by Tom Gaylord
Writing as B.B. Pelletier
Dan Wesson nickel-plated BB revolver.
This report covers:
- Hornady Black Diamond BBs
- Sight adjustment
- ASG Blaster BBs
- The test
- ASG Blaster BBs
- H&N Smart Shot lead BBs
- Summary
- Not done yet
Sometimes I tell you the results before I write up the test. Today is such a time. This Dan Wesson nickel-plated BB revolver shot the tightest group of 6 shots I have ever shot with any BB gun, other than a Daisy Avanti Champion 499! This one’s a winner, guys!
Hornady Black Diamond BBs
Let’s get right to the test. I decided to shoot 6 shots at each target from 5 meters back. I used the UTG monopod to rest the gun. The first BBs tested were the Hornady Black Diamond BBs. The shots landed low on the target, below the 6 o’clock aim point by half an inch. As shot after shot went to exactly the same place I couldn’t believe what I was seeing! Surely at least one shot had strayed up into the black bull and I just couldn’t see it! But no. When I examined the target, what I saw were 6 BB holes clustered in 0.515-inches between centers. This is when having that dime next to the group pays off, because it gives you a sense of scale.
Six Hornady Black Diamond BBs went into a group that measures 0.515-inches between centers at 5 meters.
When I saw this group I was stunned. Stunned not only that this Dan Wesson revolver can shoot this well, but also that I can! This is reminiscent of my days shooting 10-meter competition, though this time I was at half the distance and was using a rest. At least my eyes can still see the sights.
Sight adjustment
I adjusted the rear sight up to bring the BBs into the bull and tested it with a second group of the Hornadys. The second time wasn’t as good as the first, but I would be proud of any BB gun that did even that well. This time the 6 BBs landed in a group measuring 0.937-inches. Most of the shots are well-centered in the bull.
This time 6 Hornady Black Diamond BBs went into a group measuring 0.937-inches between centers at 5 meters. The sights are now adjusted perfectly.
ASG Blaster BBs
The second BB I tried in the revolver was ASG’s own Blaster. In previous tests in other BB guns I have found Blasters to be equal to other premium BBs, so they should also be good in this one. Six of them went into 1.086-inches at 5 meters, and 5 of the 6 were well-centered in the bull. I feel they are just as accurate as the Hornadys.
Six ASG Blaster BBs made this 1.086-inch group at 5 meters.
I noticed that my concentration was starting to flag at this point, so I extended my shooting hand as far as it would go and let the monopod rest my arm at full extension. That way the sights were much clearer and sharper.
H&N Smart Shot lead BBs
The last BB I tested was the H&N’s Smart Shot copper-plated lead BB. This was done with my arm extended, and the sights were very clear again. This time 6 BBs went into 0.706-inches. This was the second-smallest group of the day, but I feel that any of the BBs I tested could have done as well. The hold was the secret.
Six H&N Smart Shot lead BBs made this 0.706-inch group at 5 meters. It was the second best of the day.
Of course the Smart Shot BB is important because it doesn’t bounce back when it hits a hard target. That opens the door for safer action air pistol competition. And now we know it’s accurate in the new Dan Wesson 715 revolver.
Summary
When I started this series I was most interested in ASG’s new Dan Wesson pellet revolver. I thought if it could equal the accuracy of the Smith & Wesson 586 pellet revolver for a hundred dollars less, shooters would finally have a real choice. But I never thought that a BB revolver would get me this excited.
Veteran readers will remember how excited I was (and still am) about the Umarex Makarov BB pistol. It is so accurate! Well, now there is a revolver that equals it, and maybe goes a little farther!
Not done yet
I’m not done with this revolver. ASG has sent me a speedloader pouch to try with the gun and they sent a special scope rail for the Dan Wesson 715 revolver so a dot sight can be used. The folks who are most interested in these types of BB guns want to see all those things, so there is one additional report to write.
Then ASG sent me the airsoft version of the Dan Wesson 715 revolver. They did so because several readers asked for it. And they also sent a bottle of their heavyweight 0.30-gram Blaster Devil Diamond Grade precision airsoft BBs. Several readers have been asking for an airsoft report, and I will use this opportunity to meet that request.
Sure looks like it a great revolver. With several of my blow back BB pistols self destructing because of the harsh blow back, this very well may be a pistol you could own and shoot for a long time. Also looks like shoot accurately for a BB pistol. Still would like to see the 10 meter coke can test.
