Register
Log In
Home
November 13, 2018
Offline
I recently bought a 1978 Dan Wesson 15-2 .357. It has an 8 inch barrel installed. It is a wonderful gun. The short trigger pull in double action is great. Unfortunately in double action I get light primer strikes about half the time. This happens with both my reloads and with factory ammunition. It works fine in single action. The light strikes in double action are really light.
I Googled this problem and found that it is not uncommon for this gun. I replaced the springs with a Wolff kit. It did not work. I cleaned, oiled everything while I was in there. Today I tried loosening the grip screw until the grips were flopping around. That did not work either.
I would be very grateful for any suggestions I have not tried.
Thanks.
Semper Fi.
August 8, 2016
Offline
I had the same issue with my Monson 715 and after reaching out to Bob at DW, he told me it was an endshake issue and I need to install shims between the “rings” just forward of the cylinder.
https://www.triggershims.com/cylinder_shims.html#S14
I think I installed the 0.004" shim which seemed to have worked. I do however have to be cautious of the grip screw. If I put it in too far, I’ll still get light strikes.
It’s easy to test. Close the cylinder and try to move it front to back. There should be VERY little to 0 movement.
Good luck!
Andrew
Supporter
DWF Supporters
Dans Club
December 24, 2014
Offline
stogie25 said
I recently bought a 1978 Dan Wesson 15-2 .357. It has an 8 inch barrel installed. It is a wonderful gun. The short trigger pull in double action is great. Unfortunately in double action I get light primer strikes about half the time. This happens with both my reloads and with factory ammunition. It works fine in single action. The light strikes in double action are really light.I Googled this problem and found that it is not uncommon for this gun. I replaced the springs with a Wolff kit. It did not work. I cleaned, oiled everything while I was in there. Today I tried loosening the grip screw until the grips were flopping around. That did not work either.
I would be very grateful for any suggestions I have not tried.
Thanks.
I have the same issue with my Dan Wesson .357 Mag. Did installing the shims work and correct the light strike problem?
Dans Club
December 5, 2008
Offline
The standard DW mainspring is 9 lb. The Wolff springs are reduced - 8 lb or 7.5 lb. If you are having light strikes then the lighter springs will not help you, but could make it worse. A new mainspring (9 lb) and shims are probably worth a try.
November 22, 2018
Offline
I have the same problem with one of my 15-2's. OK in Single action, but in double action, it has light primer strikes all the time!. I have shims ordered and hope it fixes it! It DOES have movement front to back on the cylinder.
I replaced the firing pin and cleaned and light oil lubed the internals. Very light lube. It made no difference. mainspring seems OK. It is stock.
Anyone have success with the shims in the cylinder? If I understand right, the shims go behind the bushing in the front of the cylinder?
Any help is appreciated!
Dans Club
December 5, 2008
Offline
To check whether shims will help: Pull hammer back to lock as for single-action; Pull trigger back and hold it there; Now see if the cylinder moves back & forth from front to rear. There should be almost no movement - less than .001 or .002. If there is any significant movement (endplay) then you need shims.
Here's a good discussion of where to put the shims:
https://www.danwessonforum.com/forum/revolvers/cylinder-bushing-15-2-monson/
All my Dans are easy because they have the bushing on the crane and the bushing on the front of the cylinder, so the shim just goes in front of the cylinder next to the bushing on the crane. If yours is an earlier production then it does not have the bushing on the crane and you will need to remove the bushing at the front of the cylinder and put the shim between that bushing and the cylinder. The only problem is that the bushing might not want to come out of the cylinder. Another member may be able to help you with that issue. Good luck!
November 22, 2018
Offline
Well, I installed 2 shims at 0.002 each in the gun, and tested it, it seems to have fixed it! It now fires in double action OK.
Hard to believe that 0.004 inch would be that significant! But it did seem to fix the issue!
I have 2 Model 15-2's and the one I fixed is an Early model with a removable bushing in the front of the cylinder. It has a 5 digit serial # it is so early. My other 15-2 has no issues at all. It has a different style crane and cylinder.
Lance at http://www.triggershims.com got the shims to Me fast.
Thanks for the help guys!
Supporter
Range Officer
Moderators
DWF Supporters
Dans Club
December 4, 2011
Offline
Most Dan Wesson light strike issues can be resolved by loosening the grip screw a bit. There were two different lengths used and often times a long one is used where it shouldn't be. Tightening it too much causes interference with the main spring. I usually remove the screw and test to see if the light strikes stop. If so. I change lengths and don't over tighten the proper screw. Snug is fine.
Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
My father
If a man designed it, and a man built it, then a man can fix it.
My grandfather
November 22, 2018
Offline
Thanks for the Tip! I'll check my screw and act accordingly! 
Update: I checked my Grip Screw, and it is Not too far in, in fact, it is only in 4 turns max. Not too long to interfere with the mainspring at all. So, Cylinder End shake is likely the culprit.
1 Guest(s)
