Monson 357 and cracked frames??

[halfbreed]

Hello guys, about 25 years ago my wife took my DW from me, and told me to find myself something else. She carries "her" 357 daily. Shoots it very well, and is just down right comfortable with it.
 Now finally I found a 4 bbl pack, Monson mfg.that I could afford,( The seller says it is 30 years old, and has never been fired.) my ffl dealer says watch out, they have a problem with them cracking the frames even with 38spcl loads. I did not want to argue with him as he is about 83years old, and very knowledgable, but I have never heard of this anywhere.
 Also I know several of the ammo manufacturers put DW in with the Ruger and FA only categories.
 Does anybody know anything about this, personal experience?

Thanks in advance,
John

[GRIMJIM]

I shoot full .357 loads out of mine and have not had this problem. I'm far from being an expert though.

[blhof]

I put over 1000 rounds of a mix of 38's and 357's through my model 15 in one day many years ago, and it still shoots fine after several years of abuse, no cracks.  The gun is an early Monson model.

[halfbreed]

Thanks guys, your replys are what I have always heard of as far as the quality of DW, and also the same experience of my wifes as well. I also know they are the sweet hearts of the silhouette crowds as well.
John

[gypsyman]

For about 6 years, I averaged between 700 and 1000rds a years shooting silhouette with my .357 DW. And it's a Monson frame and barrel. Load was top in a Winchester manual,with 296 and a 210gr. bullet.  Still one of the most accurate revolvers I own. I would definetly look it over real good, but if it's never been shot, I wouldn't wait to long to get it.  gypsyman

[halfbreed]

OOOhweee,
 I just picked this pistol pack up at my dealers today, shot 1/2 a box of WW 145gn, silvertip hp's through it. Shot like a dream.
Man am I one happy camper today. Guess I just needed a little reassurance from some other DW shooters.
 Thanks again guys,
 John

[Graybeard]

I have no clue what a Monson .357 is but I've owned exactly two DW revolvers both .357. Of them one had a cracked frame. I don't expect there will ever be a third at my house.

[gypsyman]

Monson,Mass. was the first place that Dan Wessons were made. Dan Wesson was still alive and making them. After he died, it got kinda mixed up, and pretty soon his grandson was making them, in Palmer,Mass.
Then the company went thru some more turmoil, and finally a man by the name of Bob Serva bought the company. Moved operations to Norwich,NY. Which is where CZ bought the company, basically for the .45 auto they had been producing. Once in a great while, you'll here of somebody getting a revolver out of the company, but very seldom.  gypsyman

[Graybeard]

The cracked frame I had was a long time ago most likely back in the early to mid 80s as I recall. I bought it from a fellow at the shooting range. He had been shooting it and offered it to me. I accepted his offer without doing a thorough check as I'd seen him firing it and just "assumed" it OK.

I can't recall the dates we shot at that range which was long ago closed down. It was then about 2.5 miles from where I live now. I know it closed in the 80s but I can't recall the date.

[madcratebuilder]

I have owned several DW's, currently have a model 15-2 pac and a Model 40-V8S (.357 super mag).  This is the first I have heard of cracked frames.  Never heard about it at the DW forum.  There isn't a revolver made that can't be destroyed.  Smith, Colt, Ruger, I've seen all them broken at one time or another.