Features
Dan Wesson's Model 15 came to me as an 8-inch .357 Magnum, but one of the interesting features of the gun is its ability to switch barrels. Nowadays, this is a common feature more and more manufacturers are incorporating in their designs. But this revolver from an entire generation ago gave gun owners the ability to switch barrels themselves at home.
The Model 15 also came with a 6-inch barrel to change the performance and handling characteristics of the gun. The barrel threads into the frame just in front of the cylinder, and the supporting shroud is then installed over the barrel. The entire assembly is tightened using a spanner nut that recesses into the muzzle.
Unlike most revolvers, the Model 15 has a slide release on the front of the cylinder crane. This release is pulled down while rolling the cylinder out the left side of the handgun. This simplifies the process and leaves the side of the frame open and clean. A walnut grip gives a handsome contrast with the high-gloss blued finish.
Shooting the Model 15
Shooting the Dan Wesson Model 15 was as pleasant as you might imagine. I find older revolver designs to be an exercise in perfection. The design has been around for so long, you'd almost have to try to make it feel crummy.
The smooth action of the Model 15 feels like quality workmanship from a time long past. The snap of the hammer clicking to the rear feels like it’s on lubed bearings, as does the cylinder rolling the cartridge into place.
Both the double-action and single-action functions of the Model 15 were predictably clean. Pulling the hammer back with the trigger seems lighter than many other revolvers I've shot. The single-action break of the trigger is fantastic, like a glass rod snapping.
Only accurate firearms are interesting in my opinion, and the Dan Wesson Model 15 surely seemed interesting to me. I was impressed at being able to stack shots in nearly the same hole at distances of 10 to 15 yards. The longer barrel kept the revolver shooting comfortably with very little muzzle rise.
Changing Barrels
Unfortunately, I was unable to locate the appropriate tool for tightening the nut that secures the barrel. It uses a spanner wrench with two prongs to loosen or tighten the barrel nut at the muzzle. Once the nut has been loosened, you can remove the barrel shroud by pulling it off the muzzle end of the barrel.
The barrel itself can be threaded out from the frame of the gun. The process is reversed to install the new length barrel. The barrel is threaded into the frame and spaced .006 inch from the front of the cylinder. This can be done with a feeler gauge and ensures there is not too much clearance between the chamber and breech.
After that is done, you can install the barrel shroud and tighten the barrel nut, completing the process. I am a big fan of quality switch-barrel firearms. And while this design doesn't fit my particular needs, it could surely fit yours.
Pros & Cons
I didn't come up with many cons, so I'll give you my pros first. Timeless craftsmanship is one way I would describe this wheel gun. The fit and finish are outstanding; the polished high-gloss bluing alone makes this gun feel more valuable than it is. It actually looks thick when compared to other bluing.
The handsome walnut grip, while not my personal taste, is quite comfortable and easily controls the .357 recoil. The size of the handgun keeps it from being particularly snappy when it comes to recoil. And the simple sights are quite effective. The 8-inch barrel has a red insert, while the 6-inch barrel has a simple serrated ramp.
Function of the revolver is flawless. Solid cylinder lockup and crisp trigger pulls speak volumes on the design and build quality of the Model 15. The very few things I would change about this gun are easily summed up as personal preference.
I wouldn't mind a little more aggressive texturing to the hammer spur; on a couple occasions my thumb slipped off while drawing the hammer. And it could perhaps benefit from a different grip. Neither of these would be a deal-breaker for me, though.
Pros:
- Timeless craftmanship
- Outstanding fit and finish
- Comfortable grip
- Flawless function
- Solid cylinder lockup
-
Crisp trigger
Cons:
- Hammer spur could use more texturing
-
Grip not my personal preference
Conclusion
Once again, I found myself very happy with a firearm as old as I am. I guess it should come as no surprise that the good old days produced so many fine firearms. Dan Wesson knew what he was doing when he designed these revolvers.
The Dan Wesson Model 15 brings an excellent shooting experience with both quality and modularity. This is from a time where far fewer things had the modularity we are so spoiled with today. The ability to change barrel lengths is neat, but personally I don't see much use for it. There are plenty of folks out there who would prove me wrong.
Regardless of the barrel used, the Model 15 shoots superbly. A smooth and clean-breaking trigger is matched by a broad sight radius and prominent sights. The curious cylinder release is different, but I easily adapted. All in all, the Dan Wesson Model 15 would be a fantastic handgun for general purposes.
