Dan Wesson Arms Monson 44-VH 44VH 8″ .44 Magnum Revolver, 1970s-1990s
SOLD FOR: $856.99
WOA#: WY240309GC005
Make: Dan Wesson Arms
Model: 44-VH
Serial Number: B027932
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. / B027932”, the right of the barrel lug is marked “DAN WESSON ARMS / .44 MAGNUM CTG.”.
Barrel Length: 8”, Ported (the ports in the barrel do not align with the ports on the barrel shroud).
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 pebble-textured black rubber Hogue Monogrip with finger grooves. The grip has no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no rips or tears. Overall, the grip is in Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original to the parts. The ports on the barrel and shroud not being aligned may indicate that the barrel or shroud is not original to the frame.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn copper fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 94% of its metal finish. Most of the balance is in scuffing on the top of the rib and finish wear at the muzzle-end of the shroud on each side. There is a very small spot of minor erosion on the outside of the cylinder. There are a few other scattered minor marks. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. 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 44-VH with an 8″ barrel housed in a shroud with a ventilated rib and full-underlug. The barrel and shroud are ported, but the ports do not align between the two. 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 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
