I have a few smith Wesson 17 and one 617. today I saw a very nice Dan Wesson 722 vh6 in excellent shape(gun only). price seamed ok at 500.00. I really like shooting 22lr and was thinking of adding this to my collection. any thoughts on a Dan Wesson?

Massively overbuilt, and deadly accurate - largely due to the tensioned barrel system now found in many S&Ws. The DA trigger is nothing to write home about, but the SA break is typically excellent.


The accessories (barrel wrenches, barrel nuts) are available in the aftermarket, but the original barrels in different lengths are sought-after and therefore pricey.


I enjoy shooting the Large Frame DWs, as I can feed them loads that would make me feel guilty shooting in a M29.

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Feels really good in my hand. Been trying to research price, could not find much seems like they are not out there for sale often. is this a good price now in 2016?

I see many .357, fewer .44, and even fewer .22lr and .22wmr for sale these days.


In my area, $500 would be right about asking price...but they seem to be going up in the last 2-3 years.


These guns, built on the already-solid .357-sized Small Frame, actually weigh more than their larger bore brethren. My rimfire version was a laser, if a bit sensitive to cleanliness. A dirty cylinder would keep rounds from fully seating, and sometimes lead to light strikes on the first try. A brushing between every third cylinder-full stopped any issues there.


If you're looking for a TANK of a rimfire gun than will last several lifetimes, you could do far worse than a 722.


Please remember that you will need a barrel wrench and feeler gauge to properly care for the gun.

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The barrel wrench and feeler gauge, are they used to unscrew the barrel? and do you have to do that for cleaning?

The wrench is used to unscrew/tighten the barrel and shroud, the feeler gauge to set the proper distance between cylinder and forcing cone.

You can get everything you need here, for $30 plus shipping:

Dan Wesson Wrenches : EWK Arms


It's not necessary to do it for cleaning, but it sure makes it easier!

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When I took marksmanship in college (part of the Army ROTC program), we used Dan Wesson 22s. It could be because they were donated or got an otherwise good deal, or it could be because they felt they were a great tool for the job. They were plenty accurate. I wouldn't hesitate to pick one up at the right price, but $500 seems like about the high end I'd pay, unless they're brought them back into production.

I've owned three Dan Wesson 22's over the years. Sold or traded them all for one reason or another...saw something else, was out of work, etc.

The only complaint I EVER had with them is they are BIG and HEAVY. I believe they're closer to the size of a Smith & Wesson "L" frame than a K.

Having said that, they shoot like laser beams almost. Even I can shoot them fairly well.

I paid about $200.00 for the first one I bought but that was many years ago. The more recent ones were in the $400.00 range as best I remember but even they were four or five years ago at least. Generally I'd say they run a little less than a S&W M-17.

One other thing. Dan Wesson's were made in several locations. The ones made in Monson, Mass are generally considered the best of the bunch. I don't think I've ever even seen one that wasn't made in Monson, so that's not any first hand experience talking, just general conversation.

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John 3:16 .

thanks for all the information. I might go look at it again Monday or Tuesday.

I got mine in 1980 when they first came out. They are heavy for a .22, but that's what I liked about it.

Here's my 22VH-6. The S&W below it is a TALO 686+, 5", for reference.

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Waiting for the break of day

Back in the 80's when I shot IHMSA Metallic Silhouette they were considered top of the line for accuracy with the rimfire shooters. I haven't watched and sell recently but $500 would seem a good price to me.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I have a 22 VH4 and it has become my favorite rimfire revolver. As others have stated, they are simply deadly accurate.
$500 seems about right for a stainless VH6; I say go for it!
FWIW!

I owned the stainless four barrel .22 LR pistol pack and shot it quite a bit. Before buying it I thought I'd mostly use the 4" and 8" barrels. The 8" was too snout heavy so it turned out that the 6" was the primary barrel. Unexpectedly I put a lot of rounds through the 2 1/2" barrel and seldom fired the 4".Unlike PatriotX's there was no need to brush out its chambers during a range session. The rear sight elevation had to be adjusted after swapping barrel lengths. I kept a chart of the clicks required in the brief case. That worked fairly well but when I wanted the best accuracy it was necessary to make a final adjustment by firing it. Accuracy was good, however, the DA is not just "nothing to write home about." After a complete cleaning it starts out bad then deteriorates as lead fouling enters the front of the cylinder around the yoke barrel. To clean that out the cylinder has to be removed which requires frame disassembly. I do not recall the details of cylinder removal, only that it was so often necessary and such a pain in the *** that I never want another Dan Wesson. I leave them for people who only shoot single action.

My complete pistol pack was an expensive acquisition then very difficult to find a buyer for. While with the internet it would be a lot easier to find the rare person who wants one, difficult resale is still a consideration.