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May 24, 2013
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I've always liked the looks of the DW revolvers and certainly their reputation has few equals. I'm thinking seriously of acquiring one. I've a variety of pistols and revolvers but at the extremes in terms of caliber, i.e. either .22 or .45 so I'm looking for a .357/.38 special to fill that empty space in middle. If successful I'll be seeking knowledge and what better place to find it?
- Michael
August 29, 2009
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Welcome to the forum and good luck in your hunt for .357. I'm assuming you'll want to look for the latest and most common model - a 15-2 (715 in stainless). There's usually a pretty good supply for sale in the market and as always, condition determines price. If you're not in a hurry, just keep an eye out for a nice one in exc. condition.
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Dans Club
February 22, 2009
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Harly's advice is sound and has you covered, so I'll just say 
.
Regards, Ron
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
May 24, 2013
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Thank you both. I'm currently looking at a pair of D11s, sequential serial numbers, one a .38 special hardly fired and the other a lightly used .357. Both in excellent condition. My only concern is lack of parts and support for the older models. I've about rung dry all the model 11 posts and they've been very, very helpful. I'll keep looking since it's a very enjoyable pastime.
Dans Club
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April 20, 2010
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Welcome to the forum from PA. If the pair of D11s you are looking at are in great condition, I would not worry about lack of parts. Even the early Dan Wesson models were well built and do not have a lot of moving internal parts, they will give years of service. If you like them snap them up, a sequential pair is unusual. I think Charger Fan here has a similar pair of porkchops.
Oh, and then we will want 
-Lonwolf
"The lion and the tiger may be more powerful, but the Wolf does not perform in the circus"
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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This was my thought too, lonwolf said it better that I could. Sequential 11's is remarkable, as long as there has not been flagrant abuse, you really don't need much in the way of parts, and DWF is your support center.
Run them both through a good revolver function checklist. You will be amazed at what a good internal clean-up and lube does for these guns, many of them have been safe queens for 30 years.
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
May 24, 2013
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Again, my thanks. I'd gone thru the "Average Joe Tune-up" and it didn't look all that scary. Being that some of the model 11s are still in use by law enforcement was also heartening. I also decided to look into the fine print of my state's laws to be certain I wouldn't be running afoul of any restrictions on multiple handgun purchases. While I couldn't find anything and despite having a CPL I'll also ask my FFL as this transaction will go through them.
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January 24, 2009
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Finding sequential D11's is a really cool find & to me, finding a pair that is .38 Spl & .357 Mag is just icing on the cake! I have a pair of 2-digit sequential W12's, both are .357 Mag.
May 24, 2013
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Sweet! That's the pinnacle of Kewl Pics.
May 24, 2013
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Finally I've a Dan! The auction with the sequential pair started an hour earlier than posted so it was all over before I logged in. I missed out on the .38 special and barely won the .357 magnum at my maximum bid. I took all the information to my FFL the next day and then waited, and waited, and waited some more. Apparently there was a compatibility problem between the two fax machines and the information was not getting through. We finally got it done through email.
I was a bit disappointed in that there was no date of original sale information in the box. There was a warranty card, assembly instructions, and a note regarding shrouds not being interchangeable. The original wrench and feeler gauge were included. There's nothing particularly unique about any of that though I'd be happy to copy and upload the D11 assembly instructions if any model 11 owners out there would like to have a copy.
The first thing I did after getting it home was to tear it apart. I took the side plate off and studied the mechanism paying particular attention to the hand, transfer bar, and spring assembly. Thankfully I'd read the Average Joe Tuneup because springs do what springs do and I was almost immediately looking at a defiant hand spring having escaped captivity. The inside mechanism was really pretty clean so for now I'll leave it be and satisfy myself with cleaning the more accessible parts, filling the two splits in the grip and refinishing it.
Now if I could just find some ammunition......
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