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January 8, 2017
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I'm looking at a DW 41 magnum. It's an 8" blued model 41 with Pachmayr grips. The online description is excellent with a bright bore and smooth trigger pull. I'm having it shipped to a nearby storefront location of the national retailer so that I can inspect it before I commit the $$$.
I'm wearing out google doing research about this model. A couple of questions come to mind, and if the community can help me, I'd be eternally grateful. I'd definitely pay it forward.
Was the model 41 available from the factory with rubber Pachmayr grips, or should I be looking for a set of wood grips with it?
Is there a serial number lookup guide or 800 number that can help me age the firearm, or gather other pertinent information?
Is the serial number stamped on the barrel, inside crane, and handle?
What should I be looking for in terms of wear?
What are the tell-tale signs of trigger work or other similar modifications?
What are the distinguishing characteristics of the heavy vent rib barrel? I think it means it has a vent down the top of the barrel and a full-length underlug. Is that right? What is a heavy barrel shroud?
What is a fair price to pay? According the the blue book of gun values, a gun in 98% condition would be $730, if I am reading it right. Or does the blue book show wholesale prices?
Anything else I should be looking for when I see the gun up close?
Thanks again for the help!
February 29, 2012
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The large frame 41 Magnum revolver was available from the factory with either rubber Pachmayr grip, or a wooden grip.
This revolver would have originally come with some kind of barrel assembly/removal multi-tool either metal or plastic, and a feeler shim for setting the barrel to cylinder gap. The metal barrel removal tool is more durable than the plastic one, and less prone to breakage.
You can also use an automotive feeler gauge tool to set your barrel to cylinder gap, if the shim has been lost.
If your revolver doesn't come with a barrel removal tool, you can purchase a used one from Ebay, or a brand new metal tool from EWK Arms on the side banner.
http://ewkarms.com/zen8/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=67_5&products_id=2
Here's a link to the Dan Wesson Serial Number Registry.
https://www.danwessonforum.com/wp-content/files/DanWessonSerialNumbers.pdf
You may be able to get a ballpark idea as to what year your revolver was made from the SN range, and by what plant it was manufactured at. (Monson, Palmer, or Norwich)
The serial number will be found on right side of the frame, on a 41 Magnum revolver. Just like in the image below, where the serial number is C0023XX
The 41 Magnum pictured above has a heavy full-length underlug, and Ventilated barrel shroud. (The lower underlug runs the full length of the barrel shroud) It would be abbreviated as VH, for Vent Heavy on the box.
In terms of wear, I would look at the amount of finish wear it has, and check the barrel nut for any damage. This in addition to all of the standard checks you should perform when inspecting any used revolver.
Dan Wesson's tend to have extremely good triggers. If your not familiar with large frame Dan Wesson's trigger feel, it may be somewhat hard to tell with just a visual inspection if it has had trigger work done or not without taking the gun apart to look inside. I would dry-fire the revolver, and make sure that the trigger feels good, and the cylinder indexes, and locks up positively. Checking cylinder alignment with a range rod may also be a good idea.
I would be quite pleased to find any large frame Dan Wesson revolver in my neck of the woods for $700-800, let alone a 41 Magnum but it's a buyers marke out there, and they really don't make them like this anymore. Take a look on Gunbroker for the closing sale cost on 41 Magnum revolvers in general, and I think you will be very pleased with your deal.
I'm sure a few of our 41 Magnum fan's will chime in shortly with more suggestions. Be sure to post a picture of it after you inspect the revolver, as we all love pictures here on the Dan Wesson forum. A few here will likely be able to tell you much more about the gun from the picture as well.
- Bullwolf
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July 2, 2011
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Bullwolf has given you an excellent overview of 41 Magnum. I own one in stainless which is a model 741. I bought it used from a member of this forum and it is probably the most accurate "1st shot" firearm I've ever purchased. I saw your other post where Ron gave you a very good idea of some .41 pricing. The $730.00 price you quoted would be an unbelievable find.
If the revolver passed your inspection, I think you will be very happy with it. One of the beauties of Dan Wesson revolvers is the ease with which the owner can do a lot of "tuning".
To the paranoid people who check behind shower curtains for murderers:
if you find one...what's your plan?
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February 22, 2009
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As I posted in your New Member intro:
1K is not too bad… here are some of my notes. As you can see, the prices for 41s have steadily increased over the years:
GB Auction # 366494693 Sold 24 SEP 13 for $880
GB auction # 464842874 sold 31 JAN 15 for $1,200 box & papers
GB Auction # 598492312 sold 26 NOV 16 for $1402, w/ box
Good Luck!
Regards, Ron
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
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March 25, 2013
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Bull wolf has filled you in well. Most large frames have great triggers, especially in single action. Most folks don't have to do anything to the action to improve it. Dans are not like Smiths as far as trigger jobs. Reduced power springs are mostly the extent of it. Actually, use is the best trigger job you can do. The lockwork will polish itself.
