Dan Wesson Firearms Revolver Large Frame Instruction Manual

							Dan Wesson Firearms Revolver Instruction Manual 
Large Frame and SuperMag Models 
 
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NOTICE: 
Dan Wesson Firearms Co., Inc. shall not be responsible for injury, death or damage to property resulting from intentional or accidental discharge of this 
firearm, or from its use in a manner for which it was not designed. Wesson Firearms will not honor claims involving this firearm which result from 
careless or improper handling, unauthorized adjustment, alteration, corrosion, neglect, the use of improper caliber ammunition, the use of ammunition 
other than original high quality commercially manufactured ammunition in good condition, or any combination thereof. Wesson Firearms will not honor 
claims involving this firearm for any reason when claims are made by a subsequent owner. 
IMPORTANT: 
Before leaving the factory, this firearm was carefully tested, inspected, and packaged. Please examine the firearm at the time of purchase to make sure 
it is unloaded and undamaged as Wesson Firearms cannot control the handling of this product after it leaves the factory. The dealer Will be pleased to 
assist you in making this examination and will answer any questions. 
 
 
FEATURES 
1. VERSATILITY 
This instruction manual should always accompany this firearm and be transferred with it upon change of                        ownership. 
The Dan Wesson revolver is much more versatile than the usual single purpose firearm and can be adapted to handle a variety of shooting situations 
in a manner of minutes. 
Barrel: Dan Wesson revolvers provide the ultimate in interchangeability of barrel lengths and shroud styles because they can be replaced by the 
users themselves without the machining, fitting, or special equipment necessary to change the barrels on other revolvers. 
Frame: The ejector rod and lock are located at the front of your Dan Wesson revolver. This positioning keeps the latch out of the way of your thumb 
while shouting and makes a more positive lock where the barrel meets the cylinder. 
Grip: You may change your Dan Wesson revolver from a square to a round butt style by simply changing the grip. There are several styles of grips 
and woods available, all inter changeable. This 
 
Rear Sight: Your Dan Wesson revolver is equipped with a rear sight which has interchangeable rear blades with various notch widths, to 
accommodate any shooting condition. 
Front Sight: All Dan Wesson target revolvers are now equipped with interchangeable, colored front sight blades for increased accuracy in any 
shooting situation Target (Patridge) sights are also available. 
2. DESIGN 
The Dan Wesson revolver was designed with an eye toward simplicity and interchangeability. Utilizing modern machine methods, we are able to 
control tolerances to produce parts to exact engineering specifications resulting in a creep-free single action and a fast, short double action. 
3. SAFETY 
The Dan Wesson incorporates an automatic safety device which prevents the hammer from striking the firing pin connector unless the trigger is 
retracted and held in the firing position. If during cocking the revolver, the hammer were to slip from your thumb, or if the revolver is dropped on 
the hammer spur, the revolver will not fire provided the trigger is not In the firing position. 
 
During the normal firing cycle, the safety connector is positioned between the hammer and firing pin. When the hammer moves forward, it strikes 
the connector, which transfers Its energy to the firing pin to fire the revolver. However, If the trigger is released before the hammer is cocked, 
either single or double action, the safety connector will be withdrawn to prevent the hammer energy from being transferred to the firing pin. 
4. ACCURACY 
The accuracy at the Dan Wesson revolver has been well established. Superior accuracy is achieved by virtue of the basic design of the Dan 
Wesson revolver. It is the only revolver in which the barrel is secured at both ends and always under tension. The cylinder latch is located up front to 
ensure proper, position of cylinder to barrel and the barrel itself is flat and square with the bore. 
 
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. CONSTRUCTION 
The Dan Wesson barrel is made of heat treated chrome molybdenum steel. The frame is of the finest investment cast steel. The single piece 
construction of the grip is durable and offer protection to the steel frame otherwise exposed to corrosive salts from the users hands. In addition the one piece 
grip is less likely to split or break. 
 
