Dan Wesson missing part?

[blair]

I just bought a Dan Wesson .357, not even sure of the model #.  After looking at it for a while I noticed that the part that goes on the frame, left side, lower left of cylinder is missing.  Its a 1/2 moon shaped piece that I'm not even sure what it does.  It would be in a location to keep the cylinder from moving to the rear when its open.  Does this in any way make it not safe to shoot?  Can I still find a replacement part for it?  Does it just push in?  Any help would be appreciated

[DWTim]

Hard to say without knowing the model, as the shroud, barrel and crane design changed during the course of production. A photo would be very helpful.

[blair]

here's a picture of it.  Notice the bottom right hand corner of the cylinder, then look on the frame at the 1/2 moon shaped hole.  Shouldn't something be there?  Any idea what model it is?

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e118/250savage/DanWesson.jpg

[DWTim]

Thanks!

Yep, there's supposed to be a piece of metal there that keeps the cylinder from sliding off the crane. Not really dangerous, but I can see how it could get irritating when you swing out the cylinder. I don't think they sell that without the entire sideplate, but you can always e-mail genny@cz-usa.com at the factory and ask if it's a small part they sell separately.

That's a Model 15 you have, by the way.

[blair]

thanks for the help.  Does it just press in?  I got the gun for a good price, and as you can tell it has plenty of blueing wear, so I bought it to stick in the saddle bag of my 4 wheeler. 

[DWTim]

EDIT: Something didn't feel quite right about my advice so I broke out my wheelguns and also looked at a parts diagram. That piece shouldn't be "removable". It is milled from the sideplate in both my Supermag and small frame Wessons. Looks like you'll need a replacement sideplate.

[blair]

ouch, thats bound to hurt

[Cowboybart]

If it is just a beater gun, pull the sideplate and have a bit of metal added via MIG or TIG weld.  You can then shape it w/ a file or Dremel tool.  The weld won't take a blue to well, but it will help keep the cylinder in place when it is open.

[GrantCunningham]

The cylinder stop on early Dan Wessons was a separate piece which was pressed into the sideplate; only the later guns had integral (machined) stops.

It is in fact very common to find them working out of their normal position, though I can't recall seeing one come completely out!

The part is quite simple, and any gunsmith worth the title should be able to make another. Make sure that the replacement is silver soldered into place!

[darrell8937]

This is verry common! Has been discussed here many times. The part is just a press fit and can work out. If you find one it can be silver soldered into plase. I have a model 14 that has one completly missing. However on this particular gun, the cylinder does not swing down enougn for  it to come loose(apart) so no problem except for the hole. This gun is a target plinker with a scope that is used only in a clean enviroment. My model 15 has the part in place but if it were missing it would be a problem since the cylinder swings down more.

[DWTim]

Blair,

Wondering what happened...? How did you resolve the issue?

[blair]

traded it toward a Ruger Blackhawk.