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Dan Wesson 44Mag

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mstan99999

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Oct 17, 2007
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The Colony, Texas
I'm looking at one of these, but know very little about them. I know Smiths and Rugers, but not DW's. Anyone have an opinion on these?
Thanks!!
Matt
 
It is my understanding that the Monson, Mass. revolvers are very good. I used to have one that was great, BUT I did have to send it to Dan Wesson and have $150 worth of work done on it soon after I got it. It was by far the best at absorbing recoil of any 44 I have shot.
 
Well, for that matter, the timing can be off on any gun. I've never heard that to be a particular problem with the DW.

But, here was my complaint. If you look at the angle of the hammer spur on the 44 mag and then compare it to the angle of the hammer spur on the 357, the 44 is designed to where it doesn't provide enough resistance when cocking with my thumb. The spur on the 44 slopes too far back, and since it's just cast metal, no metalsmith would work on it for me.

Also, since it's cast metal, the ridges on the top of the hammer spur weren't very pronounced.

The problem for me was that during single action shooting, while cocking the hammer, the hammer would sometimes slip during cocking. I sold it.

Compare it to the 357. The 357's hammer spur is at a much steeper angle allowing for a better grip.

But that's just me.


The 44:

pix325453218.gif


The 357:

pix415896609.gif
 
My dad has a DW .357...it is the finest revolver I have ever held or shot. Phenomenal gun. The swappable barrels are awesome as well.
 
Dan Wessons are excellent revolvers. Accuracy is legendary. The .44 can handle full power loads constantly. It's mass is considerable so recoil is much easier to deal with. If you're mechanically inclined look at the design and you'll see that these guns are well thought out.
 
Thanks for the input. I tend to load a little hot and I know the rugers can take that and the smiths don't like it so much, but I wasn't sure about the DW's. I have been trying to trade one of my 9mm's for a double action 44, all I have right now are single action rugers, and a guy has offered me a DW. Let's see where it goes.
Thanks again!!!
 
If the one you're looking at is solid, you're gonna really like the 'Dan'.
I have a 4" model 15 Monson 357 that is turning into my [2nd] favorite revolver. Great bargains for a very nice piece in the modern age of over priced S&W's.
I'd really like to pick up a .44Mag in the near future to go along with it.
[my colt OMS is my favorite, I don't think it will ever be superceded)
 
I am a big fan of early DW revolvers. If the DW your look'n at is made in monson or palmer chances are it's a good one. My 357 is around 30 years old and has problably seen thousands of full house loads with no problems and only a slit cylinder mark. I would not trade for any other newest and greatest from anyone. Just pickup a palmer made 44 about 2 months ago and after installing a houge rubber grip took it to the range and am very pleased with it. Big guns they are, but there were made to take major abuse. Very accurate.
 
Welcome to the Dan Wesson Fan Boy Club.

Membership includes a Dan Wesson Patch and the undeniable urge to recommend a Dan Wesson to everyone who asks about multi-purpose revolvers.
 
I have a stainless DW 44 Mag and love it. I also have several others and have never had any issues with them.

You might also want to visit www.danwessonforum.com for more information on them.

Good Luck!
 
Looks almost exactly like mine, except mine is 6". The plum color frame is normal on an older DW 44. If the price is right, grab it up!! I was cleaning mine up a little last night, and I don't see any problem with the hammer spur angle. I have no problem cocking it with my thumb, and besides, the transfer bar won't allow it to actually fire without the trigger being pulled.
 
That also looks like my 44 with the plumb frame and blued barrel and trigger area. Mine is very accurate with it 6" barrel.
 
Plum bluing is common. I kinda like it since it is characteristic of a DW.
you're gonna pass? Is it local to you? or perhaps in cen texas? If so, I might know someone in Austin who might be interested. :)


<--------------------------
 
You know the picture doesn't do the pistol any justice (and I'm not saying my picture is any better).

But that color purple sure didn't seem right to me, so I got my safe queen out and looked at her and sure enough, there is a plum color to the frame. I think the picture you have there maybe exaggerates the color due to the lighting or the flash. (see my picture below, only where the oil is on the frame does it look plum).

In person this is one of the most beautiful pistols I own. I really like my Dan Wesson (More than my 629 and my 29 8 3/8). If you can check it out before you buy I'd sure think long and hard about it. If it's a blind trade, with this being the only picture you have to go on, I might pass.

Shooting 44 specials out of this thing is a dream..... dead on accurate and NO recoil. Easier than a 38 special wad cutter!
 

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I'm trying to trade my M&P 9mm for a 44, but I'm not so sure this is the one.
Click to expand...

I'm with you. I don't like the purple, either. And guaranteed DW didn't intend for their frames to do that. Purple color on firearms parts, so I've been told, are the result of such things as not getting the tanks hot enough or using the solution too many times before changing.

If you have your heart set on a DW, why not go to gunbroker and look for stainless?
 
The plum coloring is normal,you also see it on some of the older Ruger single actions IMO it gives the gun some character. Don't let the color change your mind if the price is right. In my opinion the Monson made Dan Wessons are far better than the similar model Smiths and you don't pay the extra premium for the name. I picked this one up last year for 350.00 DSCN0919-1.jpg
 
I've a few DW's, in 22, 357, & 44. Some SS & some blued. A few have that plum tint but they all shoot great! The ability to change barrels & shroud styles is nice, one bolt to change grips is convenient and they sure are well made.
 
If you have your heart set on a DW, why not go to gunbroker and look for stainless?
Click to expand...

Here lies the problem. I do not have my heart set on a DW. I would much prefer a 4" Redhawk. I just haven't found one. I have been trying to trade my 9, that I don't have any ammo for, for a 44, that I have tons of ammo for. I want a double action 44 to carry when I'm at my hunting property. I have several single action 44's, but no double. When this one was offered, I didn't know enough about it to make an informed decision. You guys have helped a ton. I have asked the guy if he has any of the extras that came with this gun and if that is rust on the sights. Both will help make up my mind.
I do value your opinions.
Thanks!!!
Matt
 
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