Dan Wesson Revolvers

[quatin]

Wow, tired of me and my relentless newbie questions on revolvers? I've blundered on yet ANOTHER revolver brand I've never heard of...Dan Wesson. I've found a Dan Wesson 715vh SS 6'' for $425. Anyone have experience with Dan Wesson revolvers? Are they a high end line? ...totally stupid question...any relation to Smith & Wesson?

 

[highlander 5]

I had 2 DW a357 and a 44 both very good guns the forward mounted cylinder latch took getting used to.IIRC DW ruled the silhouette scene for quite a while. The nice part was you could have a 2" barrel one day an 8" the next. CZ now manufactures DW revolvers only one caliber at this time though 445 super mag I believe

 

[highlander 5]

OOPS missed part of the question Dan Wesson the original mfg was the grandson or great grandson of D. Wesson IIRC

 

[rolltide]

Here is a link to a Dan Wesson forum that will tell you all you ever wanted to know about Dan Wesson. Of particular interest may be the thread entitled Dan Wesson History which is a sticky note post near the top of the forum.

Roll Tide

Dan Wesson Forum

 

[Bongo45]

I had a Dan Wesson .357 back in the early 80's. I don't remember the model number, but it had an interchangeable barrel. It seemed like a good idea, but I've never known of another manufacturer to copy it.

 

[rolltide]

Bongo,
Smith & Wesson consulted with Dan Wesson while designing their new X frame revolvers in 460 and 500 calibers. The new S&W X frame has the same kind of barrel and shroud design as Dan Wesson, but they will not market it a interchangable or sell you the extra barrels. That is why these new Smiths are so accurate.

Roll Tide

 

[atomchaser]

The shrouded barrel design of the DWs allows for a very accruate gun since the barrel is under tension. It also allows the barrels to be interchanged easily. I have a Norwich-made 41 mag and it it very accurate and well made.

 

[Archer1945]

Dan Wesson revolvers are probably the most accurate out-of-the-box handguns ever made. Probably put many customized guns to shame. They also forced S&W to do some re-design work on the Model 29 series guns because they were falling apart with loads the DW and Ruger were eating like candy. They did virtually own revolver silhouette, probably still would if they were readily available. Extremely strong guns, superbly accurate and not too badly priced, if you can find them. The most interesting thing about them originally was, because of the interchangeable barrel, buy sets with anywhere from 2 up to four different barrel lengths. Most of the sets designed primarily for hunting came with barrel shrouds for both iron sights and scope mounting. CZ, I believe, is now marketing them though I think the revolver is only available in .44/.445. The original was available in almost as every revolver caliber from .22 up through .445, possibly even larger.

 

[quatin]

So real quickly guys. $390...is that a good deal? The gun looks shiny and new. I haven't handled it yet, but assuming it's sound.

 

[johnny blaze]

That is the 357 stainless, heavy barrel version.
That is not a really good price, but if I wanted one and it is good condition, I would buy it. It would probably be in the 275.00 to 400.00 bracket, depending on condition.
I really like the Dan Wessons. I have one and would not sell it.

 

[rolltide]

The price is a little high. There are several on gunbroker.com in the mid 200's, but they are all blue. The used stainless ones don't pop up to often. You could probably do better on the price if you waited long enough, but you can't buy a better 357 at any price. If you want it now get it.