Opinions on Dan Wesson Revolvers?

J

John T

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I am interested in opinions about Dan Wesson guns. What is the quality of material and workmanship? Accuracy? What is the general reputation about their revolvers? I am intrigued about the removable barrels. Is there any downside on switching barrels? Thanks.
 
Are you talking about the older Dan Wessons or the new ones being made now? I have heard widely varying reports on quality on the older ones. The new ones are supposed to have better quality control, but I haven't heard much about them in the last few months. Are they producing them now? Being able to change barrel lengths appealed to me too. Was looking at the website a while back. The screw in barrels also allow you to adjust the gap between the cylinder and barrel. There is a "shroud" that goes over the actual barrel that makes it look like other revolvers.
 
DW are exellent guns. The shortes double action trigger in ill revolvers.
The action is not as clean as in Smith, but close.
They have no removable side plate, so the frame is stronger.
One thing you should know is that their frameas are not forged, they are investment casted (a la ruger).
The lockwork is very dfferent from any other revolver.
They are VERY acurate. They are also expensive, or at least new ones are.
I have an old DW 44mag and I love it.
Too large for carry though.
 
Thanks for the replies. I was looking at the new models. How do they compare with S&W revolvers relative to weight? I am looking for an alternative to S&W...
 
I think you will be very pleased. As mentioned earlier the frames are investment cast ala Ruger. Since Ruger makes the strongest line of regular revolvers I think you will find Dan Wessons equally strong. The 445 Supermag is a nice one if you want power. The adjustable barrel gap is nice for acccuracy and limiting gas loss through the gap. You might also try Taurus they are very similiar to Smiths only they are built stronger and have coil springs to eliminate the "stacking" that smiths are famous for also they have floating firing pins to reduce breakage. The outer contours are virtually identical to the similiar sized smith and clintons. Good luck!
 
In the past, the large frame Dan Wesson revolvers were bigger and heavier than the large (N) frame S&W revolvers. Their accuracy and strength made them popular with IHMSA shooters.

I like the Dan Wesson barrel system but I've avoided their revolvers because the cylinder release is in the "wrong" place for someone who's used to shooting Smiths and Rugers. That's also why I've avoided Colts.
 
I've had 4 Dan Wesson revolvers in .357 and can say nothing about the and, their strength. It is true that they have been out of business several times and are now back in business.

You might try their web sight: www.dan-wesson.com
 
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