Dan Wesson Arms Monson 44-VH 44VH 6″ .44 Magnum Revolver & Box, 1970s-1990s
SOLD FOR: $1,125
WOA#: WY240309GC012
Make: Dan Wesson Arms
Model: 44-VH
Serial Number: B024576
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1970s-1990s
Caliber: .44 Magnum
Action Type: Single/Double Action Swing-Out Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The right of the frame is marked “DAN WESSON ARMS / MONSON, MASS. U.S.A. / B024576”, the right of the barrel lug is marked “DAN WESSON ARMS / .44 MAGNUM CTG.”.
Barrel Length: 6”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated, ramped blade with a red plastic insert screw-secured to the front of the ventilated rib of the barrel shroud. The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation in a base pinned to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a one-piece smooth wood with “DW” medallions at the top on each side. The grip has only a few scattered minor marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip is in Fine-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are a couple of small voids in the finish on the right of the frame between the grip and cylinder. The action shows minor operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a two-piece styrofoam clamshell with Dan Wesson cardboard sleeve, serial-matching label, manual, cylinder gap feeler gauge, and grip/barrel combo tool.
Our Assessment: The Dan Wesson company was founded by Daniel B. Wesson II, great grandson of Daniel Baird Wesson who cofounded Smith & Wesson. They began business in 1968 after his family’s business Smith & Wesson was acquired by Bangor Punta. Dan Wesson manufactured top quality revolvers, but its founder passed away in 1978 and the company subsequently ended up going through a leadership crisis before finally ending up as part of CZ. One of the most impressive aspects of Dan Wesson’s revolvers is that they featured 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 revolver is a Model 44-VH with a 6″ barrel with a ventilated rib and full-underlug. The revolver appears to have spent more time in its included factory packaging than out, retaining a great bore and strong mechanics. While this will surely interest the Dan Wesson collector, it should also prove to be the outstanding hunting or target revolver it was made to be. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
