Dan Wesson model D11 question

[ByAnyMeans]

Hey guys, thanks in advance for any information that can be given.

Background information:

I am looking at a revolver a friend found that was his fathers. He is giving it to me so if money is needed to fix it it is not a big problem. It is a Dan Wesson model D11 with a three and a two inch barrel. It is wearing the finger groove grips. Their is no other information available to me.


Problem:

When I was first looking at the gun the grip had the slightest little play in it. The gun also was a SA/DA. It may seem very weird but when I tightened the screw at the bottom of the grip it became DAO. I could not get it to lock back in SA mode anymore. Perplexed I loosened the screw a touch at a time and sure enough once it loosened back up to where it was originally it would then lock into SA/DA mode again.

So, what is going on here and is their a simple fix to be had. My thinking so far is that the screw is to long and when tightened as needed it interferes with the hammer. Taking a bit of the screw and experimenting may do the trick. What do you think? Is this suppose to be like this, should I try my fix, take it to a smith and see what he says? What do you think.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

I think I would get several shims/washers and add them one at a time to the grip screw until the grip was tight without hindering the SA function. I had a D11 with the finger grip w/4'' barrel. It was an excellent shooter. The external barrel nut looks a bit odd though.

 

[ByAnyMeans]

Thanks for the advice. Would definitely be easier to remove one if needed than look for a new screw. The outside nut sure looks off but I have heard they are very accurate.

 

[Zundfolge]

Yep ... screw is too long.

You can always shave a little bit off the end of it (I'd only take about one thread at a time).

There's nothing tremendously special about the screw and you can find them at your local Ace Hardware if you end up cutting it too short.

 

[hemiram]

I blew a hole in the roof of the range I was in when I bought a new grip and it came with too long a screw. I put it on, not dreaming it would affect anything. I cocked the gun, and it held for just an instant, and as I aimed it, it went off. I went out and paid the price to fix it, and we checked it over, and found it took just a tiny little touch to cause the hammer to drop. A little grinder work and it was fine.

 

[jbbaldwin]

I agree a shorter screw or shims will fix your issue. Also if you want more info on your DW you might want to visit www.danwessonforum.com.