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May 2, 2014
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Hi,
My first post so bear with me.
I came upon a Monson made Dan Wesson model 22 with the heavy and fluted barrel.
It was cheap for Finnish standards. I only paid a little to much for it and not a lot like usually over here. The gun had seen some action but was in quite good shape. It was some 300 euros (414 USD).
I managed to put a few hundred rounds through it and noticed some problems. One of the chambers make a noticeably different noise when shooting. Also I got some misfires in double action. I say "got" because the connector broke on the last session. The misfiring might have been a symptom of there being something wrong with the connector in the first place. I don't know. Also I found a lot of lead shavings, but then again the end play on the cylinder was way of ( no where near the .006 inches it is supposed to be).
I started investigating the whole Dan Wesson phenomena locally, since there aren't too many here in Finland. The thought of having interchangeable barrels on a handgun, even in the same calibre, is nothing the government really likes. I would have to have stamped and approved barrels and get a license for every single one. I don't know if this also is the reason why the gun didn't include the Dan Wesson multi tool or the end play gauge.
When looking for spares (eg. the connector), I found that Midway in Finland sells Wolff Shooter's Spring Pack Dan Wesson Small Frame Revolvers Reduced Power.
The Finnish importer (Remes Oy) is having a hard time finding spares, ore more accurately, to get spares sent from USA to Finland. I'm starting to think that I'll have to make the connector myself. I don't know why, but it seems to be hard to get any gun parts sent abroad from the US at the moment. (Now even harder because of our beloved neighbour Vladimir something or what ever...).
Putting all this aside I have a few questions for you more experienced DW owners.
1. Does anyone have the exact thread measurements for the barrel to action thread? Also the thread for the bolt holding the barrel shroud. Of course specific for the mod 22. Barrels are something I most definitely would have to manufacture myself.
2. Is the Wolff spring set something to have in a rimfire pistol. Doesn't it weaken the hammer impact to much?
3. If the cylinder is burnt and pitted on the edges, is it worth turning it in the lathe to even out the burns, or should I just order a new one (... if I even can get one to Finland... By the way, the cylinder is also a gun part that requires a purchasing licence from the government..).
Thanks a bunch in advance for your thoughts.
Supporter
Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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My hat is off to you. You seem very knowledgeable and capable. My heart goes out to you also for what you have to deal with in Finland. Many so called free democracies have similar barriers to gun ownership. I cring whenever I hear forum members here in the states talk about needing permits to own a gun. I live in Florida, one of the better states to be a gun owner. It seems even in the USA there are some states that play fast and loose with our constitution.
I can answer only one of your questions. The Wolff spring kit has two mainsprings, an 8 lb. and a 71/2. The 71/2 may result in light strikes occasionally in DA. I recommend the 8 lb., but it is simple enough to swap out the lighter spring if you have a problem. I would get a new cylinder if possible instead of messing with the old one. Dan Wesson/CZ will sell them or watch ebay. Use your old ejector star/ ratchet or you could have timing issues. Good Luck. Someone else will come along with more info.
May 2, 2014
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Thank you kind Sir.
I just got word from the local importer that no spares are shipped from USA to Finland for Dan Wesson's. This means unfortunately that I will have to manufacture the connector my self.
We are talking about a piece that would fit the smallest envelope. If someone would happen to have one lying around, maybe we could find some way to get it over here.
I am so frustrated with the direction gun ownership regulations are going towards over here. I would have to go to the local police to get a permit for the cylinder. The permit is (78 Euro) 108 USD, so I think I will try the turning of the cylinder first and take a couple of thousands of it. What do I have to loose... except the 108 USD maybe... Or then I do nothing and just wine about it a bit.
DWF Supporters
Dans Club
Moderators
November 17, 2008
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Welcome to the DWF. You obviously have an issue getting parts but sounds like you have the skill set and tools to make your own which is a plus. If I understand your problem I would suggest starting simple. Of course you need a connector, but first I would build a barrel wrench and set my cylinder gap on the proudest cylinder. That works most of the time, you could always face the cylinder later if needed. Also check the timing and look for any chamber issues. If nothing else we can cover you up with information as there are lots of knowledgeable DW guys here. Good luck
LB
Wisdom is merely the realization of how little one knows, therefore I am wise.
May 2, 2014
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Yes that was the plan. First get the connector sorted and then adjust the cylinder gap. Then put some rounds through and see where we are.
I had however hoped to keep the gun as original as possible, but I'll have to live with the situation at hand.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Range Officer
Range Officers
Dans Club
February 28, 2009
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Perhaps you could order the barrel tool and gap spacer from EWK Arms. Its a tool, not a gun part so you can probably buy it without a problem.
Just a suggestion. I'm sorry that your government has made it so difficult for you to own firearms.
-Mike
May 2, 2014
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http://www.ewkarms.com/zen8/index.php?main_page=shippinginfo&zenid=49c9346e818dcfabd0bd56a32fc8f45a
Quote: "Sorry, we do not ship outside the United States."
I'm quite used to this by now. I'll make the tool also, not such a big deal.
Supporter
Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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What is your mailing address and is sgainst the law to recieve one.
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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There should be no issue with a private party sending "miscellaneous" springs, screws, and small parts to a friend in another country. Understand that this is not a legal opinion, and I am not advising anyone to do this. If I was going to do something like this, I would use a less public (private message?) means to discuss this.
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
Supporter
Moderators
Dans Club
February 22, 2009
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X2 what Steve says. I know I couldn't send a scope to Canada.... tools, I think, would be OK but...
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
May 2, 2014
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Gentlemen..
Tools are no problem to send. Nor would I imagine that the connector is, even though it is a gun part.
