Dan Wesson Pistol Pac thread

[geojap]

Hello all,

I've been collecting firearms for a relatively short time period (5 years) and have just discovered this revolver package. There is only one High Road thread on Dan Wesson revolvers here: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7581&highlight=dan+wesson+pistol+pack and only one web site that has good info on Dan Wesson revolvers and the pistol pac: http://www.notpurfect.com/main/dwrev.htm . I thought it would be beneficial to start a thread on these seemingly under-represented and very nice revolvers. I am now in the market for one of these (probably a 15-2 in .357mag) so I'd appreciate the information you could share. These look like a super-nice and very interesting pistol because the different barrels swap in and out. What more can you ask for? You get a well-made frame, plus 3 or 4 interchangeable barrels of different lengths. It has a similarly cool, practical, flexibile nature like the interchangeable barrels of many 40S&W and 357SIG pistols. What a package.

Using the Dan Wesson Model 15-2 Pistol Pac as the starting point, what are your general opinions about it (strengths, weaknesses)? Got any pics? What is the price range for a Model 15-2 (and other variations) pistol pac in new or good/used condition? What configurations are your favorite, and why? What do you think about the older Model 14 and 12 variations (they seem to sell for very reasonable amounts)? Any other good commentary to add?

Thanks for the info.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Well, I don't have the pistol pack, but I do have 2 DW revolvers.

The barrel change is nice, easy to do, and quick. I can swap one in about 45 seconds. If you keep the threads lubed with anti-seize compound, it is a really quick change. Don't torque the barrel down when hot. Not a good idea. The guns are accurate, really accurate. The triggers are pretty darn smooth once the wear in a bit. I like mine both in double action over single action. The short throw hammer is odd if you are used to colts and smiths, but it works well.

My summary, good guns, under-appreciated but low resale value.

 

[rolltide]

I own 4 Dan Wesson revolvers. 2- 357's , 1-44 Mag, and 1-445 Supermag. They are all great guns, accurate, strong, good finish. The interchangeable barrel system is simple, secure, and makes for a real versatile package. I have scopes mounted on some of my longer barrels. Of course the scopes stay zeroed when the barrel is detached and reattached. That is nice. My Dan Wesson 44 will put 6 shots in 2 cloverleafed holes at 25 yards. The 357 is about comparable in size to a L-frame S&W. I had a 686 S&W and I would take the Dan Wesson in 357 anyday. Not that the Smith was a bad gun. THe Smiths are great guns, the Dan Wessons are just better for what I value a revolver for. I think you will be very pleased with a pistol pack. Look on gunbroker.com and auctionarms.com for prices.

Roll Tide

 

[stans]

My first handgun was a DW 15-2, it came with an eight inch plain barrel. I bought a six inch heavy ventilated barrel for easier carry. It was accurate and very reliable. The finish was first rate and the interchangeable barrel system worked pretty well. The cylinder is the same size of the S&W K-frame, but the frame is a little larger. As for strength, I would say it is as strong as a S&W L-frame. I really liked the way the stocks were held onto the frame. It was a stud that the stock slipped over and was secured with a screw through the bottom of the stock. This would make it very easy to carve on the stocks and make just about any shape that fits your hand. I traded mine away many years ago, regreted it ever since.

 

[Shootcraps]

My first .44 Magnum was a Dan Wesson 744VH with 8" barrel. Bought it with the intention of deer hunting with it. I did take it out a few times, but never bagged a deer. A couple of years later I sold it. It was a super accurate gun and the action was great.

I just won a 15-2 Pistol Pac in .357Magnum on Gunbroker.com. Can't wait to get it and try it out. I've seen these priced from $500 to over a thousand dollars. I've heard that you don't see them too much because people sell the barrels separately and get more money. That's a real shame. Here's a pic of it.

 

[41mag]

One extra barrel doesn't make a pistol pac but I do like them.
A 744 & a 15-2.

 

[Shootcraps]

Sweet. How well does that ported barrel work?

 

[41mag]

Shootcraps?HeHeHe,that's what I pull out when the smart alec in the next lane is having too good of a time with his AK.

It's actually a screw on unit from,IIRC,Spearfishing(?) Industries.I bought it from Brownells about ten years ago.

To answer your question though,It literally makes the recoil basically non-existant.It's a heavy gun-so that helps too.A little perspective-I have an 8.375 full underlug Smith 629.Both muzzle"whip" & recoil are more noticeable w/the Smith.The ball of fire is pretty entertaining too.

 

[Shootcraps]

Cool. I love that big fireball! I have a LewHorton M29 with 3" barrel that's being Magnaported. CAn't wait to see what the results are.

 

[MikeB]

No Pistol packs, but I have two DW 15-2's with several barrels, as well as a .357 Max and a .445 Supermag with a 4" and 8" barrels. They are all excellent shooters.

The pics aren't very good, but here is the .357 Max and the .445 Suprmag.

 

[Shootcraps]

I really like that 445 Supermag with the 4" barrel on it. I'd like to find a .44 Mag pistol pac. And I want to get another stainless .44.

BTW, there are a couple of other pistol pacs on gunbroker.

 

[41mag]

Very nice Mikeb.Where did you get the stock for the .445?Is it original?

 

[MikeB]

Where did you get the stock for the .445?Is it original?

The stocks were that way when I aquired it. I don't know if they are original or not, I always assumed they were but didn't actually look into it. Good question.

It's a heck of a lot of fun to shoot, especially with the 4" barrel.

 

[unspellable]

DW 357 Super Mag

It should be noted that the Dan Wesson 357 Super Mag is actually chambered for the 357 Super Mag and not the 357 Maximum. This not withstanding the fact that it is marked 357 Maximum.

The 357 Super Mag is a bit longer than the 357 Maximum and is generally loaded with a heavier bullet. Just as a 38 Special can be fired in a 357 Magnum, so a 357 Maximum can be fired in the 357 Super Mag.

On the other hand the Ruger 357 Maximum was actually chambered for the 357 Maximum and will not accept a 357 Super Mag cartridge.

I've always known this, but recently went to the range with a guy who had the Ruger and so I could compare cylinder lengths etc. My Super Mag cartridges would not chamber in his Ruger.