Speed Loading a Dan Wesson?

[Sport45]

I've got an old model 15 Dan Wesson .357 and would like to learn how to speed load. Just though I'd ask first to avoid developng bad habits I'd have to break later. Can anyone tell me a step-by-step process for speedloading? I currently open the cylinder by pulling the latch down with my left thumb while pushing the cylinder with the fingers of my left hand.....

Thanks in advance!

 

[QuarterBoreGunner]

I'm trying to recall how I did it with my old Model 15VH Pistol Pac Dan Wesson...

I'm right handed, so I think it went something like you have described, except I think I pushed out the cylinder with my right hand and then dropped the cartridges in with my right hand also. Left palm open to catch any I dropped. I don't recall ever having a dedicated speedloader for it, like a Safariland or HKS.

*sigh*... I knew I should have kept that gun.

 

[stans]

I remember my old DW 15-2. With the revolver gripped in my right hand (I am right handed), my left hand wrapped around the lower front of the frame, push down the latch with my left thumb, pushed the cylinder open with my left fingers, dumped out the spent cases with the muzzle pointed up and left thumb pushing the ejector rod with left fingers now in the frame window holding the revolver, right hand simultaneosly retreiving speedloader, gun repositioned with muzzle pointing down 45 degrees, right hand places speedloader held cartridges into the cylinder and release the cartridges, close cylinder with left thumb, resume shooting.

It all went a lot fast than I can type this. For speedloaders, any speedloader for the S&W K frame 38 or 357 magnums (10,13,14,15,19, etc) will work just fine in the DW model 15.

Enjoy your DW, I let mine go a long time ago, regretted it ever since.

 

[BluesBear]

The method stans mentioned is the way I do it too.

 

[Jim March]

Stan's method is proper on a DW.

It's actually a bit faster than the variant of the same sequence for S&W/Ruger/Colt type releases; with the DW, you can get your right hand off the grip sooner (doesn't have to release the cylinder first) and have it start for the speedloader faster while doing the cylinder dump with the left hand.

 

[9mmepiphany]

that is also the method i use with the only varient being that i use my right hand to operate the ejector rod. i also load the cylinder with the cylinder as close to verticle as i can get

 

[Sport45]

Thanks guys, I'll start practicing this way. I really like the Dan Wesson. Have 2.5, 4, and 6" barrels and Target, undercover, and Hogue grips. Fun to shoot in any configuration!

 

[stans]

Yes, they are. I bought mine with an 8 inch, short underlug, solid rib barrel, then bought a 6 inch, heavy underlug, ventilated rib barrel to go with it. I really do miss that gun.

 

[BRASSM]

Re: Speed Loading my Dan Wesson

I've been carrying my Dan Wesson since '80. I've used it extensively in Revolver combat only shoots. My prefered method of quick reload is :
1 After last shot remove finger from trigger guard and place top strap
of revolver in palm, muzzle pointing same diretion as thumb.
2.Use thumb to press cylinder release latch down, then swing out
cylinder with trigger and center finger. Your pinky and ring finger
maintain your grip on the pistol.
3.While performing step two you are removing your speed loader from
your rig.
4.Align and load cylinder from speed loader.
5.Dump speed loader and close cylinder,(DO NOT SLAM IT SHUT).
6.Acquire target and shoot.
With some practice you will be amazed how fast you can perform these actions.

 

[CZF]

As my first handgun was a Dan Wesson .357. I've always liked them, even if they have an awkward release. However, they are superbly accurate because of the lock-up.

I hope to jump on a new CZ/DW VH8 in the fall.

I'm always looking for DW fotos to add to my fan site.

http://www.angelfire.com/amiga2/czid/DW.html