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July 6, 2013
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I found a DW 357 revolver at my local gun shop. I don't know enough about DWs to know if it's a good buy. It's blued, has a 6-8 in barrel, has wooden grips and the medallion on the grip says DW. There's some wear loss of the bluing cylinder open release button, which doesn't look bad, just looks like from normal wear. I want to buy it, but I have some questions, I hope you guys can help. Is there a fixed barrel model DW? I was told this was a fixed barrel, and that the company did make an exchangeable barrel model but changed over to a fixed barrel. The price is $475.00. Is this a good price? What do I need to look for on the gun? I've only seen it once, last Sat. and the shop is closed until tomorrow. This is the first DW I've ever seen. I didn't even know they existed. I'm fairly new to the gun world, but have been buying for the last 2 years or so, and have learned a lot. I also think I have contracted gun fever...I've gone from owning a Ruger single six convertible (for 30 years), to (in the last 2 years) acquiring a Ruger 10/22, a 98% graded Colt 38 detective spl in nickel, and a Henry Big Boy rifle chambered for 357 magnum and a couple other guns. This DW, to me, is a pretty gun and I love pretty guns!
TIA,
Gloria
March 27, 2013
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I agree with you about Dan's being pretty. 
Yes, there are fixed barrel Dan Wessons. Here's a picture of the end of the barrel on a fixed Dan.
Here is what a non-fixed barrel end looks like. This one is a 22.
I think that price is fair for a fixed 6" barrel Dan. I would try and talk them down a little, but that's just me. Please post a few pictures if you pick it up.
There are others out there that are more skilled than me in determining if the gun is in good shape, but I'll take a shot. Look under the top strap, above the cylinder/barrel gap, and look for flame cutting. If there isn't any then the gun hasn't been shot much. A little flame cutting isn't a bad thing though. Since the barrel is fixed you'll want to check the gap between the cylinder and the barrel. Here is where someone else will have to fill you in on the correct tollerance. The non-fixed barrels are made to have a .006 gap. Check the rifling for any leading or abnormalities. Beyond that, if it feels good and the price is right to you go for it.
Dans Club
DWF Supporters
April 20, 2010
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They did make some fixed barrel models. They were made at the Palmer plant which would be stamped on the side of the revolver. They also be marked Wesson Firearms.
$475 is not bad, maybe a little high for a fixed barrel. I will say the fixed barrel models are few and far between they dont show up often. But generally they do not quite bring the price of a removable barrel model. If it is nice condition and maybe they will knock a few bucks off and you should 
. If you try to buy off Gunbroker you will spend that much and more til you pay shipping, transfer etc.
Here is a pic of a fixed barrel, for your knowledge-
And here is what the front of a removable barrel looks like-
EDIT: looks like Smky beat me to the pics, how is that for response time!
"The lion and the tiger may be more powerful, but the Wolf does not perform in the circus"
July 6, 2013
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Thanks for the info....the pics will help me a lot. I am new to gun collecting and I don't know some of the terms, like "flame cutting". I know what it is, but don't know what it looks like. I started out a couple of years ago, when it began looking like gun ownership was under attack. I just wanted to get another gun while I still could. Being an older female, living alone, I needed at least one more gun for self-defense. I started out buying new, then the Colt practically fell into my hands, nickel, w/ original box and all paperwork. I took it to a gunsmith because, being a used gun, I wanted to be sure it was safe to fire. He graded it 98% and UNFIRED! I was infected right then with gun fever. The gunsmith begged me not to fire the Colt. He didn't even charge me for his appraisal. He said seeing it was honor enough, money couldn't top that honor. This DW I found, is fitting what speaks to me, it's a real pretty gun and I love the feel of it in my hand. But, I also want to shoot it and I know this one has been fired and it will make a good home protection gun.
July 6, 2013
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lonwolf93 said They did make some fixed barrel models. They were made at the Palmer plant which would be stamped on the side of the revolver. They also be marked Wesson Firearms.
All I can remember is the medallion on the grip had DW on it. Does that give any clues?
(I can't thank you guys enough for your help)
Gloria
July 6, 2013
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lonwolf93 saidThey did make some fixed barrel models. They were made at the Palmer plant which would be stamped on the side of the revolver. They also be marked Wesson Firearms.
So, am I right to assume if the DW in question is made at Monson, it might not be a fixed barrel?
March 27, 2013
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This is what flame cutting looks like. It's definitely not the end of a gun. More than likely it will cut to a certain depth and then stop.
July 6, 2013
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Wow, that really helps! Is it the part at what, to me, looks like a seam, and also the bottom of the round part as shown in the pic? (please pardon my ignorance, but I'm learning more and more and one day, I will be able to talk "gun" with anybody).
March 27, 2013
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The revolver pictured is not a Dan Wesson. The cuttin is the nearly vertical line in the picture to the right of the barrel. The hot gasses that escape between the cylinder and the barrel are what cut the line in the frame.
Take a look at this video. At 45 seconds you can really see the flame, both from the end of the barrel and between the cylinder and the barrel.
DWF Supporters
Dans Club
Moderators
November 17, 2008
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Welcome to the DWF. The guys covered the fixed vs. changeable barrel so here is some info on checking out a wheel gun.
Ask any and all questions without hesitation. We have answers. Most of them will be correct.;0)
LB
Wisdom is merely the realization of how little one knows, therefore I am wise.
July 6, 2013
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whoa buddy! That's why they call it "firing" your weapon! Thank you so much for all your info. I now can sound a lot smarter when I go into my local gun shop and look at the DW tomorrow...BTW, I looked at my Ruger, single six and was able to see just what and where the top strap is and your explanation about flaming is now crystal clear. Wiki backed up your "self limiting" explanation also. Anything else I need to check for? I learned about "timing, and how to check it on this forum. Now I know what a fixed barrel looks like and this help from you guys is making me feel more excited than fearful and confused as I think about buying my first DW!
September 9, 2012
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loveprettyguns said
lonwolf93 saidThey did make some fixed barrel models. They were made at the Palmer plant which would be stamped on the side of the revolver. They also be marked Wesson Firearms.
So, am I right to assume if the DW in question is made at Monson, it might not be a fixed barrel?
My interchangeable barrel was made at Monson, that's all I can say.
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