Dan Wesson Question...

M

makarov

New member
Brought my new (old) Dan Wesson home and it shoots pretty well. I tried on all three barrels and both sets of grips. Lots of fun just making change configurations! Anyway, I was checking to try and find more info on the net and there is almost nothing. It is marked as a 15-B (B as in Boy) I am almost positive it is not an 8 - I looked very carefully. It has adjustable sights. I will post a picture soon, but can anyone tell me about a 15-B designation? Year of production, current parts availablility/interchangeablility? Like I said it shoots pretty well, but cylinder play is a little loose maybe. Also, was wondering how does it function without a forcing cone? It does not appear to have one by design. Barrel screws right up next to cylinder - set it to .006" per booklet. Barrel does not appear to have what I would normally call a forcing cone though. Am I missing something? Would not be the first time.

Thanks,

Makarov
 
No forcing cone? That is a new one on me. Years ago I had a 15-2. The barrel was conventionally rifled and had a forcing cone. Is it possible that there is a buildup of lead that has obscured the forcing cone?
 
It has a forcing cone, unless you put the barrel on backwards.... ;)
It basically has a taylor throat right from the factory, AFAIK.
I think the B stands for the second design barrel nut, but I'm not sure.
Your barrel nut is countersunk into the end of the barrel right, or is it exposed?
Also, what does your barrel tool look like??
Also, how many lugs in the barrel, 6, 10, etc?
Is it ported?
If so, which style, the magna port style, or the power port?
The only DW I currently own is a 715 with a new 10 lug barrel.
 
Where was it made? Monson Mass.? That will at least narrow the manufacture date to possible decades.
AFAIK all Model 15 parts, barrels and shrouds are interchangeable with the current items being produced by the new ownership. Have bought barrels and parts for my Model 22 and they fit perfectly.
Check the rear sight, a lot of the early Dan's had very wobbly rear sights. I believe the new DW is using Milletts. I swapped out the sight on my Model 22 just for that reason.
Would also suggest pulling the sideplate and disassembling the cylinder/crane assembly and giving them a good cleaning. Some of the early Dans were very tight, such that any crud would literally gum up the works.
As to the cylinder gap Daniel B. recommended .003 inches. He went to a .006 feeler gauge because customers would send revolvers back for "binding actions" when all they really needed was to clean the cylinder face and end of the barrel.
Good Luck with that Dan. Let us know how it shoots.
Take Care
 
Thanks for the replies.

It does have a recessed barrel nut, not like the model 12. It is made in Monson. Not sure what you mean by lugs on the barrel? The barrel is just a tube - there are longer threads on one end, the end that goes towards the cylinder. I don't have it in backwards, but there really doesn't seem to be a distinct forcing cone area, but it must be slightly tapered there. I will give it a thorough cleaning. It does shoot well, and I will try going to a tigher gap. It did not come with the feeler gauge, but did come with two tools.

The rear sight seems really solid and well made. Fully adjustable. I am anxious to give it some more range time. I just put about 15 rounds through it after buying it just to make sure it functioned OK.

- Makarov
 
If I remember correctly, my Dan Wesson had a very short throat in the barrel and it was Monson, Mass production and the rear sight did wobble. Overall, I really liked that revolver and I frequently wish I still had a DW.
 
try going down to .004"...that's where i have my python and PPC gun set. the nice thing about having a removable barrel is that you can have it easily throated if you like.
 
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