Dan Wesson Arms

Hemicuda · September 13, 2001, 10:35 AM

Anyone here familiar with them... I have been a fan for years, and have a model 15-2 HV in 357 madnum, with a 6" barrel,

and a Model 44 HV, in 44 magnum, with an 8" barrel.

these guns are both of good quality, in excellent shape, and both seem to have come from the factory with sub-3 lb trigger pulls, in single action mode...

bluetoe · September 13, 2001, 04:13 PM

Yeah, I like DW's too. I'm trying to get a pistol pack in .357. Want the full-barrel underlug. Shot them at the range quite a bit. Don't understand why they're so cheap compared to S+W's and Colt's, even though they're made in the US too.

PugetSound5 · September 13, 2001, 07:55 PM

BluToe, I have a used 15 VH. Excellent piece and beautiful finish. It's about the heft and weight of a S&W L frame I think (from having been shopping around for CCW holsters). The blueing is such a gorgeous shiny deep blue that I have remorse putting that gun in a holster. But a gun has got to do what a gun has got to do...

Fast/smooth trigger. Came with 2.5", 4" & 6" barrels. Exactly like having 2 different guns (got no use for the 2.5" barrel and that gun is the wrong heft for a snubbie anyway). New parts are available from DW and interchangeable with older pieces (shrouds, barrels and barrel nuts). The new Dan Wesson Firearms company kept the grip fastening system so there are plenty of grips available from Hogue and others.

DW is a small shop I think, and it's not a bad thing. I asked them a few email questions and they were prompt and detailed in their answers. Going out of business twice has probably hurt the brand. I also think that many people just plain don't like the idea of a removable barrels system. For my part, I like it now that I have practiced with it a little: change barrel 2 mns (I'm slow and paranoid with the feeler gauge!), change grip: badabim badaboom Papa got a brand new gun.

Since I acquired mine, I have looked into this a bit more, and finding .357 Pistol Pacs in new to very good condition is relatively easy, if you're patient enough. For some reason that I cannot quite fathom, it would seem that many people bought these guns and did not fire them, or fired them very little. Maybe they were seen as collector's item? A very bad calculation then, because they are by no means collector's stuff: they are build to shoot and they did not retain high resale value. This last point is cited by some as a DW drawback, but I see it as a bargain

.
Moreover, I would argue that DW used prices are close to a good used S&W in the same category, so it's not that bad.

With my gun came the original brochures that went with the .357 Pistol Pac, describing the different options and model codes available. If you're interested, I will scan them and post them here, if it's OK with the moderator.

PS5

bluetoe · September 13, 2001, 09:28 PM

Sure, that would be cool if you could post those. You're right, the bluing on DW's are gorgeous.

I think a lot of people seem to think that DW's are a cheap rip-off of S+W's, which they're not ( I've heard people say this). Either that or it's because they haven't seen it in a movie, or heard anything about them.

I know what you mean about being paranoid.

I think I almost had a heart attack when I changed a scope block on a BSA martini that I had. The bolts were really screwed in tight. Had to use an ez-out on one. I was sweatin' that one. It's funny how stuff I really love (like the martini) winds up causing me the most stress.

Big Lou · September 13, 2001, 11:24 PM

I purchased a DW .357 Mag with 6" barrel about 20 years ago. It shot great and looked great. I ended up giving it to my father so he'd have something better than a little cheap POS .25 auto.

PugetSound5 · September 14, 2001, 12:17 AM

Sure, that would be cool if you could post those

I'll ask the moderator if there is a way to post multiple (6) attachments in the same message. I haven't been able to do it.

PS5

twoblink · September 14, 2001, 03:11 AM

anybody know why the dan wesson website is down?

Albert

Hemicuda · September 14, 2001, 09:51 AM

so there seem to be a few DW fans out there... now to find one of the large frame 22 cal DW's... that would make me happy...

Brian Busch · September 14, 2001, 11:23 AM

MikeS · September 14, 2001, 12:22 PM

Brian,

Could you provide a bit of info. on the grips: Type of wood and
manufacturer?

I have a new DW .357 and a .460 and would like to replace the
rubber grips.

Thanks,

Mike

PugetSound5 · September 14, 2001, 12:51 PM

RE: DW web site. Twoblink, you might be trying to access the old company's web site. The actual site is http://www.danwessonfirearms.com

Brian, what kind of package did you purchase for that piece?

PS5

PugetSound5 · September 14, 2001, 12:53 PM

Page 1 of 6
My apologies for posting this in 6 messages. It's apparently not possible to group multiple attachments (from a hard drive, not url based) into one single message.

