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September 25, 2012
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New member here, just purchased my second DW 15-2 after selling my 15-2v 30 years ago. Don't ask I have kicked myself every time I see one online.
it's a 5 digit (62xxx) monson 357 that hasn't been fired much. Glad I found this forum.
Jim
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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Hey Jim, Welcome to DWF.
I bought 7261x new in 1977. As I recall I paid around $180.
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman "Were is the Self Help Section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
George Carlin
September 25, 2012
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Steve CT said
Hey Jim, Welcome to DWF.I bought 7261x new in 1977. As I recall I paid around $180.
Thanks Steve,
Yeah I bought my first one new around 77 or 78 for around 230-250, this one I got today might be late 76 early 77 just going by the serial #.
That was my first pistol and I target practiced and hunted with it until I could shoot reasonably well. Now at 62 I just hope it doesn't launch into orbit the first time I shoot magnums.
Jim
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January 24, 2009
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Judging from your serial number, I would say the manufacture guess is right, although probably leaning more in the '76 direction. Also, from what I have found, guns in your s/n range have a pinned (non interchangeable) front sight, is this the case with yours?
From what I've found so far, the interchangeable sights came along somewhere between #'s 688xx and 690xx.
to the forum, we'd love to see some
if you can.
September 25, 2012
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Charger Fan said
Judging from your serial number, I would say the manufacture guess is right, although probably leaning more in the '76 direction. Also, from what I have found, guns in your s/n range have a pinned (non interchangeable) front sight, is this the case with yours?From what I've found so far, the interchangeable sights came along somewhere between #'s 688xx and 690xx.
Thanks Charger Fan,
Yes plain old black sight no insert. I was looking around for a different shroud with a vent rib and red insert but "sticker shock" hit me. I think I'll stay with the front sight unless someone makes a replacement that can be installed.
My old 15-2v had the Zebra wood grips with the large DW medallion, this one I picked up the other day has what appear to be slightly smaller walnut grips and a smaller silver/chrome medallion. any link to info when they changed?
I'll try to post some pictures on Friday in the picture thread.
Jim
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January 24, 2009
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JTecalo said
My old 15-2v had the Zebra wood grips with the large DW medallion, this one I picked up the other day has what appear to be slightly smaller walnut grips and a smaller silver/chrome medallion. any link to info when they changed?
They changed to the larger medallions sometime in 1978, possibly late '77. Unfortunately there's no hard data as to when new changes came along in DW's history, but we have been able to narrow many of the changes down to approximate dates.
Your grip description sounds like it's probably a Powerwood grip. They made these in a few different sizes & shapes, here's an example of one next to a similar large medallion version...
The Powerwood grip is actually plastic (you really have to look close to see) & so is the medallion. If your medallion still has some silver on it, then handle it with kid gloves, because the silver can wear off rather easily. Here's a closeup of the medallion.
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Dans Club
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November 17, 2008
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Welcome to the forum. You can change the front sight but it requires a little more work. Drive out the pin, slide in the new sight and mark, then drill the sight for the pin.
Several guys here have done it and may have more tips to make it easier. Good luck.
LB
Wisdom is merely the realization of how little one knows, therefore I am wise.
September 25, 2012
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Charger Fan said
JTecalo said
My old 15-2v had the Zebra wood grips with the large DW medallion, this one I picked up the other day has what appear to be slightly smaller walnut grips and a smaller silver/chrome medallion. any link to info when they changed?
They changed to the larger medallions sometime in 1978, possibly late '77. Unfortunately there's no hard data as to when new changes came along in DW's history, but we have been able to narrow many of the changes down to approximate dates.
Your grip description sounds like it's probably a Powerwood grip. They made these in a few different sizes & shapes, here's an example of one next to a similar large medallion version...
The Powerwood grip is actually plastic (you really have to look close to see) & so is the medallion. If your medallion still has some silver on it, then handle it with kid gloves, because the silver can wear off rather easily. Here's a closeup of the medallion.
You're right it is plastic, pretty good imitation. It has Pachmayr presentation grips on it, the wood/plastic grips were included. Silver medallion looks like a W and a star on it, most silver left.
going shooting today and will post some pictures tonight in the picture forum.
September 25, 2012
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lbruce said
Welcome to the forum. You can change the front sight but it requires a little more work. Drive out the pin, slide in the new sight and mark, then drill the sight for the pin.
Several guys here have done it and may have more tips to make it easier. Good luck.LB
thanks for the tip lbruce, I'll check it out this evening.
jim
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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Here's a picture of the original grip on my 1977 15-2:
It's very plain, and I have seen very few others like it. I have long believed that this was a pretty short lived transition from the Powerwood to the DW Medallion grips.
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman "Were is the Self Help Section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
George Carlin
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