I can even order scopes (excluding the Mil-Dot's) and triggers for everything else than an assault rifle, so why not a connector for a revolver. The regulated parts for the Finnish customs on a revolver are the barrel, cylinder and the frame. Triggers, hammers and springs are not regulated and specially not a tool for removing the barrel. It is the policy of sending stuff abroad from USA in general that seems to be the issue.
May 2, 2014
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Hi again.
I managed to make a connector out of a piece of metal. It's not as nice as the original was, but it works. I took it to the range today and found it working just fine.
After adjusting the end play of the cylinder (to .006"), I even could notice a change in accuracy. I'm still waiting for the new spring set though. Let's hope it will arrive soon.
Yes and I added the picture I promised in the beginning.
DWF Supporters
Dans Club
Moderators
November 17, 2008
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It is the policy of sending stuff abroad from USA in general that seems to be the issue.
I can not speak for Eric at EWK but I suspect most vendors feel the same way as I do. I occasionally get request for grips overseas and while I have no problem sending them one my self, after hours of trying to understand all the red tape and government bureaucracy involved in shipping overseas, I had a migraine, and decided it just wasn't worth the trouble. I hate to be that way but with so many groups just looking for an excuse to take away our freedoms it isn't worth the risk. Most dealers here won't even sell to California because of the headache. Glad to hear you got your Dan up and running.
LB
Wisdom is merely the realization of how little one knows, therefore I am wise.
May 2, 2014
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lbruce said
It is the policy of sending stuff abroad from USA in general that seems to be the issue.
I can not speak for Eric at EWK but I suspect most vendors feel the same way as I do. I occasionally get request for grips overseas and while I have no problem sending them one my self, after hours of trying to understand all the red tape and government bureaucracy involved in shipping overseas, I had a migraine, and decided it just wasn't worth the trouble. I hate to be that way but with so many groups just looking for an excuse to take away our freedoms it isn't worth the risk. Most dealers here won't even sell to California because of the headache. Glad to hear you got your Dan up and running.
LB
I understand.
I actually tried to write to CZ-USA and ask for assistance. I even said that I'm willing to go through the proper procedures and pay extra for the spares to be sent through a local vendor, but I could only get to the spam mail box of CZ-USA... Maybe I should have written "Do you want to enlarge your penis" or "Need more strength in bed", because no matter what I do those seem to come through my spam filter. I wonder how they know... who told them.!?!
Anyway I fixed it myself and also made the barrel tool. I'm good for now... also with the other stuff..
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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Good to know that you are up and running with your Model 22. The perseverance and ingenuity of our non-US owners continues to amaze me.
While I can neither confirm nor deny any personal involvement, I know that springs, grip screws, cylinder stops, etc. have almost certainly gone to Canadian and Australian Members in the past.
You really have to love shooting to be willing and able to make the parts you need
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
May 2, 2014
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Since Finland is quite an expensive country in all aspects, we can only compete in ingenuity and quality. That's about the only thing we have to keep us floating on the market at the moment (except for maybe "sisu" (a non-translatable word that stands for willpower, grit, persistence, perseverance, nerve, "balls of steel".. and all of them together.)).
What comes to shooting... yes I really do like it. I'm more a rifle guy. I reload and shoot some 6-8 kilos of gunpowder per year. I don't reload .22lr but a heap of other calibres. This DW is actually, thus far, my only pistol aka. short weapon. Not by choice but because the government expects you to have a hobby, which requires a specific type of pistol Cowboy Shooting or other competition shooting of some sorts. You will also have to prove that you have trained with someone else's weapon first for two years (minimum 10 times), before you get a licence. Also you need to undergo psychiatric tests and an interview by the local police. This pretty much ensures that you either don't get the licence or loose interest on the way. A .22lr is the only pistol one can get a licence for for hunting purposes. It is thought to be the minimum required calibre to put down a trapped fox or a raccoon dog caught alive. .22WRM is overkill in the eyes of the government..
All this because of a few very unfortunate school shootings (conveniently just around re-election time) and a bunch of idiot politicians. 
Supporter
Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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I could not respond as my phone does not let me PM. I do recieve them. Glad your SISU enabled you to make a connector. I was going to mail you one. My hat is off to you for your knowledge, excellent command of English and ingenuity. I am sure I speak for everyone on the forum in hoping we hear more from you and often.
Dans Club
DWF Supporters
April 20, 2010
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Forgive me for not saying earlier, welcome to the forum from Pennsylvania. I am glad to read that you have your Dan in working condition.
You might be our first member form Finland, so it is great to have you here. I find Finland a fascinating country, and like to read about the people. I have read a couple books about the Winter War so I get a bit of understanding of what you refer to as Sisu. Unfortunately I have a hard time finding good reading on other aspects of Finnish history. You are indeed known for your ingenuity and quality craftmanship.
Sorry to hear your politicians are trying to ruin the shooting hobby but they are trying to do similar here also. Hope you continue to enjoy your Dan Wesson and write occassionally.
"The lion and the tiger may be more powerful, but the Wolf does not perform in the circus"
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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I am sometimes surprised to discover how far the DW's have traveled around the world.
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
Supporter
Range Officer
Dans Club
Range Officers
Members
July 2, 2011
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As someone who has spent the better part of the decade selling and shipping stuff all over the world, and who now works for a multinational corporation, I can say that exportation is not all that tricky once you know where and how to research it. The major problems lie with the laws, rules and regulations of the importing nation. (as long as you aren't dumb enough to try and ship to a US Dept. of state prohibited country)
To the paranoid people who check behind shower curtains for murderers:
if you find one...what's your plan?
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