[Tortuga12]

I think I'd like to buy one! Can it shoot +P ammo? (Not a big deal if no, just wondering) Also, is there anything about this model that is undesirable? I've been wanting a revolver for a while, and thought about a security six or a model 28, but I don't really have a need to shoot .357. (If I really want penetration, my vZ.52 or K31 will make it happen!) Seems like the 15-4 is going for under $400 right now, and is just gorgeous!

[Dienekes]

S&W says that any numbered model revolver is okay with limited +P ammo. You can call them to verify this.

That said, there isn't much real need for it in a fine gun like that. If you want heavy loads, get the .357 in the first place and have at it.

The only thing nicer than a M15 is a matching M18 (.22 LR) to go with it.

[Srigs]

I had a 15-4 and I would not use +P in it.

Beautiful gun and nice shooting to boot.

[RON in PA]

Shoot all the +P you want in the model 15, S&W advises that all steel 38 special K frame revolvers with model numbers stamped in the yoke are fine with +P ammo.

The model 15 or its stainless version, the model 67 are great revolvers.

[ugaarguy]

If it's in good or better condition a classic S&W like a 15-4 for under $400 is a good buy. See the sticky "Jim March's Used Revolver Checkout" at the top of this sub forum. If the gun passes I'd buy it.

[def4pos8]

A 15-4, like my Model 67, will handle +Ps but I have found muzzle flip and such unpleasant. The 15/67 is most happy with mundane, 158 SWCs. Yours might enjoy lighter hollow points but at softer pressures of standard loads. I prefer to save the higher pressure stuff for my Model 66 (Model 19).

If your hand size permits, try Ahrends or Hogue grips. Either one will help make the perceived recoil of any cartridge more manageable.

[applekev]

I paid $239 for my 15-4 about a year ago. Had gunsmith Nelson Ford of Phoenix work it over and it is as accurate as my Glock 17, and a super smooth trigger. My favorite revo bar none.:)

[DrLaw]

The higher the pressure, the shorter the gun life.

Yes, it can take +P .38's. Do you want to use them exclusively? Probably not.

Regular .38's will do fine for practice, and maybe a cylinder or two of +P at the end of the practice to get used to it. Regular .38's will also do fine for everyday carry. It does not matter how much pressure or velocity the bullet has if you cannot hit with it.

My first department issued us Model 15's. I couldn't hit diddly with it. They also issued us +P ammo. After years of practice, I can hit with it. I got one because of the nostalgia effect of my first issue gun. I couldn't hit with it when I bought it and started to wonder why, until I practiced with it. And practiced, and... you get the idea.

Get the Model 15. It is a fine .38 Special pistol. You should not be disappointed.

The Doc is out now. :cool:

[wcwhitey]

Shoot all the +P's you want the, there should be no ill effect. I would not worry about wearing out a Model 15 unless you get crazy with over pressure handloads. Bill

[RevolvingCylinder]

I've put plenty of +P through my 15-3. Uninformed people will tell you that these are fragile revolvers which is simply not the case. I can assure you that the 15-4 can handle plenty of +P without ill effect.

[jaholder1971]

Gotta go with revolving cylinder here.

My father carried a Model 15-3 as a cop from 1968-1979 when he made detective. I know for certain that that revolver ate a steady diet of hot Super Vel's with no affect on the handgun.

[The Lone Haranguer]

Originally posted by Tortuga12:
Can it shoot +P ammo? <snip> Also, is there anything about this model that is undesirable?
As much as you want, and no. ;)

Well, maybe a couple of things. It is not going to skyrocket in value like Colt Pythons have, therefore is not an investment, i.e., if you sell it you probably won't make any money on it. Second, a blued finish doesn't stay pretty very long with any rough handling. The stainless steel equivalent is the Model 67. If these things are not important to you, enjoy. :cool:

It was a very popular police service revolver for a couple of generations. The fact that so many were made keeps the price down for you.

[ironvic]

The Model-15 is a fine weapon and one of Smith & Wesson's most inspired designs. I owned one, and a matching Model-18 in .22LR. The 15 was a joy to shoot and mine spit out 148 gr. wadcutters like heat seeking missiles for the bullseye. I really liked the replacement S&W Target grips, as opposed to the original "Magna" grips it originally came with. To my eye, there's nothing purtier than a slick Model-15 with S&W Goncalo Alves target grips.

Now excuse me while I sulk off into a corner and pine for a couple of guns I wish I had never traded!

ironvic

[pinkymingeo]

I've heard of rare instances in destructive testing, but personally have no experience of anybody ever wearing-out a S&W revolver. After many, many thousands of heavy rounds you might need the endshake or timing adjusted, but that's minor stuff. The 38spl was originally loaded much hotter than today's factory ammo, closer to the current +P. The 15 can shoot those for you until you can't get out of your wheelchair to show your Medicare card anymore, at which time your kids can shoot it. I currently have only one 15, a -3 snubbie, which has an action job and is my favorite shooter. Doesn't get any better. I think I need a couple more of those things.

[Old 112]

Fine Art
+
Fine Accuracy
+
Plus P

Equals Model 15 Smith & Wesson

I have, and reload for, a minty Combat Masterpiece(1951), a NOT so minty 15 no dash, and a LNWB 15-4. They all get and like 4.6 to 5 gr. of Unique and 158SWC. They lower loads are for general shooting, and for my kids, and the 4.8 to 5 gr. loads(30% to 40%) are close to the old standard loads, mabe a bit warmer.

The main undesireable feature is that you may find yourself very feverish when you see one on the display shelf.

Old 112

[Cliph]

My 15-3 4" is a joy to see, hold and fire. It is simply beautiful. While I believe it will occasionally fire +P with no problem, I don't see the point. I have a beautiful coupe that will burn ribber all day long, but I have to much affection for it to overstress the beautiful machine like my life depended on it, unless my life depended on it.