[Inspector Callahan]

I was all set to get a newly rollmarked Colt. The deal was in the works, gun was on the way. A used Dan Wesson came in to my local shop. Blued. Mint condition. Two barrels. Scope mount. All the goodies.

I just had to have it.

Sorry Colonel!

 

[Inspector Callahan]

I should probably add that I was a little squeamish about the whole Series 80 thing and not very excited about getting the Colt because of it. I should also add that I was looking to get a .44 magnum to replace the one I traded off a few months ago.

In other words, everything worked out pretty decent all around.

 

[Paveway]

Callahan, you're a step ahead of me because I bought a box of Remington white box 44 Mag HP ammo 10 years ago in anticipation of buying a Ruger Super Blackhawk, I just did not bother to buy the gun, something else came up!

I still have the ammo but no gun. Oh, well...

 

[dnancarr]

Inspector, turn in your badge!

 

[Col. Colt]

Nothing to be apologetic about Harry! Some irrational urges result in paternity, so I'd call this pretty minor. Desire, in both cases can cause a man to do funny things....

As far as an accurate .44, the Dan Wesson has some pretty strong followers in long range revolver/steel ram shooting. Enjoy it! Meanwhile - I'll be enjoying my XSE Government. Don't worry - You'll be back for a new Colt soon enough - they really are the best ever made - by anyone, to include the "old Colts."

Warmly, Col. Colt

"Beware of Counterfeits and Patent Infringements"

PS - if firing pin blocks bother you - you better hurry - Springfield (yecch)is about the only one left, or a new Colt 1911A1 ReIssue. But that lets you out of every other modern auto on the market too (SIG, Glock, S&W, Beretta)as they all have the same mechanism as standard - right? A non-issue my friend - if you are competent to use, clean and maintain any modern firearm, you are smart enough to handle a Series 80. And if you aren't smart enough, well, a gun probably isn't a good idea anyway. cc

 

[Inspector Callahan]

Colonel,

I guess the thing that really bothers me about the Series 80 modification is that it was put into the gun later. You know, fabricated into an already PERFECT design. I trust both my Glock and my Beretta completely. The firing pin safeties on those guns were designed INTO the original blueprints. Nothing had to be cut, ground, redesigned, or modified. It was "made" for it, in other words. I've already snatched up a Colt WWII Repro and I love it. Carry it regularly in a Milt Sparks Versa Max. I has never failed to fire or feed.

I'll still be patrolling for a Series 70 Government Model. One will come around, no doubt. This Dan Wesson will make a great all-arounder. I think I'll be mounting a scope on the eight-inch barrel and leave the six-incher stock. It was a stroke of genius for DW to drill and tap the barrel itself, instead of the topstrap of the gun. The scope stays in place on the barrel and *should* still be zeroed (or damn close) when the barrel is re-installed at a later time.

I simply can't believe I've never owned one of these wheelguns. With the exception of my Python, I've never experienced such a decent factory trigger. DW gets four stars!

Regards,
Callahan

-----------

Paveway, look into one of these DWs. At least do a side-by-side comparison with the Ruger. I think you'll find the DW is a better value in the long run. Start your search here, and good luck!

Dnancarr, I can't turn in my badge. I got fired again.

A man's gotta know his limitations.

Regards,
Callahan

[This message has been edited by Inspector Harry Callahan (edited 11-22-2001).]

 

[dnancarr]

Inspector Harry,
You sound as if you have been around for a bit. Remember how they used to talk so badly about the Series 70 and the so-called "death trap" collet bushing? When you get over kicking yourself, go out and get that Series 80. I have 3 myself and they work just fine-my goodness, you would think that adding that firing pin safety would make the muscles in your neck bulge out from trying to squeeze the trigger, and it just ain't so. FWIW, I don't know if adding the parts really made JMB's design any safer, but it didn't hurt it either. I mean-just look at the 4 parts involved! The spring is smaller than what they put in a retractable ball point pen. My oldest Series 80 has been fired so many times that you can take out the parts and not tell the difference. Just keep them clean and you'll not have trouble. By the way-nothing wrong with the newer DW's from what I hear. Had a stainless pistol pack back in the 70's and was it a shooter. Only problem was the sintered metal hammer which failed me, so I had it replaced and sold it.

 

[FirearmsPlus.FL]

Originally posted by Paveway:
Callahan, you're a step ahead of me because I bought a box of Remington white box 44 Mag HP ammo 10 years ago in anticipation of buying a Ruger Super Blackhawk, I just did not bother to buy the gun, something else came up!

I still have the ammo but no gun. Oh, well...

Had a guy come in to sell us some SIG 229 Hi Caps. He'd bought them before the ban, in anticipation of buying a 229, and just never got around to buying the gun

 

[Inspector Callahan]

DW range report here, hot off the press. Pic included.

Cheers!
Callahan