Dan Wesson .357

[g_one]

I have a Dan Wesson 357 revolver that I inherited from my father. Unfortunately he was the only one in the immediate family that cared much for guns so I have no idea what model/year it was.

Before anyone redirects me to some other website: I have searched google, the Dan Wesson forums, and a few other message boards extensively, unfortunately I haven't been able to find an answer. Sorry if I've missed it somewhere but I was waiting to post this until I was sure it wasn't available with just a search.

It's chambered in .357, and although it appears to be one of the models with interchangeable barrels the only one I have for it is the 5". It closely resembles many of the pictures I've seen of the Model 14 but the grips are different. Can anyone provide me with some insight?

Serial number 286XX (only 5 digits)

 

[bikemutt]

I'd go with a model 14. I've seen and handled a 14 and yours looks just like it.

 

[conhntr]

Ive never seen one parked. Shuld be blue!

 

[bikemutt]

The one i saw looked parkered too but it was more a matte blue. I would have bought the gun if it had adjustable sights.

 

[g_one]

This one was blued originally, but when I came into posession of it, it had quite a bit of rust damage, I had it park'd shortly thereafter

 

[Steve CT]

Porkchop shroud, recessed barrel nut, grooved frame fixed rear sight (as opposed to a blade type rear fixed in a slot milled into the frame) should be a 14-1. 268xx is just about in the middle of the production run for 14/14-1's, 1971-early 1975. That is a DW grip, probably from a little later gun than the original, and the grip has probably been refinished a bit, it's higher gloss than normal.

 

[hardluk1]

I think steve CT is right on with this. And if you deside to return it to its blued glory Give Blue Ridge Blueing a call. He did DW revolvers for some time and does wonderfull work. Prices are good too.

EWKarms was going to make a short fiber optic sight for it if wanted and a how does it shoot.

 

[HDCamel]

I'm with Steve CT.

The 14 no dash is the only .357 DW I know of that has the porkchop shroud and fixed sights.

 

[bikemutt]

Sorry for the dumb question but what is a porkchop shroud?

 

[HDCamel]

Sorry for the dumb question but what is a porkchop shroud?

I'll use OP's pic because I don't really feel like looking for another one.



The barrel shroud has a piece that sticks all the way out to the bottom of the frame. The older DWs did this to index the shroud to the frame.



Later models (the -2s) have a pin on the frame and a hole in the shroud to fulfill the same purpose without the awkward looking piece sticking out.

 

[hardluk1]

A daughter of a hunting friend has one of the high standards made just like the 14 series DW and DW started make revolvers with the help of High Standard in useing some of there space so it was a deal between them before moveing to the monson building. High standard sentinal MKII and MKIII.

 

[bikemutt]

Thanks HDCamel!

 

[REB]

Part of the reason for extended shroud on the older Dan Wesson was to retain the cylinder crane. The newer models incorporate an internal retaining c-clip.

 

[rswartsell]

Forgive me as I am usually a function over form guy, but I have come to value the asthetic of the DW revolver and that (pork chop park'ed combo) is the ugliest DW I have ever seen. I hope it shoots really well.

 

[mdemetz]

Forgive me as I am usually a form over function guy, but I have come to value the asthetic of the DW revolver and that (pork chop park'ed combo) is the ugliest DW I have ever seen. I hope it shoots really well.

The orginal with the external barrel nut looked even worse.

 

[g_one]

Followup, not just a bump.
Looking into getting a hogue for it. I'm pretty sure it's what they're calling a "small frame" (link) but before I buy the grip, anyone care to throw in two cents that it's not the large frame (link)?

 

[hemiram]

Yes, it's the small frame. The large frame is huge.

 

[hardluk1]

rswartsell You might be suprised as those old DW revolves may still out shoot the best than s&w can produce today.
But the earliest designs do have an abundance odd design features

Note size difference in photo of a 357 and a 44mag-

For the new to DW guys heres a guy that makes some cool grips for DW-http://lbcustomgrips.com/

 

[g_one]

Another bump but with one last followup question

As I understand it this gun hasn't been fired in at least 15 years. When I had it park'd I didn't send the grips so they didn't either. Aside from a few rust knots it seems to be in good shape . I've completely disassembled it and oiled it. I should be OK taking it to the range and putting some 38 +P through it right?

 

[hardluk1]

If it works smoothly run some rounds thru it. Just remember with those 38's to clean those cylinders chambers well before shooting any 357sor it will not chamber rounds. I would probably just buy some umc /remmy 38's for it to let you get use to it and then after a good chamber cleaning jump up to some remmy 158gr 357 loads. Still mild loads. Enjoy