My first Dan Wesson revolver

Hawg Rider · #1 03-03-2025, 03:36 PM

I posted recently about buying a 1973 Model 28-2 and an early 1979 Dan Wesson Model 22 (.22 LR) from a friend's recently inherited collection. The Dan Wesson is my first ever and I probably wouldn't have bought it but he gave me such a deal I couldn't pass it up. I knew about the famous Pistol Packs from back in the 70s and 80s, but as a S&W guy I never gave the DWs much consideration. I actually kind of like this Model 22, although it's much heavier than a K-22 (Model 17) and the action is not nearly as smooth. There are actually more differences between DWs and S&Ws than I realized. The one-piece DW stocks and internal grip post are cool, but the manufacture and checkering is a little rough. The forward mounted cylinder release is OK, except I can see that quick reloads would take practice. Additionally, the cylinder/crane cannot be removed without taking off the left sideplate (2 screws) and removing a latch spring clip. It's also a Colt-style clockwise cylinder rotation. The barrel nut, shroud, and barrel removal are all very easy with the supplied wrench, and easily reassembled with the included barrel-to-cylinder gap shim (mandatory for barrel installation). Lucky for me this Model 22 was basically ANIB, so the barrel nut unscrewed with little effort...there are horror stories about trying to get a frozen or gummed up barrel nut loose. The design of the mainspring assy. is also interesting but I like the S&W designs better. I have looked online to see if there were any extra DW .22 barrels for sale (2-1/2", 4", 8") but they are basically unobtainium. All in all, this DW seems like a robust and dependable revolver and I'll get it out to the range very soon. I can see why there are die hard Dan Wesson fans, but personally I still prefer my S&Ws. Enjoy!

stansdds · #2 03-04-2025, 08:12 AM

My experience with DW revolvers has been in the form of two Model 15-2's, which are like your 22, but in 357 Magnum. I foolishly traded away the first one, but years later bought another one. Both had heavy double action triggers, but exceptionally crisp single action triggers. Both were also quite accurate.

Shotguncoach · #3 03-04-2025, 09:34 AM

I have your gun's big brother.

It started out as a 6 and 8 inch set, with the case, belt buckle, and all the grips. I later added the 2, 4, and 10 inch barrels to round things out.

Dan Wesson is owned by CZ now and they do occasionally make production runs of additional barrels. Sign up at their website and they will notify you when they are doing a production run. It looks like they have 2.5" barrels in stock for the .22 now.

Dan Wesson OE parts

Another source of parts is EWK Arms. I got one of their front sight blade sets and used the different heights to regulate my barrels so that I can swap barrels without needing to change the rear sight setting. They also supplied new springs, some spare small parts, and an extra barrel wrench.

EWK Dan Wesson parts

As you've noticed they are a bit different inside. I had to replace the springs in mine when I got it because a previous owner had done a "trigger job" by clipping coils off of every spring until it had a 1 pound single action pull. Pro tip: to install the hand, tie the assembly together with a piece of dental floss and snip it off after you've got the pieces together. I don't remember exactly where I found that advice on the 'net but it saved me hours of frustration.

Ivan the Butcher · #4 03-04-2025, 10:17 AM

My only Dan Wesson was a 4", 357 service gun with fixed sights and matt finish. Somebody in a 1981 "Shotgun News" was closing out on them and it was $158 OTD! I took it out to the police academy and the armorers went over it. The gun shot far Left. So, they "Clocked" the barrel shroud. It was dead on after that with just about any cast load. One of the "Distinguished Shooters" was drawing pictures with it at 25 yards!

I traded it after a few years, and like always, regret it.

Ivan

glenncal1 · #5 03-04-2025, 10:30 AM

Go to the DW forum for info on the DW guns. As you have noted they well built, stout guns. The last one I had was a .32 that I had reamed for .327 (no worries about pressure on these) with 4" and 8" barrels. Somebody offered me way to much $$ for it, but it was a great platform for .327 mag.

Crookedcreek · #6 03-04-2025, 10:50 AM

I have a 22 Pistol Pack that I bought in 1979, sold it to a BIL, and 41 years later got it back about two months ago. While straightening the felt in the case I found the target I had shot and placed behind the foam years ago, that I had totally forgotten about. Also have a 375 Super Mag.

Arm · #7 03-04-2025, 12:44 PM

I have an early model 14 I believe, It's with the pork chop barrel. Amazingly very accurate for a 2" , double action trigger is pretty stiff though, single action is nice. Good for winter carry.

44wheelman · #8 03-04-2025, 12:56 PM

DW's are not known for their double action smoothness. It has a short hammer throw to increase accuracy. The forward cylinder latch and tensioned bbl also help increase accuracy.

I once bought a .22 from a trusted source, threw it in my bag & went home. Pulled it out later, single action was really light, tried the double action, it didn't work....grrr, what did he do? Sideplate was off quick as I could. Had a good laugh: single action only.