Harvey
Harvy
I remember you mentioned that before. And yes I would like to see that also. Wasn’t it a silhouette of a coke can on a paper target that you suggested?
HI Gunfun1
Yeah, the idea was 10 meter shooting of a paper target with a actual full size picture of a coke can. 10 shots and see how many of them actually hit the can. I suggested BB use the non blow back Makarov as a standard. Sounds like at 15 feet this pistol may do better then the Makarov but we need the test to confirm. Not important, but just a kind of fun test.
Harvey
Harvy
Maybe that should be a new standard test for any kind of gun that’s going to be used for plinking.
Not just at 10 m. But could even do that at 25 yards let’s say if BB was testing a Weihrauch HW30 or something. Ain’t that a average plinking distance?
Either way I like that idea alot.
Harvey,
I thought about the promised 10-meter test when I did today’s report. There wasn’t time for it today, but like I said — there is one more report for this revolver yet to come.
B.B.
Hi BB and GF1 and the group. Maybe the Coke can plinker target could be mass produced and Pyramyd ‘Air could sell them. Regardless, a fun mind exercise for a old retired goat. Looking forward to
the next report.
Harvey
Harvey
Agree with you there. Great idea!
BB, would nickel plating be a better type of metal to prevent rust? Rust here is a constant threat. That is the big island of Hawaii in the Puna District. Lots of rain, but, also lots of great sunny weather.
I had a Dan Wesson .357 magnum revolver that I bought new as my first new handgun, about 1975. It was a good shooter.
Birdmove,
These revolvers are not made of ferrous metal, so no rust.
Corrosion from electrolysis is possible. Spray with Ballistol.
B.B.
BB
Glad you got the airsoft pistol. And .30 gram airsoft ammo? That sounds a little heavy for a pistol. That airsoft pistol I had shot .12 gram ammo. And yes I mean grams not grains. Anyway will see how it does. And maybe the Co2 powerplant can push that heavier air soft ball.
And I have to ask something about your arm placement and your eye sight. You said when you moved your arm out you could see the sights very clear again.
Here’s whats on my mind. You know I shoot with both eyes open when I scope shoot. When I shoot open sight now days like the 1077 I have to close my opposite eye that I sight with (right hand shooting with left eye closed). I can’t remember now if I could shoot both eyes open when I was a kid with open sights. I’m thinking that you need to close one eye with open sights.
But here’s a question. Do you shoot with one eye closed or maybe off eye patched? Or can you shoot open sights with both eyes open? And I know they have those deals you can put on your shooting glasses that has a small exit pupil hole I guess you call it for your shooting eye. But that’s not what I’m interested in. I want to know how you use your eyes when you open sight shoot.
GF1,
Does BB use one eye or two? Wow! Sounds like a blog topic to me.
I find that I have to acquire the sights with one eye closed. Then I force myself to open both eyes before the final sight alignment. It’s not a natural thing — it’s a learned technique.
When I shoot 10-meter I have special glasses that cover the non-sighting eye. I leave it open, but all it “sees” is light, because there is a white translucent blinder over it.
B.B.
BB
Yes that would be a wonderful blog.
And I will have to try that one eye closed then open up before I shoot. That’s exactly how I trained myself to shoot both eyes open with a scope. Now I have both eyes open with the scope even when I put the gun to my shoulder. Don’t have to blink or anything anymore.
I know open sights are different so I will try the technique you just mentioned. Maybe that’s what I did when I was kid shooting open sights and I forgot throughout the years that gone by of shooting with scopes.
Yes that’s a blog that will be interesting and helpful.
B.B.
When I shoot, either bench rested or off-hand standing up, I close my left eye because my right eye is dominant, and I see the open sights better with just my right eye. Unfortunately I have to tilt my head up to look through the lower part of my bifocal lens. If I use the lowest part of the lens, I get a very sharp image of the open sights, but my target is so blurry I can’t see if I’m sighted on the bull. I usually have to find a compromise position in which both the open sights and the bull are only slightly blurry.
Occasionally I will try to shoot with both eyes open and try to focus on the sight using my dominant right eye while mostly ignoring what I see with my left eye. It’s a work in progress.
Cstoehr
That’s what happens with my off eye when I shoot with a scope with both eyes open.
