Dan Wesson M715

Dimensions	Barrel Length	Weight	Caliber	Action Type	Capacity
13 1/2 Inches	8 Inches	40 oz.	.357 Magnum	D.A. Revolver	6
11 1/2 Inches	6 Inches	38 oz	.357 Magnum	D.A. REvolver	6
8 Inches	2 1/2 Inches	34 oz	357 Magnum	D.A. Revolver	6

    This is the Dan Wesson medium frame revolver, upon which the company was founded. These guns were designed by John Lewis, and initially manufactured by High Standard. This particular model was made by the original Dan Wesson factory in Monsoon Massachusetts. This was probably the early high point, in quality, for these revolvers. Some of the latter guns were skimped on a bit, though I hear that current production (from a new factory in New York state) is excellent. The company has gone out of business, and relocated several times. What has kept these guns going, is their great double action trigger, and wonderful accuracy. In their heyday, these guns dominated long range pistol competition. Even today, a Dan Wesson revolver will out shoot anything this side of a single shot Thompson Contender, and will require the utmost out of the Contender shooter.
    In size, and weight, this model is roughly comparable to the S&W L frame, or the Colt Python, being just a bit bigger than a medium (K) frame Smith, but not quite up to the heft of a large (N) frame. Though I do like my large frame S&W revolvers, there is something special about the Dan Wessons, deriving from the combination of their interchangeable barrels, great accuracy, smooth triggers, and good looks.
    This particular example was represented as being machined from stainless steel, but is actually a factory nickel model. It has adjustable sights, and the Python inspired vent heavy barrel. When originally purchased, the gun had the 8" barrel, though I soon acquired several others. With it's rust resisting finish, and interchangeable barrels, this is probably one of the ultimate system guns, as well as one of the great kit guns. I can have any barrel length from 2" up to 15" (barrels as long as 2"- 8" are presently being made).
    Currently, I have 2 1/2", 6", and 8" barrels, and am only missing the 4" to give me the equivalent of the old Pistol Pack. Nickel plated Dan Wesson revolvers are very rare. Until I came across this example, I did not even know that such a thing existed. Live and learn. It's rarity may or may not give it some collector value, but it is hardly in pristine shape. The finish is a bit worn in spots. I was also worried that it's rarity might make it difficult to find a full set of matching barrels. It is impossible to find nickel Dan Wesson barrels, but fortunately, stainless barrels fit just fine and come close to matching the finish. Otherwise, I would have had to buy blue barrels and plate them. With it's nickel plated steel body, and stainless barrels (except for the original 8"), the gun is a bit of a hybrid (the genteel word). Still, it shoots fine, is fairly rustproof, and is probably a bit tighter than the stainless guns, particularly those of similar vintage.
More information on the Dan Wesson revolvers can be found on my Dan Wesson pages.