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August 31, 2022
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Just wanted to say howdy. I am new to the forum as I recently acquired a new to me 15-2. Been collecting S&W wheel guns for a while, but this is my first DW. Didn't even know about them until a few years ago, then by luck one fell into my lap recently and I had to have it. Nothing too special about it as far as I can tell, but it is in great shape and is quite accurate. From somewhere in 1978 best I can tell based on serial number collections I found here (thanks to all who have contributed). Would be interested if anyone knows how to get any more detail than that if possible. Take care and happy shooting.
August 31, 2022
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Forgot to include the pic! Sorry...
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January 24, 2009
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to the
That's a great looking, super clean entry you have discovered into what may be many more DW's to come your way. I hope it came to you at a favorable price...these days the ask can be kinda crazy. 
We would love to see a few more 
of that one! 
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July 12, 2020
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Welcome to the forum from PA! Nice revo you got there.
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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Welcome to the DWF. That gun is just the first of many.
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DWF Supporters
June 11, 2016
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Welcome to the Forum from Wisconsin. Nice Dan you found as was said it will not be the last one either.
October 17, 2017
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Wow; that’s one of the cleanest DW’s I’ve ever seen here on the forum. The vintage you’ve stated is correct, and it’s an interesting period. I notice it still has the trigger over travel screw on the trigger (later ones have it in the frame). This is right about the time DW changed the cylinder/crane arrangement from the system on the early guns (removable gas collar insert) to an improved version. If you could give us a good clear photo of the cylinder swung out we might be able to tell if you have one of the last of the old, or one of the first of the new.
Dans Club
February 24, 2013
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Nice! Yep, there’s more of those in your future…they’re awesome revolvers. Welcome to the DWF from central IL!
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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I forgot to tell you to keep your index and middle fingers of your right hand pushing the cylinder open as you eject cases. The cylinder tends to close while the extractor rod is extended and the star makes nasty scratches on the sideplate.
August 31, 2022
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3ric said
Wow; that’s one of the cleanest DW’s I’ve ever seen here on the forum. The vintage you’ve stated is correct, and it’s an interesting period. I notice it still has the trigger over travel screw on the trigger (later ones have it in the frame). This is right about the time DW changed the cylinder/crane arrangement from the system on the early guns (removable gas collar insert) to an improved version. If you could give us a good clear photo of the cylinder swung out we might be able to tell if you have one of the last of the old, or one of the first of the new.
Like this?
October 17, 2017
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Yes, great photo, showing exactly what we’re looking for. This is probably one of the last 15-2’s that still has the old style cylinder/crane. The cylinder collar (gas ring) is a separate piece that fits snugly into a pocket in the front of the cylinder. It CAN be removed, but no real need to do so. Most of them fit very tightly, and some come out more easily. I would advise just leaving it alone. These early DW’s are very much like the Colt’s from 1966 to the present day with the collar resting directly on the frame. Later guns have a “flange” on the upper crane leg that the (shorter) collar rests against; a little bit like a S&W.
August 31, 2022
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3ric said
Yes, great photo, showing exactly what we’re looking for. This is probably one of the last 15-2’s that still has the old style cylinder/crane. The cylinder collar (gas ring) is a separate piece that fits snugly into a pocket in the front of the cylinder. It CAN be removed, but no real need to do so. Most of them fit very tightly, and some come out more easily. I would advise just leaving it alone. These early DW’s are very much like the Colt’s from 1966 to the present day with the collar resting directly on the frame. Later guns have a “flange” on the upper crane leg that the (shorter) collar rests against; a little bit like a S&W.
Great info, thank you very much. I had it stripped not too long ago for an initial cleaning, but didn't know about the gas ring. I am inclined to leave it alone as you say, but next time it is apart I am going to take a harder look. Appreciate the context.
January 18, 2010
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Sweet!
That one would make a nice addition to anyone's collection!
