I have an opportunity to buy Dan Wesson model 15 357 with a 4 inch barrel, wood grip and adjustable rear sight for about $500. Condition seems to be very good to excellent. I've heard some stories, that Dan Wesson are one of the finest and most accurate guns. But since this is not a production gun, I can not read it's specs from the web site... Can someone please tell me if the size and weight of this model closer to S&W L-frame or K-frame? Also how this gun compares to S&W Model 19. And finally, is the asking price fair for (lets say) an average condition? Thanks.
Dan Wesson model 15 - a few questions
- Thread starter AID_Admin
- Start date
The model 15 , not the 15-2 typicaly has whats called a pork chop barrel shroud and is not easly changed to other barrel lengths unless you already have them. See if the photos below match the one your looking at and which one. http://www.danwessonforum.com/archive/shroud-types/
There are some fixed barrel models also in the 15-2 series.
The 15-2 series has a straight shroud and there a very good small market of parts barrels and shroads for it from EWKarms and from CZ still. It is highly upgradeable but both can be very accurate.
The 500 dollar price is high. 300 to 350 for a very nice 15 and up to 50 more for a nice 15-2.
Go to danwessonforum, become a free member and educate your self on the diffent DW revolvers in the archives section. You really want one made in monsoon mass or early palmer days. Size is some what between the k & l frame. very stronger revolver for its size and capable of shooting some stout loads.
There are some fixed barrel models also in the 15-2 series.
The 15-2 series has a straight shroud and there a very good small market of parts barrels and shroads for it from EWKarms and from CZ still. It is highly upgradeable but both can be very accurate.
The 500 dollar price is high. 300 to 350 for a very nice 15 and up to 50 more for a nice 15-2.
Go to danwessonforum, become a free member and educate your self on the diffent DW revolvers in the archives section. You really want one made in monsoon mass or early palmer days. Size is some what between the k & l frame. very stronger revolver for its size and capable of shooting some stout loads.
It actually is, or was, a production gun, it's just not made any more having been replaced with newer versions.
Its between the "K" & the "L" frame, so for things like holsters look for "L" frame stuff. (S&W 686 & so on) are similar enough for a reasonable fit.
Speedloaders are the samre as "K" frame you need the 10-A, or 10 to work with the DW cylinders & chamber spacing.
In good condition I'd go $300.
Its between the "K" & the "L" frame, so for things like holsters look for "L" frame stuff. (S&W 686 & so on) are similar enough for a reasonable fit.
Speedloaders are the samre as "K" frame you need the 10-A, or 10 to work with the DW cylinders & chamber spacing.
In good condition I'd go $300.
300 ish is around the actual value of a DW revolver. 99% of Dan Wessons for sale are hugely inflated due to being out of production. 'pistol packs' especially so. Much in the same way Python prices have sky rocketed.
I saw two yesterday a 15 with a half shroud barrel for 600 no box or tools and a 722 with 2 barrels box and tool for 625 sadly the latter someone tried to polish and made a million scratches in the gun. I offered 400 for it to which he took offense apparently.
I saw two yesterday a 15 with a half shroud barrel for 600 no box or tools and a 722 with 2 barrels box and tool for 625 sadly the latter someone tried to polish and made a million scratches in the gun. I offered 400 for it to which he took offense apparently.
madcratebuilder
New member
I paid $500 for a 15-2 with four barrel about five years ago. I've added grips and the case. The "pork chops" are $250+/- on Gunbroker.
The changeable barrels are the key to the accuracy these have. Having barrel tension applied from the muzzle end of the barrel.
The changeable barrels are the key to the accuracy these have. Having barrel tension applied from the muzzle end of the barrel.
The Model 12 with the "pork chop" barrel shroud is the original Dan Wesson Model, the Model 15 is its successor. Barrels interchange between all models in the same caliber. The sideplate screws do not, most internal parts do AFAIK. Yes Dan Wessons ARE very accurate. I would compare it to the Colt Trooper of S&W L frame rather than to the M-19. The somewhat larger frame makes it more of a heavy duty "true" .357. Can't say about the price, it was a fairly low production revolver and discontinued in 1974. I got my shrouds from Gun Parts but they are sold out.
micromontenegro
New member
I've found that the porkchop barrel DWs tend to be actually more accurate than the latter ones. Also, they retain zero (or remain very close to it) when changing barrels, unlike their younger brethren.
They are undeniably ugly, though.
They are undeniably ugly, though.
micromontenegro
New member
Hemi- I really don't know. It is just my experience with the few DWs I've had over the years. Over the DW forum several people agree with me.
Maybe the bottom-located pin in the porkchop`s shroud offers more positive alignement?
Maybe the bottom-located pin in the porkchop`s shroud offers more positive alignement?
Never seen any accuracy issues with the 4 dw revolver we have all with never shroads, Even when pulling to clean and check and resetting the barrel and shroud. Maybe more about the company that owned dw at the time than the shroad. Family guns from monson and palmer weree better guns reguardless the shroad type.