Dan Wesson Model 15
Dan Wesson Firearms · Pistol · In Production · 1971
Also known as: Model 15-2, Model 15-VH
Overview
The Dan Wesson Model 15 is a .357 Magnum double-action revolver introduced in the early 1970s and best known for its signature interchangeable-barrel system. The barrel screws into the frame and is enclosed by a separate shroud, tightened with a spanner nut at the muzzle, letting the owner swap barrel/shroud assemblies in lengths from 2.5 to 10 inches and tune the barrel-cylinder gap. The 'VH' configurations use a ventilated heavy barrel rib for target work. The blued Model 15 (and its stainless Model 715 sibling) earned a strong reputation for accuracy in metallic silhouette competition.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1050 g (37.0 oz) |
| Barrel Length | 102 mm (4.02") |
| Action Type | Double Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 440 m/s (1444 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 784 J (578 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .357 Magnum · primary — also known as .357 Mag, .357 S&W Magnum, 9x33mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Six Round Swing Out Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Transfer Bar, Rebound Hammer
- Features: Swing Out Cylinder, Interchangeable Barrels, Ventilated Rib, Barrel Shroud, Adjustable Sights, Adjustable Barrel Cylinder Gap
Variants
- Dan Wesson Model 715 — Stainless Steel
Production
Production years: 1971-present
Long-running design later reintroduced under CZ-owned Dan Wesson
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Karl Lewis
Notes
Weight varies widely by barrel length; the 4-inch VH configuration runs about 1.05 kg, the 8-inch about 1.33 kg. Barrel-cylinder gap is user-adjustable via a feeler gauge, unusual among production revolvers.
Background
Dan Wesson, grandson of D.B. Wesson of Smith & Wesson fame, founded his own company to build the interchangeable-barrel revolver his family's firm had passed on - a gun owners could re-barrel at the kitchen table with a single spanner wrench.