Lady Blue: Colt Python vs Dan Wesson Model 15VR

[Waldo Pepper]

Not sure of exact dates as such, but early 80's to about 2005 I think. But you would need to check with historical buffs at the Dan Wesson forum to find out all that type of info as to history of the company.

As for reasonable price there is no such thing these days for any guns from what I have seen. But any model 15 or 715 (SS version) you see in nice condition for under $500 you better jump. Average about this time last year for a nice 15 w/o box or papers was running about $400 to $450 at most gun shops and auctions with the 715 stainless model bringing $75 to $100 more.

That said they are starting to get hard to find again and getting higher in price also. So good luck in your hunt. My 15 I would not sell for less then $650 to $700 for both 4" & 6" barrels and that would include scope mount on 6 " barrel. I would sell my NIB S&W 686 Plus before my DW for sure.

 

[wad]

This link gives the rundown of all the Dan Wesson revolver models: http://www.danwessonforum.com/?page_id=18

Waldo is correct, the prices of most Dan Wesson's are climbing. If you keep a close watch, you can still find a nice clean one for under $400. For someone that doesn't have one, a Pistol Pack is a nice place to start, if you have the spare cash. -> http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=142993246

 

[Waldo Pepper]

One thing that really blew some minds on the DW forum was my 722 (LR) with a WMR cylinder. That thing with the WMR cylinder and 8" barrel will out shoot my Ruger 96 22WMR lever gun at 25 yards.

 

[hardluk1]

A single barrel 357 15-2 can be bought from 350 up to around 450 for a like new . The earliest models from monson mass plant. and into the early palmer years also the super mags were statedand these were the best years by far. DW being a small company had some problems during change of owner and the middle years had lower sales and lower quailty. Now after cz bought them the price was pretty higher but great guns and most of us regular shooters problably did not have much interest in the super mag series or the price that went with the line then them. I have had a 33 year old dw, 357 that still is the best shooting handgun i ever shot. I picked up a 44 mag about 3months ago and is not as nice as my 357 but is also a 30+ year old model and will place shots just as well. The 44 are a big handgun though, heavy. They also tened to have a plum colored frame with deep black/blue barrel shroud,trigger gaurd but don't let that stop from buying one. 44's can go for a bit more. Pistol packs now can get kind of pricey but offer 4 barrels two grips several color sites and case. That would be the cats a** of the wessons. If you see a nice DW it should have at least a barrel wrench and be sure that it will loosen the barrel to be sure the owner did service it properly. There is some history on the wesson line but not sure when the vr 's started. My 44 has the heavyshroud and two barrels, one vented and one not,that is the one i shoot. The 357 is a standard shroud with 4" and 8" barrels. I like to pull colt owners finger when i get a chance too, know big deal.

 

[BigBore]

Ok I am a member of the DW forum as well..I have a pre 83 Monson Mass 15 VH ..V stands for Vented rib H stands for Heavy meaning full under lug

As for dates..The first pic will explain the dates..

The second pic of the DW you are referring too which is a 15 VH with out any doubt (notice BBL nut)also full lug running the length of the barrel and the vented rib..

If you are wanting a DW .357 mag may I suggest looking for the ones made in Monson Mass.They are the early Dan Wesson and are now very sought after.Even seeing prices on Gun broker on these going for $750.00 which is shocking to me for a DW..

Accuracy , well quite simply put is up to the user.Yes the revolver is very accurate even more so than a Smith & Wesson..But now with that said I must include the fact that its still not the best beginners gun.You have to use the spacer and understand that you have to be pretty darn exact with the way you tighten the bbl nut down.Also you need to re check that same nut after about 8 rounds to make sure its holding tight..So remember that gap gauge and bbl wrench when you go out shooting.

Hope this helps some..They are a truly fine weapon in the right hands..

 

[opr1945]

I don't belong to the DW forum, or own one; but in the slides at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fs5jhdYsO2I the first gun she is shown holding looks to me like it has a much longer barrel than the one's she is holding at the end of the slide show.

I do own 4 J frames, two similar taurui and a rossi. Oh, ya, and a S&W Model 10 with a 5" barrel. I think.......

 

[Resto Guy]

I own a DW is identical to the one Waldo Pepper posted pictures of, in like condition. I would like to shoot it more, but began having a light-strike issue with different brands new ammo. If any fellow DW owners have had a similar issue and would care to send me a message as to a cure, I would greatly appreciate it.
Now, back to topic.
She is hot!