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June 10, 2009
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Hello All,
Has anyone ever heard of a Dan Wesson Arms .357 Monson, Mass. revolver 6 inch barrel mis-engraved 22LR? Well I saw one in absolutely beautiful condition. I'm told it was purchased 33 years ago in PA. Anyone familiar with this story?
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Range Officers
Dans Club
February 9, 2009
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John, Welcome to our Forum. Pictures of your subject may help us help you.
Is just the barrel mis-engraved? Is it the shroud you are referring to? I beleive you could place a .22 shroud over a .357 barrell and assemble it. I would be curious for a little more info on this. Sounds like someone started missassembling parts. Or is their more to this “story”? A mis marked frame?
SMF
A man cannot have too many SuperMags
DWF Supporters
Dans Club
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November 17, 2008
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Yes the shrouds do interchange. I use a 357 shroud on my 22 from time to time until I fine the right roll marked shroud. The barrels will not fit a different frame for safety reasons. If it is not just the wrong shroud it could be an interesting mystery.
Wisdom is merely the realization of how little one knows, therefore I am wise.
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Moderators
January 24, 2009
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PICS!
Oh & 
Dusty put this shroud swap theory to the test recently, check it out...
https://www.danwessonforum.com/?page_id=3/wanted/8-22-shroud-wanted/#p8459
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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The most likely scenario is a mismatched shroud, as has been noted. Also, if you run the numbers, 33 years would put the purchase in 1976. Is it likely that DW would have mismarked anything as .22 lr in 1976? Offhand, I don't recall a year of intro for rimfire DW's, I don't think it was as early as 1976, however.
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman "Were is the Self Help Section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
George Carlin
December 17, 2008
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It's not misengraved.
The only location on the gun that has the caliber engraved on it is the shroud - and as has been iterated above, all small frame shrouds are interchangable...
Hence, if it's a .357 mag revolver and the shroud is engraved .22LR - it is a shroud from a .22 on the .357 - meaning somebody other than the factory put it there.
Particularly in light of SteveCT's note, which as far as I know, is correct and means there were no .22 LR shrouds around when the original .357 revolver was built.
Now that we've cleared that up, 'bout time for a cold one, ain't it?
By the way - to the DWF John, you get to have a cold one too!
June 10, 2009
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Hi Guys,
Thanks for the welcome! Let me add more to the story. The serial number is 214XXX. This is a heavy lug barrell, .357 cylinder and what appears to be a center firing pin. As far as I know weren't all .22s rim fire? If so, what would be changed in the frame to allow center fire? I have a board meeting to attend to tonight, when I get back I'll post photos. The owner swears he bought it this way. I'm totally confused which is not surprising.
John
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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John-
First off, there are many quirks and unknowns in the Dan Wesson history. It seems that your 6 digit 15-2 may have been manufactured later than mid-70's, my 5 digit 15-2 was a 1977, and we have information on a 37756x in 1986. DW S/N's are not neccessarily sequential, but this is a big jump.
It really seems likely that the shroud was switched at some point in time, possibly by mistake, since they are freely interchangeable. A genuine mid 70's .22 shroud would be an exceedingly rare item that would be next to impossible to verify.
All that having been said, I will also say to DWF
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman "Were is the Self Help Section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
George Carlin
June 10, 2009
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Well, then it really seems that the shroud being changed is it. I believe the owner when he says he bought it that way, he's emphatic about it. Must have been switched at the factory I guess. Who knows at this point. So I guess the next question for you guys is do I buy it? As I've said, it is immaculate, no way it was shot much. He's asking $500, does that seem fair? I don't know much about this brand. After all, you guys are the experts!
February 2, 2009
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Even relatively unfired that seems a little pricey; the good to better model 15's usually go for $350 to $450 at auction.
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January 24, 2009
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I dunno, lately better model 15's seem to go for at least $400...although the market does seem to have taken a little slump lately. If you can get one for $350, you've gotten a great deal, IMHO.
For a mis-matched gun in good shape, I'd try for $350, but wouldn't feel too bad if $400-ish was the final deal. I guess it depends on you really, John. You're the one who will own & shoot it. Regardless of the price, it will surely be a nice shooter for ya.
December 17, 2008
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Given some of the additional serial number info we have garnered from barrel wrappers and price lists, your serial number would indicate a manufacture date between late 1979 and early 1980.
I would say there is absolutely no way that gun was built in 1976. So unless the owner has an invoice, he's probably just off a couple years in his remembrance. Also, I'll modify what I said above - it could have come from the factory that way, but it would mean someone put the wrong shroud on during assembly, not that it was misengraved.
To put the gun in original condition you'll need to buy a used shroud, which can be had on gunbroker.
I would roll that into my consideration on price, as you really don't want that gun permanently set up with .22LR markings. By my reckoning that would mean $500 is considerably high.
June 10, 2009
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Well if $500 seems high for you guys then it's too high for me. In all fairness he's throwing in 200 rounds of hollow points. Ha! These days that's valuable too. You know I really love the gun. The lines seem so nice and clean and the blueing is beautiful. The gun just has a really nice look and feel. I'm sure that's why this site was created. I certainly appreciate the fan following. I'll see how much he wants to move on the price.
Thanks to all you fellas!
P.S. I'm definitely going to be on the lookout for the correct shroud!
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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The addition of ammunition makes that a better deal, especially these days. You might also consider trying to grab a .357 shroud right away on an auction, then sell the .22 shroud. I really think that a good, clean .22 shroud would be pretty desireable, they are MUCH less common that .357 varieties. I'm assuming this is a blue shroud, what configuration (V/VH, etc) is it? I have been on the lookout for a stainless Monson 6VH barrel & shroud and have not yet ever found one. I hesitate to say "at any price" but I really want one.
If this revolver is otherwise in really great shape + ammo makes it a much more do-able deal
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman "Were is the Self Help Section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
George Carlin
June 10, 2009
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OK, now you lost me. I'm not sure what the V or VH is. I can tell you this is not the ribbed top. I looked on gunbroker but no shrouds at this time.
Never mind, I get it after researching the site. It's non vented, heavy lug (full length). Gunbroker has alot of DW items but no shrouds. Update on the ammo; 200 rounds of hollow point, 50 rounds of copper wadcutter and 75 rounds of 38 special. Also a coffee can full of .357 brass, a speedloader and a small bottle of gun oil.
I went and did it after some good old fashioned negotiating. That was fun. I hope to post a pic soon for all to see.
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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John-
to the Club, I think you did just fine, especially with the ammo and speedloader. You can generally pick up a barrel/shroud for $150 +, and shroud only does come up sometimes. An extra barrel is not a bad thing, and I'm pretty sure you could move the .22 shroud here if you want to. On the other hand, it will shoot just fine as is, and they're made for shootin'
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman "Were is the Self Help Section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
George Carlin
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January 24, 2009
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Good for you! I love a happy DW ending.
I agree with Steve, I doubt you'd have much trouble selling that shroud, especially if it's as clean as it sounds. 357 shrouds & barrels are on GB all the time, even unfired ones, so it shouldn't be too tough to get one shortly.
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Dans Club
Moderators
November 17, 2008
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Great job on the acquisition. I was going to try and talk you out of your shroud but I need a vented/ heavy. Oh well. 357 shrouds come available pretty often so It shouldn't take too long. can't wait for some pics. And welcome to the gang.
Wisdom is merely the realization of how little one knows, therefore I am wise.
January 22, 2008
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I agree you could probably sell the .22 shroud for more than you would pay for the 357 shroud. But what I would recommend would be to keep the 22 shroud and find a DW 22 to go with it!
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