Dan Wesson Price Check

D

Dain Bramage

New member
I've been looking for a replacement since my Colt Trooper III was stolen. I'm debating getting a used Dan Wesson .357 magnum revolver. It's been sitting on a local gun shop shelf for a few weeks, and the price dropped from $309 to $249. It looks like it's 99% with unblemished bluing, and a 6 inch barrel. I don't know how their trademark quick-change barrel works, but it has some kind of fitting at the muzzle. I didn't see a model number on the gun.

It looks light duty compared to a magnum S&W sitting next to it, in barrel and cylinder thicknesses. The dealer says it wasn't designed for a steady diet of the hottest magnum loads. I'm not looking for a fancy target gun, but a "do it all" magnum. A Ruger GP-100 at the same shop, 4 in, full underlug, in stainless is $100 more.

Realistically, it will be a nightstand gun loaded with .38 spl +P 158gr SWCHP most of the time. My wife likes this load and will practice with it. Occasionally, I might strap it on for hiking, loaded with hard-cast magnum loads. I have other guns for CCW carry, and rifles if I want to hunt. What do you guys think? If you can't tell, we're on a budget.
 
Would take exception with your dealers opinion.

Check the model number. Model 15, DW small frame is approximately the same size as a S&W "L" frame. (586, 686).
As to handling full power loads I wouldn't worry. DW's are all built like tanks. My Model 715 is pushing 20 years old and is still as tight as the day I bought it. It's my favorite handgun and believe me gets plenty of range time. Check the place of manufacture. If it's Monson, Mass. these were probably the best DW's ever turned out. Palmer, Mass. wouldn't scare me but they did let some lesser quality units out towards the end.
DW accuracy is unquestioned. For years when I was shooting IHMSA the only gun to have was a DW. Just about all top places fell to DW.
For your intended purposes I believe the Model 15 will serve you well. If you ever decide to use it for carry, although the 15 is a bit big to conceal, just install a 2 or 4 inch barrel and your good to go.
For the condition you describe $249 is reasonable, but try offering $225.
Take Care
 
Swamp Yankee, my DW 357 does not have a model number anywhere that I can find.

I picked mine up with a 2.5" bbl and also picked up a 6" bbl. I've had it to the range a couple of times and it shoots fairly well. (Need to do something about the rear sight though.) For me it seemed to handle the recoil very well with the round butt wood grips.

The fitting at the muzzle you saw with the barrel nut. I seem to recall there have been two different types. Mine has two slots straight across the bbl. The wrench (I don't have one yet) fits inside the bbl and can unscrew the nut. Once the nut is off the bbl, the shroud can be removed. After the shroud is off, just unscrew the bbl. Replacement is in reverse order, using a feeler gauge to set the bbl/cylinder gap.
 
I have to go check it out again. The dealer has a range attached, and let's people test fire used guns (well, maybe not the $2,600 broomhandle Mauser). It sure does look pretty, and if I get more good testimonials, I might buy it.
 
The Dan Wesson 357's are well built and will stand up to a lot of heavy shooting. The first thing that will wear out will probably be the barrel, but is is easily replaced and they are not expensive. The cylinder is the same size as the Smith "K" frames, but the frame itself is heavier and is comparable to the "L" frame in terms of durability. I once had a 15-2, Monson production, sorry I let that one get away. Oh, the indescretions of youth.
 
It's not as tough as a gp-100, but will wind up being more accurate, and you can tighten cylinder/barrel gap to very tight tolerances.
The 715 I have wasn't as accurate, but it had a problem with the barrel, so I replaced it with a new 10 lug barrel.
Cost, around $40.00
Accuracy is excellent now.
A word of warning, though.
These NEED snap caps if dry fired at all.
If you don't use snap caps when dry firing, the gun will not go bang all the time.
Also, the 715 is very light weight. A 6" DW prolly weighs the same as a 4" 686 or ruger GP.
Full power magnum loads will kick more than a 686 or gp-100.
 
Do whatever it takes to get a barrel wrench. Make it (or lack of it) part of the negotiation on the price.

They made some that were service models (at least in name), and they had fixed sights. If it is one of these, I would hesitate on that price.

The only problem I have seen is that the cylinder locks on certain models got loose after awhile.

I have a warm place in my heart for DW 357s, since my ex-wife shot herself with mine :D
 
I checked the gun again, and it's a Monson with adjustable sights. It has a serial number in the 1,271,xxx range. Definitely no model number. I haven't shot it yet, but I'm afraid if I do, I'll buy it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top