Dan Wesson 357?
- Thread starter Bearhands
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BADUNAME13
Member
I don't know what the V indicates, or if it + or - the value. But I see Dan Wessons from the high $200's throught the $300's in that condition (Or slightly batter)
It just depeneds on the seller it seems.
It just depeneds on the seller it seems.
I'd say $250ish they don't hold their value like S&W, Colt or Ruger. they are very good guns tho.
madmattmd
Member
I agree on the $300 range for the DW 15-2V (“V” stands for vent rib, “VH” stand for vent heavy – meaning a full barrel lug), with $300 being at the top of the range for that condition.
I have several DW .357 magnums (a 15-2V Pistol-Pac and 715-2V stainless). Although clearly not as smooth as a S&W, even when the action is worked, they are very stout and very accurate.
Matt
I have several DW .357 magnums (a 15-2V Pistol-Pac and 715-2V stainless). Although clearly not as smooth as a S&W, even when the action is worked, they are very stout and very accurate.
Matt
I've got a model 15 in the safe... only thing I don't like is the latch, it's an accurate, reliable revolver.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
I'd say 'bout $260 topps for just a plain DW .357 model 15V with only the 8"
barrel~!
barrel~!
madmattmd
Member
As previously stated, the DA trigger is not as smooth (and can not be made as smooth) as a S&W or Colt Python. As it was explained to me, it’s because it’s a “stacking action.” That said, it don’t “suck.” If you want a Python action, pay $1K or more for one. Also, I actually prefer the DW cylinder latch over S&W and Colt for ease of use with a speedloader in competition. Personal preference is subjective.
I’ve had the action smoothed in my 715 and a Wolff (yes, they still offer the parts in their catalog) reduced power spring kit installed. Still, it’s not as slick as the S&W 19, 28, and 586 I’ve had the same work performed on by the same gunsmith.
If you’re looking for a very stout revolver in .357 magnum for SA (or even DA, I’ve used mine in IDPA and been quite happy with it), you can’t find better for the money. DW revolvers have been very underrated because of some quality issues (guns made in Palmer, not the Monson ones from what I hear) but I’ve had no problems with mine. CZ/DW Customer Service has been great too. Keep in mind that the barrels are still available and make a Model 15/715 a versatile choice for revolver folks.
If you find a Monson Model 15 for $300 or less, jump on it. You’ll never be sorry.
Matt
I’ve had the action smoothed in my 715 and a Wolff (yes, they still offer the parts in their catalog) reduced power spring kit installed. Still, it’s not as slick as the S&W 19, 28, and 586 I’ve had the same work performed on by the same gunsmith.
If you’re looking for a very stout revolver in .357 magnum for SA (or even DA, I’ve used mine in IDPA and been quite happy with it), you can’t find better for the money. DW revolvers have been very underrated because of some quality issues (guns made in Palmer, not the Monson ones from what I hear) but I’ve had no problems with mine. CZ/DW Customer Service has been great too. Keep in mind that the barrels are still available and make a Model 15/715 a versatile choice for revolver folks.
If you find a Monson Model 15 for $300 or less, jump on it. You’ll never be sorry.
Matt
madmattmd,
Doesn't the Colt's DA trigger stack up as well?
I polished the innards of my DW with a Dremel tool, and it's smooth but still stacks. Can't do anything about it except put in lighter springs, but even then it will stack but it won't be as noticeable. It's just the inherent design of the gun.
Dan Wesson marketed these as long range silhouette shooters, so he didn't have the ability or desire to improve the DA design.
My gun is a Monson model from the very first incarceration of the company.
Doesn't the Colt's DA trigger stack up as well?
I polished the innards of my DW with a Dremel tool, and it's smooth but still stacks. Can't do anything about it except put in lighter springs, but even then it will stack but it won't be as noticeable. It's just the inherent design of the gun.
Dan Wesson marketed these as long range silhouette shooters, so he didn't have the ability or desire to improve the DA design.
My gun is a Monson model from the very first incarceration of the company.
madmattmd
Member
Geister,
I think the Colt is a stacking type action too. I’ll have to check my Kunhausen book. That said, the Python has slickest factory trigger to my finger. A vintage Python DA trigger action seems to be on ball bearings. I’d love to have a Python 4”, but I can’t justify over $1,000 for a revolver (unless it was a Registered Magnum, now WAY out of my price range).
I’ve used my DW 715 in IDPA with good results after having the action smoothed and the reduced power spring set installed. The mass of the gun (I have to use a DeSantis S&W N frame holster for it) really soaks up the .38 caliber recoil. I’ll be trying out a S&W Model 586 in IDPA as soon as I get it back from the gunsmith and order a holster. I love being able to use the same SafariLand Comp III speedloaders in the DW and S&W 19/586 (K/L frame). It saves a lot on equipment so I can afford to shoot more.
I recently purchased a DW 15-2V Pistol Pac and already have the Wolff reduced power spring set for it. I’ll be taking it soon to my gunsmith to have the action in that smoothed and the spring set installed.
BTW, I just saw a DW 15-2VH 4” on consignment at a gun shop for $500! It looks to be in very good condition, but, unless it has something about it that makes it more desirable/collectible, it’s probably close to $200 over priced. The folks that buy a Model 15 for less than $300 are really getting a deal for a life-long companion.
The DW .357 Magnum revolvers (14/15/715) are great guns for the money and seem to be underappreciated by the mainstream market.
