[jimbombo]

Recently traded for a excellent condition Model 15/no dash 4" barrel.
Some of you have chimed in already and I was told to keep it, I understand and respect that. However when I got the 15 it was to be used as trade bait, for one of the two guns: CZ 75 P01 it is new never fired, or a like new Ruger Redhawk .44 4" barrel.

I am seriously considering either of the trades because I don't have either a nice .44(which I would like) or a good service 9mm...I just want to be well informed before I make any decision sooo, I had no idea that so many people are lusting after a really clean 15! If this is the case maybe I should hang onto it for awhile? Not a informed smith guy, what is the going price for a excellent Model 15/no dash with no box or papers? Consider that a new p01 is $550 and a new redhawk $750, I have way less than that into the Smith..

Thanks all
This is kind of a repeat of and old thread, but I have some questions specific to the 15

[highpower]

OK, here we go. The Model 15 is one of the all time classic S&W revolvers from the 50's. They have a kind of a cult following and if you chose to sell it you will have no trouble getting rid of it.

The question is: Why? Both of the other guns you mentioned are as common as dirt and are still in production. The Model 15 on the other hand, is not being made anymore and hasn't been made for quite a while. What you want to do is to trade a classic revolver that was made when Smith and Wesson were still making some of the finest handguns in the world for a firearm that has no soul.

It's like trading a 1967 Corvette for a Honda Accord.

Down the road the Smith is always going to be worth more money while the other two guns will certainly have value, but only as an appliance that will do a certain job.

It is however your decision so if that is really what you want just go do it. I just wish that I had a CZ or a Ruger to trade you.

[jimbombo]

thanks highpower. Sometimes you just need to hear what you are thinking from other people!

[bergmen]

I second highpower's remarks. My model 15-4 (not as early as the one you have) is the last revolver I would consider selling (of the many, many revolvers I own). Shoot it and you will see, it is extremely accurate and the action is like butter.

Dan

[bannockburn]

Make that three who think that hanging on to the Model 15 is a great idea, as one that's in as nice a shape as yours come by very rarely. The CZ and the Ruger are both modern guns and still readily available; the Model 15 is not. I would keep it and look for something else as trade bait or start saving for a new gun.

[Iggy]

I think we have a pattern developing here. Keep the 15 They don't get any better than that.

[Guillermo]

I just bought a Model 15 (waiting to hear from my FFL)

Great guns.
Perfect size and balance. Very accurate.

I find it hard to get rid of a gun that is not made anymore for one that is.
You can ALWAYS get a redhawk.

[788Ham]

Thats it Guillermo ! I'm not telling you about any of my last bring homes!! You seem to have to always out do me, always try to better me, one way or another. Congratulations my friend, you're deserving. New one, or just a new cuddly "wanna have"? You're something else Amigo, enjoy.

[Guillermo]

Don't be too impressed

It is a 1970 and it cost me two hundred and fifty five bucks!!! :what:



:(

not my best deal

[jimbombo]

Yeah, after listening to you guys I am gonna keep it!
Curious though, any guesses on what value of this gun is(98% very slight turn line, mechanically perfect with the original magna's(the grips are 100%)

Thanks

[rswartsell]

jimbombo,

Is this a collector or will you shoot it (the Model 15)? Are you opposed to revolvers, a semi auto kinda guy?

I ask because my humble advice is to buy a few types of nice .38 spl ammo and find out for yourself why so many hold the 15 in high regard, then get back to us.

[jimbombo]

I have never had a gun that I didn't want to shoot! let me say I have lost my desire to sell or trade it, unless someone makes me an ungodly offer! I just like to know what I have, that's why I was asking to get some opinions on value.. with that said you asked if I was going to shoot it, I probably won't be able to help myself, so I will shoot it, VERY CAREFULLY.

Thx jim

[rswartsell]

Enjoy that! A finer .38 you will not find. Guillermo will argue for his beloved Diamondbacks, but that is debateable and for another thread. A similar Diamondback will cost you multiples of what you paid.

[Guillermo]

Guillermo will argue for his beloved Diamondbacks

Not really.

I love them but there are some very strong arguments for the K Frame.

My reputation is that of a Colt-guy...but I may own as many S&Ws.

(I don't know how many guns I own...other than "not enough")

[Guillermo]

let me revise that statement.

If you take cost into the argument...the Model 15 is superior

[rswartsell]

Maybe it's because us Colt guys (and yes I include myself in that group as well as the Hillbilly one) are becoming the minority. Colt guys always enjoy a classic Smith. No so much the ones with Hillary Holes.

P.S. I have always been of the opinion that the Model 15s I have used have superior actions when compared to their contemporary Model 10's. That means to me there is more of a difference that just the adjustable sights. I'd be interested to hear from anyone who could substantiate as fact or deflate a myth (you out there Old Fuff?).

[roaddog28]

I kick myself everyday for sell my combat masterpiece made in 1950. I have never been able to find another one like it.
Howard

[ArchAngelCD]

How in the world can you be considering selling a revolver with the name K-38 Combat Masterpiece? The M15 is the M10 with adjustable sights. Like so many have already told you, it doesn't get much better than the Combat Masterpiece!

[rswartsell]

My whole point is that it is MORE than the Model 10 with adjustable sights. I firmly believe this, a close inspection of the top of the frame and the fine glare cutting checkering will be exhibit A submitted for consideration, I also believe that the internals got Mod 14 K-38 Masterpiece love from the Smith smiths. Any takers?

[Guillermo]

the Model 15 that I have recently purchased is from 1970, so surely it is not up to the standards of that of an earlier model

[highpower]

I also believe that the internals got Mod 14 K-38 Masterpiece love from the Smith smiths. Any takers?

I believe this too. The Combat Masterpiece (1952) that I used to have had at least as good a trigger in both SA and DA as my 1950 K38 Masterpiece. It was alsoat least as accurate, and overall was just beautifully made. The only reason I don't still have it is that I had to use it as trade bait on a 1941 Colt 1911-A1.

[AABEN]

Go to the S&W site and put your searl number on the site but put 0 for the last 2 numbers they will let you know about your gun. That is a good gun site!