Posted: 11/4/2007 4:54:43 PM EDT
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I'll toss this up here guys because I am about at wits end. I recently got a Wesson 357 revolver shown below.    The problemis the gap set on the cylinder to the barrel is way wide. It's .014" instead of .006". If this were a "normal" DW pistol I could just use a barrel wrench to take off the barrel nut and reset the gap. CZUSA's gunsmith generously loaned the tool to do it too. But this pistol has NO barrel nut to remove! Near as I can tell it's a model 15 with a 3" barrel in 357 mag. I do not know the vintage as I bought it used. Anyone have any info on this one and how the barrel is assembled to the frame? |
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Just before one of their numerous bankruptcies, Dan Wesson built some fixed barrel revolvers in an attempt to bring down costs and compete better. Didn't work. They are reasonably uncommon in comparison to the standard ones. I have one of their M44FB (FB for fixed barrel) models with a 5" barrel. Balances very nice. I also have 2 normal DW's an M44 and an M715. Sorry, but I have no idea how to adjust the barrel on the Fixed versions. A 3" Dan is neat though. |
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Thanks man. You're only the second person I have seen write that they knew of FB models. I tried it at the range with 38 special and a few rounds of 357. It's a great shooter. But that gap means it sprays alot. If I can just find out HOW the barrel is installed I can work up a plan to fix it. I have built a half dozen AKs now. (Yes, semi only and 922r compliant.) This has to be less complicated than that. I'm a machinist and welder, but not a "certified" gunsmith. Just a well equipped do it yourselfer. Info on this model seems to be the toughest thing to find. |
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I dragged out my FB M44. The barrel is clearly threaded into the frame as I can see threads on the barrel. I see no evidence that the barrel is pinned anywhere. My best guess is that you unscrew the barrel-shroud and barrel as an assembly, then somehow separate the barrel and shroud. Adjust and put everything back together. This would require some specialized tooling obviously. If this were a Smith how would you adjust the gap? Do the guys at CZUSA have any idea about the FB Dans? Let us know if you figure it out. |
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The smith at CZUSA turned down the job and recomended I find a local smith who can take it apart for me. He also recommended that I buy of the removable barrels to replace it with. Problem is they don't carry the 3". CZ has few parts for these apparently. I don't feel like trying to get past the scam bidders on auction sites who try to bid up parts for the sellers either. It appears that if the barrel and shroud can be untorqued without damaging anything then the barrel can be unscrewed from the shroud a bit and then put back in to re-establish the spacing and torque the assembly into place better. The local Marine Range where I shoot tells me they have a smith who may be able to help. I don't have the fixtures to hold everything and torque it as it needs without damaging anything. The pistol does show some marks from poor handling over the years. But nothing I can't smooth with some emory cloth after it's repaired. Then I can bead blast it, sand or polish the parts and then hot blue it. (I have my own home made finishing tanks for hot blue or park.) Should be a respectable blaster after I do that. I really like this 3" size. Enough for good accuracy at 10 yards. Handles well. I like the trigger the feel of the pistol in general. With a bit of work it'll be a fine piece. This piece has really gotten me interested in revolvers. I keep finding myself wanting to get my local FFL to order me in a excellent used S&W 65 .357 4" Police trade in next.  |