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March 20, 2013
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So I won a DW model 15 a couple of weeks ago on one of the auction sites and I felt like I got it for a fair deal (especially considering this market). It looked like someone was piecing together a pistol pac and it came in a custom case with 4", 6" and heavy 8" barrels as well as two grips, tool, speed loader and original manual.
Upon initial inspection at my FFL, it was a decent example, the bluing was not super shiny and deep like some of the more pristine examples show but it clearly was not abused either. So after doing all the paperwork and waiting the requisite three days I took her home and decided to give her a cleaning.
Almost immediately I noticed there was pitting at the top of the frame near the barrel. Also inspecting the 6" barrel, it was VERY dry and the barrel and shroud were tight against each other. This got me a little bit worried and instead of the field strip and clean I had planned, I decided a through strip and clean was in order.
Taking off the grip, I was dismayed. There was all sorts of white corrosion in the rubber grip and on the butt tang.
Taking off the side plate (is that the right terminology?) of the frame, the clockworks (term?) was also full of the white corrosion.
Looking at the cylinder, it was dirty as well, not overly dirty but there was carbon in there.
Going at it with some picks, I got most of the crud off. I wasn't sure how to completely disassemble the gun so I couldn't get into the mainspring/tang area (well I assume the mainspring is in there). Gave everything a real good oiling and just left it dripping to sit in the safe until I had time to go shoot it. She cleaned up nice at least.
I suspect that whoever had it last had good intentions but they stored it in the cased and just never let the gun out to breath.
March 20, 2013
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Finally got a chance to take it out to the range this weekend and this was also a mixed bag. With ammunition being as scarce as it is these days (I don't handload...yet) I really wasn't looking to do any accuracy test, but just doing function testing and testing balance and weight of the different barrels. As it is I only had access to Federal and Fiocchi .357mag 158gr loads. Only put about 75 rounds through it.
Accuracy seemed good, but again I really wasn't doing any accuracy tests, especially since I was switching from barrel to barrel, I couldn't really get a feel for the POI vs POA.
I was having a few issues though. I was getting a lot of light primer strikes. I tried DA with the Fiocchi three times and twice with the Federal. I was also getting light primer strikes about one out of every cylinder with the Fiocchis. Only had one light primer strike with the Federal. Restriking each round and the round would fire. Maybe the springs were switched out for something too light?
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January 24, 2009
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The light primer strikes could be attributed to screwing the grip screw in too far. Back it off a couple turns & I bet you'll have better luck. DW's don't like to be wound tight.
They prefer to have some breathing room.
The "clockworks" on a revolver is termed "the action". I know, terminology is paramount. The the action on DW small frame guns is actually very simple. A similar S&W gun (for example) is much more complex. Don't be afraid with the little pieces, pull them out and lay them on a towel (so they stay where they are) like I have done with this Porkchop...(same as a 15-2).
Okay, maybe that photo is not the best example of the small frame DW's simple design, but trust me, it's really basic in the grand scheme of things. Lay it out as you take it apart & you can't go wrong.
Now a DW large frame/SuperMag frame is a whole different adventure...still minimal parts involved, but reassembly is something you may have to take notes on...
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Dans Club
February 22, 2009
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CF has you covered on the primer strikes. The white "corrosion" looks like dried white lithium grease. I would guess the PO had a spray can and just squirted it in there. I use Dextron/ ATF for lubricating the internals.
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
March 20, 2013
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rwsem said
CF has you covered on the primer strikes. The white "corrosion" looks like dried white lithium grease. I would guess the PO had a spray can and just squirted it in there. I use Dextron/ ATF for lubricating the internals.
That makes sense. Underneath all the crud, the blueing and metal was still nice and shiny.
March 20, 2013
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Charger Fan said
The light primer strikes could be attributed to screwing the grip screw in too far. Back it off a couple turns & I bet you'll have better luck. DW's don't like to be wound tight.The "clockworks" on a revolver is termed "the action". I know, terminology is paramount. The the action on DW small frame guns is actually very simple. A similar S&W gun (for example) is much more complex. Don't be afraid with the little pieces, pull them out and lay them on a towel (so they stay where they are) like I have done with this Porkchop...(same as a 15-2).
Thanks Charger, this makes sense as well. I didn't realize the grip screw affected the internals at all so I just tightened her up good. I'll back it off and see if I can get out to the range late this week. As for the complexity, it honestly didn't look too bad but things didn't want to come off so I wasn't sure if I just had wiggle things off or if there was something that was actually holding thing in place. I didn't want to chance it until I got a good look at a diagram on the net.
Thanks guys! This makes me feel much better about my purchase!
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Dans Club
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July 2, 2011
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You might want to check out "Tuning up your 15-2 -- The Average Joe method...."
https://www.danwessonforum.com/forum/reloading/tuning-up-your-15-2-the-average-joe-method/
I had a pretty poorly treated 715 that turned into a whole new shooter after the tune up and a spring set.
I agree with Ron on the white stuff. I've seen that a couple of times over the years with guns I've purchased.
To the paranoid people who check behind shower curtains for murderers:
if you find one...what's your plan?
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May 2, 2009
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Any updates? Looks like she needs a good scrubbing and polish... Most of the time the light strikes can be attributed to a combination of worn springs and hard primers.
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March 20, 2013
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No updates yet, haven't been able to get out to the range yet. I did break her all the way down though and it does appear that the gunk in the tang is dried up grease. Hopefully this weekend I can get out to the range and get some more rounds through her.
March 20, 2013
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Got the opportunity to go to the range this weekend and it performed flawlessly this time around. Looks like I just had the grip screw tightened too much. Couldn't do any accuracy tests, I didn't have enough ammo but it seemed like it was shooting low left. I'm assuming the top screw adjusts the elevation (loosen to raise POI) and loosen screw in frame to adjust drift.
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Dans Club
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July 2, 2011
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Glad you got a chance to run a few through your renovated Dan. They truly are a pleasure to shoot. You are correct top screw is elevation and side screw is windage.
Be careful, you might contact 
To the paranoid people who check behind shower curtains for murderers:
if you find one...what's your plan?
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January 24, 2009
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Glad to hear it's running better now.
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