S&W Model 15

[dispatch]

Found one on my list today- S&W Model 15. It has some holster and storage wear, but looking at the bore an cylinders, I’d say less than 500 rounds through it. Action is tight, clean as a whistle.
The only thing that bugs me is that when I dry fire it sounds hollow, like thumping a beer can. Nothing like my older Smiths. Is that a 1980’s Smith thing?

 

[Checkman]

I own a couple Smiths that were made in the 80's and they don't have a hollow sound when dry fired. Can you test fire the model?

 

[Old Fuff]

That sound is usually caused by a former owner either backing out, or shortning the mainspring strain screw to get a lighter double-action. Or they may have slimmed the mainspring. If the action feels especially light, remove the stocks and investigate.

The cure is a new screw, mainspring, or both. They are available from www.brownells.com

 

[Srigs]

Model 15 are my favorite revolver. If it is a good price, check out the spring for anything unusual and if ok buy it!

 

[00blkgt]

I am certainly a fan of the model 15's. I have a four inch one that I picked up last year at a pawn shop for cheap and have loved having it.
J

 

[Colt46]

Prettiest revolver bar none

A buddy of mine got a 15 dating from the mid sixties that is in mint condition. I can't find evidence of wear on anything. It sat in a safe for nearly forty years before his father in law gave it to him as a gift. Lucky bastard. Not only that it shoots just like it ought to.

 

[crazyhorse]

The 15 is one of the finest Smith's I own. If the price is right, buy it.

 

[bill larry]

I had two, a 4" and a 2". The 2" is THE Dick Tracy gun, and I loved them both. I sold 'em both along with a Model 19 right before I moved to Boston a year ago....<sob>!

 

[1KPerDay]

Here's mine...

 

[Iggy]

Dayam!!! Don't see much wrong with that one...

Beeeutifull!!

 

[1KPerDay]

Thanks! I inherited it from my dad. He says he never fired it and I haven't yet either. I think I will soon, though.

 

[Iggy]

If it is truly unfired, I think I might leave it that way.
It would be a shame to "blow" the possible value of that gun for some plinkin' time.

 

[Starter52]

1K that's a beautiful gun, 'cept it has all those scratches on it. And I think someone cut off 2" from the barrel.

I'm looking for a tacklebox gun, so I'll take it off your hands if you like.

I've got a fine Jennings .22 pistol I'd be willing to trade.

 

[Starter52]

All kidding aside, that is one beautiful revolver. Congratulations.

 

[Skofnung]

Normally, I don’t care much for engraving, as I find it gaudy. That piece however looks mighty classy.

 

[RevolvingCylinder]

If it is truly unfired, I think I might leave it that way.
It would be a shame to "blow" the possible value of that gun for some plinkin' time.

You'd sell such a fine specimen if you inherited it from your father!?
For shame!

 

[Iggy]

I sowwy!!!

I wasn't thinking or suggesting selling it, just preserving a unique and special specimen in it's present condition.

Selling it never came to mind.

 

[wcwhitey]

1K, that is the living definition of a BBQ gun. That is sharp man, I am jealous.

 

[1KPerDay]

If it is truly unfired, I think I might leave it that way.
It would be a shame to "blow" the possible value of that gun for some plinkin' time.

That's the reason I haven't shot it in the past 10 years I've had it. However, I got to thinkin'... I don't really believe in safe queens on general principle. I'm never going to sell the gun, so the only value would be to my son or daughter when I pass it on. And the only value to them would be as a pretty lump of metal and wood. I've been kind of going back and forth on this. I guess there have been engraved, decorated, ceremonial war clubs and tomahawks and the like that were never meant to be used... I suppose this could be viewed similarly.

Actually, I've been going back and forth for almost exactly a year, it turns out. Here's my original thread on the subject.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=180916


I do have a few guns I never shoot, but they're original colt percussion revolvers (and a couple Winchester 1894s in blackpowder cartridge calibers).

My one concern in shooting the engraved Model 15 is the cleaning... It looks like the engraving is simply cut into blue steel, exposing raw metal underneath. I assume that would attract corrosion (luckly I live in a desert so rust hasn't been a problem in my safe). What do you think?

 

[Phil DeGraves]

Shoot it. If you died today, you'd regret not having shot the thing.

 

[Bellevance]

Yeah, shoot it

Like Skofnung, I would have to agree that the engraving on most guns looks gaudy. Engraving is usually overdone or just tasteless. BUT, to me, your 15 boasts the most elegant lines I think I've ever seen on a revolver. Still, if it were mine I would shoot it--just to give it the chance to do what it was made to do, and to have it in hand little more often. Sounds like your kids will probably sell it anyway, and when they do whoever gets it will be purely proud to own it, fired or not.

 

[1KPerDay]

Sounds like your kids will probably sell it anyway, and when they do whoever gets it will be purely proud to own it, fired or not.

I may have given the wrong impression. I meant that IF I didn't shoot it, and they didn't shoot it (and would never sell it), the only monetary value it would have to them (and me) would be as pretty piece of steel and wood. It obviously has great sentimental and aesthetic value to me, and hopefully will to them (my oldest is only 9).

Thanks for your thoughts.