Matt
I think the Colt is a stacking type action too. I’ll have to check my Kunhausen book. That said, the Python has slickest factory trigger to my finger. A vintage Python DA trigger action seems to be on ball bearings. I’d love to have a Python 4”, but I can’t justify over $1,000 for a revolver (unless it was a Registered Magnum, now WAY out of my price range).
I’ve used my DW 715 in IDPA with good results after having the action smoothed and the reduced power spring set installed. The mass of the gun (I have to use a DeSantis S&W N frame holster for it) really soaks up the .38 caliber recoil. I’ll be trying out a S&W Model 586 in IDPA as soon as I get it back from the gunsmith and order a holster. I love being able to use the same SafariLand Comp III speedloaders in the DW and S&W 19/586 (K/L frame). It saves a lot on equipment so I can afford to shoot more.
I recently purchased a DW 15-2V Pistol Pac and already have the Wolff reduced power spring set for it. I’ll be taking it soon to my gunsmith to have the action in that smoothed and the spring set installed.
BTW, I just saw a DW 15-2VH 4” on consignment at a gun shop for $500! It looks to be in very good condition, but, unless it has something about it that makes it more desirable/collectible, it’s probably close to $200 over priced. The folks that buy a Model 15 for less than $300 are really getting a deal for a life-long companion.
The DW .357 Magnum revolvers (14/15/715) are great guns for the money and seem to be underappreciated by the mainstream market.
Matt
madmattmd,
What's the ammo rules for shooting a .357 in IDPA?
I love my Dan Wesson, but I've about gave up on the DA trigger. All I can do at this point is stick in some reduced springs. Which Wolff springs are you using, as in pounds? I don't want to get too soft.
What's the ammo rules for shooting a .357 in IDPA?
I love my Dan Wesson, but I've about gave up on the DA trigger. All I can do at this point is stick in some reduced springs. Which Wolff springs are you using, as in pounds? I don't want to get too soft.
madmattmd
Member
Geister,
I have the Wolff Shooters Pak for the Model 15/715 (Stock no. 32310). It includes a 7.5# and 8# reduced power hammer spring (Wolff shows the factory spring at 9#), along with a reduced power trigger return spring. I’m using the 7.5# in my 715. I haven’t had any problem with “light” primer strikes with the modification. I would think that some of the “hard” primers might create a problem.
http://www.gunsprings.com/Revolver/DanWesson_RvNF.html
Having the action polished and installing the Wolff reduced power spring set radically improves the DA pull. I was just comparing the modified Model 715 DA to the non-modified Model 15 action tonight. It’s a completely different revolver with the modification. I’m taking the Model 15 to my gunsmith tomorrow.
Matt
I have the Wolff Shooters Pak for the Model 15/715 (Stock no. 32310). It includes a 7.5# and 8# reduced power hammer spring (Wolff shows the factory spring at 9#), along with a reduced power trigger return spring. I’m using the 7.5# in my 715. I haven’t had any problem with “light” primer strikes with the modification. I would think that some of the “hard” primers might create a problem.
http://www.gunsprings.com/Revolver/DanWesson_RvNF.html
Having the action polished and installing the Wolff reduced power spring set radically improves the DA pull. I was just comparing the modified Model 715 DA to the non-modified Model 15 action tonight. It’s a completely different revolver with the modification. I’m taking the Model 15 to my gunsmith tomorrow.
Matt
madmattmd
Member
OOPS! Sorry, two part questions always confuse me.
The IDPA “power floor” (PF) for .38/.357 is 125,000 in “SSR” (Stock Service Revolver – essentially, a gun that uses speedloaders) and 165,000 for the “ESR” (Enhanced Service Revolver - moon-clip guns). To calculate PF, you multiply the bullet weight by the muzzle velocity. In my research of factory loads, they all easily exceeded SSR PF and many exceeded the PF for ESR.
Matt
The IDPA “power floor” (PF) for .38/.357 is 125,000 in “SSR” (Stock Service Revolver – essentially, a gun that uses speedloaders) and 165,000 for the “ESR” (Enhanced Service Revolver - moon-clip guns). To calculate PF, you multiply the bullet weight by the muzzle velocity. In my research of factory loads, they all easily exceeded SSR PF and many exceeded the PF for ESR.
Matt
hemiram
Member
I have had 6 DW 357's over the last 28 years, and there seems to be some differences in the trigger return springs that affects the action. On my first one, the mainspring and trigger springs had been replaced and there were a lot of misfires. I bought two repacements for each as I had bought another Mod. 15, and the two trigger return springs were totally different, one was made from round wire, one from square wire. The round one was much smoother. These were both factory repacement springs. The square one seems much stiffer to me.
When I got my 715 back in Jan, it had the round spring, but the 15 I got in March had the square one. Swapping them made a big difference. I'm trying to find a round one, but the only one I found so far was square. The Model 15 I have now was amazingly dirty inside, and the frame was the roughest of any of the six by far. a little dremel work had it slicked up quite a bit. All my guns were/are Monson guns.
When I got my 715 back in Jan, it had the round spring, but the 15 I got in March had the square one. Swapping them made a big difference. I'm trying to find a round one, but the only one I found so far was square. The Model 15 I have now was amazingly dirty inside, and the frame was the roughest of any of the six by far. a little dremel work had it slicked up quite a bit. All my guns were/are Monson guns.
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