Dan Wesson Model Confusion

[dougk]

I have 2 DW .357 how can I tell the models?  Also, I am looking into obtaining a .44 mag what are the models for the larger frame revolvers?
Thanks,
Doug

[RollTide]

On your Dan Wesson 357's, if it is a fixed sight frame it is a Model 14 and if it is an adjustable sight frame it is a Model 15.  If you get into early models or the fixed barrel models there are some other designations, but that is basically it for 357's.  If the gun is stainless, then the model number will be proceeded by a 7 (i.e. a stainless 357 is a model 715 or 714).  Basically Dan Wesson makes 3 frame sizes: small, large, and supermag (and the supermag is just a large frame with an extended cylinder).  Most parts interchange on guns with the same frame size.  So since they do not make mulitiple frames for the same caliber (except for the fixed and adjustable sight option) most of the time the Dan Wessons are simply refered to by their caliber designation and not their model number.  As a matter of fact, except for the 357 Supermag which I believe is a model 40, many if not most Dan Wesson model numbers are simply their caliber (i.e. model no. 744 = stainless 44 mag;  model number 7445 is the stainless 445 Supermag; model no. 360 is the blue DW360, etc)


Roll Tide

[brownie_bellows]

Here's an old post from 2003 that may help...


I have kludged together what I think to be descriptive of the older .357 models based on the Blue Book of Gun Values, the writeup on old build revolvers on the new wesson web site, a Palmer catalog and examination of my collection.

I'm not sure, hoever, when or if the model 15 became model 15-2. I did not include the .38 special models 8 and 9. Any coomments, additions or corrections welcome


WESSON FIREARMS CO. INC.
Previous manufacturer located in Palmer, MA 1992-95. Previously located in Monson, MA until 1992. In late 1990, ownership of Dan Wesson Arms changed (within the family), and the new company was renamed Wesson Firearms Co., Inc.

MODEL 11
- .357 Mag. cal., 6 shot, service revolver, 2 ½, 4, or 6 in. interchangeable barrels with “pork chop” shroud, fixed sights, blue, interchangeable grips, external, exposed barrel nut. Mfg. 1970-71 only. Monson. Early models manufactured by High Standard???

MODEL 12
- similar to Model 11, target model with adj. Sights, exposed or recessed barrel nut.
Mfg. 1970-71 only Monson. Early models manufactured by High Standard??


MODEL 14
- Service revolver, similar to Model 11, with recessed (slotted for spanner type wrench) barrel nut. Mfg. 1971-75. Monson.

MODEL 15
- Target model, similar to Model 14, with adj. Sights, recessed barrel nut. Mfg. 1971-75. Monson.

MODEL 14
- .357 Mag. cal. Service revolver, 2½, 4, 6, or 8 (disc. 1994) in. inter changeable barrels, fixed sights, blue.
Mfg. 1975-95. Palmer.

MODEL 15
- similar to Model 14, except adj. sights, available with 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, or 15 in. barrels.
Mfg. 1975-1995. Palmer.

DAN WESSON FIREARMS
Currently manufactured by New York International Corp. (NYI) located in Norwich, NY beginning 1997.

[dougk]

Guys,
thanks....

What does VH mean at the end of the model number?

[braud357]

V = Vent rib, standard shroud
H = Heavy shroud - no vent rib
VH = Vent rib, heavy shroud
VS = Vent rib, slotted shroud (to reduce weight)

example: Model 15-2VH8 = 357 Mag, 8" barrel, vent rib, heavy shroud

               Model 44-V8 = 44 Mag.. 8" barrel, vent rib, standard shroud

[dougk]

I almost there...

in the example 15-2VH8 what does the 2 mean?
Thanks,
Doug

[braud357]

I think that the "2" signified a minor design upgrade --- nothing to do with the barrel length