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February 4, 2017
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In a different topic I asked about plain brown boxes. An answer came that they were most likely used at the end of the Dan Wesson Norwich operation.
That begs the question...what were the last days of Dan Wesson Norwich like?
Were the final days a series of price reductions? Did they have a going out of business sale? Did they just lock the doors and quit answering the phones? And when CZ took over, did they double stamp existing stock to re-brand? Did they re-forge the remainders into CZ products?
I had no interest in Dans at the time but some of you might fill in the blanks. Any facts or opinions on the issue will be appreciated.
Rimfire
"LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO SPEND IT WITH AN UGLY GUN!" - John Taffin
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December 4, 2011
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The only change I noted was the addition of the letters RV to the beginnings of all the serial numbers and the dropping of the First Issue crest. I think it was more of Dan Wesson being a wholly owned subidiary than an out right take over. Others will add more info.
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March 25, 2013
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I don' t think Bob Serva was under severe financial stress. I think CZ was looking to expand its US operation. This is supposition on my part. Some folks are critical of pre CZ 1911s but I have a very early one called a Pointman Major C and it is marvelous. It has a Millett rear sight identical to the revolver sights and an interchangable Patridge front sight. It even has a lovely Barney slide.
Bob Serva made a deal with Smith and Wesson at the very end of his tenure. In a cost cutting attempt Smith was going to make the revolver frames including the lockwork and Dan Wesson serialized them and supplied the interchangable barrel assemblies. Instead of a roll pin to locate the shroud there is a small flange on the top rail that fits into a corresponding cut out in the shroud. Serva licensed the interchangable barrel tech and front lockup to S&W which is now used on the X and N frame guns. Maybe on more guns, but I do not know. They don't market it as interchangable barrels. The purpose is the accuracy of the tensioned barrel and front lockup. A tool is available to FFLs and Smiths from S&W to switch barrels.
Bob Serva had 6 prototypes of 6 calibers made but he sold the company to CZ before the were in commercial production. There were 6 22 lr, 357 mag, 44 mag, 45 acp, and 2 other calibers I do not know. Some of the prototypes were kept by employees, associates and, Serva himself. At least one was sold on Gunbroker that is now in my possession. It is a Jim Cirillo model by name. I have the 6"VH, stainless of course. I have full documentation of the sale from Serva to the gentleman I bought it from. The prior owner had it engraved by a fine young engraver. He also had 3 sets of grips, one of them Zebra wood, made in the Dan Wesson target style but 2 piece to fit the Smith frame.
Rimfire , on the financial shape of DW before the sale to CZ I have the opinion that it was lucrative to Serva to sell. All my other comments are facts.
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February 4, 2017
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Interesting stuff, OleDog...thanks for sharing. I think I remember someone else on the forum snagging one of those proto-types on GB.
"LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO SPEND IT WITH AN UGLY GUN!" - John Taffin
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December 4, 2011
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CZ wanted to expand it's presence into the 1911 market which Bob Serva had taken Dan Wesson successfully into by the mid 2000's. I'm sure he made out well in the deal. It's not long after the CZ transition that Dan Wesson stopped revolver production. CZ cited lagging sales of wheel guns, but they really didn't have their heart in that sector. Instead, they chose to focus on the 1911's.
I have several pre CZ 1911's and they are all excellent shooters and very well made, high quality pistols. I want to acquire more when I can. I love the Bomar rear sights on two of mine, dial in accuracy.
Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
My father
If a man designed it, and a man built it, then a man can fix it.
My grandfather
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