Register
Log In
Home
May 1, 2016
Offline
Hello,
So last year I inherited a .445 Supermag after my dad passed away. I believe he was the original purchaser as I have found some paperwork from DW (but no receipt or price totals). I am trying to piece together just what model it is and it's worth. I am never planning on getting rid of it, but I like to have an idea of values just in case something ever happens to it.
So, here is what I know.
It is a .445 supermag with two barrels, and the longer barrel has the cutouts in it for IHMSA matches. it is stainless steel, with a hogue grip and the wood DW grips. I do not know if it originally came with a 3rd barrell. I also have a red box of .445 shells that says IMSA and .445 supermag hand written on it, and an IMHSA carry case. I do not know if these came with it or not.
It's Serial is 445S-IHMSA-24X
It was manufactured in Monson, MA
Also, if anyone can tell give me info on a gunsmith that works on DW revolvers in Houston that would be awesome. It seems to have a weak hammer spring so sometimes it will just dimple the primers.
Thank you for any and all info you can help me with. I really appreciate it, as this is my father's legacy 🙂
-Jeremiah
Supporter
Range Officer
Moderators
DWF Supporters
Dans Club
December 4, 2011
Offline
Welcome to the forum from PA!
If you can post some pictures of the gun and accessories that would help us determine condition and value. Also, what length are the barrels? Has the gun been fired? If so, how much? Condition is everything to value. It sounds like a nice complete kit and if in good condition, could be quite valuable. Your area of the country also plays a factor in value.
The model you have is a 7445, the "7" denotes stainless steel.
Read THIS thread, it explains the most common causes of light strikes and the easy DIY fix.
Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
My father
If a man designed it, and a man built it, then a man can fix it.
My grandfather
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
Offline
The "IHMSA" numbered Supermags were offered specifically to IHMSA members, allowing them to have a DW Supermag to match their IHMSA member number, was he an IHMSA member?
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 1, 2016
Offline
This is what I have. I have the gap measuring tool somewhere as well, but I can't find it at the moment. I can tell you that my dad did some mods of his own, he added the scope and scope mounts on the barrel to use for hunting, and on the short barrel he ported it himself. I am not sure how much it was fired, but the bore on both look to me to be in great condition. I believe the barrels are 8" and 3", but for the life of me I can't find my tape measure. As to if he was an IHMSA member, I honestly don't know. He never told me if he was or not, but I never heard him talk about it. Thank you also for the information on the grip screw! I am going to have to experiment with that now!
-Jeremiah
Supporter
Range Officer
Moderators
DWF Supporters
Dans Club
December 4, 2011
Offline
Nice looking setup! If you put that on Gunbroker, it would probably go for $1500-$1800. Do a search on 'completed auctions' and you'll get a good idea of what similar guns have brought recently.
Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
My father
If a man designed it, and a man built it, then a man can fix it.
My grandfather
DWF Supporters
February 1, 2016
Offline
SCORPIO said
Nice looking setup! If you put that on Gunbroker, it would probably go for $1500-$1800. Do a search on 'completed auctions' and you'll get a good idea of what similar guns have brought recently.
Nice. Maybe more w/extra ba & scope !! Should be 4" & 8".
SIZE DOES MATTER
Supporter
Moderators
January 24, 2009
Offline
I bought one of those ammo boxes shortly after I got my 7445, with new unused shells. I don't know the story on those either, hopefully someone who does will pop in here.
BTW, sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. Welcome to the
Supporter
Range Officer
Moderators
DWF Supporters
Dans Club
December 4, 2011
Offline
I think I read that somebody in the Gates family was selling the ammo. Thought Randy Gates said his mother hand wrote those labels. Now to remember where I read this.
Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
My father
If a man designed it, and a man built it, then a man can fix it.
My grandfather
Range Officer
Range Officers
Dans Club
February 28, 2009
Offline
Nice 7445 kit. However, just so you know, the VH4 barrel assembly you have is not original to the gun. It is a BA from a 744 (stainless 44 magnum). The porting on that BA was factory made.
IHMSA serialed guns are fairly rare. It's a shame your dad didn't tell you about it. However, if you have all that paperwork it's a pretty good bet he was a member and got the gun serialed with his membership number.
Keep it Treasure it. Shoot it. And pass it on to your kids.
Enjoy.
-Mike
Supporter
Moderators
January 24, 2009
Offline
SCORPIO said
I think I read that somebody in the Gates family was selling the ammo. Thought Randy Gates said his mother hand wrote those labels. Now to remember where I read this.
You are probably right, it seems this question had come up before, but my memory sure isn't what it used to be.
Supporter
Moderators
Dans Club
February 22, 2009
Offline
I'll ask him....
Randy said, "... the first 3 runs of Brass El darado out of north Vegas, I should say as I remember 2 runs of IHMSA brass and 1 run of Gates Brass. I spent many hours taking the brass from the shipping Barrel and feeding them into the Red boxes. Mom took pride in her ability to ink 445 Supermag on the stickers."
So that solidifies your memories....
Regards, Ron
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
Supporter
Moderators
January 24, 2009
Offline
Perfect, thanks Ron!
Randy's Mom did an awesome job with the calligraphy pen on those stickers, I think it looks very classy.
May 7, 2016
Offline
I have the same questions for my 445. It was given to me by my uncle back in the early 90's. I've only put one box threw it? It looks like a alaskan but none of the markings? Has single digit serial number. Not looking to sale it just curious what they are going for?? Haven't really seen one like it accept for the alaskan? Not sure if they were available back then? Any help would be great!!
Supporter
Range Officer
Moderators
DWF Supporters
Dans Club
December 4, 2011
Offline
That IS one of the pre or prototype Alaskan Guide Specials. That AGS on the label denotes the fact. There were only a few of these guns made at the Palmer factory in this configuration. After Bob Serva moved the company to Norwich NY the more familiar markings were used. That is a nice and hard to come by piece. I have number 29. On auction, $1500-$1850 would not be unheard of. That is a great gift your uncle gave you!
Anything worth doing is worth doing well.
My father
If a man designed it, and a man built it, then a man can fix it.
My grandfather
May 7, 2016
Offline
Thanks for the quick response!!! I have heard of guys piecing one together..... but I didn't think he would have picked one of those up... I have only put 50 rnds threw it since I got it and was thinking of loading up some more..... definitely a blast to shoot!! And a good conversation piece!!!
Thanks again!!
May 7, 2016
Offline
Does anyone know if you can get a longer barrel for the alaskan style 445??
February 16, 2016
Offline
jaded1 said
Does anyone know if you can get a longer barrel for the alaskan style 445??
The factory sticker on your box indicates 8" and 10" are available.
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
Offline
jaded1 said
Does anyone know if you can get a longer barrel for the alaskan style 445??
Please visit New Members
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
May 1, 2016
Offline
Thanks everyone! I went shooting today with some guys from Primary Arms, and we shot off a few of the .445 rounds I had, it was a LOT of fun. I will post some photos when I get them. One of the guys took some pics with his DSLR for marketing. I got a feeler gauge from autozone to make sure I had it gauged to .002 However, I am sad to say that I put the original Dan Wesson wood grip on, and I still had the problem with the hammer dimpling the primer on double action every few shots. If I fired on single action I never had any issues.
-Jeremiah
DWF Supporters
February 1, 2016
Offline
Got mine to indoor range again today 
They had a ccw class at the same time on left 4 lanes !! 6 .445s and the instructor came over and said "What cal. is THAT ??" I showed him and got that usual puzzled look. 
and said "its got flames coming out a foot"
6 more and I ran some 44s he he he
SIZE DOES MATTER
1 Guest(s)
