[The Goose]

I had never even considered getting a revolver, but Saturday I was in this shop and spied a used S&W at a good price and I bought it. It is a Model 15-3 K38 Combat Masterpiece, probably made between 1967 - 1977. Excellent condition. Took it to the range this morning and was blown away. The most accurate pistol I have ever shot bar none and the sweetest trigger pull imaginable. Even on double action the pull is nice. What a pleasure to shoot. No casings to sweep up, minimal recoil, nothing to jam, no magazines to load. Had one misfire and just recocked the hammer and moved on. I can see some limitations from a carry stand point and perhaps speed of loading, but for the range or home defense a revolver seems like a good choice. It now seems to me that for home defense a heavier caliber revolver would be a much more reliable choice. Almost no chance of gun failure and easy to operate under pressure. A whole new world has opened up.

[tbeb]

I sold a 4"model 15 several years ago. I bought another 4" last year. It is a very good revolver.

I think 9mm or .357 magnum or .45 ACP would be better, but .38 special is perfectly adequate for self defense. If you can control it then one of the best loads for self defense is the . 38 special +P 158 gr. lead hollowpoint by Federal or Remington or Winchester. A new load by Speer, designed for 2" barrels, is the .38 special +P Gold Dot 135 gr. JHP. (I read a test with a 2" barrel and average velocity was 900 fps.)

[Eskimo Jim]

Dear Goose,
Welcome to the six gun! I hope that you enjoy your model 15 a lot!! There is something about revolvers that are just classic. If you handload, you can build a very accurate load in 38 Special. There are a number of commercially available loads that can be affectively used for self defense.

Apparently, the model 15 was very popular on the target shooting circuit from WWI era until the rise in popularity of the 1911 model automatics.

Have fun and be safe.

-Jim

[Steve F]

Good choice Goose:D I just got a Model 15 myself 2 weeks ago:cool:

Congrats!

[Jim March]

In my opinion, a 38+P can be more combat effective than it's raw energy numbers or other straight ballistics measurements would indicate.

The 38+P is slightly down on power (on paper) from the 9mm, and at a disadvantage from the 9+P. However, the 38+P's nosecone shape doesn't need to be a "feed ramp compromise"...it can instead be more of a "flying ashtray" as wheelguns don't need feedramps.

Go find some Winchester 130grain Supreme 38+P. This load is one of the top three available in the caliber, and while the older Speer 125grain 38+P had a decent cavity and is also a good performer, it doesn't have the "gaping hole" of the Winnie 130.

The Winnie 130 was probably what convinced Speer to come out with their new 135, which is another "gaping hole design". It's not shipping yet I don't think but it is eagerly awaited.

[ruger357]

Great gun, should serve you well. Enjoy and welcome to the wheelgun side.

[stans]

Excellent choice, this is one you can learn to shoot well and the 38 Special, especially in +P format, can be a fine defensive round. Shot placement is the most critical factor, power comes in at a distant second.

[Airboss]

http://www.hunt101.com/img/110725-big.JPG
This is a M-15-4 I picked up a couple of months ago great gun.You will really like your new M-15

[Dienekes]

Truth be told, there isn't much need for more gun 99% of the time, and you would be hard pressed to find a better one as the .38 Spl ctg. now covers the waterfront well enough.

Now go find a Model 18 (same gun in .22 LR) and you will be fixed for life.