Dan Wesson Revolver - Why shouldn't I buy one?

spittinfire

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 17, 2016
Messages
3,612
Location
Denver
Rating - 100%
15   0   0
Alright, I've got a chance to pick up a clean Dan Wesson in 357. No box, no tools, one barrel(4") but it appears to have been shot very little and while it does have some scratches on the stock and the very beginnings of surface rust on the grip it's very clean. The price is sub $400. Talk me out of it.
 
The more important question is "WHY WOULDNT YOU BUY ONE?"
 
Can't do it. They are great shooters. Buy it and don't look back.
 
DO NOT BUY THAT GUN!!!! That thing belongs in my safe.

How's that?
 
A friend of mine bought a 4" Dan Wesson .357 in the early '80s. He sold it off later to buy something else and has regretted it ever since. If you like it, buy it. Surface rust is super easy to clean up.
 
You guys are supporting my thoughts. The only thing I don't like is the cylinder release...it's still better than a Colt's though.
 
Somebody say Dan Wesson pistol?? 15-2 pistol pack

As a point of reference, I wouldn't consider parting with this for less than $1,000. Your $400 deal could be very good.

100_2114_zpsnjxbtjdm.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: S4f
pistol packs really bring a premium. I'd like to find one but I wonder how often the barrels actually get swapped out and used?
 
Changed out? Only when taking pictures :). Of course, mine is a safe queen anyway, so you can't go by me.
 
Somebody say Dan Wesson pistol?? 15-2 pistol pack

As a point of reference, I wouldn't consider parting with this for less than $1,000. Your $400 deal could be very good.

100_2114_zpsnjxbtjdm.jpg

I'm just a bit envious.
Maybe I'm the only one like this but all I can think about is finding the longest barrel they make, 8" or 10" and having fun. I've got plenty of 357s in shorter lengths.
 
IME it is a little difficult to sell a single DW. I bought one at a great price and tried to move it many times. The frame size must scare people off. I finally decided to just keep it as it is a great revolver.
 
Somebody say Dan Wesson pistol?? 15-2 pistol pack

As a point of reference, I wouldn't consider parting with this for less than $1,000. Your $400 deal could be very good.

100_2114_zpsnjxbtjdm.jpg
I had this very set up back in the day. Back when I was into trading, and regretted the trade ever since. Best shooting revolver I've every had the chance to shoot. So heck yeah, buy the thing!
 
IME it is a little difficult to sell a single DW. I bought one at a great price and tried to move it many times. The frame size must scare people off. I finally decided to just keep it as it is a great revolver.
It's all about quality and class. DW has both in spades. Those looking for the Walmart class look elsewhere:)
 
If you have a chance to pick it up for a decent price you can't go wrong. Make sure its a Monson mass. As quality had a few hiccups after they moved.
For the price they bring you can't buy a better quality firearm imo

d6feb268b8abba1b738ae80383ee39ce.jpg



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
You should buy it and sell it to me for $425. Quick easy profit for you. I'll even come pick it up, and bring you dinner. You want smoked wings, brisket or ribs?
 
I passed on a blued Monson, MA .357 with 4" & 6" barrels at a local pawn shop for $300 a few years ago. Still kick myself for it, but I just didn't have the money.

Given my experience with the CZ Dan Wesson 1911s, I'd love to give the new 715 a go.
 
I'll offer my DW revolver experience to help you in making an informed decision.....

I owned a 44mag Pistol Pack. Monson made, several different barrels, all the tools, etc. Beautiful revolver. Neat concept, loved the idea of it, but less than ideal for me for a couple reasons:
  • Every time you change barrels it has to be sighted in...unless your much better than me at logging exact number of turns for rear sight adjustment for each barrel. Even if I did know where to reset the rear sight I wondered if the 'return to zero' would have been there, especially on longer barrels.
  • A few times after changing barrels, using the feeler gauge for the barrel/cylinder gap, after a few rounds it would bind; I'm guessing the heat shrank the gap or something was over/under tightened.
For me, I ended up deciding I'd rather have/trust a single, non-user adjustable, revolver for each 'purpose'; so it'd always be set-up....with less chance something loosened or I'd misguaged the gap, etc.

But lots of people seem to have good luck with them (or don't say it when they have problems); so maybe if I'd had a single barrel DW revolver setup like your looking at and run enough rounds thru it to be sure its realiably setup then I wouldn't have even thought about these issues. Like was said, DW makes a great gun; but the pistol pack and I just weren't made for each other.

(FYI... love DW 1911's!)
 
I had a shot at a sub $400 DW that I passed on. It had more "issues" than what you describe, but I regret not grabbing it up. Do it!
 
I own a few DW's 357 and 44mags, you won't regret purchasing one. CZ still sells the barrel wrench and barrels so you can turn yours into a snubby or into a long range shooter! It's like having many revolvers in one!
 
I'm late to the party here but buy it!!!!!! Lol they are awesome revolvers! I have one that is the handgun I learned to shoot with. Took a new Springfield 1911 for my dad to give it up :) love and it will never leave.
 
The Dan Wesson was/is a genius design, excellence in simplicity. If you have one, take the side plate off and study the minimalistic, hell built for stout design. This was one of the innovative, ground breaking designs by the, unfortunately largely forgotten and underappreciated, late Karl R. Lewis, who was also the designer of the M79 40mm, the Colt Trooper Mk III, Hi-Standard Crusader revolver and the Browning BLR.

More about Karl Lewis:

http://031d26d.namesecurehost.com/rgc/index.htm

http://smallarmsreview.com/display.article.cfm?idarticles=2067

I am fortunate to own both a 4" Colt MkIII Trooper(actually my EDC) and a 4" blue Dan Wesson M15 full lug,
 
Last edited:
Back
Top Bottom