For the past several years, off and on, I have managed to meet a couple of retired NYPD officers, via the internet, who started on the job in or around the same period (1971) that I did. Super nice guys and helpful to my quest on information concerning the NYPD-approved .38 Dan Wesson Model 11 of 1971. These two had shared with me that there were not many rookie officers who selected the Dan Wesson over the Smith & Wesson Model 10 (4" heavy or standard bbl.) or the Colt Metropolitan MK III. There was just a known precious few that selected our Dan Wesson Model 11. As the history students here already know, the Model 11 was one of two first production DW's of 1970/71 times. The other DW being the adjustable sight Model 12, with both models having the exposed bbl. nut on the end of their removable barrels and, what is referred to as a 'porkchop' shaped bbl. shroud, which help secure the barrel to the frame. The fixed sight Model 11 was designed for law enforcement and for the most part, chambered in .357 magnum.  NYPD only accepted .38 Special chambering for their 1971-era blasters and a "fixed-barrel" was a must for NYPD acceptance. Somehow, someway Mr. Dan Wesson persuaded the hierarchy at the NYPD to approve his brand "new" Model 11 for duty use. Now that is a story unto itself, just waiting to be exposed to students of firearms history, especially those of us on this 'fine' DW Forum. The .38 NYPD Model 11 'was' seen on, what was referred to a Gun Day, by these retired NYPD friends. Gun Day was the day the newby cop selected his/her duty arm from the listed selections of .38's. For 1971, the list is above. The entire story of 'how' and 'what' and 'when' Dan Wesson got his Model 11 on the NYPD approved-for-duty list, just starting out of the blocks is waiting to be told. For my very modest efforts and modest resources, I have not been able to ascertain enough info to do this story justice. I just hope in the future a more skilled/talented DW Historian will step out and complete this history lesson. Thank you my friends and sorry for the length.

David

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