The heavy barrel shroud is the full lug you described. It slips over the barrel tube and is fastened by the nut at the end of the barrel. The vent and the vent heavy are your two options. Many folk like the VH but I find in 8"or longer the lighter shroud is easier for me. The gun in the picture Bull wolf posted has a shroud from the Palmer era( a one line roll mark) and a frame with a Monson mark. They were both made at Palmer (as were all large frames) but after 1991 Monson was closed and the Palmer roll mark was on the frames. There is no difference IMHO. very often guns made in 1991 have the Monson roll on the frames and Palmer on the shroud.
The blue book price is not operative. Gun shops love that book because they take what are essentially wholesale prices and then offer a good deal less. A firearm that is rapidly appreciating will have a much higher retail value. Ron's examples will show that. I suspect the gun you are going to look at is in great shape. All Dans are extremely durable, especially the large frames. They can handle thousands of rounds and look as new. The marks on the recoil shield are the best indication of use. Imprints around the firing pin and dedent ball are normal with use. If there are marks to the left of the firing pin where the next round would be it is an indication of much use and /or high power loads. Still not usually a problem. The good thing about Cabela's is if you find a problem with it I would guess they will stand by it. The smooth hardwood grip was designed to slide in the hand to mitigate recoil. On the other hand, haha, the Pachmyer is great for hot days and hunting.
Lastly, be aware of Dan Wesson Acquisition Syndrome. Your biggest problem may be the ' ball and chain'.
January 8, 2017
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Many thanks to all for the replies. Good info, reinforcing and enhancing my own knowledge and opinions.
I see in the serial number registry two examples of Model 41 serials. The serial number on the revolver I have my eyes on is very near 41B00108x. The registry states that this was from 1989. From this can I conclude a serial number slightly lower than this (like 41B00102x) would also be from 1989 or maybe 1988? Any idea how many they made a year?
Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself, but I am thinking ahead to grips. I like a wood grip. What is the community's opinion of Hogue grips? I see LB Custom Grips is linked from the home page of this forum, and I've browsed the gallery of beautiful grips there. I like the thumb rest grip. The one with the beaver tail is amazing. Does Mr. LBruce ever checker the grips he makes?
In closing, I'll share a picture of the Smith that is temporarily in my safe. It's a Model 57-0 from 1974.
February 16, 2016
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Loose the Smith already and getcha a nice Dan 41 !
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November 17, 2008
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Vinn said
Does Mr. LBruce ever checker the grips he makes?
That LB fellow is an ornery cuss and doesn't have enough patience for checkering. He does hack out a grip or two from time to time. When you are ready just give him a shout. BTY welcome to the 
LB aka ornery cuss
Wisdom is merely the realization of how little one knows, therefore I am wise.
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February 16, 2013
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He maybe an "ornery cuss", But he makes some BEAUTIFUL grips!!!!!
August 9, 2015
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Is it just me or does this grip look extremely thin and small?
bikeridertim said
He maybe an "ornery cuss", But he makes some BEAUTIFUL grips!!!!!
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February 16, 2013
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super357guy said
Is it just me or does this grip look extremely thin and small?
It must be the angle of the photo, it's as big if not a bit bigger than the original shown in my signature! 🙂
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March 25, 2013
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It is a well known phenomenon that the angle can make an object look smaller than it really is😆
February 16, 2016
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bikeridertim said
He maybe an "ornery cuss", But he makes some BEAUTIFUL grips!!!!!
That is gorgeous ! 
January 8, 2017
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Stinger said
Loose the Smith already and getcha a nice Dan 41 !
Since you made such a compelling argument, okay.
February 16, 2016
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Vinn said
Since you made such a compelling argument, okay.
Beautiful 41-V8 .. you will really enjoy shooting that baby, I've got one of my own.
January 8, 2017
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Took it to the range yesterday. It shoots like a dream. Better than the Smith, in my opinion. Felt recoil is less. The single-action trigger is smoother. I like the double-action trigger better, too. I like the sights on the Dan better. All the way around I like it better. One drawback IMO is the angle on the hammer; it's a little lower, so cocking it to shoot single-action is a bit tougher. Return to target is a bit longer because of it.
Overall, I am really happy with my purchase. The Smith seems to shoot a little left. I've adjusted the sights a couple of times, and it has helped, but it still has a left-ward tendency. The Dan is smack dab in the middle of the target. It's a little high, but that is easier to fix than left or right.I've got an Uncle Mike's holster. It's worn the bluing on my Smith, and I don't want to put my Dan in it. I see in another thread some recommendations of leather holsters; how do those treat the finish?
April 25, 2008
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Nice .41 Magnum, one of my most favorite calibers in a revolver. I have several, but not a blue DW. Very accurate guns. The rear sight being off windage is a common problem, especially for me since I shoot left-handed.
The Savantist
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