  
						

							Dan Wesson Firearms Revolver Instruction Manual 
Large Frame and SuperMag Models 
 
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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 
 
TO FULLY AND SAFELY ENJOY SHOOTING YOUR DAN WESSON REVOLVER, WE URGE YOU TO CAREFULLY READ 
THIS ENTIRE INSTRUCTION B O O K L E T  B E F O R E  ATTEMPTING TO LOAD AND USE THIS F I R E A R M .  
CAUTIONS 
1 .  Always treat your revolver as if it were loaded so that its never fired accidentally when thought to be unloaded. 
2. Never point your revolver at anything you do not intend to shoot; if fired accidentally injury, death or damage to property will be 
prevented. 
3. Make sure that chambers of the cylinder are empty. Keep fingers off the trigger and gun pointed In a safe direction. 
 
4. Before loading be sure barrel and cylinder chambers are clear of obstructions. If obstructions are observed, clean revolver immediately. 
5. Never pull trigger or place your finger in the trigger guard until you are aiming at a target and 
ready to shoot. 
6. Always keep the hammer forward and chambers empty until ready to shoot to eliminate risk of accidental discharge. 
7. Always be absolutely sure of your target and the area behind it before you squeeze the trigger. A bullet could travel past your target up 
to one and one-half miles. 
8. Never shoot at a hard surface such as a rock, a tree, or a liquid surface such as water A bullet may ricochet in any direction to strike 
you or an object you cannot see, causing injury, death or damage to property. 
9. Make sure your backstop is adequate to stop and contain the bullet before beginning target practice. 
10. When group firing. always have someone in charge to maintain safety control. Obey his commands immediately. 
11. When carrying your revolver on a range, it should be empty and the cylinder should be open until prepared to fire. Keep revolver pointed toward 
the backstop when loading, firing and unloading. 
12. Never leave a loaded revolver unattended. It may be fired accidentally causing injury, death or damage to property. 
13. If your revolver fails to function properly. stop firing immediately. Do not force a jammed cylinder mechanism, as a round may explode causing 
serious injury, death or damage to your revolver. 
14. Never leave your revolver loaded, cocked and ready to fire. This is extremely dangerous, as the revolver could be accidentally discharged 
causing injury, death or damage to property. 
 
15. Always check barrel condition prior to shooting and after every 100 rounds. 
16. Always hold your revolver by the grip and keep both hands well clear of and behind the cylinder.                      Never hold it near the 
cylinder ass very hot gasses and lead particles may be sprayed out around the cylinder, causing injury to your hands. 
17. To eliminate the risk of accidental discharge, never walk, climb or follow a companion with your revolver cocked, ready to fire, or with the 
hammer in any position other than forward. When hunting, hold your revolver so that you can always control the direction of the muzzle, even if 
you slip and fall. 
 
18. Always unload your revolver before allowing anyone else to handle it. 
19. Never tack a target to a live tree as the bullet may rebound back directly at you or someone near you. 
 
20. Never drink alcoholic beverages or take drugs before or while shooting. 
21. Always seek a doctors advice if you are taking medication to be certain you can handle your revolver safely. 
22. Always wear ear protection when shooting or when in the vicinity of others who are shooting. Repeated exposure to high noise levels could lead 
to long term hearing loss. 
23. Always wear protective shooting glasses while shooting or in the range area. 
24. Always make sure your revolver is not loaded before cleaning, storing, traveling or changing barrels, Always open cylinder before laying 
revolver down or handing to another person. 
25. Always store your revolver and ammunition in separate, locked containers, out of sight and reach of children,  
						

