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July 12, 2026
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Picked up my first DW last week Model 15 357 not quite sure of the age based on some of the info here I put it at 73 or 74 it has the solid front sight and screw behind the trigger. Hopefully photo uploads and I can get some feedback
DWF Supporters
July 12, 2020
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Welcome to the forum from PA!!!!
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Dans Club
February 22, 2009
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Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
October 18, 2017
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Welcome from NC! Your revolver is a very early 15-2. I can’t make out the serial number, but based on the hammer profile I would put it at 1975. I have a very similar DW serial no. 578**
July 12, 2026
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Thanks for the info 3ric, serial number is 5-digit 66XXX, first trip to the range works great in double action, single action getting light primer strikes. Im waiting on a barrel removal tool to arrive as the headspace is set to tight. Not sure if the problem is main spring or end shake, difference is about .003 when I force the cylinder back. But first I want to thank all that have contributed info to the forum it has been extremely helpful.
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DWF Supporters
June 11, 2016
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Welcome to the Forum from Wisconsin.
Dans Club
March 28, 2023
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DWF Supporters
July 12, 2020
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Make sure the grip retaining screw is not in too tightly, it will cause light strikes because it interferes with the main spring.
July 12, 2026
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Thanks for the welcome responses, the Dan Wesson was on by bucket list since 1981, I was stationed at Ft Greely AK, and my roommate had borrowed a 8 inch model 15 from a friend and we went to the range and I was very impressed with how it shot. So here we are 45 years later and my 6 inch groups just as well. Just got to get the double action sorted out. I did loosen the grip screw which didn't help with the light primer strikes. Thanks to youtube there are few videos that might help me solve the problem allow with several posts on this site.
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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Try a different brand of ammo. Also, when tightening the barrel nut ,snug is good. Don't make it too tight . Hold a finger over the forcing cone to keep the barrel from turning while you tighten the nut.
October 18, 2017
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Keep in mind that when you acquire a used DW that many parts may have been altered or replaced by previous owners. Your revolver is over a half century old, and there’s no telling how many hands have been on it in all those years. It’s puzzling to me that the single action is less reliable than the double action (it’s usually the other way around). That information will be key in determining just where the problem lies, but it will take someone more knowledgeable than me to figure it out. Good luck!!
July 12, 2026
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3ric just went back and read my post, I had the wording reversed, sorry for the confusion. Light primer strikes in double action I was using 38s that I had reloaded with CCI 500 primers I got it sighted in using 357 reloads with CCI 550 primers of the bench single action. Hopefully fedex delivers my tool today and I can get back to the range tomorrow and try 357s in double action.
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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I don't reload but I have heard that CCI primers can be hard . Also, a former owner may have put a Wolff reduced power 71/2lb hammer spring in . The 8lb should only be used. The factory spring is 9lbs. It would be an easy fix to put a factory spring in. I have bunches of them if you so desire. I took them out of lots of DWs I put Wolff springs in . Got a lot of 71/2 lb springs too if anyone can think of something to use them for . I am big on repurposing stuff. My mother was a bonafide hoarder . I am a collector and invester🙄😉
February 8, 2014
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to the 
Forum from Kentucky.
Steve S.
October 18, 2017
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Now that we have the problem figured out, the cure is an easy fix. As Ole Dog has indicated, replacing the main spring with a stronger one will likely be all that is needed to cure the light primer strikes in double action. While you’re in there replacing the spring it’s a good time to do any maintenance like cleaning and lubing. Enjoy!
Dans Club
December 7, 2020
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