models of Dan Wessons

[barber]

I read somewhere, maybe here, a long time ago, that there were certain models  that were not as good as others. I'm thinking of buying a Dan Wesson.44 mag, and am wondering if someone can tell me what models to not buy and how you can tell which are which? Thanks

[David Carey]

Well I will start with some information.

Here is the dates and city of manufacture with this you can have an idea of what year range a gun was manufactured. I have three Monson guns and they are of good quality and shoot very nice, and one Norwich pre CZ that is way above them in fit and finish.

Palmer is if I remember right were there was some issues, Norwich guns are made with the new CNC equipment and I think the guns I have seen from Norwich are by far the best, but that does not mean that the older guns are bad in the 1980's Dan Wesson held most of the silhouette records.

1971 - 1992 Monson, MA
1992 - 1995 Palmer, MA
1997 - 2005 Norwich, NY Under Bob Serva
2005 - current Norwich, NY CZ owned
(these guns will say CZ on them)

Dave

[barber]

Thanks for the reply. I called a couple gun shops, all they would tell me was they were no longer made, even after I told them CZ had bought them.  They just didn't want to even talk about Dan Wessons.  Oh,well,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Thanks again

[blhof]

I have owned and still own Monson made DW's.  They are very accurate and; except some with heavy trigger pulls, very fine shooters.  I have shot a few Palmer guns and they were accurate; but fit and finish left a lot to be desired.  The pre CZ Norwich made guns are the finest of them all; excellent fit smooth trigger and fine finish.  I haven't had a chance to examine or shoot any of the CZ models yet.

[jwk]

The post CZ guns I have seen have CZ in the serial number but are still marked Dan Wesson Firearms. The name of the company is still Dan Wesson Firearms.  jwk

[David Carey]

The post CZ guns I have seen have CZ in the serial number but are still marked Dan Wesson Firearms. The name of the company is still Dan Wesson Firearms.  jwk

Yes it is still a Dan Wesson but it will say CZ on it that will help us determine when it was made in Norwich.
Dave