Dan Wesson reload technique.

[wogpotter]

For those not familiar with the Dan Wesson’s odd front locking catch here’s a tutorial you might find helpful, enjoy. The forum limit on images means I have to do this in 2 posts, sorry for the inconvenience.

DISCLAIMER FOR THE SAFETY ORIENTED VIEWERS.:
At no time were live rounds present during the demonstration. All rounds were inert action proving dummies with no powder or live primers. Safety as always came first. The down angle is also a safety consideration & it helps keep the frame tight to show the best detail.

I’ve written this before, but it takes longer to describe than to do so I thought a few images with captions might be a better alternative. I apologize for the few reversed view angles but those showed the technique to its best advantage.

Starting with firing for a right-handed person using a 2-hand grip.

Once the gun is empty the left thumb just slides up to pull the latch down, while the fingers grasp the whole cylinder.

As soon as the latch drops the gun is rotated muzzle up & the cylinder broken open

The thumb naturally ends up on the ejector rod, which is pushed dumping the fired cases.

 

[wogpotter]

The gun is flipped muzzle down with the left hand while the right retrieves the speedloader.

I use the type with the rotating release, which I turn while stopping the cylinder from rotating to drop the reloads into the chambers.

Dropping the empty loader, the gun is grasped with the right hand as the cylinder is closed with the left.

Voila! Done you can now fire the second set.

 

[hemiram]

Well, it's nice that you posted this, but I don't see how anyone could possibly have any "problems" doing a quick dump and reload on a DW. The latch is perfectly placed, at least for me.

 

[wogpotter]

Its a question of familiarity IMO. There are lots of posts regarding the "clumsiness" of the DW positioning. If you're used to the Smith& Wesson or Colt's positioning this might be helpful to learn a new trick for when you get offered a Dan, or buy one & find the transition clumsy.

Its not really aimed at experienced DW owners, but those new to or considering the brand.

 

[DaleA]

Nice clear pictures Wogpotter showing what you mean. I liked it.

Hemiran posted:

but I don't see how anyone could possibly have any "problems" doing a quick dump and reload on a DW. The latch is perfectly placed, at least for me.

Strangely enough I agree completely with you. All my early DA revolver shooting was S&W and Colt or clones of them but one short explanation of the DW front latch and when I tried it, it just felt natural and straight forward. I honestly had much more trouble switching between the S&W 'push the catch forward' and the Colt 'pull the catch back' than I did with the DW front latch.

The DW 'pistol pack' was always something I lusted after and who knows...might still get one someday, that is if folk like you QUIT extolling the virtues of system and let the price on the 'oddball' revolver drop a bit.

 

[MrBorland]

Thanks for the write-up wogpotter. Very helpful.

 

[VonFatman]

Thanks for posting the photos.

Bob