Help With What Model Dan Wesson I Have

[lefty lar]

I just bought a Dan Wesson 357 today. I loved the gun and just had to buy it. Went to the range today and boy did it shoot great!! Dummy me I didn't even ask what model it was or anything. Or how old it is.

Here's a little help. With some information. I'm not computer savy enough to put a picture of it. It came with four barrel's 2", 3 1/2", 5 1/2", and 8'.
Gun says Dan Wesson arms 357 magnum CTG. Monson Mass. and has six number serial #.

I'd really appreciate if anyone can help or tell me where I might be able to find out. I know I was really dumb and didn't ask at the gun store. I'm not able to go again till Tuesday next week to ask them if they know or not.

Sorry for rambling. But boy is it a beautiful gun!! The blueing is really great!

Again, Thanks!! Lefty Lar

[Kalrog]

I don't have any information for you about that specific model, but Dan Wesson was purchased by CZ. So if you went to CZ's website and asked they might be able to give you some information even if we can't. The 2 sites I would suggest are:

http://www.czusa.com/
and
http://p201.ezboard.com/bczechpistols82792

[lefty lar]

Thanks for your help Kalrog!

[sparx]

I used to have a DW .44 and loved it, too. A 6" barrel is all I had, but it was accurate and fun to shoot. One place you can find out more about older-model Dan Wessons at http://www.thearmedcitizen.com/gunpages/dwesson.htm and a Google search will bring up a lot more. HTH

[seamusTX]

Hello. I'm a friend of ElGato and he told me about this message this morning. I joined the forum just so I could reply. Nice forum, friendly and informative.

Your Dan Wesson is almost certainly a model 15. The features that identify a model 15 are --

• stamped "Dan Wesson Arms, Monson, Mass."
  .357 Magnum
  removable-interchangeable barrels
  recessed barrel nut
  one-piece wooden grip with a single screw
  blued
  notch rear sight with windage and azimuth adjustment screws

This model was manufactured from about 1979 to 1989. I've seen conflicting information about the dates. The original company went out of business and its records went to the BATFE.

Did you get the carrying case, tool, and barrel clearance gauge?

Here's a site with lots of good information and photos: http://www.notpurfect.com/main/dwrev.htm

Good shooting. If you want to make a lasting impression, put the 8-inch barrel on your revolver and shoot from the rifle benches.

- Jim

[lefty lar]

Sorry for not getting back sooner. I worked long hours Fri. & Sat. and today was mother's day. I wanted to thank everyone who replied.

HTH and Jim, thanks for the latest replies.

Jim, I really appreciated all your effort. You are right. Mine is the Model 15. I went to that site you posted and the one in the case is exactly like mine down to the same grips and even the envelopes in the case. One has the key for the case which is the same as mine and the other has extra front sights.

I did get the case, extra sights, barrel tool, the only thing I didn't get was the gap gauge. I went to the local auto store and picked up a feeler gauge. It had the .006 in the set. Plus the guy behind the counter was a shooter too. He said it would work. It does.

My son and I are going to shoot it this Thursday.

I sure do like this site. I have been a spectator for a couple of months and just joined. The guys are great and boy do I like Texas. Moved here two years ago from the socialist republic of Calif. When our son was going to Iraq so we could be near our daugther-in-law and grandkids.

Lefty Lar

[seamusTX]

It sounds like you lucked out at the gun shop. I hope you enjoy your new-old Dan Wesson for many years.

If you want to complete your set with authentic parts, the gauges sell for about $15 on eBay. The factory must have been having a bad day when they shipped mine, because the gauge is simply a strip of shim stock.

You can also find a variety of grips on eBay. I got a tactical grip with finger grooves, and I like it better than the original target grip. The zebrawood grips are pretty, but I haven't seen one selling for what I want to pay.

I'm glad your son is back home. I thank him for serving his country.

There's always room for another shooter in Texas. California's loss is our gain.

- Jim

[lefty lar]

Jim, Thanks again for the help about the grips and gauge. I'll check out e-bay. And for the nice words about my son & me.

Lefty, lar

[seamusTX]

Don't we all need all the friends we can get?

- Jim