Dan Wesson Monson 744-V 9 3/4″ & 6″ Stainless .44 Mag Revolver, MFD 1992
SOLD FOR: $2,525
LSB#: 191204HE02
Make: Dan Wesson Arms
Model: 744-V
Serial Number: 44S001932
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1992 (https://www.danwessonforum.com/wp-content/files/DanWessonSerialNumbers.pdf)
Caliber: .44 Special or .44 Magnum
Action Type: Single or Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The right of the 9 3/4″ barrel shroud is marked “.44 Magnum”, the left is marked with “DW” in circle logo. The right side of the 6″ barrel shroud is marked “DAN WESSON ARMS / .44 MAGNUM CTG.”. The right side of the frame is marked “DAN WESSON ARMS / MONSON, MASS. U.S.A. / 44S001932”.
Barrel Length: 6″, Vent-Rib with short lug and 9 3/4″, Vent-Rib with full lug.
Sights / Optics: Each barrel shroud has a replaceable ramp front sight with a red insert screw-set to the front of the rib. The rear sight is a square-notch adjustable for windage and elevation pinned to the rear of the topstrap. The top of the 9 3/4″ shroud’s rib is drilled, tapped and filled for an optic mount (none included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: Two grips are included, each a one-piece large wood, square bottom target grip with Dan Wesson initial logo medallions on either side. The installed grip has a few scattered light marks with a couple of compressions on the bottom edge at the left. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the installed grip is in about Fine condition.
The additional grip has a few scattered light marks and compressions with a more notable compression in the top-front edge on the right. Overall, this additional grip is in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless
Finish Originality: Original to the parts, we suspect that the 9 3/4″ barrel assembly is not original to the frame.
Bore Condition: Both bores are bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in either bore. The 6″ barrel has some stubborn leading in and just in front of the forcing cone.
Overall Condition: This handgun set retains about 95% of its metal finish. Each barrel shroud has some scattered light scratches and nicks. The frame shows only a few minor marks. The cylinder has a light turn-line. The screw heads are undamaged. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver set is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double action pull is smooth and the single action is light and crisp. The cylinder has almost no rotational play on all six chambers, and barely perceptible front-to-rear play. 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 pistol comes in a two-piece styrofoam shell wtih white cardboard Dan Wesson sleeve, a label on one end of the tray portion which has the matching serial number and barrel length hand-marked in black ink, combination barrel, grip and front sight wrench, cylinder gap feeler-gauge, the additional barrel assembly and grip as described, and a manual. The styrofoam and sleeve show scattered light-moderate storage wear, with the sleeve having fraying and tears on the edges, in about Good condition.
Our Assessment: This is a Dan Wesson Model 744-V, a .44 Magnum revolver with a unique replaceable barrel. While this example comes only with the installed 9 3/4″ and 6″ barrels and vent-rib shrouds, it is capable of accepting a variety of barrels from 4″-10″, vent-rib or solid rib, short lug or full lug, ported or not. This makes the revolver an extremely versatile piece which, with additional parts and accessories, can fill just about any role you could ask of a revolver. This example comes in its orginal packaging with evidence of light and responsible use, likely with more of the wear coming from storage than actual firing. Please see our photos and good luck!