Dan Wesson Questions...

[dtrain]

Awhile back with my Dad's assistance I got rid of a rifle that I had aquired due to a death in the family. Due to some issues the rifle did not have the sentimental value that it once had. Bieng the father of two boys I decided to sell the rifle and have my father, who frequents the Gunshow's find two decent revolvers for my Sons..

For better or for worse the two of us came up with a couple of Dan Wessons.

Both were put together in Monson Mass..

The Youngest got a 357, the Oldest a 44Magnum..I figure that with 38/44 special loads recoil should not be too much of an issue.

The Bluing and overall condition of both revolvers is very good in my opinion.Both have 6 inch barrels.The 357 has an allen screw on the left sideplate. Not the one piece fram like the 44.

Does anyone here know a good source for barrel wrenches/guages? I am also interested in getting a couple of barrels for them. Probably a 4 incher each of them.

The only real experience I have had with Dan Wesson's has been a 357 pistol pak my Younger brother had way back in the day. I do remember it have a pretty decent action and quite accurate, quite a bit more accurate than my Dad's 686..

With reasonable care and feeding do I have any reasons not to expect a long and useful life out of these two for my boy's?

Please dont ask what I sold to aquire these..Some here might get sick..I am happy that I have been able to give my Kids their first Centerfire Revolvers..

Can't wait to take the two of them out shooting tomorrow.

Any Links to reputable sources for these parts would be greatly apreciated.

Any helpful hints would be greatly apreciated

Dtrain

[the priest]

Helpful hint number one: When you're setting the barrel cylinder gap, start with a gap that is too small/tight. When you tighten the barrel nut the gap tends to grow a bit. On your parts, i would check the maker for the barrels especially. They were never too expensive and you'll know what you're getting. Shrouds are pretty easy to find at gunshows. Two great presents for your boys.

[Charger Fan]

First off, no matter what you sold to get your boys their first revolvers, it's definitely worth it!! The memories they'll have years from now is money in the bank. You did good.

Ok, the .357 is a small frame revolver...the .44 is a large frame, hence the different appearance. You'll also notice that when you remove the grips, the frame spurs are different...square for small frame & round for large.
The small frame guns are easiest to take apart, but the large frame guns are relatively easy too (modular design trigger frame), once you get the hang of it.

You should stop here & check out some helpful threads, along with help on other questions on the-->Dan Wesson Forum<---CLICK
Also, you can find small frame .357 barrel assemblies frequently on Gun Broker. The .44 barrel assemblies are harder to come by on that site...but if you grow impatient, you can order from DW directly, thru info on this link--->THIS LINK<--- but it's not as cheap usually.

[dtrain]

Just an FYI...Took the boys shooting today..First to try out their Red Ryders that they recieved for Christmas..and their Dan Wessons..

Both boys had no problems with their revolvers, other than their hands need to grow a bit..Recoil was no issue for either of them as well. I went with 38spcl 158grn semi wadcutters for my youngest's 357 and 44spcl 245grn semiwadcutters that my father picked up at a Gun show for the oldest's 44.

I shot a few, Hey I want to make sure all is well..and I noticed that the 44 was a real pussycat to shoot with the Specials.

After a bit the oldest asked the inevitable "Can I shoot a few Magnums?"..He had shot a couple through my 629 over the summer. He had no problems then but was more than happy to go back to my Model 28 and 38spcl's..

I went over a good shooting posistion and hold a coached him a bit. Then loaded him up. The first thing he said was "This is alot better than your 44.."

Both are new shooters so for awhile I have always tried to make the targets easy and fun..I figure right now that them bieng safe and having fun is the most important. Today I spray painted an orange dot about the size of a dinner plate on an old rum at my Dad's..

The Youngest needs a bit more growing or smaller grips, but with a bit of help he had no problems hitting the drum at about 40 feet or so.

The Oldest had a bit of trouble double action, but single action with the Specials..about the same. Several on the "Plate"..

I kinda dig the action on the Dan Wesson's myself..Seems a bit shorter/quicker than my Smith's..Was this common with Dan Wesson's or did I score a couple of good ones..

No Matter what I am very Happy..In the my two boy's eyes I just gave them the two "Greatest Guns" in the world. I remember feeling that way when I got my first Highway Patrolman when I was 16.

Grampa was already hit up for requests for more barrels for next Christmas..I'm thinking a 4incher to accompany the 6inchers they already have should cover whatever they might need those guns to ever do.

I am happy and disapointed that Dan Wesson is not making revolvers any more..

Thanks for letting me share..

Dtrain

[the priest]

Good Stuff. I'm really glad your boys liked them and it sounds like dad may be happy about his decision.

Those are good revolvers btw. Don't think they're not. (mentioning because of your 'for better or worse" comment) They shoot with about any revolver on the planet and are easy to work on at home.

They make some Chief's Special style stocks for the small framed revolver (.357) that might help your son with the small hands,.....though they may be a bit small too. Those and a 2" barrel make a great little packer.

Congrats on what sounds like a good day of bonding.

[vonfatman]

dtrain,
Congrats on the D.W.s!! I love em! Here's a link to a guy who manufactures GREAT barrel tools. Much better than the originals...these are indestructable and reasonably priced.

I just checked and I have an extra gauge...if you send me an e-mail with your mailing address I'll stick it in the mail for you and your boys. My e-mail is vonfatmanATyahoo.com

The wrench manufacturer/seller's address & e-mail:

(a great guy to deal with)

Eric Kovachic
E.W. Kovachic Technologies
210 South Park Street
Richmond, OH 43944
740-765-4717

[e-mail]

A pic of the tools.



the gauge:



Good luck!

Bob

[Charger Fan]

Here's another vote for Eric's barrel wrenches, those things are top notch!

[dtrain]

Had another fun weekend with the kids and thier revolvers..With the economy bieng what it is seems like more 22's being shot than anything, but it is nice that when we are done with those to pull out their DW's and run a couple cylinders through them..I will have to get started in the reloading arena this spring I think...