Dan Wesson 357 circa 1980

[rogervzv]

I have a Dan Wesson 357 magnum, mfg. approximately 1980 or thereabouts. If something breaks on this revolver, am I going to have problems with repairs, given its age and the status of Dan Wesson? As far as I can see the gun is no longer manufactured.

Anyone know anything about this? It still shoots very accurately and presently I am having it adjusted by a Smith.

[PatriotnMore]

Those were a hot seller when they came out, interchangeable barrels, some sold as a kit. Good craftsmanship, accurate and reliable, they are keepers. Don't know about getting repaired.

[rogervzv]

Those were a hot seller when they came out, interchangeable barrels, some sold as a kit. Good craftsmanship, accurate and reliable, they are keepers. Don't know about getting repaired.

Oh, I'll never sell it. But when you buy a complicated gadget like a handgun, it is my notion that you are really buying into the whole system of maintenance, including the reliability of the manufacturer in standing behind the product. Ruger and S&W are examples of this. Guess it is just a bit unnerving to have a gun that appears to be an "orphan." Hence my question.

I will shortly be buying a Ruger 357. But wanted to know what people thought of this old Dan Wesson and its repairability.

[redcliff]

CZ-USA/Dan Wesson just announced they are resuming production of the 715 .357 revolver this year, so parts shouldnt be too much of an issue unless you want a different length barrel and shroud. I think the new ones are only coming in 6" VH configuration at least to start with.

[rogervzv]

CZ-USA/Dan Wesson just announced they are resuming production of the 715 .357 revolver this year, so parts shouldnt be too much of an issue unless you want a different length barrel and shroud. I think the new ones are only coming in 6" VH configuration at least to start with.

Is the "715" the one I have? (again, mfg. approx. 1980). Thanks for the info.

[redcliff]

The 715 was the stainless version, the model 15 is the blued version. The internal parts are basically the same.

[El Gato]

Is the "715" the one I have? (again, mfg. approx. 1980). Thanks for the info.

I was a Dan Wesson warranty repair guy in the early 80's in the OC...

the 715 is the stainless version of the 15 which is blue..

great guns and very easy to work on...
most common problem is the gun going out of time due to the sideplate screw coming loose...

buy a tool and keep it if you don't already have one... the whole gun comes apart with the tool and a cleaning rod..

there is a neat trick for getting the mainspring out using a cleaning rod and the sideplate screw... way way easy...
1- take the stocks off
2 - using the tool, take the sideplate screws off...
3 - cock the hammer and hold it back as far as it will go
4 - take the long sideplate screw and screw it into the hammer spring follower do-hickey (tech term)
5 - take the handle of the screwdrive and tap the frame extension a few times and the sideplate will come off...
6 - take the pistol cleaning rod and place it over the mainspring follwer hammer do-hickey... invert placing the handle of the cleaning rod on the workbench...and push down on the frame.. unscrew the sideplate screw and the mainspring and follower will come out... easy button...
7- re-assemble in reverse

after that, if you are intuitive and pay attention, you can take the whole gun apart in about 15 sec....

my record...
complete strip to bare frame (minus the firing pin which takes a roll pin punch) and re-assemble... 90 sec...
of course that was when I was young and in shape...

feel free to PM me if you have questions...

[rogervzv]

The 715 was the stainless version, the model 15 is the blued version. The internal parts are basically the same.

Great info. Thanks!