Dan Wesson help

croc4 · January 13, 2009, 12:10 AM

I have a second hand Stainless Dan Wesson .357 that I picked up many years ago, it was a good deal so could'nt pass it up. Anyway around the firing pin hole there is a small divet, its not very big or deep, but when fired the primers show a noticable raised bump. Is there something that can fill or correct this? without replacing the frame?

Croc4

James K · January 13, 2009, 04:27 PM

Is the expanding primer hanging up the cylinder? If there is no problem except the primer appearance, I wouldn't worry about it. The frame might be repaired, possibly by installing a firing pin bushing, but it is not a job for the average gunsmith (IMHO). I would call DW and see if they will take a look at the gun even though it was made by the old company. If not, someone like cylinder and slide (www.cylinder-slide.com) might be willing to do the job.

Jim

croc4 · January 13, 2009, 10:11 PM

Thanks Jim,

So far it has not caused a problem, but I'm anticipating at some point it might.

Croc4

Harry Bonar · January 14, 2009, 09:40 PM

Sir;
As Jim says, if it doesn't bind anything up I'd not worry about it.
However, there is something I'd like to mention.
If you're using this revolver for combat, and you find yourself ascending a staircase be sure to cock the hammer before doing that. Dan Wesson revolvers, due to the cylinder frame set up will, on some case heads, "hang up" when cocking the revolver in the up position (or DA it) making a really bad situation. Always test your ammo and make sure it will cycle smoothly when held up and the cases slide back a tiny bit. I've had this happen to me on staircases as you're ascending after a bad guy or a house clearing (which is tantamount to suicide) and didn't like it! It could have just been my pistol but I's still check it!
Also, and very important; after you fire several rounds plinking take the shroud wrench (bbl too) and while the bbl is hot tighten the nut tight. Dan Wessons with the barrel nut will get loose when firing.
Harry B.

croc4 · January 17, 2009, 02:55 AM

Thanks Harry

Very wise advice, It will only be a range gun, I'm in cali after all. But I respect your advice.

Croc4

jbaldwin · January 21, 2009, 09:51 AM

You can always contact Dan Wesson directly to see what they say about it. Also you might want to visit the Dan Wesson Forum as well lots of guys with experience with these revolvers on there.

January 13, 2009, 12:10 AM	#1
croc4 Senior Member Join Date: March 9, 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 191	Dan Wesson help I have a second hand Stainless Dan Wesson .357 that I picked up many years ago, it was a good deal so could'nt pass it up. Anyway around the firing pin hole there is a small divet, its not very big or deep, but when fired the primers show a noticable raised bump. Is there something that can fill or correct this? without replacing the frame? Croc4

January 14, 2009, 09:40 PM	#4
Harry Bonar Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2004 Location: In the Vincent, Ohio general area. Posts: 1,804	Dan Wesson Sir; As Jim says, if it doesn't bind anything up I'd not worry about it. However, there is something I'd like to mention. If you're using this revolver for combat, and you find yourself ascending a staircase be sure to cock the hammer before doing that. Dan Wesson revolvers, due to the cylinder frame set up will, on some case heads, "hang up" when cocking the revolver in the up position (or DA it) making a really bad situation. Always test your ammo and make sure it will cycle smoothly when held up and the cases slide back a tiny bit. I've had this happen to me on staircases as you're ascending after a bad guy or a house clearing (which is tantamount to suicide) and didn't like it! It could have just been my pistol but I's still check it! Also, and very important; after you fire several rounds plinking take the shroud wrench (bbl too) and while the bbl is hot tighten the nut tight. Dan Wessons with the barrel nut will get loose when firing. Harry B. Last edited by Harry Bonar; January 14, 2009 at 09:43 PM. Reason: text

January 13, 2009, 04:27 PM	#2
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	Is the expanding primer hanging up the cylinder? If there is no problem except the primer appearance, I wouldn't worry about it. The frame might be repaired, possibly by installing a firing pin bushing, but it is not a job for the average gunsmith (IMHO). I would call DW and see if they will take a look at the gun even though it was made by the old company. If not, someone like cylinder and slide (www.cylinder-slide.com) might be willing to do the job. Jim

January 13, 2009, 10:11 PM	#3
croc4 Senior Member Join Date: March 9, 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 191	Thanks Jim, So far it has not caused a problem, but I'm anticipating at some point it might. Croc4

January 17, 2009, 02:55 AM	#5
croc4 Senior Member Join Date: March 9, 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 191	Thanks Harry Very wise advice, It will only be a range gun, I'm in cali after all. But I respect your advice. Croc4

January 21, 2009, 09:51 AM	#6
jbaldwin Member Join Date: February 14, 2008 Location: Salem, VA Posts: 78	You can always contact Dan Wesson directly to see what they say about it. Also you might want to visit the Dan Wesson Forum as well lots of guys with experience with these revolvers on there.