Dan Wesson 357 Supermag

cmm · Jan 19, 2009

I know this is not Smith and Wesson, but there are enough revolver lovers here someone might have one of these.

Does anyone know about the Dan Wesson 357 Supermag revolvers? I found one today, with all original tools, extra barrel, papers, etc, and a very nice hard case.

It has an 8 inch barrel, target sights, and is in like new condition, with a mounted handgun scope (Simmons).

It is built like a tank (even heavier than my Ruger Redhawk 357), I understand that 357 maximum cartridge is fairly stout.

Anyone have one, and what do you think of it? I searched google and found some bits and pieces, but not much.

VonFatman · Jan 19, 2009

I'm sending a link to your thread to pbslinger...he knows more about these than the average bear...I just got mine a week or so back and do not have enough experience to make any educated comments other than I LIKE IT!!

Mine (below pic) had the box/tools/extra barrel etc. as well, not as perfect at the one you show, but I paid $550.00 with two boxes of current production ammo at a gun show a week or so back in the KC Area.

Bob

cmm · Jan 19, 2009

Nice picture! Mine looks like yours, but doesn't have the holes in the barrel shroud. Mine is solid. Do you know what this means?

Thanks!

pbslinger · Jan 19, 2009

Cmm, Dan Wessons come with two main types of barrel shrouds, vent light (like vonfatman's) and vent heavy like yours. Vonfatman's is also slotted to reduce weight to make the gun under 4 pounds for IHMSA silhouette competition.

Yours was most likely purchased for a hunting gun since it would weigh over 4 pounds without the scope.

It isn't common to see 357 Supermags with a vent heavy shroud, I would guess yours to be a Palmer made gun. If it is a Palmer gun this the second Dan Wesson company, run by his son and widow.

The Burris clamp on scope mount is mounted backwards on the gun. The windage adjustable ring should be toward the rear.

The 357 Supermag really isn't big recoiling in this heavy gun. I think they called your grip Zebrawood. Your grip is very nice!

Any specific questions? I love these guns!

aphelion · Jan 19, 2009

I've had some experience with them. Here is a link to a post I made awhile back. I'll reiterate - If you are thinking of buying it, look it over very carefully first.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/5301039...771063472#3771063472

cmm · Jan 19, 2009

Thanks Guys for the info, that is very helpful. I picked it up today, it was so clean (looked like never fired) I figured it was worth jumping on, price was $500 even.

If it shoots as well as the various posts say I will be very pleased.

Centurian77 · Jan 19, 2009

Doesn't .44 mag produce around the same foot pounds of energy for certain loads? Pretty sure this is why the .357 maximum never caught on.

44wheelman · Jan 20, 2009

Doesn't .44 mag produce around the same foot pounds of energy for certain loads?

Perhaps, but consider the ballistic coefficient!!!

$500 is a good price. DW also made the Supermag in other diameters; .375, .41(414) & .429(445).

pbslinger · Jan 20, 2009

The 357 Supermag was developed to knock down steel plates at 200 meters with minimal recoil. The 44 mag has more power at short range.

The longer bullet delivers its energy over a longer period of time, helping the lighter bullet knock over the plate.

Pilgrim · Jan 20, 2009

I got the complete set with extra barrel, tools etc for $375 about a year or so ago.

Size wise, it is exactly the same size as the SW X frame.

Mr. Tree · Jan 20, 2009

You have an excellent revolver. I love mine! Since factory ammo is almost impossible to find you must consider reloading for it. Forget about bullets lighter that 180 grains. The Max is not a hot rod 158 grainer. My favorite is a cast Lyman #358627 (215 gr SWC with gas check). Suggest that you check out www.lasc.us for quite a bit of good info in general and especially to read the articles by Glen E. Fryxell, one of which is about cast bullets in the Max. Have a blast!

HEADKNOCKER · Jan 20, 2009

I have a 15-2 357 Magnum Dan Wesson & realy like the looks of the Super Mags..
Here's a Link to the Dan Wesson forum of Graybeard Outdoors..
Dan Wesson Forum Graybeard Outdoors

Old Navy · Jan 20, 2009

744 HV8" 44 Mag

722 HV6 & HV8 22LR/22WMR

Model 15 357 Mag HV4/HV6

HEADKNOCKER · Jan 20, 2009

Old Navy the bottom 15-2 is an early one as I notate the overtravel adjustment screw is in the trigger, were the later ones are in the frame..
You can get the triggers fairly light & smooth on these cannons, There tough as nails & the barrel cylinder gap adjustment was a very nice Idea IMO..
BTW we have a forum member here Dant who used to work for Dan Wesson & he helped me with a few widgits & parts..
Here's a Pic of my DW 15-2 with 2-1/2" barrel
Gary/Hk

Peter M. Eick · Jan 25, 2009

I have the exact same heavy barreled gun. I don't have a scope on mine.

You can still get parts from DW. I just ordered new barrel lock nuts and wrenches for mine.

You can shoot 357 Super mag (1.610 case length) or 357 Maximum (1.605 case length).

I use 357 maximums out of mine as I shoot a ruger 357 max also. This keeps commonality of ammo going.

Fun gun to shoot. Keep your barrel gap tight or it will spit a bit.

Stay away from ball powders and light bullets because that combination is what causes the frame cutting.

My gun likes 180s and heavier. Very accurate and easy to shoot. Light loads like 357 magnum levels make the brass stick in mine a bit. Keep it hot and you will have no problems.

Email me if you want more information. I have a whole directory of saved webpages from the 357 maximum and have been accumulating loading information for mine for years.

ira41magfan · Jan 26, 2009

Mines a 414SM, don't shoot it much unless I can shoot at longer distances.

Old Navy · Jan 27, 2009

Originally posted by HEADKNOCKER:
Old Navy the bottom 15-2 is an early one as I notate the overtravel adjustment screw is in the trigger, were the later ones are in the frame..
You can get the triggers fairly light & smooth on these cannons, There tough as nails & the barrel cylinder gap adjustment was a very nice Idea IMO..
BTW we have a forum member here Dant who used to work for Dan Wesson & he helped me with a few widgits & parts..
Here's a Pic of my DW 15-2 with 2-1/2" barrel
Gary/Hk

I would like to see a better picture of you 15-2 with one of the J frame type grip/stock like they have listed on the DW parts section of CZ/DW website.

HEADKNOCKER · Jan 27, 2009

Are you talking about this grip??
Pic isn't great but..
I didn't care for them & sold these grips
Just found the pic to show you..
Gary/Hk

Old Navy · Jan 27, 2009

Originally posted by Old Navy:

Originally posted by HEADKNOCKER:
Are you talking about this grip??
Pic isn't great but..
I didn't care for them & sold these grips
Just found the pic to show you..
Gary/Hk

Click to expand...

Yes, that is the one on the DW I was talking about. Just wanted to see if they really made the 15 concealable since the frame is so big to start with, it would work for a LEO detective. However private CCW I do not think it would work to well ISWB or for a pocket gun.

Joni_Lynn · Jan 27, 2009

Nice looking DW's.
Enjoy them.

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