories. Some folk would add the 4 and 10" Barrel assemblies. My advice is to be happy with the gun you have until you know more about values. Do you have a tool. It is necessary. If the Styrofoam box is nor destroyed it is a plus. I would look for a 357 in fine condition with a barrel length you don't have and with the style shroud you do have. As far as assembling a pack, again, learn more about what to get and the values.
Dans Club
February 24, 2013
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Don’t listen to the voice of reason! LOL
Just kidding, ole dog always has good info & advice. Many others here do too. You’ve come to the right place.
DWF Supporters
July 12, 2020
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Welcome to the forum from PA!
Dans Club
January 17, 2015
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If you are collecting and also shooting, I would say to keep what you have and yes - find a .44 barrel and shroud (plus the barrel tool) and also find a .357 frame to enjoy shooting those barrels you do have. These are great shooting revolvers and their value is climbing
June 8, 2009
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OP might check out CZ > Dan Wesson > Web store to see if they have a BA you want for a shooter gun.
August 8, 2016
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EmeraldCoastCigars said
Growing up as a child my parents were gun collectors. A couple of decades ago they lost interest and slowly sold nearly everything. I recall them having a few DW examples but one gun they held on to was a DW .44 with several barrels with the tool and buckle. They have recently started handing the guns down to me as I've started collecting myself. A few months ago the passed the .44 down to me an I discovered that 6 years ago it was involved in an areal flood in their home. To make matters worse, it was in a foam-padded case and they never realized it. It looked like it was in a shipwreck found by divers. I had a gunsmith reblue it and the barrels to match. I got it back and it looks factory-perfect. However the barrels were for a .357 that they sold off years ago. FML. So now I have a .44 with no barrels and (3) .357 barrels with no gun. Is it worth it for me to get a .357 for the barrels and barrels for the .44? I've attached some pics of the .44 after reblueing if anyone can help with model ID.
https://shop.cz-usa.com/dw-products/revolver/barrels-shrouds/44-magnum.html
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