Dan Wesson Revolvers with interchangable barrels

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

I'm not too familar with revolvers but this one has caught my eye because of the interchangable barrels sounds like a really good idea. Can go from a target range gun to a CCW gun easily. One thing that I don't really like about it but I could get used to is its cylinder latch being on the crane instead of on the side of the frame.

A few things I would like to know about this gun,
How accurate is it?
How much do these guns cost nowadays?
Are there any problems with the gun?
Where could I get spare parts?

Thanks for the help!

 

[planetmobius]

I have three of them the 22, 357 and 44. In my opinion, these are the best revolvers that have ever been on the market. They are built like a 52 buick and accuracy is superb with all of mine. I'be heard it said that this is because the inner barrel is actually under tension as a result of the front locking nut. You get used to the side latch after you've shot it a while. Parts are still easy to get. For barrels, grips and tools you can check Gunbroker. These guns used to come in "pistol packs" that included multiple barrels and many of them have been broken up and are still being sold part by part. Ebay also has grips and wrenches. Dan Wesson is currently owned by CZUSA. Not too long ago, they were making the revolver in 445 super Mag but that too has been disontinued. They still have some parts for the revolvers and will still work on them as of the last time I called them, which was about a year ago. As for price, like anything eklse it varies. Ther is a 6" 357 at a local gunshop for $599. They can be had for less on Gunbroker. Dan Wesson revolvers aren't talked about much anymore and I think that they are currently one of the most underrated guns out there. If you are thinking about one, get one. I highly reccomend them. I have fired thousands of rounds and have had no problems.

 

[Zundfolge]

I have a model 14 with only the 2.5" barrel (so I can't speak to the barrel interchangeability) but its a great shooter (and a model 15 with the adjustable rear sight is probably better).

Basically its like a S&W built as strong as a Ruger.

I paid a hair over $300 for mine from a local private seller.

Best place for info is www.danwessonforum.com

They have a subforum titled "What did it go for?" where they keep everyone abreast of the prices DWs are fetching out there.

 

[Uniquedot]

I had the .357 and sold it 4 or 5 years ago for $125.00. i only had the six inch barrel with it though.

 

[Zundfolge]

I had the .357 and sold it 4 or 5 years ago for $125.00. i only had the six inch barrel with it though.

I wish I knew you 4 or 5 years ago

 

[toolmanroberts]

I have one in 357 MAG. It is one of the finest revolers that I have ever shot. Mine only came with a six inch barrel but I have looked before and they are available. I have had mine for 30 years and have fired 1000's of rounds without any troubles. It has had a trigger job and it is very accurate if I do my part.

 

[stonecoldy]

My first handgun I bought when coming of age (21) was a 15-2 blued, .357 Magnum with a 6" barrel. I ordered a 4" full-lug barrel from CZ-USA about two years ago, which is currently residing on my revolver. The original gun was bought new in 1983 and is a Monson, Massachusetts manufactured gun. It does have the plum patina in the right lighting now.
I like it. A brother had bought it and had it for over 20 years and shot it very little, I bought it back from him and shoot it periodically.
After shooting a few Smith and Wessons in the interim the forward cylinder release latch was a little awkward but used to it again.
My real want for this gun would be a 3" full lug or 4" standard barrel like my
6", but CZ has a limited manufacturing list.
I never see used ones. I'll hang on to mine for now

 

[9mmepiphany]

The Dan Wesson Pistol Pac is one of my bucket guns...I want a M15 with all barrels from 2.5" to 8" in the VH (vent rib/heavy underlug)

The Dan Wesson's accuracy is rivaled only by the Freedom Arms SAs...they owned MS longrange shooting competition.

The DW's accuracy comes from:
1. tension barreled...supported at both ends
2. adjustable cylinder gap
3. crane lockup...better alignment and just as easy to release with the left hand
4. floating firing pin

The DW has the frame close to the L-frame with a cylinder similar to the K-frame in size. The interchangable front sights were an added bonus as was the stud mounted grip

 

[L-Frame]

This just goes to show that it's all about how it feels to the individual. I owned a DW pistol pac in .357 with all barrel lengths and tools. I loved the concept and thought the interchangeable barrels were really cool. The only problem for me was that I simply didn't like the way any of the grips felt in my hand, and I really didn't like the trigger. I also didn't like the placement of the cylinder release. All of those are strictly personal preferences which is why I sold the pistol pac and have never regretted it, but doesn't stop everything said above from being completely true. Give me a GP-100 or S&W 686 any day just because of the intangible "feel".

 

[Sniper X]

have a 14 Service, which was the Cops gun. It has a six inch barrel. I have tested it's accuracy against my Python and a Smith 19 and it is more accurate than both. This is both bench and handheld free. Mine looks like a cop gun, it is well.....used. But it is great and I love it! I am now going to start (as of this winter) looking for and buying a set of barrels. First one I want is a 2.5in so I can carry this gun. I trust my life to it if that means anything.

