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June 9, 2009
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hey guys. I just got a Dan Wesston Model 15 from Gun Broker. I've been reading posts on this site for a couple of weeks and have already gotten lots of helpful info.
The auction I won was a “buy it now” for $300. I had been looking for the right deal for a couple of weeks I saw this one just a few minutes after it was posted and jumped on it. There was not much info provided about the gun, nor very many pictures, so I was taking a big chance. I just picked up the gun today and I think I did alright. It's a four inch VH with a six digit serial # (early 80's??)
The cylinder locks up real tight and from what I can tell the timing seems right. The finish is pretty good, but there are a few tiny rust spots here and there and the finish is worn on some of the edges. The gun was absolutely filthy when I got it. It almost made me cry a little to see such abuse. All the cracks and corners were dusty and there was a ton of lead residue in the barrel. I got it cleaned up pretty good but there's still some residue in the bore so I'm going to let it soak in solvent overnight.
There was no barrel wrench or gauge provided with the gun, but I've got a set of feeler gauges. The gap has been set so tight that I could not fit my smallest gauge in there. Is it dangerous to fire with no gap? I've ordered a barrel wrench so I'll be taking care of that issue soon anyway.
Overall, I'm really pleased with the gun. I'm more of a semi-auto guy but this revolver seems to balance really well for me and the DA trigger is nice and smooth. The grip seems really fat but I'm not sure which replacement grip to buy. Are the hogue rubber grips any good?
Also, though I've owned lots of pistols, I've never actually owned one with a blued finish. What can I do to keep the existing rust spots from getting worse? And for the areas where the finish is worn but there is no rust, is there a way to protect them other than just keeping a light coat of oil on the gun?
I took a crappy cell phone pic after I cleaned it up. I'll probably do a nicer vanity shoot with the real camera later on 
-Chris
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Dans Club
February 9, 2009
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First 
to the forum! Looks like you did the right thing, bought a DW. Nice start, the model 15 is what DW collecting seems to start with for most folks here. They do balance great. As far as firing it with little to no gap, As long as you can turn the cylinder Ok the tighter the gap to the best of my knowledge the better. You may find that after firing a cylinder or two the debris left on the face of the cylinder may make it difficult to rotate. The factory target grips are large. There is the hogue's and they are my favorite for using at the range, they are not as stylish but get the job done. There are also some finger groove combat style wood grips available that are comparable to the Hogue's in size. Glad to see you started with a picture, we like pictures here. Glad to have you aboard.
SMF
A man cannot have too many SuperMags
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January 24, 2009
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First off... ...and congrats on your nice score!
Nice work by putting a pic with your first post, too.
The tight barrel gap is actually not a bad thing, as long as it's not dragging on the cylinder anywhere through it's rotation. DW recommends no larger than a .006 gap on your gun, as a maximum space. Setting it tighter will give the bullet less of a gap to jump & as a bonus, will bring the muzzle velocity up a little higher.
Oil on the gun will certainly help keep the rust off, so can a good carnuba car wax. Plus, wax will make that baby shine like new!
It's good to hear that a neglected DW has found a good home with you.
November 4, 2008
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Welcome to the forum!
Rust should not be an issue, I bought a 15-2 that was thrown in a car trunk for a summer, it was literally covered with rust. I bought it for $90. It was a 6 inch HV. After continually working the rust with Wink and gun oil, it all dissapeared and all that was left was that deep blue.
Do not even consider that you didn't get a good deal. That same 4 inch barrel assembly alone is selling for $257 at CZ Dan Wesson now.
No, not a typo, they have RAISED their prices.
January 22, 2008
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Hey Spaker,
I think the guys answered your questions so just wanted to say welcome to the forum!
Jody
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November 17, 2008
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Welcome to the crew. Looks like you got a good deal. The guys covered the gap thing and as far as the bluing goes you can re-blue it, leave it alone, or there are several inexpensive home blue touch-up products. While they don't do a perfect blue, if done correctly it looks pretty good on small wear spots and such. All in all it will be a mater of your preference. Grips too are a mater of taste so you just have to experiment until you find what you like. Hang out here much and you will get plenty of info and opinions, as well as just have a good time.