PS5

PugetSound5 · September 14, 2001, 12:56 PM

page 2 of 6

PugetSound5 · September 14, 2001, 01:00 PM

page 3 of 6

PugetSound5 · September 14, 2001, 01:02 PM

page 4 of 6

PugetSound5 · September 14, 2001, 01:04 PM

page 5 of 6

PugetSound5 · September 14, 2001, 01:06 PM

page 6 of 6

Hemicuda · September 14, 2001, 02:48 PM

Thankyou, PugetSound5, I have printed those for my own file...

Brian Busch · September 14, 2001, 06:18 PM

The grip is a cocobolo Hogue Monogrip. I have two barrels for this pistol, the 4" one pictured and a lightened 8" barrel. The thing drives tacks with either barrel. I paid $400 for the pistol with the 4" barrel, $80 for the grip and another $300 for the 8" barrel assembly. Worth every penny.

JoeHatley · September 14, 2001, 06:31 PM

I've owned Dan Wesson revolvers for over 20 years. I can highly recomend them and really enjoy the matched set I currently have.

Both are small frame, blue, with 6" heavy vent rib barrels. One is a .22 and the other is a 15-2. A few extra barrels and shrouds, some with scopes, makes for a very versitile set.

The best part (for a buyer) is the lack of resale value respect these guns have. I've got almost nothing invested in this pair, compared to my Smiths or even my Rugers.

Maybe someday the buying public will get wise, but until then I'll keep enjoying the bargins that seem to be everywhere.

Good Luck...

Joe

Swamp Yankee · September 14, 2001, 08:22 PM

Those who have read my previous posts know Dan Wesson Revolvers is one of, if not my favorite topic.

Have accumulated several Dan Wessons over the years current inventory includes a couple of .44 Mags blue and stainless, a Model 22 with a couple of barrels, a Model 15 and a Model 715. The Model 715 was tuned by Daniel B. himself and returned to me a couple of weeks prior to his passing. It is my most cherished firearm of any type. Still looking for the Holy Grail, an original Monson Mass. .357 Maximum.

Dan Wessons never achieved the following or glamour heeped upon Colt and S&W and therefore their following is limited to a small but loyal group. DW's are as strong or stronger than their competitors. Their accuracy is unquestioned and proven many times over on the IHMSA circuit. Some people don't care for the quick action. Admittedly it takes a little getting used to. The Dan Wesson action can be made as smooth as any other providing the smith doing the work knows Dan Wessons. If you can find one of the old Monson Mass guns they were as slick as they come, right out of the box. Lawyers changed all that in the early eighties. The hardest part about getting someone to fall in love with a Dan Wesson revolver is convincing them that the beauty sitting in the gunshop's used case and priced $70 to $100 less than the comparable used S&W is a bargain. Once they shoot 'em they're hooked.

Will close with something I usually don't get involved with and that's the sellout of other revolver manufacturers and Dan Wessons position in the market. The new ownership is 100% pro 2nd, and is committed to building fine firearms in this increasingly anti-gun environment. Call and talk to them you'll see. We need to support them in their efforts buy purchasing their products. Every firearm purchased from Dan Wesson strengthens their position and sends the message to the other manufacturers that you're not pleased with that which they have done. I have seen several posts in the past discussing the financial stability of the company. The surest way to keep it afloat is to support it.
Off my soap box.
Take Care

PugetSound5 · September 14, 2001, 08:32 PM

The grip is a cocobolo Hogue Monogrip. I have two barrels for this pistol, the 4" one pictured and a lightened 8" barrel. The thing drives tacks with either barrel. I paid $400 for the pistol with the 4" barrel, $80 for the grip and another $300 for the 8" barrel assembly. Worth every penny.

The price is good. Two carefully chosen barrel sizes and an extra grip or two makes it a more efficient deal than a pistol pac, because you'll end up using 2 or 3 barrels at most, and you don't need to buy them all at once. I'm definitely putting one of those on my "got to have" list.

PS5

**Rich Lucibella** · September 15, 2001, 04:02 PM

Sorry it took me so long to reply but thanks for the pics, PugetSound5.

Now I really want a pistol pack!

Oh well, so much for tuition.

bluetoe · September 15, 2001, 04:17 PM

I don't know what happened, but that last reply was mine not Rich Lucibella's.

**Rich Lucibella** · September 16, 2001, 12:28 AM

Software glitch this PM.
Member file was corruted and everyone who logged in for a 3 minute period got the profile of the first person in the file....me.
Rich

September 13, 2001, 10:35 AM	#1
Hemicuda Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2001 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,757	Dan Wesson Arms Anyone here familiar with them... I have been a fan for years, and have a model 15-2 HV in 357 madnum, with a 6" barrel, and a Model 44 HV, in 44 magnum, with an 8" barrel. these guns are both of good quality, in excellent shape, and both seem to have come from the factory with sub-3 lb trigger pulls, in single action mode...