							Dan Wesson Firearms Revolver Instruction Manual 
Large Frame and SuperMag Models 
 
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26. Always instruct children to respect firearms. 
27. If you teach children to shoot, teach them to use the revolver properly and always supervise them closely. Always stress safety to avoid any 
possibility of accidental injury, death or damage to property. 
The Dan Wesson revolver can be fired either single action by cocking the hammer with the thumb and then squeezing the trigger to release the hammer. 
or double action, by pulling the trigger to cock the hammer and fire. Use of either method does n o t  
change the functioning sequence of the 
mechanism. When the hammer is moved rearward, the bolt is moved. unlocking the cylinder and allowing it to rotate. and the connector is moved into 
position behind the firing pin. Approximately halt-way to the full 
cock position (either single or double action), the bolt is released and enters the lead-in 
notch of the cylinder. The cylinder continues to rotate until the bolt drops into the locking notch. aligning the chamber, barrel and firing pin. In single 
action operation, the hammer will reach a cocked position and remain in this position until the trigger is squeezed, releasing the hammer a
nd firing the 
revolver. When firing double action the movement of the trigger cocks the hammer a d  continued movement then releases It at the proper locked 
cylinder position Releasing the trigger causes the connector to be withdrawn, preventing filing pin contact. 
 
LOADING 
CAUTION: USE ONLY ORIGINAL, HIGH QUALITY, COMMERCIALLY MANUFACTURED AMMUNITION IN 
GOOD CONDITION, APPROPRIATE TO THE CALIBER OF YOUR REVOLVER. 
AMMUNITION: Dan Wesson .357 Maximum revolvers are chambered to fire the .357 Maximum cartridge only Although .38 Special and .357 Magnum 
cartridges can be chambered in the .357 Maximum, Wesson Firearms does not recommend their use in this revolver. 
Dan Wesson .357 SuperMag revolvers are chambered to fire the .357 Maximum cartridge only. Dan Wesson .445 SuperMag revolvers are chambered to fire 
the .445 SuperMag cartridge only. Although .44 Magnum and .44 Special cartridges can be chambered in the .445 SuperMag, Wesson Firearms does not 
recommend their use in this revolver. 
Dan Wesson .414 SuperMag revolvers are chambered to fire the .414 SuperMag cartridge only, Although .41 Magnum cartridges can be chambered in the 
.414 SuperMag, Wesson Firearms does not recommend their use in this revolver. 
The Dan Wesson .41 Magnum revolver is chambered to fire the .41 Magnum cartridge only. Dan Wesson .44 Magnum revolvers are chambered to fire the .44 
Magnum cartridge and will also accept and fire the .44 Special cartridge interchangeably. The Dan Wesson .45 Colt revolver is chambered for the .45 Colt 
cartridge only. 
CAUTION: 
1. Before attempting to load your revolver, read the safety Instructions and be fully familiar with the operation of this revolver. 
 
DO NOT LOAD LIVE AMMUNITION INTO THE REVOLVER UNTIL READY TO SHOOT 
2. Examine the revolver before use by moving the cylinder latch down and pushing the rear of the cylinder out to the left side of the frame. 
a. Check each of the chambers to make sure they are clean and free from accumulated oil or grease. Clean it necessary. 
b. Check the barrel bore for cleanliness and remove any oil or grease. 
c. Close cylinder and check for proper latch operation and lock up. 
d. Insert barrel/cylinder gauge in place between face of cylinder and rear of barrel to determine if proper gap exists. You should feel pressure 
against the gauge. but it should be possible to move gauge side to side. If proper gap is maintained between barrel and cylinder, proceed to 
loading instructions. If gap is tight or excessive, proceed to barrel changing instructions and adjust barrel cylinder gap accordingly. The 
proper gap for the .357 Maximum revolver is .002”. For all other large frame and SuperMag revolvers the gap is .006”. 
 
WARNING: THE BARREL/CYLINDER GAP IS CRITICAL. EXCESSIVE GAP, NOT TO GAUGE, CAN  CAUSE LEAD SPITTING 
 
LOADING INSTRUCTIONS 
1. Do not load live ammunition until you intend to shoot. 
2. Keep revolver pointed in a safe direction. 
3. Open cylinder by moving latch down and pushing the cylinder to left out of the frame opening. 
4. Using only ammunition recommended in this booklet, insert one round of ammunition into each of the chambers, seating fully. 
5. Keeping revolver pointed in a safe direction, make sure hammer is not cocked and push cylinder into the frame until latch springs up into locked  
						

