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Offline old geezer

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Questions about a Used DW
« on: December 21, 2005, 02:52:40 AM »
Was cruising the pawn shops yesterday looked for a 357.  Ran across a Dan Wesson, but need some input.

The gun in question is a 357, 4in, ventilated rib.  Didn't notice if it was a Monson model or not, but think it was. There is some scratch marks down to bare metal on the left frame that looks to have been caused by a speed loader.  Another gouge on the top right rear corner that looked as though it had been dropped on concrete.  The rest of the metal has good blue.  Plain wood grips with some minor scratches and gouges.  Barrel was dirty, but rifling looked sharp, just cruddy.  The knob to open the cylinder was dificult to operate.

What bothers me was that as I was looking at it, I noticed the barrel shroud was wobbling.  When I checked the nut on the end, I could move it with my finger.  When you loosened it up, the shroud AND barrel would wobble.  When I tighened it down with my thumbnail as best I could, they would snug up tight.  Is this a problem, or normal?  I don't know enough about DW's to judge.

Asking price was $289, but had been marked down to $275.  Gun comes as is, no box or tools.

Comments?
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Offline unspellable

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loose barrel
« Reply #1 on: December 21, 2005, 09:54:49 AM »
Absolutely normal.  If you remove the nut at the muzzle, the shroud will slide off and the barrel proper can be unscrewed.  Like any thing else, if it isn't tightened down, it will be loose.  It's supposed to be tight before you go shooting.  If it wobbles after being properly tightened, THEN it's time to worry.

I recently bought a DW 357 with the barrel loose as you describe.  The previous owner had been shooting it that way and said he had satisfactory accuracy.  I am amazed at the thought of obtaining accuracy with a loose barrel.

Two caveats: There is a special tool for tightening the barrel nut.  You might want to give a little consideration to obtainin one.  You will have to set the cylinder gap.  For this, you can use an ordinary blade type feeler gauge such as automotive supply stores sell.  BTW, I had a machinist friend whittle out a barrel nut wrench for me.

(Warning: I bought a set of feeler gauges at the laocl auto supply store and found two of the blades to be of incorrect thickness.  The 0.002 blade measured 0.008 and one of the others was off.)
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Offline old geezer

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Questions about a Used DW
« Reply #2 on: December 21, 2005, 10:51:36 AM »
Thanks.  I did a bunch of looking on several diferent sites, and was finially able to answer my own question.  I knew about the feeler gage deal, and we run a metal fab shop here at the house, so making a wrench is no big deal.  Still plan on looking for a proper wrench though.

Think I'll wait til after CHRISTmas, and go make an offer.  If he won't trade me straight across for my Ruger 77, I'll offer him about $250, and see what happens.
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Offline David Carey

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parts
« Reply #3 on: December 21, 2005, 11:24:42 AM »
CZ-Dan Wesson will have the wrench in stock.

Call the Dan Wesson Parts line, 607-336-1174.

You can contact Genny at DW-CZ by email for part orders:

genny@cz-usa.com

David Carey
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Offline Heavyhaul

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Questions about a Used DW
« Reply #4 on: December 21, 2005, 03:19:41 PM »
Dave gave you the number, the ext. is 21.  You will be talking to Genny.  The barrel wrenchs are $32.00.  I just talked to her and Brian, the gunsmith this week.  They are very helpful and friendly.  They still offer all parts and service.  By the way Dave, the compensator for the 445 is now the shroud with a special nut.  $179 + 40 machining +shipping.Had to add that. :grin:
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Offline old geezer

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Questions about a Used DW
« Reply #5 on: December 23, 2005, 11:24:10 AM »
Ok, nobody has offered an opinion on value.  Is $250 about right.  i would rate it around 75-80%.
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Offline old geezer

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Questions about a Used DW
« Reply #6 on: December 23, 2005, 11:26:47 AM »
Ok, nobody has offered an opinion on value.  Is $250 about right.  i would rate it around 75-80%.
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Offline darrell8937

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Dan Wesson model 15
« Reply #7 on: December 26, 2005, 09:12:04 AM »
Just picked one up for $195. + 25=10 shipping handling/ffl transfer.  Looks great. The bluing is rich and deep with no wear noticed. It has a Pachmar grip. 6 inc barrell. The cylinder opened a little stiff. Just a drop of oil and a little excercise and good as new.. The extractor needed a little tap and some oil as well. The cylinder has barley a trace from the cylinder lock.  I just cant beleive it. This thing is like new. I keep looking it over for a flaw.. I cant find any. Will shoot it soon. Needless to say.. I am happy. I already have a model 14 that is a bit beat up. I ordered this one because I wanted adjustable sights. Now I have this Jem I don't want to slip into a holster or take into the woods. Whats a guy to do.'Life is tough in Dan Wesson Country.
here is the link.. The seller is top notch in my opinion. Very proffesional. What a price. P.S. The pictures do not do it justice.
copy paste to browser.
http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=7108603
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Offline old geezer

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Questions about a Used DW
« Reply #8 on: December 27, 2005, 01:32:50 AM »
Son-in-law was with me when I first saw it, and knew I was interested.  When I made up my mind it was worth going back to look at it and make an offer, him and Grandma went in together and bought it got me for Christmas.  Total suprise.  It's got a five digit serial number, so figure it was from sometime around 72-74 manufacture.

Run a couple cylinders through it yesterday, and it shoots great.  Now I have to call DW and order a tool, may talk about an 8 in barrel to go along with it.  Also need to hit the reloading room and load up some so I can practice with it.

Ain't life great?
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Offline darrell8937

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Re: Questions about a Used DW
« Reply #9 on: December 06, 2006, 09:07:08 PM »
P.S.(post script)
Shoots real nice. Was on target out of the box. My model 14 shoots alittle better as it sports a scope.. Nice gun
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