[GunNut]

I've asked about this gun before, but here I go again.

To start with I just today got a S&W 342PD, and like it very much. I also have a S&W 629 Mountain gun that I shoot very well.

I'm starting to think that maybe I shoot revolvers better than my semi-autos.

I am looking at a Dan Wesson made in Palmer. It is a 2-1/2" .357mag with a fixed barrel and is stainless steel. The pawn shop is asking $300 but it has been there quite a while and I believe they will deal.

This gun appears to be in very good condition, it has obviously been fired, but not abused.

Is this gun any good?

Does a 2-1/2" barrel produce enough velocity for self defense purposes?

Would this be a good buy at $225-250 or should I keep on shopping?

Thanks,
Steve

[caz223]

Sounds a bit high.
The monson, mass guns are generally better than the palmer guns, and the newer guns are better yet.
Fixed barrels command less resale, and DWs aren't known for their high resale.
Verdict: If you like it, run the Jim March checkout, and if it passes with flying colors, offer him $200.
If he wants more, let someone else buy it in a few years.
If it doesn't pass the checklist, stop, and look elsewhere.

[Jim March]

Ya, if it's NOT a swappable barrel type, it's not as desirable as other DWs.

That said, the design is good. Basically what you'll have is a 6-shot "K-frame-class" piece about halfway in strength between an S&W K and L frames, probably closer to L, but in a pretty compact "K-ish package".

Now, that's not a bad combo.

And to answer your other question: yes, the better 357 self defense loads will get up a good head of steam even from a 2.5" tube. 357s in that barrel length category are common enough that some loads are being tuned for them. The Proload 125grain 357 "Tactical Lite" was designed for decent power plus controllability in a J-class 2" snub 357, and are an excellent choice in K-class pieces with short tubes.

In very good shape (cylinder gap from .002" to .004" plus very tight lockwork and a good trigger), if I liked how it fit my hands, I'd pay as much as $225-$250 depending on local market conditions. I would very much prefer a fairly tight gap on a gun like that, so if I wanted to run 38+P to reduce indoor noise/flash I'd still get enough velocity for expansion.

[GunNut]

caz223 and Jim,

Thank you for the information.

I'll check it out completely, and if it seems right I'm going to offer him $200.

Otherwise, maybe I'll look for a Ruger GP100 and put hogue grips on it. I like the fit of the hogue grip on a revolver.

Thanks,
Steve