How do I tell? I bought it at a gun show this past weekend. I've heard to watch out for the Palmer-made guns. How can I tell by looking at the gun where it was made? My gun says "Monson, Mass" on it. Would that be where it was made or has that always been their headquarters but were made at other plants? Thanks!
Where was my Dan Wesson .357 made?
- Thread starter tjhands
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Peter M. Eick
New member
If it says "Monson" then guess what. Yours is a Monson gun. If it would have said "Palmer" then it would be a Palmer gun. You can also get "Norwich" guns if they are from the current maker.
All of my older DW's are Monsons and my Norwich 722 is very nice.
Good luck and enjoy them. The DW's are great guns and very under rated by the "unknowning" public. Also sorry for the kidding but I could not resist.
All of my older DW's are Monsons and my Norwich 722 is very nice.
Good luck and enjoy them. The DW's are great guns and very under rated by the "unknowning" public. Also sorry for the kidding but I could not resist.
Swamp Yankee
New member
Peter kinda nailed it.
What model did you get? They made a couple of different configurations of the small frame? If it's one of the early models with the really wobbly rear sight you may want to replace it with a new Millett.
Other than that, by all means go out, shoot, and enjoy that bad boy.
Take Care
What model did you get? They made a couple of different configurations of the small frame? If it's one of the early models with the really wobbly rear sight you may want to replace it with a new Millett.
Other than that, by all means go out, shoot, and enjoy that bad boy.
Take Care
I believe it's a Model 15.
Pete, that's OK about the ribbing.
I figured I was begging for a snicker or two by asking such a "DER!!" question, but had to make sure.
BTW, I'm wondering what kind of car I own. It says "Jeep Wrangler" on it, but can anyone confirm this for me? LOL
Pete, that's OK about the ribbing.
I figured I was begging for a snicker or two by asking such a "DER!!" question, but had to make sure. BTW, I'm wondering what kind of car I own. It says "Jeep Wrangler" on it, but can anyone confirm this for me? LOL
Peter, I had one of the Monson's as well bought in Abilene in 1980 and yeah, it was the most accurate .357 I've ever had or fired. Problem is, I sold it! I would very much like to have it back, but I don't have a majic lamp or wand. Have you fired any of the new ones? They have changed the top strap and don't appear to be as nicely finished as the original. BTW, CZ-USA recently acquired Dan Wesson and announced it at the SHOT show a few weeks ago. 
The Body Bagger
New member
By a 5'3" man in Iran with a prothetic size 13 1/2 left foot on his lower right leg.......
fishhuntnut
Inactive
Saw a NIB .357 for $450 - Good Price??
I saw a special edition DW .357 for sale at a dealer for $450. It was an Eastern Sportsman 20th aniv model ESD-01. Not being a DW literate person, can someone fill me in on the particulars??? Thanks, Tom
I saw a special edition DW .357 for sale at a dealer for $450. It was an Eastern Sportsman 20th aniv model ESD-01. Not being a DW literate person, can someone fill me in on the particulars??? Thanks, Tom
Peter M. Eick
New member
My opinion having now owned/own 6 different Monson/Norwich (no palmers) Dan Wessons is that the current maker (DW or from Norwich) are the BEST overall DW's made.
Ok, that may generate some heartburn, but hear me out.
The current norwich guns are not as nicely finished as the Monson's. The triggers come from the factory rougher then the Monson's. But. The sights are much better on the Norwich. The parts are all forged or cast and not sintered. The triggers wear in perfectly. The cylinder stop is part of the frame and does not fall out. The current manufacture (Norwich) takes care of the customers!
If I were to buy (another) one to hang on the wall, I would go early Monson. BUT, to shoot, go for the Norwich 1st, or Monson 2nd. Palmer last.
Ok, that may generate some heartburn, but hear me out.
The current norwich guns are not as nicely finished as the Monson's. The triggers come from the factory rougher then the Monson's. But. The sights are much better on the Norwich. The parts are all forged or cast and not sintered. The triggers wear in perfectly. The cylinder stop is part of the frame and does not fall out. The current manufacture (Norwich) takes care of the customers!
