Dan Wesson M-15 .357
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CajunBass
Member
I've got a Dan Wesson 22 that is built on the same frame as the 357. It fits in a holster that is marked for a Smith & Wesson K/L frame if that's any help. It's more the size of the "L" frame.
This picture isn't great, but it does show a "K" frame Smith & Wesson Model 17 over the DW 22. They're both 6" barrels so it's a pretty fair size comparison I think.
This picture isn't great, but it does show a "K" frame Smith & Wesson Model 17 over the DW 22. They're both 6" barrels so it's a pretty fair size comparison I think.
mainmech48
Member
It's just a tad larger than a "K" frame, closer to the ".41-sized" frame of the Colt Python and its Army Spl. ancestors.
IME, many holsters marked for "K" frame S&Ws will work, although there can be just enough variety in the tolerance spreads to give you problems. The best I can tell you is to try it on your own pistol before you buy it.
When I got my first 15-2 back in the mid '70's I ordered a holster from Safariland and specified "Dan Wesson 15-2V 6" on my order. The one they sent was marked "Colt Python" on the back and fit perfectly.
IMO the "L" frame holsters should do just as well, as that revolver is also just a tad larger than a "K".
IME, many holsters marked for "K" frame S&Ws will work, although there can be just enough variety in the tolerance spreads to give you problems. The best I can tell you is to try it on your own pistol before you buy it.
When I got my first 15-2 back in the mid '70's I ordered a holster from Safariland and specified "Dan Wesson 15-2V 6" on my order. The one they sent was marked "Colt Python" on the back and fit perfectly.
IMO the "L" frame holsters should do just as well, as that revolver is also just a tad larger than a "K".
it is a rather odd duck in that the frame size is close to an L-frame and the cylinder is K-frame size
45crittergitter
Member
It's a bit smaller than a Python if memory serves.
Orange_Magnum
member
I'm not totally impressed. Had a 15 and have a 14 (fixed rear sight). Neither of the barrels pointed straight, the hole in the frame being like that, that is. A Ruger GP141 is probably your best bet. Take your time examining the straightness of the barrel and timing before you buy anything. There are many interesting 1911s out there. They shoot straight at least. My 3.7" 9mm auto is as accurate as my 8" Dan Wesson .357 magnum. I'd pass, knowing what I know.
wheelgunslinger
Member
yeah, so were you going to say something about how it compares sizewise to a smith?
I buy K frame holsters for mine and they work fine.
Peter M. Eick
Member
Smaller then an N frame, bigger then a K.
Simply put it is built like an absolute tank. Extremely strong and solid. Cheap but well made. I used one to see how hot I could load a 357 magnum too. The gun held to the point I did not have the nerve to shoot it in my hand any more.
They are exceptionally strong well made guns. They just don't have a cult status other then with shooters.
Simply put it is built like an absolute tank. Extremely strong and solid. Cheap but well made. I used one to see how hot I could load a 357 magnum too. The gun held to the point I did not have the nerve to shoot it in my hand any more.
They are exceptionally strong well made guns. They just don't have a cult status other then with shooters.
Orange_Magnum
member
When the size in comparison to other revolvers had already been given by others I thought additional information about the revolver could be of interest. Mybe he was hesitant about buying one with size being the determing factor? But then, why should he buy one at all, was my take on it. Thinking outside the box is what I like to do. Maybe I saved him a whole lot of aggrevation?
I need another .357 like I need another hole in my head, but I like to try different things, and was wondering about a Dan Wesson. Like Peter M. Eick said, reasonably priced, so why not. Have not "pulled the trigger" though. Yet.
Orange_Magnum
member
If you want to try a Dan Wesson in .357 magnum, go for the model 14. It's stronger built and the blocky rear sight of the model 15 isn't good anyway. If you find that the fixed rear sight of the model 14 does not make the bullets land on bull's eye you can gently sand the rear end of the barrel shroud which will make the barrel shroud, and barrel, point in the desired direction. When the barrel alone is screwed into the frame there is a bit of wiggling to it in all directions, which is what makes adjustive pointabilty possible. I have one model 14 with an 8" and a 4" barrel, two large very comfortable wooden grips and two speed loaders, and the tool to screw the nut of the barrel with, and a bag of spare internal parts, springs, etc. You can have the package for $550, shipping included. I have done sanding on the front of the frame too where the barrel shroud touches. The two barrel shrouds have to be screwed fast to the frame with the front sights pointing slightly slightly to the left, rotated, as seen from behind, in order to hit bull's eye.
