The First One
That first Dan Wesson, the Model 12, with the barrel nut sticking out of the end of the barrel and shroud, was as homely as Aunt Minnie. This was soon addressed by placing the nut inside the shroud, adding greatly to the appearance. Along with the most usable grips ever offered on a double-action sixgun, Dan Wesson revolvers also had an exceptionally high-polished bright blue finish. The addition of a full under-lug barrel also added to the appearance. The .357 Magnum Model 15 was one of the most prevalent revolvers found on the Long Range Silhouette line in the early days.
Dan Wesson would go on to produce both blue and stainless revolvers not only in .357 Magnum, but also in .22 Long Rifle, .32-20, and .32 Magnum on the medium frame revolver; .41 Magnum, .44 Magnum and .45 Colt in the large frame revolver; and also a stretch-frame version for the longer SuperMag cartridges, .357, .375, .414 and .445. There was even a small-framed L’il Dan .38 Special pocket revolver as well as the very rare Model 460 and Model 360. The latter used a cartridge length between the .357 Magnum and the .357 SuperMag.
Unfortunately the Wesson family lost the company as it went through four owners and then fortunately was purchased by CZ-USA, saving it from disappearing altogether. With the acquisition by CZ the focus changed from revolvers to semi-automatics, with the result being some of the best factory produced 1911s offered today. Dan Wesson had ridden the crest of the wave of Long Range Silhouetting and when this wave subsided Dan Wesson lost most of their customers. CZ-USA knew 1911s could be made easier and quicker than revolvers, and they could also be sold for a greater profit, so by 2003 Dan Wesson had basically changed from a revolver manufacturer to a company producing fine 1911s.