If I were to buy (another) one to hang on the wall, I would go early Monson. BUT, to shoot, go for the Norwich 1st, or Monson 2nd. Palmer last.
Swamp Yankee
New member
Gulped a few Tums but that's OK,
Being so close literally and figuratively to the old Dan Wesson Arms I have a hard time thinking they were ever made anywhere but Monson.
I really can't pass judgement on the Norwich revolvers, I just keep accumulating those marvelous old Monson bargains.
Peter, you owe it to yourself to track down a Monson Mass. Supermag. Nothin' better. They are truly hand fitted masterpieces.
However, I just purchased 2 DW 1911's two weeks ago. Pointman in 45 and 9mm. (I couldn't decide which one to get so that's what happens) They are exceptional for the money. I walked out with both for about $1150 total. My smith who is taking the 4-1/2 pound triggers with a little creep down to a crisp 3 pounds was absolutely astonished at how well made and the fit up of these two guns. This from a guy half of whose very good livelyhood comes from building custom 1911s.
Anyway let's just say I'll agree to disagree, but you gotta stop saying nice things about the DW revolvers. You'll drive those bargain basement prices up.
Take Care
Being so close literally and figuratively to the old Dan Wesson Arms I have a hard time thinking they were ever made anywhere but Monson.
I really can't pass judgement on the Norwich revolvers, I just keep accumulating those marvelous old Monson bargains.
Peter, you owe it to yourself to track down a Monson Mass. Supermag. Nothin' better. They are truly hand fitted masterpieces.
However, I just purchased 2 DW 1911's two weeks ago. Pointman in 45 and 9mm. (I couldn't decide which one to get so that's what happens) They are exceptional for the money. I walked out with both for about $1150 total. My smith who is taking the 4-1/2 pound triggers with a little creep down to a crisp 3 pounds was absolutely astonished at how well made and the fit up of these two guns. This from a guy half of whose very good livelyhood comes from building custom 1911s.
Anyway let's just say I'll agree to disagree, but you gotta stop saying nice things about the DW revolvers. You'll drive those bargain basement prices up.
Take Care
Peter M. Eick
New member
Ok, we can agree to disagree on the Monson vs. Norwich. No problem here.
I am looking slowly and steadily for a 357 Max Supermag Monson. I have not found it yet, but I will continue to look. I have been collecting reloading data for a few years on the 357 max so I am ready.
The Norwich a quite good though, but the Supermag has to be a Monson!
I am looking slowly and steadily for a 357 Max Supermag Monson. I have not found it yet, but I will continue to look. I have been collecting reloading data for a few years on the 357 max so I am ready.
The Norwich a quite good though, but the Supermag has to be a Monson!
I'll throw this up again for those who might not have heard it already. Dan Wesson was acquired by CZ-USA, who don't make revolvers or 1911's, so it could be interesting. Maybe, better distribution with hopefully very high standards of quality control. The CEO of Dan Wesson is now with CZ-USA.
Thanks Peter for the evaluation on Monson vs. Norwich. Either in .41 Magnum would be fine with me.
Thanks Peter for the evaluation on Monson vs. Norwich. Either in .41 Magnum would be fine with me.
Peter M. Eick
New member
Sorry Stans, I could not resist any longer.
The Monson is on the top, the Norwich is on the bottom.
This just happens to be one of my better pictures of the dw revolvers. Since this picture, I have picked up a bunch more Monsons. I really need a new picture.
The Monson is on the top, the Norwich is on the bottom.
This just happens to be one of my better pictures of the dw revolvers. Since this picture, I have picked up a bunch more Monsons. I really need a new picture.
Peter, that Norwich .22 looks pretty dog-gone good. The model 15 reminds me too much of the one I had, for me to comment on without biting my lip, except that my 8" model had the lighter barrel. I think I would feel pretty comfortable now getting a Norwich .41 Magnum. Thanks for the pics!
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