I concentrate on what my scope eye sees on the target. But also from shooting with both eyes open for so long. I can take and look with my off eye at things on the range like windsocks to see wind direction while I’m still on target with my right eye or my scope eye. I just switch concentration I guess I will say.
Once you practice doing it enough it really does become natural.
Gunfun1
Right now, shooting with both eyes open is a little disorienting because I don’t get as focused view of the open sights as I would like. It tends to make my shots spread out.
Cstoehr
That’s the way I am too with open sights. Eyes just don’t want to work right anymore.
But with a scope I’m fine. I can shoot with both eyes open no problem.
“Hats Off” for ASG hooking you up with more goodies to test. “They” DO listen to us! I looked at that add on sight rail a while back. Ups the cool factor. My thought at the time was that being muzzle mounted on the already heavy front of a 6″ or 8″ model, it would have to be a real light laser. Grip lasers were my answer for too much front forward weight on a revolver and still keep all the original looks.
*** I did ask the question on how the add-on rail mounted, (on the PA site), and was given a nice detailed answer on mounting and color options, for anyone considering going that route.
Good day all, Chris
Chris,
Yes, some companies do listen. And they really do care how their guns and equipment performs. ASG is one that does.
I’m actually going to show you a color-coordinated sight rail. Since I am colorblind, I have to ask for help in this department. ASG was kind enough to provide it.
B.B.
B.B.,
First, Thank You. 2nd.,…since ASG has their “ears on”,….. Smoked grey is beautiful. Silver too. Black is good. Grip on org. DW is way better. Grip options that would fit both? Rear load shells, no front load screw on tip type. (Pellet). If you want a good seal both front and back, put some rubber at both ends, but,…don’t blow the shell look.. Adj. rear sights of course. With all that mass under barrel, maybe a small laser there? Or grip lasers. Not all of us revolver lovers can shoot open sights. Not sure what can be done on pellet revolver barrels,…but don’t skimp there. Meet or exceed advertised velocities with regular lead pellets. Advertise the brand, weight and FPS tested.
Other than that,……AWESOME looking revolvers!!!! Just my 2 cents. Chris
B.B.,
What a shooter!
Do the BBs load into the shells from the front like most of today’s BB revolvers, or do they load in the rear like the pellet version?
Michael
Michael,
The BBs load from the front.
B.B.
Hmmm. This one is looking better and better all the time. 8^D
Michael
Off-topic: Remember the Katana? Was that basically a Discovery with a different stock, or was that its own thing altogether?
Thanks,
Michael
Michael,
The Katana was a Discovery in a fancier stock. It was a Pyramyd AIR exclusive.
B.B.
BB and Michael
I miss the Katana. I wanted one of the stocks for my Discovery when the Katana was still being sold. If I remeber right PA did offer that stock separately but they never came back into stock. Or maybe they were sold out always. Anyway never did get one.
I wanted one of those stocks in a bad way. Wish I could of got one.
B.B.,
It just occurred to me that the Hornady 0.515-inch group is in the shape of a frowning face. Given how tight that group is, it really ought to be a SMILEY face!
Michael,
Michael,
I saw that. too. The bottom target also has a face in it.
B.B.
Ok you guys stop with the target face stuff.
And I thought I was the only one that pays attention to that kind of stuff. Just figured I wouldn’t say anything when I saw it.
At least I’m not alone in what I see. 😉
Hold on. When I’m shooting my Anschutz with the ring front sight and the Jaws of the Subconscious chomp down, I would swear I see a happy face on the target at the moment of discharge.
And also since people are scoping each other’s targets at the shooting range, it would be a nice prank to draw pictures with your shots like a happy face. That would freak out the observers and be a significant shooting challenge.
Matt61
Matt61
Hah that’s good. I would like to see that at the range. Just think if you was a good enough shot you could ask that pretty girl out shooting next to you at the range by spelling it on your target! 😉
Nice shooting, BB. That revolver is close enough to my SW 686 which was inspired by the airgun version that I will enjoy it vicariously. But that brings to mind a small irritant. I would swear with the sights on my 686 that the front sight is very slightly canted to the left. How unexpected from the SW quality control. Maybe that’s why I found the gun used. It’s not quite enough to send in for repair but just barely perceptible.
