Register
Log In
Home
May 25, 2021
Offline
Hello all ,
I’m a new member of the DW collector/shooter fraternity .
Tomorrow I take possession of a DW 357SM ( 740-VHS8 ) . It comes with an extra VH8S shroud , factory Burris scope mount/rings that have never been used or mounted , wood finger groove grips and Pachmayr Presentation rubber grips . I don’t know if this was sold as a Hunter Pac or just bought piece by piece as I haven’t seen the serial number yet ( HP740-8VHS ? )
To say I’m excited would be an understatement . I’ve wanted a DW SuperMag for decades …. I friend of mine has had DW revolvers his whole adult life and I’m very familiar with the revolvers due to him . I’ve been shooting his 7445 SuperMag since 1992-3 .
As soon as I get it I will take photos and post them if I can figure out how to use a photo hosting site .
The questions I have are :
Exactly what do the Burris mounts/rings look like ?
Exactly what does the Burris pistol scope look like that came with the Hunter Pac ? … I know they were the 1.5-4x or the fixed 2X models , but does anyone here have pictures they can share of the scopes/mount/rings so I can determine if they are indeed the factory Burris hardware that was offered ?
Thank you in advance .
Dans Club
December 5, 2008
Offline
Welcome to the Forum and congrats on your first DW! It sounds nice. Someone here should be able to enlighten you on the items you asked about.
DWF Supporters
July 12, 2020
Offline
Supporter
DWF Supporters
June 11, 2016
Offline
Welcome to the Forum from Wisconsin.
Dans Club
January 17, 2015
Offline
This thread is a great resource for scope rings: https://www.danwessonforum.com/forum/reloading/the-official-dw-scope-mount-thread/
And here is an old WTS thread that was for a Burris mount, has a good pic: https://www.danwessonforum.com/forum/auctions/posted-a-burris-scope-mount-on-ebay/
I really like my SM, it gets equal range time.
May 25, 2021
Offline
I received the 357 SuperMag last night ….
First off , it came with an extra barrel/shroud assembly that appears to be un-fired ( I bore scoped it ) but it isn’t slotted . It is however a VH8 with a Burris scope mount that is drilled and tapped to the rib , not the clamp style ( which I was hoping ) but I was told it was factory installed ? It is a very professional and clean installation …. Beside the barrel assembly , the scope mount and rings have never been used . The rings still have the friction paper/sticker on the inside scope bearing surfaces . Base and rings are clearly stamped Burris . The front sight on the spare VH8 barrel/shroud assembly is the ramp/red insert .
The barrel that is currently installed on the frame is the Silhouette model V8S . Originally , I thought both barrels were VH8S , but alas none are that configuration . I’m happy about that because variety is indeed the spice of life and this barrel balances perfect for me . The front sight on this barrel/shroud assembly is the target partridge style .
Blocking out the last digit , the serial number is : 357MS00078X ( 3 digit serial number ? ) .
Would anyone know approximate born on date ? ( 1992 ? )
I’m assuming this is a very early stainless SuperMag ?
The original owner told me he had the hammer professionally bobbed a little bit because he kept snagging the spur on his hunting clothing in the deer woods . This does not bother me in the least bit because I plan on hunting with it also besides informal target work .
Trigger is outstanding and breaks ( I’m guessing until I get my Lyman digital scale on it ) at about 2 pounds …. Outstanding . No creep or grittiness at all .
Also came with 3 grips : Pachmayr full size Presentation grips , a large smooth wood finger groove and a shorter smooth wood finger groove . There are no DW medallion on the wood grips so I’m not sure who made them . The large finger groove model fits very nice .
Once I take photos and learn how to post , I’ll be sure to show off this beast for your viewing pleasure .
I’m super happy .
Supporter
Dans Club
March 25, 2013
Offline
Congratulations! The D&T mount is actually prone to moving with anything more powerful than 357 mag. . Dan Wesson Arms recommended it. I suspect there were almost 800 made before yours. Lol. Actually the serial number is when they started adding the caliber to the serial number in 1986. There is another earlier serial number sequence without the 357. I think they started making 357 Maximum in 1981 or 82. The beat Ruger into production. Long story about a 357 Maximum case being found in Rugers trash that expidited Remington to produce the very slightly longer Supermag. Enjoy.
Dans Club
January 17, 2015
Offline
Ole Dog said
Congratulations! The D&T mount is actually prone to moving with anything more powerful than 357 mag. . Dan Wesson Arms recommended it. I suspect there were almost 800 made before yours. Lol. Actually the serial number is when they started adding the caliber to the serial number in 1986. There is another earlier serial number sequence without the 357. I think they started making 357 Maximum in 1981 or 82. The beat Ruger into production. Long story about a 357 Maximum case being found in Rugers trash that expidited Remington to produce the very slightly longer Supermag. Enjoy.
I looked up the Serial numbers for the 740's and there are no results. Is there a thread link or info somewhere that helps to date this model?
February 16, 2016
Offline
Ole Dog said
The D&T mount is actually prone to moving with anything more powerful than 357 mag. . Dan Wesson Arms recommended it.
I believe my distinguished colleague means the clamp-on mounts were prone to moving with anything more powerful than .357 mag and that the factory recommended the drill & tap style mount.
Supporter
Moderators
January 24, 2009
Offline
Zedbra said: I looked up the Serial numbers for the 740's and there are no results. Is there a thread link or info somewhere that helps to date this model?
Here is a PDF that Steve put together a few years ago, that shows "some" approximate dates. Scroll down to page 12 to see...
Supporter
Dans Club
March 25, 2013
Offline
Stinger is correct. My bad. The clamp on mounts are prone to shifting. Plus they always mar the rib when installing. Much better to have a professionally done D&T.
May 25, 2021
Offline
Stinger said
Ole Dog said
The D&T mount is actually prone to moving with anything more powerful than 357 mag. . Dan Wesson Arms recommended it.
I believe my distinguished colleague means the clamp-on mounts were prone to moving with anything more powerful than .357 mag and that the factory recommended the drill & tap style mount.
Yes , I figured that ... I’ve got a similar set up on my 14” Contender in 35 Remington and it doesn’t move a bit .
I looked at the attachment ChargerFan posted and I see three entries in the 740 serial data base , however the three in the list do not have a serial number like mine ? ….
Is mine still manufactured in 1987 ?
May 25, 2021
Offline
May 25, 2021
Offline
May 25, 2021
Offline
May 25, 2021
Offline
May 25, 2021
Offline
Does anyone know who made the wood grips ? .... There are no DW medallions on them .
Supporter
Dans Club
March 25, 2013
Offline
Those are two styles of factory finger groove/combat grips. Made by a subcontractor probably. At various time different outfits including Eagle, Catawba, and Hogue made DW grips.
February 16, 2016
Offline
grizzlyglen said
There are no DW medallions
Not all factory grips had medallions.
1 Guest(s)
