Make: Dan Wesson

Model: 22

Serial Number: 24385

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1979

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Single/Double Action 6-Shot Revolver

Markings: This revolver is marked “DAN WESSON ARMS / MONSON, MASS. U.S.A. / 24385” on the right of the frame, and “DAN WESSON ARMS / CAL. .22 LR” on the right of the barrel.

Barrel Length: 2.5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped squared post with red insert. The rear sight is an adjustable square notch.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut Target stocks with “DW” bronze-colored medallions at their tops. They show minimal wear and only handling marks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent Condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at 9/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are the usual very fine lines that are typical in a high polish finish. There is a very light turn line. The front of the cylinder has no notable burn marks. The screw heads are sharp and pins are unmarred. The markings are crisp and clear. Overall, this revolver rates in about Excellent Condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The timing is fine and the lockup is mostly tight with a minimal amount of play. The mechanics are excellent. The trigger is very light, smooth, and crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The Dan Wesson company was founded by Daniel B. Wesson II, great grandson of Daniel Baird Wesson who cofounded Smith & Wesson, in 1968 after his family’s business Smith & Wesson was acquired by Bangor Punta. Dan Wesson Arms manufactured top quality revolvers, but its founder D.B. Wesson II passed away in 1978, and the company shut down shortly thereafter, though the name was eventually bought by CZ. The early Dan Wesson revolvers made in Monson, Massachusetts (before the company moved to Palmer, Mass.) exhibited some gorgeous high polish bluing. One of the most impressive aspects of all Dan Wesson revolvers was the easily interchanged barrels, a feature which had not been seen on revolvers since the mid-19th century Colt open top revolvers were on the market.

This Dan Wesson Model 22 Target Revolver was made in ca. 1979 and is in Excellent Condition. It features a 2.5” barrel, 98% of its lustrous, original “high polish” blued finish, elegant two-piece checkered walnut Target grips with “DW” bronze-colored medallions at their tops, Target sights, excellent mechanics, and a bright bore with sharp rifling and no visible erosion. Lastly, this revolver comes from the personal collection of inventor, founder, and President of Universal Firearms, Abe Seiderman, and should be of additional interest to collectors for that ownership lineage. A signed Certificate Of Authenticity from the Seiderman family will be included with this piece. This is a beautiful example of a Monson, Mass. made Dan Wesson Model 22.