Matt61
I like it alot…but…I think I like the DW 715 pellet version better…for $10 more you get a little more velocity with a heavier “harder” hitting bullet that will not “bounce” back at you as easy, more ammo choices/styles and it’s also very accurate. But each to his own.
Doc
And then there is the Gamo PR-776 pellet revolver that is even less that B.B. gave a good review also. Darn it…I just want one of everything!
This Gamo pistol is not only less expensive than the Dan Wessons but has a 1 year limited warranty . I have the early Dan Wesson bb revolver and 2 Gamo pistols. I am satisfied with them. But a short warranty period is not good enough for me now.
Cstoehr— I have “computer” eyeglasses for close work. They make open sights (rifle and pistol) sharp and clear. I have also had special glasses for shooting rifles with peep sights. They put the front sight in clear focus. If your optometrist wont let you bring your guns to the office, make up wood fake guns so that you can get the correct lenses. Don’t get bi-focals. You will only be using these glasses when you shoot. Ed
Zimbabweed,
Thanks, I will consider that.
B.B.
Thanks for the reports on the Shot Show always good reading and keeps me interested in things to come. Sounds like Crosman is listening on the PCP gun I may get one, It is not too expensive to preclude making modifications and trying out different ideas.
As is mentioned here quite often by others I am still waiting for a discovery multi-pump.
Your groups on the 715 started me wondering this morning how my Daisy 1700 would measure up it is the most accurate BB pistol I have ever owned. I have no Idea why just the way it is, luck of the draw. I put a cheap laser sight on it a couple of weeks ago but have not checked the accuracy yet. So I put in a new co2 cartridge and set a target up at 16 feet. I used the Daisy BBs zinc plated. I have a wood rest with a pad on the top, I have been laying a fluffy bed pillow over it as that my wife was going to throw out. The pillow gives me a real good stable rest, with support for my arm and hand.
My first group of 10 shots were with a two hand hold not too tight. The group was 0.941 inches not bad but not as good as I expected.
My second group was with one hand also firm but not tight hold it was similar to the first with 0.90 inches.
I was ready to call it enough but had plenty of co2 left and no cans handy so I tried one more group of 10. This time I held the pistol with two hands in as tight a hold as I could keep steady. I would call it a very tight grip. The group went down to 0.31 or 0.33 it was hard to tell from one vertical hole group cause of the tears. This was even better than I expected. It could have been one of those groups that just happen once in a while. I will do some more later and let you know. I don’t remember who but someone on the blog awhile back also said they had a very accurate 1700.
I am very interested in a discussion of eyesight on the blog. Mine is getting worse and I am just about restricted to optic or laser sights. I have tried peep sights and they really don’t help that much. I am right handed and have a dominant left eye so that also comes into play.
Don
Don, glad to hear you got a “good” one! I don’t have that one, but I have a couple of Daisy 1200s that the 1700 was based off of. My 1200s are not that good, but not bad either, just avg. My Daisy 200 is much more accurate. Everyone once in a while you get a “surprise” gun though. I have a Daisy 15XT that outshoots them all. Little pistol, double action only trigger, non adjustable sites….go figure. Enjoy.
Doc
Doc,
I also have a 1200. A while back I had discussed this with Michael he also has both a 1200 and a 1700 and his 1700 is much more accurate than the 1200 with the same internal parts. Michael was thinking the ergonomics of the 1700 are much better and may contribute to the difference. The weight is different between the pistols and distributed differently. I have no idea why the 1700 is so different than the 1200. My 1200 would be lucky to get inch and a half groups at 5 meters.
I have a Crosman 1377 with many mods. The one thing that would help it the most I think is some better grips. The stock ones are terrible and hinder my confidence in that pistol. It looks like the Dan Wesson 715 B.B. reported on above has very nice grips. I think with a pistol the trigger and grips are critical to accuracy. I want to get the shoulder stock for the 1377 but then it won’t be a pistol. At least it would be easy to change back and forth.
My cousin had a Daisy 200 if I have remembered correctly. If not it looked a lot like it but that was a long time ago when we were kids. It was a very fun gun and had a very good balance and good grips. I have been keeping my eye out for a 200 just for the memories.
Don
I have cast off all temptation to purchase the Beeman Quiet Tek 2016 with Gas Spring and switchable .177 and .22 barrels (so, not the double barrel freak that shoots a pellet in both calibers simultaneously).
