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March 20, 2012
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Been in the market for a hunting revolver for a while now and was about to "settle" on a taurus tracker in 44 mag. On a whim, we stopped at a gun and knife show last weekend. Got there 2hrs before close and wasn't expecting to find too aweful much. Got to the gambles hardware (caro, mi) booth and something caught my eye. Holy s#!& a Dan Wesson blued 44. 8in barrel topped with a 2x20 Simmons scope. Then I was shocked to see $399 on the price tag. Got it into my hand and knew it was going home with me. Wonderful condition but obviously used and well taken care of. Couldn't believe it was still in the case and neither could anyone working the booth.
I am definitely a proud owner of this magnificent weapon. I also had no idea the kind of following that DWs have on this forum.
I haven decided on the future of the scope. It may get removed or at very least, painted to match the gun.
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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Welcome to DWF from a "Mitten Man" at heart. Born and raised in SE MI, and my wife is from Bay City. MSU Grad, family all over SE Michigan, Petoskey, Saranac, Howell, etc.
Steve
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
March 20, 2012
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Thanks Steve. The more I research these guns, the more impressed and intrigued I become. This may well become my new deer slayer. It would be tough to put up the .35rem marlin though.
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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You will find that the DW Large Frame is an immensely stout handgun, and the DW design is inherently capable of remarkable accuracy.
A word to the wise: If your Model 44 has the Power Control barrel (6 holes in the barrel near the muzzle, and small slots in the shroud) ALWAYS scrub out the shroud and clean out the holes in the barrel after you shoot. Most .44 B/A's are of this type and you want to be after this before it becomes a problem.
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
March 20, 2012
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My 44 is a B model but it doesn't have the slots in the shroud you mentioned. It does have one very small set of slots (1/8" long) on top of the shroud, about where the front sights would be. I've been hesitant to remove the barrel and shroud since I don't have the tool or feeler gauges. The cylinder gap is tight and not binding so I would like to put a couple light loads downrange then give her a good cleaning. Barrel and cylinder look fantastic right now though.
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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I took a closer look at your picture, it looks like you have a custom/one off full length rail mounted on the frame and/or barrel shroud.
1) I think I see the the slots you refer too, and those are the shroud ports I referred to, almost every DW .44 Mag shroud has them. You most likely have the Power Control barrel as well. Using a bright light, look down from the muzzle about one inch or so for six evenly spaced small diameter holes around the circumference of the barrel. They MAY be packed so full of crud that you cannot easily see them.
2) The barrel tool you need is available from a variety of sources. I suggest you buy the one from EWK Technologies listed on our sidebar. He IS NOT AN ADVERTISER (DWF does not accept paid advertising) here, he is a Member and a trusted friend of DWF.
3) If that rail is drilled and tapped and screwed to the shroud, I'm concerned that the shroud has not been removed for cleaning for quite some time. If that turns out to be the case, the space between the shroud and barrel might be pretty built up with powder residue, lead, jacket shavings, etc.
I don't want to paint a "doom and gloom" picture here, you still have a great gun at a great value. If you have the situation I think is happening here, it is very fixable, we have all the help you need.
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
Range Officer
Range Officers
Dans Club
February 28, 2009
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Welcome to the DWF; and pay very close attention to what Steve said. If this shroud hasn't been removed and cleaned in a long time (assuming the barrel itself has the 6 holes Steve mentioned), it may be very difficult to remove. There is a posting on this site about stuck barrel removal. Once you get it off, I've found that a 12ga bore brush will clean the inside of the shroud.
You may want to consider getting a non-power control barrel (the one without the 6 holes) from DW.
-Mike
April 25, 2008
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from Kentucky! That is a great price for a DW .44. They are fine, accurate guns. You'll like it a lot.
The Savantist
November 6, 2010
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Sweet gunshow score jhart00! Always happy when someone finds a great deal on a nice DW at a gunshow!
March 20, 2012
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Just checked. No holes on the barrel. Would that indicate that its an aftermarket barrel? Good to know for certain. Looks like she will get a good strip down and cleaning soon anyways though. Lol
November 23, 2011
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from Indiana. You have a very nice gun at a killer price. You will fit right in at the 
R S
Remembering Col Jeff Cooper
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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jhart00 said:
Just checked. No holes on the barrel. Would that indicate that its an aftermarket barrel? Good to know for certain. Looks like she will get a good strip down and cleaning soon anyways though. Lol
No, it just means you got lucky. I think the Power Control thing was about the most useless thing DW ever did, it created many more problems than it solved.
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
December 26, 2010
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to the site. Good score on that Dan. I'll put in another plug for stuff from Eric aka EWK. His stuff is top notch.
Supporter
Moderators
January 24, 2009
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aboard & congrats on your cool find, it looks great!
Once you get to the range, let know how it runs.
February 20, 2008
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Welcome and a great gun show find~!
Regards-Photo
If you're going to drink, don't drive. Don't even putt.
September 1, 2010
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Welcome to the forum and to the world of DW from the volunteer state.
Range Officer
Range Officers
Dans Club
March 27, 2009
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Welcome and enjoy this place! Not an after market barrel as they sold non ported too! Another blast for EWK you will like the tools and such he has!
Keep us posted and thanks for the pic!
has no cure! 
on the gun show score!
May 17, 2010
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Welcome from ALL the way down south in Mississippi. You got a killer deal on a very interesting gun with the FULL length rail.
Looks like they removed the rear sight as well to fit that beast on there. No need to choose one over the other at hunting time. Marlin for deer and the DW for hogs!
Soap Box, Ballot Box, Ammo Box
in that order.
4 Monson Model 15's
1 Palmer FB 15
1 Rossi 357 Model 92 (lever)
1 CZ 75B
January 22, 2008
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Welcome to the forum! You certainly picked up your DW for deal! Hope you enjoy it and the forum!
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