Dan Wesson 44, a good revolver?

[distra]

Let start by saying I don't have many nor do I shoot many revolvers. I'm an 1911 auto guy, so could you experts out there tell if this is a good buy? I picked up a Dan Wesson 44 mag 6" with interchangeable barrels, bright blue finish and wood grips. I traded my BDA .380 + $100 for it. Is that a decent deal or did I get taken? I plan on using this for shooting pins. Any information would be much appreciated. BTW, the revolver had the "History" tag on it and appears to be unfired.


Here are a few pix

 

[LoneCoon]

While I don't have experience with the .44 Dan wesson, I DO own a .357. The Dan Wessons are accurate, easy to maintain, and versatile unlike any other revolver.

Going hunting? Screw the 8" barrel on it and go at it. Sillouttes? 4" or 6", and it's gravy. Want to CCW a lot of firepower? Slap on the 2" barrel and compact grips and you're good to go.

It sounds like you got a deal actually. I hope you enjoy it.

 

[Goodshot]

I believe the Monson, Mass. manufactured revolvers to be some of the finest revolvers that any gun maker has offered. Thet will handle any load including the Garrett Hammerhead loads. Very strong and well made.

 

[GrantCunningham]

You did just fine.

(Wish I could find deals like that!)

 

[Deanimator]

I've never had one of their .44s, but used to own a .357. A friend used to own one of their early .44s.

Both guns were top notch. My .357 was exceptionally accurate. With the ported barrel, the .44 had almost no muzzle rise at all. It was equally accurate.

Assuming the QC on your gun is good, you have an excellent buy.

 

[hpg]

I have owned DW's 357's and 44"s. Great guns and a wonderful concept, that for some reason just didn't go over when introduced years ago. hpg

 

[Peter M. Eick]

No experience with the 44 DW's but their 357's and 22's are great. In particular the Monson's and the Norwich ones are beautiful and under appreciated guns. I bet you enjoy it a lot.

 

[Tom C.]

I have a DW 744 that originally had an 8" heavy barrel. I used it successfully for handgun silhouette. I recently changed out the barrel for a light 6" one. Makes more sense now that I no longer shoot silhouette. The gun is very accurate with either barrel, and very rugged. It should serve you well. If you plan to shoot it a lot, you may want to consider using Locktite on the barrel to keep it from coming loose as it heats up.

 

[distra]

...you may want to consider using Locktite on the barrel to keep it from coming loose as it heats up.

TomC, Locktite on the retaining nut at the end of the barrel? I have not taken it off yet, but did snug it up. I don't think is has not been fired other than the factory. Very few marks on the cylinder and no powder residue in the nooks and crannies. I plan on shooting it a lot at the pin shoots. I read it also has replaceable rear site blades, not sure it will be needed. I guess I'll send CZUSA an email and see what the status is on parts.

 

[Shootcraps]

The Dan Wesson revolvers are very good guns and you got a great deal.

If you plan to shoot it a lot, you may want to consider using Locktite on the barrel to keep it from coming loose as it heats up.

I've never heard of this being a concern and wouldn't advise it. Once you tighten it down it stays put.

 

[Baba Louie]

Not that you will scope it, but I've seen a scoped 8" DW 44 shoot 1" groups at 50 yds. which I'd call pretty accurate. They used to be 'the' gun to use in silhouette shooting.
I'd say you got the better end of that deal... even tho' the BDA .380 is a sweet mid size well built Italian handgun shooting a lot of small rounds.

 

[PinnedAndRecessed]

You got some extra barrels with it? How many and what length?

The thing I didn't like about the 44 DW was the hammer configuration. The spur slopes at such an angle that it makes it hard to grip with your thumb. Plus, the checkering is not that precise since it is a cast piece.

Mine would slip on a hot day (sweat).

Compare it to the DW 357. The hammer spur is at a much sharper angle which makes it much more secure to grip.

 

[Tom C.]

Because I was competing at long range with mine, everything was critical. I used Red locktite on the barrel as it went into the receiver (handles heat better), and blue locktite on the barrel nut. Not as hot and easier to take off. The guns are very accurate, but things can loosen up if you shoot rapidly and get it heated up. The barrel stretches as it heats, and you need to tighten the barrel nut when it is hot or it can loosen at an inappropriate time.

 

[distra]

No extra barrels with it, but I'm contacting CZ to check on parts. As for the hammer, it is sloped much more than my S&W 66, but the checkering seems ok. I'll find out tonight. Thanks for the replies, guys. I'll post a report after firing it tonight.

 

[BluesBear]

Unless it has been totally ragged out, you done good.

Real good.

 

[Radjxf]

I'm a S&W guy, but I love my old, ugly model 14 357. It's the low-end fixed sight model but shoots outstanding. Very sturdy guns that will probably tolerate more abuse than my Smiths with the bonus of swapping out barrels, adjusting barrel/cylinder gaps, etc. I think you did very well.

 

[rolltide]

You got an excellent deal. If you are looking for a 44 to shoot in competition on a regular basis, you can do no better at any price.

CZUSA does have parts and are making new guns. For more Dan Wesson info (history, factory contact info, technical info, etc.) you can check out the Dan Wesson forum at graybeards outdoors.

Good shooting,

Roll Tide

 

[distra]

I shot the revolver tonight with good and bad results I figured I'd dial it in on a target before our pin match. My first two shots on a target at 30ft were in the bullseye I was very excited by this result then I finished the cylinder...last 4 were a little low. The next 6 were all low as well. So I adjusted the sight up a notch or two and I was hitting point of aim. So I was really jazzed One more cylinder through and I'll be ready. Those six were right on maybe a touch low, but good I thought. So ends the good part of the story. Now for the disappointing part, I could not hit a pin to save my a**! Out of six shots, I knocked 2 off the table and winged one, it fell over. :banghead: I know it is not the revolver, but I was pretty disappointed. There were lots of ooooh's and aaaah's over it, but I could shot it for s*** when it came to the pins. I guess I'll practice this weekend and see I do better next week. Thanks again for all the info.