Dan Wesson Model 741 .41 Magnum 8” Range Report

[tlawler]

In addition to the primed brass (mix of Winchester and Starline), I also got 200 new Winchester and 100 new Starline cases. As well as:

RCBS dies
Lee FCD
4 HK speed loaders
3 barrel wrenches
Hogue monogrip
And a Lewis Lead Remover Tool

The custom holster is really nice too!

 

[tlawler]

Perfect case

A few months ago I bought a used 4506 from a local gentleman and it came in this case. It was way too big for the 4506, and I usually put them in gun rugs and in a range bag for trips to the range…I just tossed this in the attic with my pile of other “don’t throw away stuff”. While I was up there getting an air filter for my monthly a/c maintenance, I spied it, and thought Hmmm…that Dan would look pretty good in there. It fits well with enough room for my scoped 610 as well.

I’m looking into options to mount a scope on the Dan Wesson too, but there aren’t as many as with a S&W. It has a tapered top rail making it more difficult. Best option I’m seeing is a clamp on weaver that mounts to the vent rib, but I’ve read that it can mar the rib. I’ve asked for options in the DW forum and seeing what comes up.

 

[tlawler]

Took Dan to the range

I hadn’t played with my can for a few weeks, being that it’s still in NFA jail. Took Dan along for the ride. It’s a 15 yard indoor range, so I was a bit limited. I ran 50 rounds of 210 gr. jacketed over 7.7 gr. W231 at 45 ft. At almost 64 oz. unloaded, this big revolver really soaks up the recoil. Very pleasant to shoot, but I think I like the DA on some of my S&W’s better. SA was much better, and I shot maybe 40 rounds SA. The position of the cylinder latch took a little getting used to, as did the fact the cylinder itself rotates backwards. But I have to admit, it’s a beautifully refined piece of machinery. I can’t wait to mount a scope on it and really check out it’s potential.

 

[44wheelman]

Shoulda warned you about the da pull. One of the things that help Dan Wesson accuracy is the short hammer throw. The trade off is a da that is…meh.

Friend of mine has a buddy that makes/sell cans. Took my .22 DW along to his buddy’s place for shooting. I made an adapter that replaced the bbl nut that I could screw one of his cans on. Cranked the bbl gap down between .002 /.003. Result was about a 50% noise reduction. Just in case you were wondering.

 

[colt_saa]

Friend of mine has a buddy that makes/sell cans. Took my .22 DW along to his buddy’s place for shooting. I made an adapter that replaced the bbl nut that I could screw one of his cans on. Cranked the bbl gap down between .002 /.003. Result was about a 50% noise reduction. Just in case you were wondering.

Years ago, when I was channeling my inner Maxwell Smart, I did the same thing

The barrel/cylinder gap just can not be overcome for hearing safe suppression. I even tried setting the barrel just above touching the cylinder face

 

[colt_saa]

I ran 50 rounds of 210 gr. jacketed over 7.7 gr. W231 at 45 ft. At almost 64 oz. unloaded, this biggot me the best accuracy revolver really soaks up the recoil. Very pleasant to shoot, but I think I like the DA on some of my S&W’s better. SA was much better, and I shot maybe 40 rounds SA. The position of the cylinder latch took a little getting used to, as did the fact the cylinder itself rotates backwards. But I have to admit, it’s a beautifully refined piece of machinery. I can’t wait to mount a scope on it and really check out it’s potential.

That is a midrange load for the 41 Magnum cartridge. You are probably moving that 210 out at about 950 FPS. With the XTPs I find pushing the 210s to the 1,350+ FPS range got me the best accuracy from my DWs.

Since most of my shooting with Dan Wessons has been single action the short stroke never bothered me, but yes the cylinder latch is weird