							Dan Wesson Firearms Revolver Instruction Manual 
Large Frame and SuperMag Models 
 
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position. 
6. Rotate cylinder by hand until bolt drops into locking notch, positioning the chamber and barrel. If cylinder cannot be turned, and bolt is in locked 
position, the revolver is ready for firing. 
IMPORTANT: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLOSE THE CYLINDER WITH THE HAMMER COCKED AND DO NOT SLAM YOUR CYLINDER 
CLOSED FORCEFULLY, AS DAMAGE TO THE MECHANISM COULD RESULT 
 
UNLOADING INSTRUCTIONS 
1. Keep revolver pointed in a safe direction and do not touch the trigger. 
2. Open cylinder by moving latch down and pushing cylinder open. 
3. Push ejector rod backward, forcing out all empty cases or live rounds. When clear of chambers, allow ejector rod to return to its forward position 
under spring pressure. 
4. Make sure hammer is not cocked and push cylinder back to closed position. 
5. Collect live ammunition for safe storage and dispose of empty cartridge cases. 
SHOOTING 
Before firing, practice with your revolver UNLOADED to develop stance, aim and trigger control. The Dan Wesson revolver may be dry fired 
(functioned without cartridges) to develop your shooting skills without any damage to the revolver. Dry firing is NOT recommended for .22 caliber 
revolvers. 
 
FIRING 
To fire single action: 
1. Hold revolver by grip, keeping finger away from trigger. Using thumb, draw hammer fully back to the cocked position where it will remain (see 
Figure 2). 
2. Remove thumb from hammer spur. 
3. Take aim by aligning the target with front and   rear sights   ( s e e   F i g u r e   1 ) .  
4.  Keeping steady aim, place index finger on trigger and squeeze gently until hammer falls. 
5. To fire remaining rounds,remove finger from trigger,cock hammer as described in Step 1, and continue in           successive steps. 
6. Upon completion of firing, unload as described in previous section. 
 
To fire double action: 
1. Hold revolver by grip, keeping fingers away from hammer. Aim by aligning sights, and using steady smooth pressure, pull trigger until hammer is 
cocked and released, firing one round. 
2.  Remaining rounds are fired by releasing the trigger and pulling smoothly again to fire each successive      round. 
 
CAUTION: IF REVOLVER FAILS TO FIRE, HOLD IT, KEEPING MUZZLE P O I N T E D  TOWARD TARGET, AND WAIT FOR 30 
S E C O N D S .  IF A HANGFIRE (SLOW IGNITION) HAS OCCURRED, THE CARTRIDGE W I L L  GENERALLY FIRE WITHIN 30 SECONDS 
If the cartridge does not fire, eject cartridge (using the unloading procedure instructions) and examine the misfired cartridge case. If firing pin indent in 
primer is light, misaligned, or non-existent, have revolver examined by a competent gunsmith. If primer indent appears normal as judged by 
previously fired cartridges), assume faulty ammunition. Remove misfired cartridge from other live ammunition and dispose of in accordance with 
ammunition manufacturers instructions. 
 
UNCOCKING 
To uncock your loaded revolver with hammer in single action cocked position, place thumb of the hand not holding the revolver between hammer and 
frame. Hold hammer back firmly with the other thumb and pull trigger only enough to allow the hammer to move forward to clear the cocking notch. 
Then release the trigger completely, remove thumb from between hammer and frame, and lower the hammer gently to rest on the frame 
 
In the double action mode. a partially cocked hammer is lowered by gradually releasing the tension on the trigger.     
           
