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September 27, 2018
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Hi guys,
New here, and had some questions about Dan Wesson Revolvers before I bought one.....
Today at my buddy's gun shop he showed me a Wesson that another friend might be selling, little bit of rust, timing is off, mostly sat in a safe though. Thoroughly looked at it, taking notice of how they go together, etc. I've always been intrigued by them and wanted to buy one, I have a passion for the 357 cartridge, too(I could write a whole other topic on it, lol). I asked my buddy to see if he'd sell it, as I'd like one. Either way, may still buy one.
So tonight, noticed on my S&W TRR8 that the barrel shroud is loose. Pisses me off to no end, and now I have to send it back. I use it alot, but come on, really?! I'm mechanically inclined, and it bugs me to not be able to work on my own guns or even buy the parts and tools needed to do this. I have boycotted SIG for this, fell in love with my M1A and 9mm AR because of this, and seems Smith may be next, lol, or at least dropped in favorability in this regard.
So..... in reading about Wesson Firearms, I seem to have found that they are simple to work on, parts are available (albeit not everywhere, but I DO have Ebay patience), and seem to be reliable firearms. So I'd like to ask...
Are they really that easy to work on? Any books I should check out? They do seem fairly simple. Ive done my own work on other guns (M1A, AR, Super Redhawk, 1911, etc.)
I'm not sure of the model I looked at, but are all of the 357 barrels interchangeable? As in the Mod 15, 715, etc? Along with the shrouds?
Where is best place to buy shrouds/barrels?
I like custom/wierd stuff, my plan would be to drill/tap the HV style shroud and attach a lower rail if possible. Sounds goofy, but night hunting with a revolver backup is what I do, so it's what I'd like, hence the TRR8. Also good home defense gun, IMHO.
Thank you for any advice!
February 16, 2016
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Gehlsurf said
Are they really that easy to work on? Any books I should check out?
I'm not sure of the model I looked at, but are all of the 357 barrels interchangeable? As in the Mod 15, 715, etc? Along with the shrouds?
Where is best place to buy shrouds/barrels?
To the 
Yes, Dan's are easy to work on. No books, just a few threads on here that you should study. There are some factory fixed barrel revolvers out there, but mostly the interchangeable models. Karl Lewis designed the gun to be worked on by a regular shooter, with replaceable; barrels, shrouds, grips and front sights. FeePay is the place to find barrel assemblies and accessories, in addition to GunBroker.
September 27, 2018
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Nice!!! VERY glad to hear that!!
I'm the kind of guy that has backup parts to my backups, lol. 1 is none, 2 is 1... hence why I cant stand the idea of proprietary work/tools, and the idea from manufacturers of, "we'll always be here", in today's political scene, I just dont count on that very much for many different reasons.
I'll roll through the threads here, and if there are any that stand out to you guys, please let me know or link them. Any other cool links, please share!!
Reason I love the 38/357 is for versatility in reloading (I load everything from single 000 buck for gallery/rabbits, to 357 magnum to even recently a 35 Whelen cast 245 grain subsonic load for my Ruger 77/357 for suppressed), and having versatile guns to go with versatile loads is my hobby, to say the least.
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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Stinger is steering you straight. The forum has all the resources you need. A couple of caviats. Do not file the sear or any lockwork part. They are not Smiths. If you want to customize it don't ruin the value by drilling the frame. You can use another shroud to attach scope, light, red dot, etc. Be aware that you run the risk of getting Dan Wesson Acquisition Syndrome , or DWAS. It is uncurable and only controlled by penury.
There is a large frame model 40 that chambers 357 maximum 357 Magnum and 38 special . Its Barrel assemblies are not interchangable with the 15-2 /715. The 715 is the same as a 15-2 but stainless. Shrouds can interchange on all small frames but the different caliber barrel tubes will not.
I too have a TRR8. I have not shot it much but love it. I don't hunt. I would if I was starving though. I am a retired restaurateur I have a saying that if folk liked venison as much as beef we would have bred short legged antler less deer by now. I will use mine for yard security. In 2005 Bob Serva, the owner of Dan Wesson, entered into an agreement with S&W. Smith was going to manufacture the frames and Dan Wesson would make the interchangable barrel assemblies . DW licensed the shroud and nut system and front lockup to Smith. Smith used it first on their X frame guns and then on their N frame guns. 6 prototypes of each caliber were produced. 22lr 357,45 acp 44 mag and maybe one other. Serva sold the company to CZ before the guns were put into production. They were called the Jim Cirillo model and serialized by DW. Serva sold a couple on eBay, hence I bought mine from the fellow that bought it from Serva. Most were distributed to executives and friends. I suspect Serva may have a few still. Mine is a 6" VH stainless with aftermarket engraving. The barrel shroud is not compatable with current production but could probably be modified.
Anyway, S&W decided they did not want the liability of owners switching the barrels. They DO have a tool but it is only sold to Smiths and FFLs. I bet your favorite FFL could order you one. I think they make a 31/2" barrel that would be nice for fishing and hiking.
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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Read the"Average Joe Tuneup " in the gunsmithing thread. Never over tighten anything on a Dan. Not sideplate screws or nuts. Snug is good. Member Snake-eye has a passel of small parts and springs that would be cheaper than ebay.
Always keep the gun tilted to the left with your fingers pushing the cylinder open when ejecting cases. The cylinder likes to close and the extended star will scratch the heck out of the sideplate and back of the recoil shield. There is no latch there to protect it.
You say the timing is off on the gun you are looking at. I am curious about that. If in fact it is. It may be the bolt is worn. That is called the cylinder stop on a Smith. If you have fired it and it is spitting it may be the barrel cylinder gap.that needs adjusting. Do you have a barrel tool?
September 27, 2018
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Thanks for the info guys!
I do love my TRR8 as well, I think the scandium frame is the crux of the situation, different materials sometimes dont mix, especially when it gets jostled, vibrations, recoil, etc. But this is more so a guess to me. Nonetheless, I talked to them this morning, they all fix it, and said they can make it "permanent", I said that's good, as I shoot 90% lead/powder coated. So wearing it out will take a llloooonnnggg time, lol.
I dont think the bolt is worn, gotta look at it again. I say this because in fast single cocking action, she locks right up, so to me, bolt/cylinder stop is catching, I think it's the hand (cylinder mover), but I'll look at it again. Even if I dont get this one, I'll buy another, as part of guns I like is changing things, customizing, etc. And being able to work on them is a plus in my opinion.
One of my favorite platforms is the M14 for this reason. Readily available parts and they're simple to break down and work on. I "know" my M1A like the back of my hand. If theres ever a hiccup, I almost know exactly what caused it and why, because I've broken it down, replaced parts/upgrade it etc. I'd like that in a handgun now.
February 16, 2016
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Gehlsurf said
One of my favorite platforms is the M14 for this reason.
M14's ROCK ! 
February 16, 2016
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This thread will help with the various Models and configurations;
https://www.danwessonforum.com/forum/things-a-dan-wesson-owner-should-know/what-model-do-i-have-3/
February 16, 2016
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Ole Dog said
Read the"Average Joe Tuneup " in the gunsmithing thread.
https://www.danwessonforum.com/forum/reloading/tuning-up-your-15-2-the-average-joe-method/
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