Dan Wesson Disassembly

mrMONEYman · August 12, 2008, 01:21 AM

I have a Dan Wesson 22vr that I just purchased not too long ago. I LOVE it, but I'm starting to lose hope in this gun. I need some cleaning advise.

The trigger won't reset after each shot. It doesn't matter if it is single action or double action. The trigger would stay in the fire position after each shot and the only way to reset the trigger is to lightly pull back the hammer or lightly push the trigger forward again. I only ran into this problem after putting the gun through heavy usage (like 300 rounds). I'm thinking that the previous owner has never cleaned the gun and there are a lot of gunk internally.

How do you disassemble the gun to reach the inside. I'm not sure if it is like taking apart a S&W revolver (which I have done before). Can somebody guide me in detail stripping my revolver, or point me in the right direction. I want to inspect the inside and give it a good cleaning before losing hope in the gun.

Here is a pic of the culprit:

Thanks in advance.

noelf2 · August 12, 2008, 09:51 AM

Sounds like you may have a problem with the trigger return spring (either broken or bent). Check out the link below for a parts / disassembly breakdown for the revolver. I have a DW 15-2, but have never taken the side plate off to look at the guts. I probably should since I've had it for 26 years now.

http://stevespages.com/ipb-dwesson-revolvers.html

Majic · August 12, 2008, 03:00 PM

You will need the multi- purpose tool or a set of allen wrenches. Remove the stock. Cock the hammer and take the stock screw to capture it. Then remove the sideplate. If you want to remove the crane/cylinder assembly there is a small U shaped rod holding the crane in the frame (item 42 on that exploded diagram). TAKE CARE NOT TO LOSE IT. You may need tweezers to pull this lock out then the assembly just slides out the front. If you want to remove the hammer carefully remove the stock screw while controlling the hammer. You then can remove the hammer, strut (mainspring guide), and mainspring.

john in jax · August 12, 2008, 03:14 PM

I was able to pull the sideplate off my DW .357 and clean it up real good without removing the internals, but there were TOO MANY itty-bitty parts and springs for me to feel like I could get it apart without launching something across the room never to be seen again.

On my DW .357 there seems to be a lot more parts/springs than the Rugers and S&W's I've had apart. As long as you stick to just removing the sideplate for a good cleaning you will have no troubles whatsoever. However if you go digging it'll depend on how good and experienced you are.

mrMONEYman · August 13, 2008, 03:40 AM

Thanks guys.

I'll give it a try this weekend and report back to how it went. Hopefully, the gun will only need a good cleaning and nothing is broken or too bent out of shape.

August 12, 2008, 01:21 AM	#1
mrMONEYman Member Join Date: September 26, 2007 Location: Western Wisconsin Posts: 90	Dan Wesson Disassembly I have a Dan Wesson 22vr that I just purchased not too long ago. I LOVE it, but I'm starting to lose hope in this gun. I need some cleaning advise. The trigger won't reset after each shot. It doesn't matter if it is single action or double action. The trigger would stay in the fire position after each shot and the only way to reset the trigger is to lightly pull back the hammer or lightly push the trigger forward again. I only ran into this problem after putting the gun through heavy usage (like 300 rounds). I'm thinking that the previous owner has never cleaned the gun and there are a lot of gunk internally. How do you disassemble the gun to reach the inside. I'm not sure if it is like taking apart a S&W revolver (which I have done before). Can somebody guide me in detail stripping my revolver, or point me in the right direction. I want to inspect the inside and give it a good cleaning before losing hope in the gun. Here is a pic of the culprit: Thanks in advance.

August 12, 2008, 03:14 PM	#4
john in jax Senior Member Join Date: August 11, 2005 Posts: 1,099	I was able to pull the sideplate off my DW .357 and clean it up real good without removing the internals, but there were TOO MANY itty-bitty parts and springs for me to feel like I could get it apart without launching something across the room never to be seen again. On my DW .357 there seems to be a lot more parts/springs than the Rugers and S&W's I've had apart. As long as you stick to just removing the sideplate for a good cleaning you will have no troubles whatsoever. However if you go digging it'll depend on how good and experienced you are. __________________ America is at that awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the bastards. Claire Wolfe

August 12, 2008, 09:51 AM	#2
noelf2 Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2008 Location: Stafford, VA Posts: 1,330	Sounds like you may have a problem with the trigger return spring (either broken or bent). Check out the link below for a parts / disassembly breakdown for the revolver. I have a DW 15-2, but have never taken the side plate off to look at the guts. I probably should since I've had it for 26 years now. http://stevespages.com/ipb-dwesson-revolvers.html

August 12, 2008, 03:00 PM	#3
Majic Senior Member Join Date: May 24, 2004 Posts: 3,888	You will need the multi- purpose tool or a set of allen wrenches. Remove the stock. Cock the hammer and take the stock screw to capture it. Then remove the sideplate. If you want to remove the crane/cylinder assembly there is a small U shaped rod holding the crane in the frame (item 42 on that exploded diagram). TAKE CARE NOT TO LOSE IT. You may need tweezers to pull this lock out then the assembly just slides out the front. If you want to remove the hammer carefully remove the stock screw while controlling the hammer. You then can remove the hammer, strut (mainspring guide), and mainspring.

August 13, 2008, 03:40 AM	#5
mrMONEYman Member Join Date: September 26, 2007 Location: Western Wisconsin Posts: 90	Thanks guys. I'll give it a try this weekend and report back to how it went. Hopefully, the gun will only need a good cleaning and nothing is broken or too bent out of shape.