Regards,
Jim
2xDW44, 6xM15-2, 2xM14, 2xM22, D11, Valor, Valkyrie CCO, Vigil Commander, ECO, Heritage, Bruin
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January 24, 2009
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sjk141 said; Like this?
Wow, looking at the recoil shield (firing pin area), that one looks like possibly unfired after leaving DW! 
Pretty cool. And I might add, very uncommon in a 15-2.
And as I alluded to earlier, more of that baby are always welcomed! 
3ric, great post...
October 17, 2017
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Thanks, Charger Fan; I always strive for accurate information. I hope the attached photo of my 15-2 gives sjk141 a full appreciation of the condition of his recent purchase. If anyone has a more abused 15-2 than mine please post a photo! sjk141, you can shoot your 15-2 forever; just don’t feed it a disproportionate number of super hot .357’s.
August 31, 2022
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>All, sorry, I am away on vacation and just saw these most recent posts.
>Charger Fan - this one was definitely fired. When I had it stripped for cleaning I took out a lot of carbon, and it does have evidence on the shield, I just think the photograph is a bad angle and/or misleading.
>3ric - thanks for the added info. The specimen you provided has definitely seen some action. My new-to-me one is better than that, but I am likely to contribute to its future delinquency. I bought it as a shooter, not a museum piece, so it will see some rounds pushed through it. I tend to load my own, and keep them fairly mild. I also prefer the .38 over the bangers most of the time anyway.
sr
October 17, 2017
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Actually, there’s more going on here besides cosmetics. The previous owner of my 15-2 was apparently trying to rub elbows with the .44 Magnum with it, resulting in such extreme peening of both ends of the frame that far too much endplay developed. The only way I could bring it back to a reasonable spec was to install a replacement gas collar a full .015 longer than the original. As a result the headspace has been reduced to .057 Most .38/.357 case heads are around .054 which barely clear, but some are .057 or even more which rub the recoil shield, even with a cold gun. So, for every .001 I take off the gas collar I increase the endplay along with the headspace. I don’t like more than .003 endplay, so I’m stuck using only certain brands of ammo. These woes are nonexistent for those lucky owners of non-abused revolvers.
September 17, 2022
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Hello, I’m a new member, bought a new .357 with a 6” standard barrel in 1978. Several years ago I picked up a pistol pac, with VH barrels, have been shooting that gun mostly. Recently tried to remove the standard barrel from my older gun, has the same muzzle lock, & frame marked CT6, same as the pistol pac frame, but the barrel does not come off! I’ve struck the barrel with a rubber mallet, but it will not loosen. How can I tell if my older gun has a non-removable barrel?
October 17, 2017
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Your 1978 DW definitely has a removable barrel assembly. Non removable barrels were only made at the Palmer facility as far as I know, and are identifiable by the absence of the slots in the barrel locking nut. If you haven't removed the barrel from your 1978 DW for a number of years, it may be quite difficult to do so. You could start by soaking the barrel nut area with a generous portion of Kroil, (or another brand of penetrating oil), and letting it sit for a few days. Then try your barrel tool as carefully as possible; any slippage will damage either the nut, or the tool, or both! If all else fails, you can sacrifice the barrel nut by driving it out with a small punch and a hammer. A replacement can be had from EKW arms for a reasonable price. Good luck!!
September 17, 2022
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Not positive what year I bought the original gun, might have been in the ‘80’s. I had never removed the muzzle lock, (didn’t get a tool with the gun), so I suspected that the barrel was just gummed up. But upon closer examination tonight, after unscrewing the threaded, slotted muzzle lock nut (with the factory tool from the pistol pac), there’s a permanent sleeve washer about 1/2” inside the housing, locating the front of the barrel, pinning the barrel to the housing, & making it unremovable. I’m not too disappointed. The gun has always shot well, has good balance, & has sentimental value to me as it is.
Does this forum have a list of serial numbers & related year of manufacture?
Thanks anyway for your time.
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