Pedigree matters to me. What I learned: The rifle is base on the Tech Force 89 reviewed by B.B. in three parts with good intentions to do a fourth.
See part 3 here:
/blog/2011/10/tech-force-tf89-contender-breakbarrel-part-3-2/
with links to parts 2 and 1, of course. Vince weighed in on this on and do appreciate his input.
The TF89 is based on Industry Brand AR1000 Magnum which was a rip off of a Norica model, but with a longer power stroke than the Norica.
None of this was a deal breaker, but I read enough about breech gaskets being eaten up to give me pause, plus when you change the barrel you essentially set up a new rifle.
Next my eyes fell upon a Gamo Whisper Fusion IGT. Odd, because I don’t think much of Gamo. Still, I started my research. It didn’t take long; Paul Capello did a video test and review and B.B. did a four part series on it. Of most interest is that both of these guys had some nice things to say about it. See B.B.s part four here:
/blog/2013/06/gamo-whisper-fusion-igt-breakbarrel-air-rifle-part-4/
I haven’t been seduced yet but who knows? There is an issue of Gamo setting the power of their IGT gas spring too high, which does nothing for accuracy or longevity.
I would like to know more about the pedigree of this rifle, but I’m not rushing.
About the Gamo minions giving B.B. the cold shoulder at SHOT. B.B., has reported honestly regarding Gamo guns; he has addressed issues directly to Gamo representatives. Gamo is not an honest group of people and they don’t want anyone calling them on it. B.B. doesn’t just complain, he offers information that Gamo could respond to with or without integrity. Mostly, it seems they lack integrity. That doesn’t mean they can’t turn out an air gun that is usable and a a good value for the price, but I won’t take their word for it.
I wrote before about the Crosman GI Model 1911 co2 pistol. It is double action only and it is a long reach to the trigger for me. For me, it isn’t a shooter, but I have found it to be good for dry firing and building strength in my trigger fingers (both right and left).
The Remington 1911 RAC B.B. reported on is far more authentic.
/blog/2015/12/remington-1911rac-bb-pistol-part-3/
There is a small issue regarding the magazine being difficult to release or insert, but I found that this has to do with the striker catching on the top rim of the release valve housing. With only a small amount of wear this problem can be vanquished. Until you have that wear, the best way to release the magazine is to rack the slide. This pushes the trigger and the striker back. While the hammer is cocked it puts no pressure on the striker, which is free floating, so it stays back as well. I would be more forceful about inserting the magazine. In my case, I found the culprit by carefully inspecting what was happening. I manually rounded off the upper rim of the release valve housing; it didn’t take much. I have had no further issues releasing or inserting the magazine.
As revolvers go, this Dan Wesson appeals. I may prefer pellets to b.b.s though.
~ken
B.B.,
I will second any article that deals with anything on getting a better open sight picture. I shoot scope with both eyes open. 499 peeper same. Forget the Red Ryder and the 92FS. Laser on the 92. No optometrist, but I would imagine different people have different issues, so that would a tuff article to put together. Plus, you are you,…not us.
Lot’s/some good stuff has been said here and in the past, but still,…it would be interesting to see what you could put together.
Chris,
You make a good point on everyone being different. I just hope someone has figured out something that will allow me to use open sights again. If I can have one eye focused on the target and one on the front bead all I need is one more eye I can focus on the rear sight.
I guess I just don’t want to admit that there may not be any fix for my old eyes. I don’t see B.B. solving all the problems just telling his story. As usual it will grow from there. I think his story will help many readers and the responses may help many others.
Have not heard much on the 499 lately maybe I have missed it or you have moved on. The weather has kept me from completing the tests and tunes on my marauder.
Don
Don,
The 499 stays within arms reach. It is my lazy go-to plinker. Very hard to put down. If the 499 was someone’s first bb gun,… and they got more bb guns,… the 499 would be their favorite. Plus Fido3030’s lube tips and my tear down and moly lube,……it is sweeter than ever.
An M-rod in .25,…aka B.B. style, is tight on the radar,….with all the support goodies to go with it. I say, B.B. “style”, but that is more for length of pull and comb and cast on/off than anything else. Plus,…got to admit,…looks pretty darn cool too. Then the mod. options,…….enter GF1 and BD76. Sorry I missed it, but it sounds as if you may have a tip or two?
3 eyes?,…..yup,……that’s me. 😉 Chris