The dan wesson story

The history of Dan Wesson Firearms began in 1852 when Daniel B. Wesson’s great-grandfather, D.B. Wesson, co-founded Smith & Wesson.

Daniel B. Wesson II incorporates Dan Wesson Arms in Monson, Massachusetts to build premium, American-made revolvers. From day one the company's goal is clear: "Quality Above Quantity".

The initial Model 11 and 12 (.38 Special / .357 Magnum) ship in August 1970. These models introduce Dan Wesson's signature user-changeable barrel concept, a defining technical differentiator that lets owners swap barrels and configure a single frame for multiple uses. 

Dan Wesson releases refined revolvers featuring the distinctive "pork-chop" shroud: the fixed-sight M14 and adjustable-sight M15. These models improve aesthetics and serviceability compared with the very first production guns. 

The 15-2 becomes the new flagship. It abandons the pork-chop shroud in favor of cleaner styling, expands barrel and shroud options, and popularizes the "Pistol Pac" multi-barrel kits - a kit concept that emphasizes modularity and versatility. 

The founder's death marks a major moment in the company. Although leadership changes follow, Wesson's design philosophy and production vision continue to guide the brand. 

Dan Wesson launches the Model 44, a large-frame .44 Magnum aimed at handgun hunters and steel-silhouette competitors, a strategic move into the higher-power, competition/hunting segment. Early 1980's - Stainless "7xx" Revolvers. Stainless-steel variants (commonly referred to by model numbers in the 700s, e.g., Model 744) arrive, offering buyers durable finishes alongside the existing deep-polish blue carbon models. 

Dan Wesson collaborates with silhouette competitors to commercialize longer "SuperMag" cartridges (first .357 SuperMag/.357 Maximum, later .375 and .445 SuperMags). These longer magnum cartridges and longer-barrel revolvers become dominant in IHMSA-style competition.  

Seth Wesson (Daniel's son) restarts operations in Palmer, Massachusetts as Wesson Firearms Co., maintaining the family connection and continuing innovation into early 1990's. 

Production resumes in Norwhich, New York with updated CNC manufacturing and modernized production processes, yielding improved revolver fit, finish, and functional consistency. 

Dan Wesson expands beyond wheelguns and begins producing high-quality 1911 pistols in Norwich (notable early lines: Pointman, Razorback, Patriot), marking a major product-line diversification.

Dan Wesson becomes part of CZ-USA. The acquisition brings stability, broader distribution, and investment. Under this ownership the company pivots emphasis toward premium 1911 production while preserving legacy wheelgun support. 

Under CZ stewardship the Model 715 (.357 Magnum, stainless) is reintroduced in limited productions runs, while Dan Wesson maintains parts and service support for classic revolvers. 

Dan Wesson unveils the DWX, a 1911-style top end - a symbolic product of collaboration and a statement of cross-platform design thinking. 

Dan Wesson is primarily for semi-custom-grade 1911 pistols (example include the Valor and Specialist lines) built in Norwich, NY. The company continues to offer legacy support for classic revolvers and occasionally releases selective wheelgun runs, balancing modern production with reverence for its revolver heritage.