Dan Wesson 15-2

[Mdclinks]

I picked up a Dan Wesson 15-2 on Friday. Looks to have some honest wear but I’m happy I was able to get my hands on it. And for a price of about $230 I wasn’t going to let it go. I’ve been wanting to get a nice shooter .357 in a 6” barrel. Does anyone have any feedback on the Dan Wesson revolvers? My understanding is that they are pretty nice revolvers.

 

[tominboise]

Hickok45 did a review on DW model 15s awhile back. It's worth watching. I have not owned one buy keep my eyes open for a deal on one. I'll have one someday.

 

[Laketime]

Who in their right mind would sell that for only $230.00 ??????

 

[Mdclinks]

Who in their right mind would sell that for only $230.00 ??????

I believe someone thought it had a major issue because it would not function in single action. The grip screw was tightened way down by the previous owner. I had to add a couple washers to give the grip screw a little more length. Works fine now.

 

[torizus]

Excellent guns.

Bought my first one in 1975 or so, acquired a half dozen more since.
22,357 & 44, all are tack drivers provided you have it adjusted properly (ie: barrel tension etc.) they are super accurate.

Another point of interest is observe the design, shrouded & tensioned barrel, mid center cylinder lockup, removable front sights, post vs full frame grip assembly...all features that you find today in the newer revolvers.

The bluing is what I still find amazing today as I look at those guns.
Do not use any tool other than one designed specifically for the barrel ring.
They are available and a simple thickness gauge will keep you good.

StackPath

 

[Jeppo]

I’m guessing the barrel is worth almost what you paid for the gun.

 

[stansdds]

No, that particular barrel and shroud is worth $300+ on eBay! For $230, you did great! Last time I saw a DW 15-2 for sale it was priced $100 over what it was worth. It was on consignment and the owner never dropped the price. It was still there before the great Covid shutdown of 2020. Dan Wesson's typically have a bit of a heavy, but very short double action trigger and a relatively light and very crisp single action pull. Accuracy tends to be on par with Colt Pythons. They are also very durable. The cylinder is S&W K-frame size, but the frame is slightly larger, much closer the the S&W 586/686. The Monson produced specimens are considered to be the best.

 

[max]

My first revolver was a 6 inch High Standard "Dan Wesson". It was very accurate and caused me to learn to reload. I traded it for a Security Six. I kind of wish I had it back.

 

[cherrypointmarine]

I have always wanted one also . They pop up around here once in a while . There was a 15-2 a little while ago , but he wanted $850 . Not knowing their values , I didn't know if that was a good price or just plain crazy .

 

[chiefdave]

The OP's revolver was exceptionally well bought. My example cost me $375 a few years ago plus another $50 or so for the grips and Patridge style front sight blade. The Manson revolvers are so well built and reliable I gave my daughter a Model 14 snub for home protection.

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

Dan Wessons are so rarely available because those who have, keep them.

 

[glenncal1]

There is a Dan Wesson forum that will answer any question you might have. As torizus said get a proper barrel wrench for the .357 if the gun didn't come with one and a .006" shim to gap the barrel. If you want other barrels and shrouds they are out there.

 

[duane_wade]

Here are my Dan Wesson pistols. A 15-2 sporting a 2½ barrel (I have a 4" and 6" to go with it) and my .44 mag.

I've carried the 15-2 as my EDC for years but got a little heavy last year after a back injury and I bought the .44 mag for deer hunting while I carried the 15-2.

Both guns will shoot 2½ groups or better at 85 yards from a rest and using a scope (with the 6" barrel on the 15-2). I won't part with either of them but would like to pick up an 8" barrel for the 15-2. My .44 is a fixed barrel but shoots exceptionally well for a fixed barrel.

I call little brother and big brother. I've had the 15-2 for about 25 years and the .44 for about 15 years.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[rjm6120]

I've owned 2 Dan Wesson .357's (a 6 inch 15-2VH and a 14-2 snub), foolishly trading off both of them, before coming across a 15-2 pistol pack early this summer at an LGS. I didn't let the opportunity pass and I snagged it. I finally got around to shooting it with the 8" barrel last month and was every bit as accurate as I expected. No, it will not be going anywhere.

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

When the company was resurrected yet again 1997 I contacted them about barrels and shrouds, I was able to purchase a FIVE inch barrel and shroud.
The Dan Wesson was designed by Karl Lewes who also designed the Colt MarIII and Browning Lever Rifle.

 

[whitestang]

Looks just like the one I had. It was the first handgun I bought after turning 21 and I should have kept it. I was going to use it as my duty weapon but was not allowed as the Sheriff did not the cylinder release in front of the cylinder.

 

[6518John]

Whitestang—Why was the Sheriff opposed to the the cylinder release being in front of the cylinder? Training issue with everyone else in the department with S&W? Or maybe he thought it was dangerous to put your hand forward of the cylinder?

 

[Hansli]

You hit a home run. 10 or so years back these guns were cheaper as they were overlooked by all but those knowledgeable about their many attributes. They are accurate, hell for stout, and if you reload, very versatile. I have two 15-2 and a model 14 (fixed rear sight). These are never sell revolvers, congratulations.

 

[LDM]

Great find! I have a 15-2 with a six inch barrel and would love to find another at that price. Great shooters and easy to slick up. As mentioned above, need to make sure you don't over tighten the grip screw.

 

[mtgianni]

Whitestang—Why was the Sheriff opposed to the the cylinder release being in front of the cylinder? Training issue with everyone else in the department with S&W? Or maybe he thought it was dangerous to put your hand forward of the cylinder?

I own a DW 15 and several I have talked to mentioned the transition between shooting it and a S&W in stressful situations if you train with both. I am fine as I rarely use it as a carry. Dept I was associate with as a Reserve had no problems with one.