There is an Dan Wesson Model 9 (small frame 38) for sale locally. I haven't been to see it yet but these are the vitals as far as I know-

6" barrel

adjustable sights

non target grips (magna? style)

The rear sight looks a little different than other DWs I have seen, it has a large screw external and right forward, windage?

The barrel shroud is not full length, there is like a bib that comes down from the bottom of the barrel and covers the front of the frame.

Advertised as excellent condition, 95%

$425 OBO

Opinions please. Thanks.

Is the seller in or near Asheville, NC?

What you are describing is the early DW adjustable rear sight.

The ad I saw for that revolver (or one strikingly similar) was $50.00 higher and described it as "very gently used" with a 98% rating. Based upon the picture, I believe the seller is being a bit generous with his adjectives and ratings.

Yes- that's the one- I was writing from memory- probably not the best idea any more.

Anyway, I have never had or even shot a Dan Wesson- what do you think of that gun at that price?

Do you know when they stopped using that sight?

Are the early ones considered better or worse or the same as the later versions?

Would that gun put up with occasional 38-44 loads?

Thanks Shawn!

The Model 9 with adjustable sights is listed as a .38 target model.

Revolver Models | The Dan Wesson Forum

I have a Dan Wesson 15-2 and about the only negative I can report is that due to a coil mainspring the DA trigger pull is quite high at the spring stacking point. How high? With a reduced powder mainspring that dropped the DA pull to 11.75 lbs the misfire rate with CCI Magnum primers was 100% and with CCI standard primers it was 60%. With a replacement standard weight spring the DA pull is about 14 lbs with zero problems with misfires. As Popeye would say "eats your spspspinich ge,ge,ge".

One other minor negative is that you have to remove the sideplate to remove the cylinder, so get used to cleaning the chambers with the cylinder mounted to the gun. I also recommend hosing down the ejector rod and center shaft because they can get crudded up enough to effect how easily the cylinder spins. Dan Wesson was a bit in error when they stated the cylinder shaft shouldn't need frequent cleaning in their manual, it's just like any other revolver and need cleaning every 100-150 rounds fired.

On the plus side the Single Action trigger breaks at 3.0 lbs, the accuracy is every bit as good as you may have heard, and the lockwork is even simpler than a S&W, so it's real easy to work on.

That's quite good information chaps, I thank you.