  
						

							Dan Wesson Firearms Revolver Instruction Manual 
Large Frame and SuperMag Models 
 
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 HAMMER 
 
  
 
              FIG. 2 
CAUTION: Keep Finger Clear 
of Trigger During Cocking 
CAUTION: BE SURE REVOLVER IS NOT LOADED BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO CLEAN, CHANGE BARREL 
OR SERVICE YOUR REVOLVER. 
CLEANING 
Your Dan Wesson revolver should be kept clean and lightly oiled. Powder residue can easily be removed by scrubbing out the barrel and chambers 
with any commercially available gun solvent and a soft bristle brush, 
Barrel leading (caused by firing soft lead bullets) and residue from jacketed bullets can be removed using solvent and a brass wire brush. Always 
push brush or cleaning patch completely through barrel or chambers before reversing direction to prevent the possibility of brushes or patches 
becoming lodged in the bore or chamber. 
The cylinder center hole and the upper crane leg should be cleaned at approximately 2000 rounds or whenever cylinder rotation becomes sluggish.  
 
After brushing, run a lightly oiled flannel patch through the bore and chambers; followed by a dry patch to remove excess oil. 
 
Note: Wipe exterior surfaces of revolver with a lightly oiled patch or cloth after handling to prevent corrosion from body salts and moisture. 
STORAGE 
Always unload your revolver and store revolver and ammunition in separate, locked containers out of sight and reach of children. 
Note: Do not store in an airtight container and do not seal barrel or chambers to keep out dust, since trapped, moisture laden air can cause 
corrosion 
 
CHANGING BARREL ASSEMBLY 
 
CAUTION: BE SURE REVOLVER IS NOT LOADED BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE BARREL. 
1. Assemble the barrel wrench to the barrel nut in the muzzle of the barrel.  
2. Unscrew and remove the barrel nut. 
3. Remove shroud by sliding forward off the barrel. 
4. Unscrew the barrel from the frame. 
5. Screw new barrel with end containing most thread into the frame 
6. Insert .006 (‘002” for SuperMag) feeler gauge against the front of the cylinder and screw barrel into frame until there is 
a slight pressure against the feeler gauge.  
						

							Dan Wesson Firearms Revolver Instruction Manual 
Large Frame and SuperMag Models 
 
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7. Keeping the gauge in place. install new shroud over barrel and locating pin 
8. Assemble barrel nut (slots up) using wrench, Tighten so that firm pressure is required to unscrew the nut. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN. 
9. Recheck gap between cylinder and barrel by moving gauge There should be slight pressure against the gauge, but it should be possible to 
move it. 
 
WARNING: THE BARREL AND CYLINDER GAP IS CRITICAL. FAILURE TO USE THE GAUGE CAN CASUE EXCESSIVE GAS 
LEAKAGE AND LEAD SPITTING, POSSIBLY CAUSING INJURY 
 
10. Remove feeler gauge. 
11. After firing the first six or twelve rounds, recheck for proper gap and barrel nut tightness. Make certain the gun is unloaded for this recheck. 
12. If the barrel nut is too tight, making removal difficult, use the fallowing procedure: Be sure revolver is not loaded before attempting to tree barrel 
nut. 
a. With wrench assembled to the barrel nut, press muzzle of the gun and wrench firmly against the edge of a bench and turn revolver counter 
clockwise. 
b. With wrench assembled to the barrel nut, using a mallet, tap back of wrench sharply to loosen nut. 
 
SIGHTS 
CAUTION: BE SURE REVOLVER IS NOT LOADED BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE REAR SIGHT B L A D E S .  
REAR SIGHT 
The Dan Wesson target models incorporate an adjustable rear sight. To adjust, turn windage screw clockwise to move the sight notch to the right, 
counterclockwise to move notch to left. Turn elevation screw clockwise to lower sight; counterclockwise to raise sight. Point of impact of bullet will move in the 
same direction as the movement of the rear sight. 
 
CAUTION: DO NOT REST THE REVOLVER AGAINST A SOLID OBJECT WHEN SHOOTING OR SIGHTING IN, 
SINCE DAMAGE CAN OCCUR TO THE GRIP CAUSING INJURY TO THE HANDS. 
 