hemiram
Member
Sounds like you messed it up, to be honest. I've had 5 model 15's, and one 715, and all have been great shooters. The rear sight on one of them did break, but it was a gun I got for $125 bucks due to it having a heavily pitted barrel. Since I had a new one, it wasn't a big deal, and I had a bunch of new sights too. Never had to do anything to swap barrels out, they hit dead center on all of them. Problems during ownership consisted of a clipped mainspring on one causing misfires, and a broken trigger spring on another. They were all bought used, so these weren't a shock..
I would take a model 15 over just about ANY other .357. They are strong as hell, accurate, and can be fixed in a couple of minutes, unlike just about any revolver out there. I've had a Python, an S&W 19, a 66, and a 28, and I would pick the DW first, with the 28 a close second.
Now if I only had the spare cash for a 44/744..
I would take a model 15 over just about ANY other .357. They are strong as hell, accurate, and can be fixed in a couple of minutes, unlike just about any revolver out there. I've had a Python, an S&W 19, a 66, and a 28, and I would pick the DW first, with the 28 a close second.
Now if I only had the spare cash for a 44/744..
i wish i could find one available in CA. they were as technically inovative , in their day, as the HK P9 and P7 and the Glock
strangelittleman
Member
I bought a M15 w/ 4"HVY BBL VR ( Monson Mass ) that had been abused somewhat by the previous owner, so I "rescued" it by buying it. I worked on it to get all the salt & sand damage off & out of it,(it had been on the coast, in a charter fishing boat) only to find it had a broken trigger pivot pin and a few other small things out of spec.
So, I called CZUSA/Dan Wesson and received fantastic customer service & support from them, they performed all needed repairs in a timely manner ( approx 4weeks from the time I shipped it by UPS, They returned it via Fed Ex) only after calling me and giving an estimate and answering any questions I had. They had great quality workmanship, friendly reps, and fair prices.
CZUSA/Dan Wesson has top notch customer service, definately among the best in the industry!!
My M15 is now a great shooter, smooth, accurate, controllable with the hottest factory loads, and built-for-hell stout! A real keeper! I am as fond of it as I am of my S&W M19 4" nickel. Good revolver, Great customer service!!!
So, I called CZUSA/Dan Wesson and received fantastic customer service & support from them, they performed all needed repairs in a timely manner ( approx 4weeks from the time I shipped it by UPS, They returned it via Fed Ex) only after calling me and giving an estimate and answering any questions I had. They had great quality workmanship, friendly reps, and fair prices.
CZUSA/Dan Wesson has top notch customer service, definately among the best in the industry!!
My M15 is now a great shooter, smooth, accurate, controllable with the hottest factory loads, and built-for-hell stout! A real keeper! I am as fond of it as I am of my S&W M19 4" nickel. Good revolver, Great customer service!!!
3rd Generation American
Member
9mmepiphany, I just picked a DW 15-2 up in South cal. for 250. with a 6" barrel. Keep looking they are in this state.
When it gets released to me I'll let you know how it shoots.
When it gets released to me I'll let you know how it shoots.
hey guy thanks for keeping the hope alive. did you find it at a gun store?
and it's great to hear that CZ is offering service
and it's great to hear that CZ is offering service
Waldo Pepper
Member
My DW 15 that I put a new heavy shroud on just recently has out shot my other revolvers both before and after the change out of the shroud. I got rid of my Ruger GP100 because the DW has a better trigger, shot better groups and it didn't have a 6" barrel. I would rather have my Mod 15 HV6 over a S&W 686 any day and is why I have passed on some good buys on 686 in the last couple of months.
By the way would anyone sand the frame to change the point of aim, if anything you should have sanded the shroud. But I would have sent it to DW for them to do a proper check and repair.
I am ordering a 4 inch shroud for it this month from DW so as to use it as a drawer PD gun in my bedroom and retire the S&W 1006 to the safe or trade/sell the gun.
By the way would anyone sand the frame to change the point of aim, if anything you should have sanded the shroud. But I would have sent it to DW for them to do a proper check and repair.
I am ordering a 4 inch shroud for it this month from DW so as to use it as a drawer PD gun in my bedroom and retire the S&W 1006 to the safe or trade/sell the gun.
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