pearson1662

I'm considering the purchase of the 445 SuperMag and have had it suggested to consider that there was a period of time in which the quality control at the Dan Wesson Factory suffered considerably. Therefore, it becomes important to know when and in what plant(?) a particular revolver was manufactured. Can anyone verify that this is the case and if so how do you separate the good from the not-so-good? I have been told that current manufacturing standards are high and that accuracy out of the box is superior to S&W and Colt. Thanks, Jay

stansdds

DW's quality has varied, just like other manufacturers. It is generally held that the Palmer, Mass guns were the worst, but some of those were really good. I think it is best to judge each gun on its own merits and not try to lump all the bad ones into a certain range of years. The new DW's are supposed to be great, yet I looked at one in a gunshop and it was horrible, I doubt they will ever sell it even though they have marked it down to $200 below list price!

Bronco4me

Agree with above. I bought my 6" model 744V (44 Mag) back in 1984, used, but with under 20 rounds put through it. The original owner didn't like the power of the 44 and was going back to a 357 -- he bought another Dan Wesson. Anyway, my serial number is in SB0019xx range making it one of the very early stainless guns made in Monson.

Over the next 20 years the gun has performed flawlessly, and I have put close to 100,000 rounds through it! My loads range from wild hand stinging loads I make for deer and bear hunting to mild 44 special type loads for pistol competition and all around plinking. My guns get well used and my DW still shoots and looks great.

Eleyman

Just noticed your post. I'm the relatively new owner of a DW 445 Supermag. I found the build quality great in a lot of areas and lacking in a couple of others when recieved. I have sent it back to them to have a problem addressed and I'll keep you posted on how it turns out.

jwk

I can't speak directly about the 445 Supermag but I have one of the new 44 Magnums and a new 1911 Patriot. I've found the quality of the new guns excellent! I have also heard the Palmer gun's quality was not as good as the original Monson guns. I own guns from all three Dan Wesson companies, and have been happy with all of them. A buddy of mine bought a Palmer 357 mag and it did have a problem with tight cylinders. I wouldn't worry about where it was made if you inspect it carefully. Dan Wesson does work on all older build guns as well as the new ones. Good Luck!