Dan Wesson 40-VH SuperMag .357 Max. 8″ DA/SA Revolver, Circa Early 1980’s

SOLD FOR: $1,475.00

LSB#: LSB260513KE003

Make: Dan Wesson; Palmer, MA.

Model: 40-VH

Serial Number: E001229

Year of Manufacture: Circa Early 1980’s

Caliber: .357 Maximum

Action Type: Double/Single Action Revolver, 6-Shot Fluted Cylinder.

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SUPERMAG”. The right side of the barrel is marked “DAN WESSON ARMS / .357 MAXIMUM CTG.

Barrel Length: 8″; Vent Rib, Full Under Lug. 

Sights / Optics: The front sight is serrated black blade with a colored insert, pinned to the vent rib. The rear sight is an adjustable square notch sight, pinned to the top strap. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a one-piece smooth wood grip, with “DW” medallions inlaid on the tops of the right and left sides. The grip shows no notable wear. The grip’s finish is intact, and the grip fits tightly to the frame, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip rates in Excellent condition. 

Type of Finish: Blued

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 10/10. 

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows a crisp turn line on the cylinder, and a few very minor superficial imperfections. The bluing is deep, dark, and intact. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are unmarred. Overall, this revolver rates in Fine to Excellent condition. 

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up tightly, and the trigger pull in single action is light, with minimal overtravel. We did not fire this revolver, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a Boyt canvas soft case, along with a barrel wrench kit.  

Our Assessment: The Dan Wesson Model 40-VH SuperMag was developed for metallic-silhouette competition and handgun hunting, combining the company’s robust large-frame double-action design with the exceptionally powerful .357 Maximum cartridge. Introduced during the early 1980s, the Model 40 features Dan Wesson’s tensioned, interchangeable barrel system, with the VH designation indicating a ventilated-rib, heavy full-underlug shroud. This example’s 8″ barrel assembly, adjustable sights, and substantial weight provide an excellent configuration for precision shooting with full-power magnum ammunition.

This revolver is in Fine to Excellent condition overall, retaining about 98% of its original blue finish with a crisp cylinder turn line and only a few minor superficial imperfections. The smooth wood grip remains in Excellent condition with an intact finish, tight fit, and no chips or cracks. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 10/10. The double- and single-action mechanisms function correctly, the cylinder locks tightly, and the single-action trigger is light with minimal overtravel. The included Boyt canvas case and barrel-wrench kit enhance its utility and collector appeal. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.