Dan Wesson 715 Stainless 8" .357 value

[bikemutt]

I have an opportunity to trade for a Dan Wesson 715 stainless 8" .357, about a $500 trade value on my end.

The seller says he know very little about the gun other than it is in excellent condition, the pictures appear to support that.

I asked if the gun was a CZ-made pistol, the answer is it says "Made in Monson". From what I recall reading that would make it an original DW, not a CZ.

Anyway, the trade includes the DW service tool (for barrel changes?) and box.

Thoughts from the experts as to the actual value of the DW?

Instinctively, it seems at least fair since a brand new Taurus could be had from had for $500 or so, DW revolvers appear to me to have a somewhat better reputation for build quality and reliability.

 

[hardluk1]

That sounds like a good trade value. Not that many still have box and being a some what early ss model will make for a fine shooter. SS models sell for more than blued for sure and blue sell for anywhere from 350 for a beater to 450 for a nice model here . The few 715;s I have seen have sold for 450 to 600 with a box.

Just feel it out good besure it works smoothly and with the wrench let the owner dis- assemble the barrel to see that it has been mantains well, not froze up. Good luck.

 

[788Ham]

bikemutt,

Just from your description, I'd make the deal. The DW, if actually taken good care of, will be worth that amount posted by the previous poster, and possibly more. If seller will let you, take to a reputable smith and have it checked, just a CYA step, before making the trade. Sounds like quite a trade offer, I'd do it. post a pic or two when you finish the trade. Good luck!

 

[bikemutt]

OK, I suppose I should disclose what I'm giving up to get the DW: an excellent condition Ruger GP100, Target Gray color, 4" .357 6-shot. The reality is I like looking at the Ruger more than I like shooting it so it's become a safe queen.

Just going through my memory banks, I haven't seen a 4" GP100 go for more that $500 around here lately (private sales). The color makes it a bit more special.

I really hope this goes down, I did get a chance to shoot this same caliber and barrel length DW some time ago, I really liked it.

 

[hardluk1]

In a new york second. buy the wesson

 

[warnerwh]

+1 I'd much rather have the Dan Wesson.

 

[bikemutt]

OK, the deal went down, I got the DW 715. I have to say it was love at first sight when I laid eyes on this gun, corny as that sounds, it's true. It was all I could do to maintain discipline and perform all the mechanical checks. As far as I can tell the gun is in excellent cosmetic and functional condition. How it performs when fired will have to wait for a couple days when I can get in some range time. Everything was as-described.

Getting a picture in the present ambient light proved difficult but I'm posting the one shot that came out decently. Thanks for the encouragement, I feel like I went perch fishing today and reeled in a mermaid

Well, the grip is obviously not original. Pursuing a grooveless, smooth wood grip will be one of my next tasks.

 

[warnerwh]

Congratulations and a smart move. You are going to love it. For any info on Dan Wessons the best place is: danwessonforum.com. There you can learn all about your revolver that is very strong and known for excellent accuracy. Changing barrels is very easy and quick.

 

[hardluk1]

Bikermutt Now you get to check out the guy that offers LB Custom Grips for the DW's and EWK for nice upgraded items to sold thru the DW forum. No SS parts yet but you can get shorter and longer barrels from him cheap along with some nice fiber optic front site's replacements. Wecome now to the real DW group. Not those 1911 copies

 

[F-111 John]

Bikemutt, Head on over to the Dan Wesson forum. Also, take a peek at EWK Arms for a nice fiber optic front sight. You're also going to want the .006" feeler gauge to go along with the barrel wrench.