DIRECTIONS FOR REPLACING BLADE 
1. 
Using the Barrel Wrench Tool, remove retaining screw on top of Sight Body. 
Holding sight with head of Windage Screw,pull Rear Blade and Screw as a unit, out of Body. Take care not to lose Detente Plunger and Spring which is positioned 
under Windage Screw Head. 
3. Insert Windage Screw into Rear Blade approximately central with Blade. 
4 Insert Blade and Screw into Rear Sight Body. Be sure Detente Plunger and Spring are in proper position under Windage Screw Head. 
5. Install Retaining Screw and adjust Sight as required.  
FRONT SIGHT 
 
C A U T I O N :  BE SURE REVOLVER IS NOT LOADED BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE FRONT SIGHT B L A D E S  
 
On Dan Wesson target revolvers incorporating a replaceable front sight blade: 
 
To change front sight blades, unscrew the front sight retaining screw (40) at the end of the shroud, approximately one-eight of an inch. Push the front sight blade 
forward and lift up removing from the shroud. To install a new blade, place rear dovetail on bottom of sight blade under front sight pin (6) and retighten the retaining 
screw. 
 
Note: Do not over tighten retaining screw. 
GRIPS 
 
CAUTION: BE SURE REVOLVER IS NOT LOADED BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE GRIPS. 
 
To change grip, unscrew the grip screw (52) on bottom of grip. Slide grip off tang and remove screw from grip. Slide replacement grip on tang and replace 
screw. Tighten only until grip is snug and free from any movement.  
						

							Dan Wesson Firearms Revolver Instruction Manual 
Large Frame and SuperMag Models 
 
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SERVICING AND REPAIR 
Should your Dan Wesson revolver require service or repair, make certain it is NOT LOADED and send it to Dan Wesson Firearms Co.. Inc. where 
competent gunsmiths can quickly make the necessary repairs. In illustrated parts breakdown is included in this booklet to help you identify the 
component parts of the revolver. 
Accessory items and parts are available from your dealer. However, it the item you require is not normally stocked, the dealer can order it from our 
many Dan Wesson Accessory Products or Authorized Parts Distributors. Please place your order with your dealer and do not contact distributors directly. 
To do so would delay your order as the distributor must work through a dealer only. 
IMPORTANT 
Any repair or parts replacement with exception of items indicated with an asterisk (*) should be performed by Wesson Firearms. Wesson Firearms will 
not assume responsibility for proper functioning of this revolver if unauthorized alterations, adjustments or parts replacements with unauthorized parts 
are made. 
 
TRANSPORTING REVOLVER TO FACTORY 
Various federal and state laws and local ordinances govern the transfer and transportation of firearms. To avoid any problems, we recommend 
that you take the advice of the dealer in your state on how to send or transport your revolver to Wesson Firearms. Before shipping, follow the 
procedure listed: 
 
CAUTION: M A K E  SURE THE REVOLVER IS NOT LOADED. 
1. Write a letter explaining the problem you are experiencing and your requirements in as much detail as possible. Include the model name and 
number, serial number and date of purchase of your revolver. 
2. Enclose letter with the revolver in a well padded package. 
3. Do not include ammunition or accessories. 
4. To prevent theft, do not indicate contents on outside package. 
Insure package against loss or theft 
 
LIMITED WARRANTY 
 
Dan Wesson Firearms Co., Inc. warrants to the original purchaser, consumer or to the recipient of this item as a gift that this product will be 
free from manufacturing defects for ten years after the original date of purchase or receipt. If the product should become defective during the 
warranty period, we will elect to repair or replace it free of charge. Include a check or money order in the amount of $15.00 payable to Dan 
Wesson Firearms Co., to cover return shipping, insurance and handling fees. This warranty does not include damage resulting from accidents, 
abuse or misuse of the product, use of improper ammunition or use or ammunition other than original, high quality, commercially manufactured 
ammunition in good condition, scratches and normal wear of the product and surface finish.  
 
Note: his warranty is not valid for revolvers plated or coated by other manufacturers, gunsmiths or dealers.  
 
This warranty gives you specific legal rights; you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
						

							Dan Wesson Firearms Revolver Instruction Manual 
Large Frame and SuperMag Models 
 
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