Dan Wesson Arms Monson 22-VH 22VH 8″ .22 Long Rifle Revolver, 1970s-1990s

SOLD FOR: $715

WOA#: WY240309GC003

Make: Dan Wesson Arms

Model: 22-VH

Serial Number: 22B001240

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1970s-1990s

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

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. / 22B001240”, the right of the barrel lug is marked “DAN WESSON ARMS / CAL. 22 LR”.

Barrel Length: 8”

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 one-piece checkered wood with “DW” medallions at the top on each side. The grip has faint handling wear with only a few minor marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip is in Fine-Excellent 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 96% of its metal finish. Most of the balance is in scuffing on the top of the rib. There are a few other scattered minor marks. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong sockets. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine 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: None.

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 22-VH with an 8″ barrel housed in a shroud with a ventilated rib and full-underlug. The revolver appears to have seen limited and responsible use with a great bore and strong mechanics. While this will surely interest the Dan Wesson collector, it should also prove to be the outstanding rimfire target revolver it was made to be. Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud