Dan Wesson Model 15 and Model 14...equal to what gun in other makes?

[Southern Shooter]

I have Dan Wesson revolvers in Model 15 (adjustable site) and Model 14 (fixed site) in .357 Magnum both with 6" barrels. They were produced during the Monson era.

What guns would be their equals made by S&W, Ruger, and Taurus?

How do they compare to the guns made by these companies?

Thanks

 

[hardluk1]

With a DW from the monson time it would be hard to compare. A s&w from the custom shop might be close. The ruger might be stronger but none should be able to out shoot those DW. I would not trade mine for any other pistol out .Taurus is a favorate of mine but not in the same league. Most any part that can wear out can be bought still some from CZ some from Blue ridge blueing. and others. Mine has had 8000+ rounds through it and been hunted with for years and still looks 95%. You have a couple great revolvers

 

[Mike J]

If you want information on Dan Wesson revolvers check out www.danwessonforum.com/
These are some really neat guns. I've got an old beat up model 15-2 I picked up out of a pawn shop back in the late 90's it isn't going anywhere. It is a Monsoon gun also.

 

[bang_bang]

I had always heard that their strength and durability was that of a Ruger Security-6...in comparison. I own a Model 15-2, excellent gun. That pistol is not going anywhere but into my nightstand or out on a hunting/camping trip with ME.

Excellent shooters, and relatively cheap when you can pick up a generously used one for $350 and have it shoot like a $900 pistol.

 

[9mmepiphany]

i'm going to take it that you meant the Monson era or in the Monson MA area

in size the DW 15, with the standard barrel would be comparable to the S&W 19 and Ruger Security-Six...with the VH barrel shoud, maybe the S&W 586/686

the cylinder is about K-frame size and the frame closer to L-frame size

i've found the DW more accurate, due to it's lockup and barrel design, than the S&W offerings, but it takes more work to get the trigger as smooth...the trigger will never be as light as a custom tuned L/N-frame due to the geometry

 

[Southern Shooter]

9mmepiphany...Yes...LOL...I meant Monson era. Thanks for catching that.

 

[BaltimoreBoy]

Personal opinion having shot all three of these:

I rate the DW-15 as a nicer gun than a Ruger Security Six. A pleasure to handle and shoot. The DW-15 seems to me to be close to, but not quite as slick as a Python.

 

[bang_bang]

but it takes more work to get the trigger as smooth

The double-action on mine could use a little tune-up...but for shooting single action it will be hard to beat it.

And yes, mine is a Monson gun too.

 

[wheelgunslinger]

Smith- K frame
Ruger- Security six
Taurus- nothing. they've never made anything near as good as a DW. And, I'm not a Taurus hater. I'm just saying... there's no comparing a bargain basement brand with a top shelfer like a monson DW.

You couldn't buy mine for twice the current market value.

 

[CajunBass]

I don't have a Dan Wesson in 357, but I do have one in 22 LR. Same size gun though.

I've also got a Smith and Wesson, Model 17, K-frame 22.

I think the DW is a bit bigger than the K-frame Smith. Maybe not quite as big as an "L" frame S&W but I would think close.

 

[Dr.Rob]

The way the grip comes off reminds me more of a GP 100.

The model 15 is a very good revolver.

 

[9mmepiphany]

The way the grip comes off reminds me more of a GP 100.

i thought much the same thing when i first took the rubber grip off a GP-100...."oh, they copied the Dan Wesson"

the DW M-15 had alot of features that were ahead of it's time, it was very cutting edge...much like the ASP 9mm

 

[Walkalong]

I sure like mine. Sort of a GP-100 & a Colt Trooper Mk III cross. Very close in size to the Trooper Mk III, but a little lighter.

I have a nice little Model 15. I really like it. It is one of my sons favorites. He likes it, my 4" Model 19, my 4" Trooper MK III, and my 4" Security Six above all my others. Good taste in .357s if you ask me.

 

[Resto Guy]

This year I acquired a very nice 6" Monson .357 15-2 VH in blue. I love the way this gun shoots.
Is there an "equal"? I don't know. Haven't fired one yet.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Sorry 9, should have said the way the grip comes off a GP-100 reminds me of a DW15-2.

Here's a used but trusty 4 inch Monson 15-2 with Pachmeyers.

 

[Patnav]

A few of the things I really didn't like about my DW 15-4VH (1980) was the location of the cylinder release and the ejection rod being too thin. Sure, I taught myself to use my left hand to release the cylinder latch (pushing cylinder out with my right index finger) while holding a Safariland speedloader in the same hand and popping in the six rounds, as a speed reload drill. But it was never as fast as using a Smith.

But despite those shortcomings, I really enjoyed switching different barrel lengths while at the range. Loved the flame coming out the 2" & 4" barrels, using Speer .357 125 JHP's and JSP's. BOOM !

 

[9mmepiphany]

I taught myself to use my left hand to release the cylinder latch (pushing cylinder out with my right index finger) while holding a Safariland speedloader in the same hand and popping in the six rounds, as a speed reload drill. But it was never as fast as using a Smith.

how odd.

i thought the location actually helped the speed of my reloads. i use my left hand to push the cylinder out of the frame window, the thumb has to be in the area anyway to operate the ejection rod, the only extra duty it's doing is pulling down the latch.

 

[hardluk1]

Patnav I use my left middle finger to push the cylinder open and pull down the release and push the ejection rod too with my left thumb so that then leaves my right hand free to reload. then then close the cylinder with my left thrumb while my right hand is reclaiming it place on the grip. A tyical style of a ruger ,s&w or taurus feels odd but i have had my wesson for 33 years.

 

[warnerwh]

The cylinder latch is stronger in front than at the rear. It is a better lockup, no doubt that is why Smith & Wessons custom shop uses that front latch. I saw a picture of a Smith recently and it the muzzle looked like that of a DW. Does anyone know if S&W is using the DW barrel under tension design to improve their guns accuracy?

 

[9mmepiphany]

Does anyone know if S&W is using the DW barrel under tension design to improve their guns accuracy?

not exactly, it's a cost saving measure.

it's a two piece barrel...or more correctly, it's a barrel surrounded by a machined shroud

 

[warnerwh]

Thanks