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October 21, 2018
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Hi, I'm a new member and proud owner of a 6" 15-2. I was looking for a nice DW revolver for casual range shooting and ended up buying about a 1980? 15-2 (238xxx) that as far as I can tell has never been fired. It still has the yellow cylinder dust cover and is essentially in 100% condition. There are no scratches, pitting or any other defect. The bluing is nice and even although in my pictures it 
didn't come out well. It came with the original shipping box, leather case, papers, brochures and tool with the yellow caps still on it. It is just a single non-ventilated rib barrel gun, it wasn't part of a pack.
My conundrum is that I wanted a gun to shoot and enjoy. However, I don't want to do a disservice to those who collect guns. So I guess my question is, is there any particular value to this gun? Can I shoot this with a clear conscience or should I sell it and look for another 15-2 that has been used. Thanks
February 20, 2008
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Tried to open up the shadows a bit..color better?
Congrats, and enjoy your DW!
If you're going to drink, don't drive. Don't even putt.
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Dans Club
December 4, 2011
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Unless you're looking to make a profit on the gun, I'd say shoot it. The 15-2 Is the most common Dan Wesson out there and yours isn't a particularly low serial number, so unless you want to collect them, go ahead and fire away.
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
February 16, 2016
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Fireboat said
When is a 15-2 a collectable?
Whenever you want it to be .. or never.
Dans Club
October 17, 2008
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Very nice Thanks for the 
Dans Club
December 5, 2008
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I recommend you shoot it. It will never be worth enough to deprive yourself of the pleasure and fun you will get from shooting it. Enjoy!
October 21, 2018
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Alright, you all convinced me, lol. I'm taking it to the range next week. Happy Thanksgiving!
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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I am of the other opinion. Like Pythons, DW 15-2s are not being made anymore. They also have quite a following but not the cachet of a Python. As time passes though the value will soar as has the Python. Pythons have a 15 year headstart on Dan Wesson. Pythons were made in much greater numbers and many were bought as collectables and never fired. Gunbroker has dozens of supposed unfired Pythons on all the time. Dans were a shooting man's gun. Very few are unfired now and those that might be passed as unfired have the telltale sideplate scratches to belie the unfired claim. The scrat he's can happen though just by careless handling. In the last several years prices of unfired Dans have gone up by over 30% or more. I expect them to continue to appreciate. Used Dans have not gone up much although accessories have soared. Just MHO.
February 20, 2008
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We are only the custodians of these tools. In the past, I have bought some safe queens (mostly Walthers) as investments, and sold them in troubled times. I'm glad I had them to sell. Others are for shooting. You decide.
If you're going to drink, don't drive. Don't even putt.
October 21, 2018
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I appreciate all of the input and I am still kind of sitting on the fence. I am not a collector, but I respect those that do. I had really wanted a 15-2 in very nice condition as I do try to keep them that way. I paid I think a fair price, not great or terrible at $640 with shipping and transfer. However, I doubt I would be able to sell it for much more than that anytime soon and I am not getting any younger, lol.
I think I will keep it stored away for now and see if I come across another 15-2 in good shape for a decent price. I did show it to a gunsmith who agreed that it most likely has not been fired since leaving the factory. Thanks again.
March 19, 2016
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You are not alone with this dilemma of save or shoot. I purchased a 15-2 pack long ago. Kind of lost track of time from when I purchased the pack. Next thing I knew people were paying much more for packs so I decided not to shoot it. I purchased a 2nd 15-2 to shoot. Problem I had with the 2nd gun was it was also in very nice shape. Guess what, I just purchased my 3rd 15-2. This one is a shooter grade so it will be shot. I have to say I think the prices are already starting to creep up.
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Dans Club
February 22, 2009
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IMO, Unless you have the SN# box and associated paperwork; it won't ever be "collectable"; just a revolver in excellent/very good condition... I'd shoot it since it is very common to find 15-2s in excellent/ very good condition. I do have DWs that are not shot often but none that 'haven't been shot'... Hard to find caliber DWs will always command a premium price because of the scarcity of the gun, not its condition so much but .357 is extremely common.
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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Ron is right. You need the original box numbered to the gun and all original accessories. If I remember correctly your gun came with the box and a soft case in perfect condition. I was watching it and probably would have bought it but wasn't paying attention and I do have sooo many others. You got it for way below value. The soft case is probably worth more than 60 alone in that condition. Unused in the box Dans with the yellow plastic cylinder guard are going for 750 usually. Buy another to shoot is my vote. You won't regret it. In the old days a gun shop or pawnshop would only pay you 30 to 60 % of value. Gunbroker and other online auctions have made firearms collecting a very legitimate investment. Relatively quick selling and low transaction cost. No taxes on profit. That beats many conventional investments. Real estate has a long market time normally. Transaction costs normally equal several years of appreciation. Unless it is your personal residence there is capital gains on the profit. Gold or gold index fund fluctuates, can have a steep cost at a pawn shop or jeweler, and has a 28 % tax on profit. Most other collectables are hard to sell or an auction house charges 20 to 30 % plus shipping. Thank God for Gunbroker. Lastly, how many other investments can save your life in a home invasion or assault?
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