Dan Wesson 357 snub identification

[TennJed]

Picked up my first Dan Wesson today and was looking for help id'ing the model. The serial number is 325xxx. Says it was made in Monson, MA. It has a 2.5" barrel. No model number on it. There is a "3" in a circle under the grips. Does that make the a 15-3? (I don't see a 15 anywhere on it, it is just the only DW model I have heard of)

Few questions

1) Anyone know the approximate year it was made?

2) I know there were different factories. How is the quality of the Monson ones?

3) can this model take the interchangeable barrels

4) what do I need to look for if I want to swap grips? medium frame? Small frame? Round butt?

 

[MC 1911]

Its been a while since I had a DW revolver so this is from memory.

1.) It's a Model 15 probably made in the early 80's.

2.) Most consider the Monson built guns to be the best.

3.) Yes the barrels should interchange.

4.) Grips are limited as the screw goes up from the bottom if I remember correctly.

I'm sure others will chime in.

 

[bipe215]

All you need to know:

http://www.danwessonforum.com/forum/revolvers/what-model-do-i-have-start-here/

 

[TennJed]

Thanks guys, thought I would post a pic of the El Paso Holster that came with it

 

[micromontenegro]

15-2

 

[wogpotter]

Yup ,its a 15-2, a 15 would have the porkchop barrel shroud.
Look into the muzzle there should be a recessed circular "nut" with 2 cuts in it. To change the barrel you need (obviously) a barrel & shroud, a wrench & a 6 thou feeler gauge. All available from EWK arms.
For grips you need "small, frame, square tang" models Hogue made rubber & exotic wood types with finger grooves & DW themselves made several grip styles. There is also a custom grip maker who advertises on the DW forum referenced earlier.

 

[micromontenegro]

You will need a longer grip screw for most stocks. Your "broomhandle" grips are about the smallest available, and use a shorter screw. IMHO, those are about the only grips that allow really good concealment with the DW. I love mine. Mind you, they also take more training for fast recovery using full house loads. And of course, they look funny ;-)

 

[TennJed]

Does anyone know the specs on these Dan Wesson 15? What is the weight with the 2.5" barrel?

 

[wogpotter]

What exactly are you looking for in terms of specs other than weight?

 

[TennJed]

What exactly are you looking for in terms of specs other than weight?

weight and hieght. Just curious really. Feels pretty heavy (not a bad thing for a shooter)

 

[hammie]

I don't know how accurate my digital bathroom scales are, but, unloaded, mine weighed in at 32 ounces, even.

I will have to concur with montenegro. I replaced my wooden "broomhandle" grips with hogue monogrips. The hogue grips are not significantly bulkier and make the revolver more controllable.

As for the height, I will leave that exercise for you.