Author Topic: Help needed w/ Dan Wesson (Read 1843 times)

Reloader 100 · « **on:** May 16, 2003, 03:12:02 PM »

Hello Forum

New Kid on the block here :oops: This site was recominded to me as the one place to get answers to my question so here it is.
I need to install a new Hammer Spring on my Dan Wesson Model 15-2 Revolver. The parts breakdown shows a threaded "plug" in the end of the grip assembly. that is also where the grip screw goes in . I tried using the grip screw and locking two nuts against the "plug" to see if I could back it out. Nothing moved except the two nuts. I thought about using a hacksaw to cut a slot across the end of the "plug" and backing it out using a straight bladed screw driver. But I thought I would ask the Learned Ones here if there was not a better or different way to replace the Hammer Spring. It looks like to me that if the Plug was removed the spring would come out ,but who knows , not Me for sure.

DB Leath · « **Reply #1 on:** May 17, 2003, 01:58:22 AM »

Yes that plug is threaded but I believe the thing is staked in so it wont come out.
In order to replace the spring you have to remove the hammer and change it out that way....
Good luck with this as there are a lot of parts in there and it can be tricky.

DB

Majic · « **Reply #2 on:** May 17, 2003, 04:26:46 AM »

The threaded plug you need is actually the end of the hammer strut. You cock the hammer then screw the side plate screw in the strut to retain the tension of the mainspring so the hammer can go foward away from the strut. You have to remove the side plate and the hammer. Then release the tension on the mainspring by removing the side plate screw. Be sure to capture the strut and spring as you release the screw or they will fly out the frame. To replace you either push the strut and spring back in the frame and replace the screw to retain the tension (the easiest way) or push the strut and spring into the frame and replace the hammer while holding the strut with the spring compressed (a helluva lot harder way to do it). Make sure the hand spring goes back into the slot cut in the back edge of the hand when you replace it as it most likely will come off as you are working on the gun.
Here is a exploded view with a parts list:

http://www.e-gunparts.com/productschem.asp?chrMasterModel=1320z15

Scroll down this page and there is a step by step instruction on the disassembly/assembly of the small frame Dan Wesson:

http://www.danwessonfirearms.com/maintenance_problems.htm

Reloader 100 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 17, 2003, 05:48:25 AM »

Thanks to all who answered , after reviewing all the information I think I will study every thing a lot more before I try it . The weapon is misfiring on CCI 550 primers. Every one that failed to fire I have fired in my SA Dakota with no problems. The other thing I was looking at was to file a little off of the nose of the hammer to allow the firing pin to go deeper. When I compare the fired cases between the SA and the DW it apperars that the penetration on the SA is deeper than the DW. Any thoughts on that? :grin: :grin:

Majic · « **Reply #4 on:** May 17, 2003, 06:26:44 PM »

Check the firing pin before you file on the hammer. Check the recess for the firing pin too, it may be dirty or swaged to restrict firing pin movement. Then change out your mainspring.

kciH · « **Reply #5 on:** May 25, 2003, 09:14:22 PM »

Reloader,
Does your DW have a aftermarket spring kit in it to lighten the pull? If so,
it will NOT work with CCI primers. Both my 357 and 32-20 have wolff spring kits in them, Federals only, the new Winchesters (blue box) have been working also but I haven't used enough of them to say it's 100% yet.