This early-1970s Dan Wesson W12 uses the straight shroud barrel system with classic Monson, Massachusetts production. It comes configured as a compact 2.5 in straight-shroud snub with adjustable sights and includes a spare early pork-chop 4 in barrel and shroud assembly. Built on polished blue carbon steel with an oversize hardwood target-style grip, it offers DA/SA operation, a transfer-bar safety, and a six-shot fluted cylinder chambered in .357 Magnum (also accepts .38 Special).
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The firearm is in solid shape and shows visible scratches and blemishes on the finish.
What’s Included
- Brown leather revolver holster with snap retention strap
- Dan Wesson early pork-chop 4 in barrel and shroud assembly (spare)
The W12 is presently fitted with Dan Wesson’s straight shroud that stops flush at the frame face, while the included spare 4 in assembly is the early pork-chop type with the rearward extension around the crane. The Dan Wesson system uses a tensioned, interchangeable barrel, allowing the included 4 in pork-chop assembly to be swapped in for a longer sight radius and different balance when desired.
Produced in Monson, Massachusetts in the 1971–1972 timeframe, this revolver reflects early Dan Wesson engineering with a forward-sliding, crane-mounted cylinder release and a six-shot fluted cylinder using a star extractor. The chambering is .357 Magnum, and it also accepts .38 Special ammunition.
Controls and protection features include double-action/single-action operation with an exposed hammer and knurled spur, plus a transfer-bar safety system. The sights are purpose-built for precision: a ramped front sight with a serrated face and a micrometer-adjustable rear on the topstrap.
Construction is all carbon steel with a polished blue finish across the frame, cylinder, and receiver components. An oversize hardwood one-piece target-style grip supports a solid, consistent hold, especially notable on the compact 2.5 in snub configuration.