Dan Wesson "Blems" and "seconds"

[Mr_Dunev]

I am in the market for a Dan Wesson Valor and have been doing some research, and the term blem or second, seems to come up from time to time.
Does this mean there are DW's they sell with defects?

People are also talking about people selling blems cheaper or selling them, but not telling the buyer, that they are blems.

For the past 2 weeks i have been shopping for a new Valor, i have not seen a single seller, use the term "blem" or "second" in the guns description.

So basically what I'm trying to ask, is how common are these "blem" guns?
How do i spot one? and are they cosmetic or internal, affecting function?

I don't want to spend $1600 for a gun that isn't perfect, know what i mean?


I appreciate the help

[NapaCountyShooter]

Pretty sure that a major gun manufacturer wouldn't let any firearm out of their clutches with internal problems that affected function on purpose. If there are blems I would imagine they would be external and wouldn't affect function.

[The Original Godfather]

They're referring to aesthetic "blemishes". This could also mean a certain roll mark or line didn't come within 00.00009% margin of error (or whatever their standard is)...

[Mr_Dunev]

Pretty sure that a major gun manufacturer wouldn't let any firearm out of their clutches with internal problems that affected function on purpose. If there are blems I would imagine they would be external and wouldn't affect function.

I don't think a company should sell any guns with anything other than the highest standards. Do other company's do this as well?

[keenkeen]

The "blemish" guns have an inverted "V" stamped on them or on the end of the case label. (or under the grip pannels) They have some sort of flaw in the finish.

....or at least that is what I have read...good luck!

[Kruzr]

DW is the only company I know of that does this. I really don't understand it since it if is just a cosmetic blem, you would think it would be pretty inexpensive for them to fix it and refinish rather than leave it and discount it.

[a1c]

DW is the only company I know of that does this. I really don't understand it since it if is just a cosmetic blem, you would think it would be pretty inexpensive for them to fix it and refinish rather than leave it and discount it.

Actually, I suspect that if they do it, it's because they did the math, and figured this system not only brings them a better margin, but doesn't significantly affect their brand reputation. Good for them.

[eaglemike]

DW is the only company I know of that does this. I really don't understand it since it if is just a cosmetic blem, you would think it would be pretty inexpensive for them to fix it and refinish rather than leave it and discount it.

Ummm, they aren't the only company doing this. There is a very well-known AR mfr (and supposedly superior quality) that does this. There was a huge batch of lowers for sale a couple of years ago.

[Mr_Dunev]

Buying a cheaper Valor does sound appealing; although i never intend to sell it, I am sure it would hurt the resale value considerably.

[Cyc Wid It]

All depends what you want to do with the gun... stock, use as a base gun, etc.

[G60]

I don't think a company should sell any guns with anything other than the highest standards. Do other company's do this as well?

What are they supposed to do with the blemished guns?

it's not like they're passing them off as first quality.

[Legasat]

I have seen two DW "blemished" pistols. We were not able to find anything wrong with either one. It must have been something smaller than my eyes could see. They only sell cosmetic blemishes.

[chiselchst]

I have seen two DW "blemished" pistols. We were not able to find anything wrong with either one. It must have been something smaller than my eyes could see. They only sell cosmetic blemishes.

I know of folks purchasing the blems (upside down "V"), and not finding or ever seeing what the blem is...

Valor is a great gun.

[Kruzr]

This is what Dave Severns says about DW blems. While Dave and I "aren't the best of buddies," there is no doubt he knows Dan Wessons better than almost anyone.

Not having time to go too deeply into this, suffice it so say that blems may be designated as such for internal, as well as external, flaws. That tiny pin-prick you see 'might' not be the real reason a pistol was designated a blem...

You really need to go over the gun with calipers and a machinist's square, to know the reason it was marked with the "Y."



(Not my gun)

[9mmepiphany]

DW is the only company I know of that does this. I really don't understand it since it if is just a cosmetic blem, you would think it would be pretty inexpensive for them to fix it and refinish rather than leave it and discount it.

Kahr does this too. They are mostly guns they have pulled off the line for function testing as part of their QC...I think it is pretty nice of them to offer a discount on them at all. The only way I even heard about this is when someone complained that a FFL was trying to pass them off as New.

Most manufacturer just sell their blems as new guns...I had that problem with Colt when I bought a M1991