Dan Wesson CTG ?

[roland5color]

I'm new here and not sure if this is frowned upon or not so please forgive me if it is. I'm trying to acquire a S&W 586 or 686 and I had a guy offer me a Dan Wesson ctg with 4 in. barrel. I'm just getting into revolvers so I know very little but learning more everyday. My question is how does the ctg compare to a 586 and what's it's value. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Dennis The B]

Welcome to the forum!

"CTG" stands for cartridge. Without an accompanying caliber (.38 Special, .357 Magnum, etc.) to go along with "CTG", the word has very little meaning.

The S&W Models 586 and 686 are medium/large frame revolvers introduced in the late 1970's designed specifically for the .357 Magnum cartridge.

The Dan Wesson revolvers are heavy framed revolvers which are not made by Smith & Wesson. Dan Wesson Arms is a completely different company. They are rugged, well-built revolvers, of which some featured interchangeable barrels, extra stocks, etc. They're very good revolvers, and have become quite collectible.

To make a good choice, you need to provide a model number from the Dan Wesson. Someone here will be along to provide some additional advice.

 

[roland5color]

Oops sorry I for got its a 357. Has a 4 inch barrel from what I have found so far. Thats all I know at the moment I'm waiting on the guy to get me some pics and more info later in the day. Is the trigger action as smooth or close to the S&W? My biggest concern is with the reliability and accuracy with he Dan Wesson. Is it on par with the S&W. Not sure if they were all this way or not but the barrel stews on and off.

 

[Nightowl]

Oops sorry I for got its a 357. Has a 4 inch barrel from what I have found so far. Thats all I know at the moment I'm waiting on the guy to get me some pics and more info later in the day. Is the trigger action as smooth or close to the S&W? My biggest concern is with the reliability and accuracy with he Dan Wesson. Is it on par with the S&W

I have never owned a Dan Wesson revolver. I have handled several, from their origin. They are renowned for their accuracy, but their trigger is not as good as a Smith. Condition and price are important in either gun. It's your choice.

 

[gkitch]

The Dan Wesson is a great revolver and is known to be accurate and reliable.
Look the gun over and compare it to the Smiths you have examined. One may speak to you or one may be a better deal. Unless one has a hidden flaw (unlikely), you cannot go wrong.

 

[roland5color]

Thanks for the replies guys. I think the Dan is a model 15-v4 from what I have been able to find so far. I'm still waiting on decent pics of the gun. How costly is it to have a gun refinished. The 586 that I'm comparing to the Dan has holster wear on the barrel and the overall finish is a little rough. It was a KY state trooper revolver. Was handled a lot but seems to have been shot very little. The Dan is in perfect condition. So it may come down to the finish for my final decision. Or that trigger lol.

 

[roland5color]

Here is the only pic I have for now of the Dan Wesson. Can anyone confirm the model and possibly the year.

 

[DWalt]

Refinishing in virtually all cases is a bad idea with a negative return on your investment. You are nearly always much better off in paying more to get something in better cosmetic condition. Dan Wesson revolvers are very good, but, as always, don't be tempted to pay too much. Know what you are buying.

 

[gkitch]

It is rare that refinishing a gun is a good idea. It is expensive and typically drops the gun's value. If you shoot and use the gun for a while and still have the urge to make it pretty with a refinish then go for it.

Study up on what to look for when buying a used revolver. If both guns check out and are fairly priced your options are all good.

 

[Jaymo]

Appears to be 15-2 VR.
15-2 was a .357 Magnum with adjustable sights.
VR was a vent rib barrel.
It definitely looks like a 4" barrel.
Nice one.
DW revolvers have a sweet single action trigger.
Their DA trigger pull is not as nice (out of the box) as a K or L frame Smith often is, but they smooth up to a very nice pull.
Then again, I've handled/shot a LOT of Smith revolvers that felt like you were grinding glass when you fired them DA.
Both are capable of excellent trigger pulls.

The Smith is prettier, the DW has user-replaceable barrels.
Both are great revolvers.
Personally, I'd love to have a 15-2 VR.
That said, I wouldn't trade my 586 for all the tea in China.

BTW, how much does the seller want for it?

 

[roland5color]

Well I went with the 586 no dash and I'm glad I did. The gun was in Better condition than the pictures showed. It has not had the mod done. This gun has been fired very little. I think just enough to break the trigger action in Lol. Everything on it is tight. Only issue is the holster wear from it being a KY state police pistol but that just adds character to it. I can't wait to shoot this thing. I'm like a kid at Christmas. Thanks to everyone for their help.

 

[roland5color]

It needs to be cleaned up but here's some pics

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[dant]

I think you did just fine, per the pictures, the only thing we would be concerned about would have been the "price" of each...there are LOTS of PD trade-ins out there and for a very GOOD,low price,both blued and stainless.............bottom line is still "overall cost"

 

[roland5color]

I got the 586 $50 in cash a nice galco leather holster and around $100 worth of 357 and 38 ammo. I traded my sig p238 for it. To me it was a good deal. I no longer had a Use for the p238 and I wanted a nice shooting 357 in great mechanical condition and I got one.

 

[Jaymo]

You got one helluva nice shooting .357.
I can't add much more.
Once you shoot it, you'll fall in love with it.

 

[roland5color]

You got one helluva nice shooting .357.
I can't add much more.
Once you shoot it, you'll fall in love with it.

I'm marrying my 586 next week I shot her tonight and all I can say is wow lol. It's an amazing gun and I know for sure now that I made the right choice. This is the first time I ever shot a 357 revolver. I couldn't believe the shock wave that was hitting me in the face. I put 50 rounds of 38 and 50 rounds of 357 through it. I was shooting a spinning steel target and when I hit it with the 357 it was spinning like a helicopter. It was almost dark by the time I got to shoot it and I could barely see the sights which are still set for 50 yards and I was still hitting a 16 oz pop bottle at 30 ft. This is going to be a very long and loving relationship. May have to get a second job though to pay for all the ammo lol.

 

[Old 44 Guy]

You did well, Pilgrim.

 

[roland5color]

You did well, Pilgrim.

Thanks I think so to.