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December 22, 2025
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Stinger said
Model 15-2 with a 6" Vented Rib barrel assembly. It most likely came with a Target grip, that you can find on eBay.If you give us the first four digits of the S/N, we can tell you the approximate year of manufacture.
Serial is 3052XX
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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Probably around 1984 or 85.
January 2, 2026
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Greetings from northern Virginia (NOVA) I recently picked up my father's old Dan Wesson .357 from my brother who needed money. It seems to be in decent shape though I'm not sure what model or year it's from but think my father may have purchased it in the late 70's. It was manufactured in Monson, MA. Can anyone help me identify it? I will add it needs some minor work to reseat the barrel. My youngest and I were shooting it and were getting sprayed with blowback. Turns out the barrel had come unseated and no longer had the 0.006 gap tolerance to the chamber. I'm waiting on a tool to do the repair that seems pretty straightforward. I'm also interested in getting other barrels for the gun. Thanks for the forum, I look forward to learning more about the gun. Photos attached. 
Mike
DWF Supporters
July 12, 2020
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Welcome to the forum from PA!!!!
January 2, 2026
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605Dart said
Welcome to the forum from PA!!!!
I'm. originally from SW PA, thanks for the welcome!
DWF Supporters
July 12, 2020
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Hey!!!! Same birth year too!!
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Dans Club
February 22, 2009
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Good to have you on the DWF. Setting the barrel to .003-.004 usually takes care of any debris issues. I'm glad you get to shoot your Dad's gun with your kids. Always nice to keep things in the Family! The revolver is a mid 1970's ('75-'76) model 15-2 but grips appear to be aftermarket/ another manufacturer. Once you get the barrel set you shouldn't have any issues. Of course, if you do, here we are....
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
February 16, 2016
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to the 
January 2, 2026
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rwsem said
Good to have you on the DWF. Setting the barrel to .003-.004 usually takes care of any debris issues. I'm glad you get to shoot your Dad's gun with your kids. Always nice to keep things in the Family! The revolver is a mid 1970's ('75-'76) model 15-2 but grips appear to be aftermarket/ another manufacturer. Once you get the barrel set you shouldn't have any issues. Of course, if you do, here we are....
Not a fan of the grip and have ordered a replacement Hogue rubberized grip. I'm also considering the EWK 2.5" barrel as an option, has anyone had any experience with their product? Thanks
October 17, 2017
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The grip could actually be original to the revolver. Looks like the “powerwood” version found on many of the 15-1 guns made in 1974 (I have one very similar). My 15-2 is less than 100 serial numbers before yours. I’m guessing that DW may have used up the last of the powerwood grips on the earliest 15-2’s. As far as EWK goes, I have had very good products and service from them.
DWF Supporters
July 12, 2020
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EWK is top of the line. Eric is great to deal with also!!
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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3ric is correct. One of the first 15-2s. They started in late 1974 at serial number 50,000. Definitely a Powerwood grip. They are lightly regarded. Plastic grips that don't wear well.
Dans Club
March 28, 2023
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Dans Club
December 7, 2020
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Welcome!
In my range bag, I carry 0.002, 0.004, and 0.006 gauges. If you set the gap to 0.002, then set it on the proudest chamber as not all chambers may gap the same. And I also carry 1" squares of gray scotchbrite as burnt powder will close the gap sometimes and cylinder and barrel may need an occasional brushing to get the gap back.
Plenty of Factory wood grips on epay. The Pachmyer Gripper is still my favorite rubber grip, although no complaints in the New Hogue Rubber Grips.
If you want to go fancy-schmancy Hogue offers a multitude of Wood Grips.
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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What Scout said! Small gap may need frequent wiping of the cylinder face. I mostly use an automotive set of feeler gauges. Many different thicknesses all together and easy to hold.
Once you get a feel for the size gap you can hold the gun up to a light and judge the size of the gap while you cycle the cylinder. Much quicker than measuring each chamber with a shim. Large frame guns have more uniformly perpendicular faces and 2 thousandths of a gap is usually enough. The larger cylinder doesn't expand as it heats up.
About grips, one of my special areas of collecting. The most coveted is the Smooth Zebrawood small frame target grip. The checkered small frame target is also highly regarded. The Central American species is now protected. There is an African wood also called Zebrawood but that is not what DW used. The large frame zebra grips are all smooth.
A Forum member named LB made custom grip in many styles and types of wood. As far as I know he doesn't make them anymore. They are highly regarded and sell on eBay for much more than he charged.
The rarest of DW factory grips are the 500 solid Rosewood that were on the first 500 44 mag revolvers DW made. IHMSA shooters were so anxious to use the new 44 mag guns, the Dove Grey finished introductory model that they took off the rosewood grips and put on Hogue or Pachmyers. Years later they would show up on eBay or GB. As far as I know, only 500 were made. Besides those on my Dove Grey guns I have managed to acquire 4 more of the rosewood beauties. Eagle grips also made a large frame solid rosewood fingergroove grip.
January 2, 2026
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How tight should the barrel nut be? I am unable to loosen it in order to reseat the barrel for proper tolerance. It's now at the smith with hopes they'll be able to get it apart. Is it possible for the barrel to back itself out far enough to torque down the barrel nut and make it difficult to remove? Frustrated!!!
DWF Supporters
July 12, 2020
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Someone probably put Loctite on the nut, which is a big no-no.
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Dans Club
March 25, 2013
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Yes, loctited on. You made a grave mistake taking it to a Smith. Almost all of them are totally ignorant of DWs. They can do serious damage. Always check with us first. All Smiths know is S&W and Colt.
There are threads on the forum about removing a loctited nut. Heat will loosen it. Other folk will be along to give you links to methods. And no, the barrel can not back out without removing the nut. If the Smith told you that you need to rescue your gun.
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