LB
Wisdom is merely the realization of how little one knows, therefore I am wise.
Range Officer
Range Officers
Dans Club
February 28, 2009
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Spaker. I have nothing to contribute, sso welcome will have to do for now. I hope you enjoy your DW as much as I do mine.
December 17, 2008
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to the DWF, great to have you as a member.
You got a good deal and the clean up / tuning / learning you do with that 15-2 will be a "bonding experience"...wait and see.
Charger's suggestion on the wax is great - I only recently started waxing mine and it provides the right protection and shine, shine, shine!
February 20, 2008
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Congrats on a great buy - spend you $$ on DW's forget about the camera phone!
If you're going to drink, don't drive. Don't even putt.
June 9, 2009
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Thanks for all the greetings and helpful comments. I'll keep you guys updated on how she does at the range.
-Chris
June 8, 2009
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Grips: I'm fond of the SACRAMENTO factory grips for the small frame DWs. Open up your hand palm up and slightly curl your fingers...see how the gap is large at the top and small at the bottom. The SACRAMENTO grip fits in there like a glove. I love mine. I don't know if there's a source for them.
Be aware...they are not very wide in the back and the recoil of stiff loads will really set the gun back in your hand.
April 25, 2008
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Spaker. Great deal on your first Dan Wesson.
The Savantist
June 9, 2009
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So I've had a chance to take my model 15 out to the range a couple of times since my first post. The only ammo I've been able to find in my area has been Ultramax SLWC .38, which is factory reloaded and probably not the greatest for testing a new gun's accuracy, but it gets the job done for the 5-10 yard ranges I normally shoot at. The DW has performed great as far as I'm concerned, but I'm still getting used to revolver shooting... I've owned a couple of revolvers before but this time I'm determined to put in some extra range time and get serious about mastering the DA trigger.
I've noticed that it's a little difficult to get to cylinder to release. If I remove the ejector rod and the extractor, it swings in and out with ease, so I think the problem is where the extractor is coming into contact with the frame. It seems like there's a lot of extra wear in that area, so maybe something is adjusted incorrectly. I don't really know... any ideas?
-Chris
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January 24, 2009
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Is there gunk buildup between the exractor & the cylinder, making the exractor poke out a little? If that's ok, what about the BB in the frame, that the extractor centers on...does it push in freely?
June 9, 2009
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I've cleaned it pretty thoroughly so I don't think there's any gunk. Should I be able to push the BB in with my finger? It seems pretty tight.
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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Maybe not with your finger, but if you use the flat side of a screwdriver (don't scratch anything) it should yield to moderate pressure. If it seems stiff, try some solvent and press it repeatedly, then lube it lightly.
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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January 24, 2009
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I can move mine about halfway with my fingertip. But to depress it fully, I need a screwdriver, like Steve suggested.
Also, lube the release latch at the front of the cylinder, on the crane. That may be adding to the overall stiffness.
December 17, 2008
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I would suggest dismantling, cleaning and inspecting the spring, clean the hole and lube. The spring and ball are secured behind a small slotted screw/plug. Fairly easy to take a DW action apart (which you have to do to get at that little screw).
June 9, 2009
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Thanks for the suggestions, guys.
Using the super helpful disassembly guide in the files section here, I was able to completely take apart the action to get at the right parts. I had never detail stripped a handgun before and I was surprised at how easy it was. I was able to pull it off without the directions until I got to the part about using the sideplate screw to hold back the hammer spring... genius.
Anyway, I cleaned and lubed everything, but it wasn't very dirty inside to begin with, so I don't know if that was the issue. The cylinder swings free only a tiny bit easier now but from what I can tell nothing seems to be wrong with any of the pieces so maybe it's just tight. The most curious thing to me is the disproportionate amount of wear on the frame from where the ejector has worn off a lot of the finish. But maybe that's what I should expect from a 20+ year old well-used gun. I'm still more than happy with the purchase!
Chris
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