New Pistol

[culprit]

After considerable searching, I have decided to buy a DW 44 mag.  What is a Dan Wesson 44 Mag Model 744-VH Stainless 6" worth?  It appears to be a Monsun, MO pistol in very good condition.

Does anyone know what other barrels are available for this gun?  I'd like a 4" and possible a 2" barrel later.

Any help is appreciated.  Thanks.

[Steel Shooter]

First - you've made a great decision, & can't buy a tougher, more accurate revolver.
In very good to excellent condition it's worth in the $400 to $550 range I believe.
The Monson, MA built guns were very high quality. I currently own 3 of them.
Check directly with CZ-USA/Dan Wesson for barrel availability - their contact info is in this forum, in the topics above this one.

When you get it, tell us all the details.
Wayne

[culprit]

I stumbled across the info on another post about buying barrels directly from CZ.  I guess they don't make a 2" barrel for the 44 mag.  I still will plan to buy a 4" barrel though.  Thanks for the info and help.  I'll post pics if I end up buying it.

[culprit]

Well after finding a nice 744-VH on Gunbroker, I called it quits after several rounds of frantic bidding.  The auction ended with a winning bid (not by me) of $720 or more.  The 15 minute frenzy of bidding caught me by surprise and my reality button kicked in and said enough was enough.  I'll find another 744 for a reasonable price.  I must have been bidding against a real DW connoisseur who had to add this 744 to his collection.  If you are out there my hat is off to you!  You played a winning round which I usually win.  Kudos!

I'll just have to be patient and wait for my chance to own the best revolver in the WORLD.

After considering all of the options, I am seriously looking at getting a 445 Supermag instead of the 744.  What do all of you Supermag owners say about that decision?  Would you say the 445 is the best option for hunting and personal defense?  I'll get the 4" for carry, and 8" for hunting.  What price range should I look at for the 4" gun?  $900.00 ??  I would then have to track down the 8" barrel from CZ.

I'll post pics when I finally score my own DW.  It might be September but I certainly hope not.   

[Reed1911]

For carry the 44 will be much easier, lighter, and smaller than the 445. Finding a decent deal on them is rare, and if you think there is a run up on the standard calibers at auction, wait until you see what a clean supermag will do. Believe it or now, pay close attention to the auction sites and make sure you search for any term that might work, I have found a lot of good deals only due to mis-spelling or due to things like listing it as a ".44Mag" rather than a "44 Mag".

[Laremm]

I bought a blue 44 mag on gunbroker for 600 last year.

Looks like it was never shot.

4 inch barrel. I would have liked a SS, but the blue is nice.

I will get the other barrels. Too bad they didnt make a 2 inch

I own  a 357 with 2, 4, 6 and 8 inch barrels (Bought them from factory over a year)

[Reed1911]

How badly do you want that 2"? What I'm asking is what would you be willing to pay for one?

[Laremm]

Tough question. I would like one. I am going to buy the 6 and 8.

Gunsmith cut down a 4 inch? (or other barrel and shroud)

[Reed1911]

That or we might be able to talk Keith at DW to do it. I've seen them before so I know they are out there.

[Laremm]

That would be great, should I contact them at DW?

[Laremm]

Anything?

[culprit]

Well after some considerable searching I have found a good deal.  I should have an almost new DW 44VH coming my way.  Here is the description from the gunsamerica listing.

New in box. 99 1/2% perfect. Slight turn-mark on cylinder. Has 4 and 6 in. bull barrel with vented rib. The box is complete with cleaning rod, barrel changing tool, brush and all paperwork.

Got it for $575 plus shipping.  Here is the pic. 

[Reed1911]

From the looks of it, and from the 99.5% condition stated, you got a fair deal. Not great, but you certainly did not overpay for it. Really with the extra barrel and original box I think you got it 50-75 dollars under market value.

[Laremm]

Thats about what I paid for mine with a 4 inch barrel.

[blhof]

I believe your barrel changing tool will be the T style with a plastic center area.  They are very practical and somewhat collectable.  Check Ebay and other sites and if it's under $25. pick up a spare.  I have 4 for my 357max and have broken one already.  They work great, but after a few years of changing barrels they will break, they get fine cracks when you have to use heavy pressure, such as a stuck barrel.  They are more practical than the new Door Knob style.  Looks like you got a great deal.