January 12, 2012
Many thanks for the warm reception for this new member!
I didn't mean to join up and then tax the patience of the fine members of this forum with my question on the NYPD DW Model 11 of the 1970-71 time frame. The NYPD had, at that time (70-71) three different blue steel .38 Six-guns to choose from as their duty sidearm;
1-S&W Model 10 (4" heavy or tapered barrel)
2-Colt Metropolitan MK III
3-Dan Wesson Model 11 (4" Fixed bbl. with 1-way locking nut)
The above listed features for the DW was to gain acceptance from the NYPD as a duty gun. New cops purchased their own .38 Service Revolvers upon acceptance for The Job. Not many of the .38 DW 11's were sold to "rooks" for a couple of reasons;
1-The Dan Wesson was brand new then and largely unknown.
2-Some shooters were thrown off by the porkchop shaped shroud and exposed barrel nut.
3-The Range Officers were mostly in the S&W Model 10 camp and urged the "rooks" in that direction.
For me, I love the original Dan Wessons the best! I love that exposed barrel nut and the porkchop shape shroud. The Model 11 that I own is one of the very first models. Most likely produced at the High Standard Factory like the early models were. Before I forget, that high-rise front sight with the dovetail rear sight are the very best on a fixed sight service revolver I have ever own or shot. The best! Expecially since my aging eyes are now compromised. I see those fixed sights the best!
My .357 Model 11 has the four-inch barrel and the factory blue finish. The serial number is "1131" and this was my first Dan Wesson purchase in 1997 from a local pawnshop. Since then I have added three more Dans to my modest collection. A Model 14-1 (3.75" bbl. blue), 14-2 (4" bbl. blue) and a 15-2 (6" VRHB, blue). All three in .357 Magnum Caliber. The 14-1 and 14-2 to go along with my "favorite" Model 11 have been shot competitively in the monthly combat matches here in Columbus. I can slide my Dans in on these contests and have many times since my first purchase in 1997.
Thanks again and any help by way of info on "anything" regarding the NYPD Dan Wesson Model 11 is appreciated.
Yours, ever respectfully:
David
Range Officer
Range Officers
Dans Club
March 27, 2009
David, to correct something Dan Wesson's were never made at High Standard! This has been verified by someone that worked for one of the other and High Standard lists never mentioned the Sentinels until after Dan was producing the 15's and early 14's.
You are in the right place we have gathered tons of info and still looking for more!
I too enjoy the old Dan's from beaters to like new!
one of my favs!
W-12 in Chrome molly!
January 12, 2012
Many thanks sir for the correction on the High Standards connection to the very first DW Models 11 & 12. I have read (somewhere?) about that and can't remember "who" the author was and it seems, at least to an old armored cruiser po-po, that it was from more than one source. But none-the-less my appreciation for the info. Stuff, like this, is the very reason for me being excited about being a forum member. I get data that is straight!
Your Model 12 in the sent pic was GREAT! Those early model DW's are my favorite and I'm very envious of yours. Those grips you have on it really enhances the appearance as well as your grip. What kind are they? Have not seen any like those before and I'm interested in getting a set.
Two weeks ago I used my Model 11 in a 48-round PD Combat Match going up against those "gulp" Glock 21 Pistol and a couple of S&W M&P .45 Wonder-matics. My 11 placed 1st in B-Class (Service Pistol/Revolver) with a "455" out of a possible 480. My 11 "always" does her job but that old po-po that holds her is very challenged at times and his hands will shake (too many years on the beat) from time to time. This compromises my 11's ability to max out that score. But, she loves me anyway! My Colt OP is my duty gun and has served me well over a long period of time now. I just couldn't let you go without mentioning her! Thanks again sir.
David
Range Officer
Range Officers
Dans Club
March 27, 2009
David,
The grips in question came off a Mitchell Titan 11, these were made in 1995 by Dan Wesson. Few of them seem to be around and even fewer surface! The grips are not marked as to who made time!
How the attach!
Through and through a Dan Wesson Model 14-2, some grips like these surfaced on here awhile back but were Lil' Dan grips!
The W-12 i picked up with a 4" coated also (wish they had done a 6" at the same time)!
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