 

[RUT]

I've never thought too much about Dan Wessons over the years, but have recently taken an interest. I plan to pick up a 6" 15-2 tomorrow and give it a whirl.

 

[hardluk1]

I bought my first DW ,a model 15-2 back around 1976 maybe 78 with a 8" and 4" barrel. That was my main hunting pistol for 20 years and killed many a pig with it. I have picked up a 44 with a 6" vented and 6" non-vented barrel also with the plum frame. Added a 8" barrel to it to use for hunting. Both are Monson guns and are 95% atleast. I never understood people haveing grip problems with these revolvers. Grips mount on a square stud and wood grips can be modified to fit any hand. DW has atleast 4 different grips along with a couple from Hogue, several custom made along with blanks to make yourself. A never really liked any factory grips for range time and have used a soft rubber grip from hogue for years and have a new one on the 44. I would not trade for a s&w custom shop gun for either one. Even pulling the barrel for a good cleaning does not make any real change in zero for your typical shooter. I shoot with red dots and I know that as fact. My 357 has been retired from hunting and now sports its 4" barrel.
If you are a right handed shooter when reloading carry loaders on your right side. When rounds are fired lay the revolvers right side in your left hand and with your thumb pull down on the crane lock and push the cylinder threw with your middle finger. Reach for your speed loader with your right hand while tilting and dumping empty's with your left thumb. Reload and push the cylinder closed with left thumb and back into your right hand to shot. For me its much easier and quicker than a "normal" revolver to reload. But i do have more than 30 year doing it. Hope cz makes them again I still want a 22 to play with.

 

[Russ Jackson]

Great guns, great finish, and the display case is beautiful also. My brother has mine and won't give it back...Russ

 

[DPris]

They were very popular among the steel silhouette shooters 30 years ago because of their accuracy.
One downside of the interchangeable barrel system is that you have to zero the gun again after each change, you don't just swap back & forth all day long and keep on truckin'.

Denis

 

[foghornl]

I don't own any Dan Wessons, but a couple of my Shooting Budds do...They both are crazy about the "Pistol Pack" with the different barrels...from a ccw/hideout gun to one long enough ya don't have to shoot, just lean down a bit from your tree stand & whack Bambi over the head with it... (GRIN!)

 

[Red Cent]

I have the 357 15VH with an 8" and a 4". Bought it about 30 years ago. Definitely accurate. It stacks the trigger. I have marked my hammer for staging. Very, very slight mark on the hammer as it rolls off the trigger. I pay attention to this when shooting at distance. Up close, it won't matter. The internals are cast. Very interesting double action. They need a lot of polishing inside to make them realize their potential. Great revolver.

 

[samurai]

I have been looking for years for a 715VH pistol pack.

 

[hardluk1]

DPris you may not shoot zero at 200yards after takeing off and reinstalling a barrel but you sure as heck can still hit deer at 75 yards with out any distinguishable change in impact. I have done it for many years.

 

[Uniquedot]

I wish I knew you 4 or 5 years ago

I just wish i had a bit more sense 4 or 5 years ago.

 

[bsms]

I have one I don't shoot. I probably fired 1000 rounds thru it, then stored it for about 25 years. When I took it out last year, I realized the cylinder didn't lock up with 2 of the holes, so I didn't shoot it. Don't know what it would need to fix it, but I like shooting my S&Ws (60 & 686) better anyways.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

I've had 3 DWs. A Model D11,a Model 14 and a Model 15. All with 4" barrels,all bought used and all extremely accurate. It was hard to get used to S&W and Colt cylinder releases after being used to the DWs forward release.

 

[zoom6zoom]

They are great wheelguns. The cylinder release really makes a lot of sense once you get used to it.

 

[golden]

Good and bad

I had two DAN WESSONS. The first was a model 15 with a 2 3/4 inch barrel. It shoot well, but started to come apart. A side screw backed out and was lost. When replaced, the revolver start to go out of time.

My second one was a model 14 (fixed sight gun). I bought this for work. It had a 6 inch barrel. I replaced that with a 4 inch and ended up using it as a car gun. My agency took almost a year to decide if I could carry it and when they did, I already had picked up a S&W.

The second gun has not had any of the problems of the first one and I still have it.

Jim

 

[Topspeed]

I own a Dan Wesson Model 15-2VH .357 w/4" barrel that my wife bought for me in 1979. It is one of the most accurate handguns that I own.

 

[Erik M]

I saw one of these on Buds the other day with what i think were 2 and 6 inch barrels, someone snatched it up quick though. Dont recall the price but I remember it wasnt a bad deal at all.