September 13, 2001, 07:55 PM	#3
PugetSound5 Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2001 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 186	Yeah, they're nice... BluToe, I have a used 15 VH. Excellent piece and beautiful finish. It's about the heft and weight of a S&W L frame I think (from having been shopping around for CCW holsters). The blueing is such a gorgeous shiny deep blue that I have remorse putting that gun in a holster. But a gun has got to do what a gun has got to do... Fast/smooth trigger. Came with 2.5", 4" & 6" barrels. Exactly like having 2 different guns (got no use for the 2.5" barrel and that gun is the wrong heft for a snubbie anyway). New parts are available from DW and interchangeable with older pieces (shrouds, barrels and barrel nuts). The new Dan Wesson Firearms company kept the grip fastening system so there are plenty of grips available from Hogue and others. DW is a small shop I think, and it's not a bad thing. I asked them a few email questions and they were prompt and detailed in their answers. Going out of business twice has probably hurt the brand. I also think that many people just plain don't like the idea of a removable barrels system. For my part, I like it now that I have practiced with it a little: change barrel 2 mns (I'm slow and paranoid with the feeler gauge!), change grip: badabim badaboom Papa got a brand new gun. Since I acquired mine, I have looked into this a bit more, and finding .357 Pistol Pacs in new to very good condition is relatively easy, if you're patient enough. For some reason that I cannot quite fathom, it would seem that many people bought these guns and did not fire them, or fired them very little. Maybe they were seen as collector's item? A very bad calculation then, because they are by no means collector's stuff: they are build to shoot and they did not retain high resale value. This last point is cited by some as a DW drawback, but I see it as a bargain . Moreover, I would argue that DW used prices are close to a good used S&W in the same category, so it's not that bad. With my gun came the original brochures that went with the .357 Pistol Pac, describing the different options and model codes available. If you're interested, I will scan them and post them here, if it's OK with the moderator. PS5 Last edited by PugetSound5; September 14, 2001 at 01:20 PM.

September 14, 2001, 12:17 AM	#6
PugetSound5 Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2001 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 186	Dan Wesson Arms .357 mag brochure. Sure, that would be cool if you could post those I'll ask the moderator if there is a way to post multiple (6) attachments in the same message. I haven't been able to do it. PS5

September 14, 2001, 03:11 AM	#7
twoblink Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 1999 Location: Taipei, Taiwan Posts: 2,025	anybody know why the dan wesson website is down? Albert __________________ "An unarmed society is one that's ripe for tyranny and oppression."

September 14, 2001, 11:23 AM	#9
Brian Busch Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2001 Location: Southeastern United States Posts: 360	Dan Wesson Rules!!

September 13, 2001, 04:13 PM	#2
bluetoe Senior Member Join Date: September 5, 2001 Posts: 174	Yeah, I like DW's too. I'm trying to get a pistol pack in .357. Want the full-barrel underlug. Shot them at the range quite a bit. Don't understand why they're so cheap compared to S+W's and Colt's, even though they're made in the US too.

September 13, 2001, 09:28 PM	#4
bluetoe Senior Member Join Date: September 5, 2001 Posts: 174	Sure, that would be cool if you could post those. You're right, the bluing on DW's are gorgeous. I think a lot of people seem to think that DW's are a cheap rip-off of S+W's, which they're not ( I've heard people say this). Either that or it's because they haven't seen it in a movie, or heard anything about them. I know what you mean about being paranoid. I think I almost had a heart attack when I changed a scope block on a BSA martini that I had. The bolts were really screwed in tight. Had to use an ez-out on one. I was sweatin' that one. It's funny how stuff I really love (like the martini) winds up causing me the most stress.

September 13, 2001, 11:24 PM	#5
Big Lou Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2001 Location: Outside Houston, TX Posts: 156	I purchased a DW .357 Mag with 6" barrel about 20 years ago. It shot great and looked great. I ended up giving it to my father so he'd have something better than a little cheap POS .25 auto.

September 14, 2001, 09:51 AM	#8
Hemicuda Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2001 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,757	so there seem to be a few DW fans out there... now to find one of the large frame 22 cal DW's... that would make me happy...

September 14, 2001, 12:22 PM	#10
MikeS Member Join Date: April 18, 2000 Location: San Diego, CA USA Posts: 57	Brian, Could you provide a bit of info. on the grips: Type of wood and manufacturer? I have a new DW .357 and a .460 and would like to replace the rubber grips. Thanks, Mike

September 14, 2001, 12:51 PM	#11
PugetSound5 Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2001 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 186	DW .44 mag & DW web site RE: DW web site. Twoblink, you might be trying to access the old company's web site. The actual site is http://www.danwessonfirearms.com Brian, what kind of package did you purchase for that piece? PS5 Last edited by PugetSound5; September 14, 2001 at 01:12 PM.

September 14, 2001, 02:48 PM	#18
Hemicuda Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2001 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,757	Thankyou, PugetSound5, I have printed those for my own file...

September 14, 2001, 06:18 PM	#19
Brian Busch Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2001 Location: Southeastern United States Posts: 360	The grip is a cocobolo Hogue Monogrip. I have two barrels for this pistol, the 4" one pictured and a lightened 8" barrel. The thing drives tacks with either barrel. I paid $400 for the pistol with the 4" barrel, $80 for the grip and another $300 for the 8" barrel assembly. Worth every penny.

September 14, 2001, 06:31 PM	#20
JoeHatley Senior Member Join Date: July 2, 1999 Location: Iowa Posts: 2,135	I've owned Dan Wesson revolvers for over 20 years. I can highly recomend them and really enjoy the matched set I currently have. Both are small frame, blue, with 6" heavy vent rib barrels. One is a .22 and the other is a 15-2. A few extra barrels and shrouds, some with scopes, makes for a very versitile set. The best part (for a buyer) is the lack of resale value respect these guns have. I've got almost nothing invested in this pair, compared to my Smiths or even my Rugers. Maybe someday the buying public will get wise, but until then I'll keep enjoying the bargins that seem to be everywhere. Good Luck... Joe

September 14, 2001, 08:22 PM	#21
Swamp Yankee Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2000 Location: Northeastern Ct. Posts: 1,019	Those who have read my previous posts know Dan Wesson Revolvers is one of, if not my favorite topic. Have accumulated several Dan Wessons over the years current inventory includes a couple of .44 Mags blue and stainless, a Model 22 with a couple of barrels, a Model 15 and a Model 715. The Model 715 was tuned by Daniel B. himself and returned to me a couple of weeks prior to his passing. It is my most cherished firearm of any type. Still looking for the Holy Grail, an original Monson Mass. .357 Maximum. Dan Wessons never achieved the following or glamour heeped upon Colt and S&W and therefore their following is limited to a small but loyal group. DW's are as strong or stronger than their competitors. Their accuracy is unquestioned and proven many times over on the IHMSA circuit. Some people don't care for the quick action. Admittedly it takes a little getting used to. The Dan Wesson action can be made as smooth as any other providing the smith doing the work knows Dan Wessons. If you can find one of the old Monson Mass guns they were as slick as they come, right out of the box. Lawyers changed all that in the early eighties. The hardest part about getting someone to fall in love with a Dan Wesson revolver is convincing them that the beauty sitting in the gunshop's used case and priced $70 to $100 less than the comparable used S&W is a bargain. Once they shoot 'em they're hooked. Will close with something I usually don't get involved with and that's the sellout of other revolver manufacturers and Dan Wessons position in the market. The new ownership is 100% pro 2nd, and is committed to building fine firearms in this increasingly anti-gun environment. Call and talk to them you'll see. We need to support them in their efforts buy purchasing their products. Every firearm purchased from Dan Wesson strengthens their position and sends the message to the other manufacturers that you're not pleased with that which they have done. I have seen several posts in the past discussing the financial stability of the company. The surest way to keep it afloat is to support it. Off my soap box. Take Care

September 14, 2001, 08:32 PM	#22
PugetSound5 Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2001 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 186	The grip is a cocobolo Hogue Monogrip. I have two barrels for this pistol, the 4" one pictured and a lightened 8" barrel. The thing drives tacks with either barrel. I paid $400 for the pistol with the 4" barrel, $80 for the grip and another $300 for the 8" barrel assembly. Worth every penny. The price is good. Two carefully chosen barrel sizes and an extra grip or two makes it a more efficient deal than a pistol pac, because you'll end up using 2 or 3 barrels at most, and you don't need to buy them all at once. I'm definitely putting one of those on my "got to have" list. PS5

September 15, 2001, 04:02 PM	#23
Rich Lucibella Staff Join Date: October 6, 1998 Location: South Florida Posts: 10,229	Sorry it took me so long to reply but thanks for the pics, PugetSound5. Now I really want a pistol pack! Oh well, so much for tuition. __________________ S.W.A.T. Magazine Weapons, Training and Tactics for the Real World Join us at TFL or at AR15.com or on Facebook

September 15, 2001, 04:17 PM	#24
bluetoe Senior Member Join Date: September 5, 2001 Posts: 174	I don't know what happened, but that last reply was mine not Rich Lucibella's.

September 16, 2001, 12:28 AM	#25
Rich Lucibella Staff Join Date: October 6, 1998 Location: South Florida Posts: 10,229	Software glitch this PM. Member file was corruted and everyone who logged in for a 3 minute period got the profile of the first person in the file....me. Rich __________________ S.W.A.T. Magazine Weapons, Training and Tactics for the Real World Join us at TFL or at AR15.com or on Facebook