Model 15 :)

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I go back and forth between the Model 19 and the Model 15 over which I like the best. Since we're talking about Model 15's here, the Model 15 is my favorite. I've owned a half dozen or so, maybe more over the years, but am down to just one these days. I plan to keep this one.

Model 15-2, from 1966, with TH, TT, and diamond target stocks.

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The next one to get is it's understudy, a Model 18, 22 Combat Masterpiece. This is an 18-4, with TH, TT, and presentation stocks that I had in the drawer.

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I need to redo the pictures of the Model 18. Where the barrel looks white in the right side picture is a trick of the light.
 
kidneyboy said:
View attachment 780182
Here we go

gunnyUSMC, Thanks, sometimes I forget that THR is a more contemporary website than the old V1 Bulletin sights that require web hosted pics.
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Neither the gun nor the holster show any wear. If that was a duty gun, doesn't look like it saw much.

Mine was sweat freckled, holster worn, and the holster itself had many rubbed bare spots.

Definitely a nice find!
 
Thanks all for the nice comments. The model 18 looks quite interesting!

This week the sights will get adjusted and I'll try running some 158gr SWC and 148gr HBWC through it.
 
Old Dog said:
I'll give you all a pic ... my 15-3, came with box, tool, wax-paper, original price tag and store receipt! Still un-fired (I do have one that I shoot) -- sat in a grandma's nightstand drawer for 30 years or so ...
My favorite .38 revolver of all time.

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Now I'm even greener with envy :D:D:D:D
 
kidneyboy said:
Last week I was at the LGS picking up reloading stuff and a Smith model 15 was in the display case. A beauty too, original grips, beautiful blueing, the condition is close to excellent. I looked for a minute and walked away. Price seemed kinda high, no notes on whether anything else was included, but what a beauty. So, of course, the darn thing haunted me all weekend.
Tuesday I was accidentally driving by the LGS again (honest) so stopped in on the off chance the thing was still there. It was. I made the mistake of touching it and then asking questions........
It has the original box, instructions, the extra paper the gun was wrapped in, and the original duty holster that the officer that owned it used. Manufacture date appears to be 1969 and the retired officer that owned it traded it in. That was enough for me.
So I picked it up today and went right to the indoor range with it. Ran 20 rounds of 125gr round nose flat point through it ( can't believe I forgot the 148gr HBWC's). Great DA and SA trigger! Sights are very nice, better than the ones on my 617, although they need some adjustment. VERY comfortable to shoot and I can already tell it will be quite accurate. Great gun!!

Oh, I traded in one of my glock's for it. I only have 1 semi-auto left now......
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Thank goodness you bought it, the model 15 is one of my favorites. In the condition you describe that would have left with me, unless the asking price was out of line. Congrats!
 
In 1979 I went through Air Force Small Arms Instructor School. They handed us a couple of 5.56 ammo boxes full of "M15" 38s to train and qualify with. I grabbed an ammo can and started emptying it one gun at a time. About the 6th 38 I pulled out looked a little funny. I discovered it was a 6" model 14 cut down to 4" bull barrel with a beautifully installed M15 front sight. The double action was as smooth as my wife's thigh at about 8 pounds. The single action broke like a glass rod at 2.5 pounds. The guys around me could not figure out why I took the "funny looking" gun. My class included reservists from the Alabama State Highway Department PPC Shooting Team. I could never beat their top shooter. I would shoot 389 he would shoot 392. I would shoot 394, he would shoot 396. Fortunately for me none of them could shoot an M16 for ****. There top guy won high Pistol. I was fortunate to win high aggregate. I love K-Frame Smiths.
 
I now feel much better with my Model 15 as well. I've shot it maybe for 250 rounds. It has been sitting in the safe for over 20 years. I finally reloaded some rounds late last year. Nice feeling and fun to shoot. I need to take it out more. Thanks for sharing OP.
 
Yesterday I took it out with some 158gr SWC and 148gr button nose wadcutters. Both very accurate out to 10 yards which is about as far as I can see with iron sights. I struggle a bit with the grips when shooting double action and may change them to Ahrends combat grips. Depends on what I decide the end use will be for this beauty.
As an addendum to my OP I had been shopping for a 38sp revolver when this one jumped in front of me. Just wasn't planning on purchasing one so soon.........
 
Driftwood Johnson said:
Howdy

Personally, I have always preferred 6" barrels.

But last year I came across this K-38 Combat Masterpiece (Pre-Model 15). It shipped in 1953, and all I can say is it is almost like new in the box. Grips are lettered to the gun. Just a tiny bit of wear to the blue at the muzzle. Shoots like a dream too.
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Nice gun Driftwood. Now that I have a S&W 14 back in the safe, a 15 may be next. The chances of me finding a pre-15 are zero to none.
 
I've a sweet spot for the M15 since it was a USAF revolver, used up into the early 90's by Air Force gate guards which really is quite impressive if you ask me. Used to own its stainless brother the M67, sweet shooter and I foolishly sold it.
 
Cooldill said:
I've a sweet spot for the M15 since it was a USAF revolver, used up into the early 90's by Air Force gate guards which really is quite impressive if you ask me. Used to own its stainless brother the M67, sweet shooter and I foolishly sold it.
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It was actually used by Law Enforcement Specialists (Air Force Police) and Security Specialists alike (collectively the Air Force Security Police). Phased in after the 1911, phased out with the Berettas.

Wish I could have taken mine home with me when I got out, along with the M-16A1 and the CAR-15. :D
 
RPZ said:
It was actually used by Law Enforcement Specialists (Air Force Police) and Security Specialists alike (collectively the Air Force Security Police). Phased in after the 1911, phased out with the Berettas.

Wish I could have taken mine home with me when I got out, along with the M-16A1 and the CAR-15. :D
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Sorry, I'm CE so yeah... you're just all gate guards to us!! ;) :rofl:

JK of course! Extremely cool that you got to carry a Model 15 on duty. I have a box of surplus M41 ball that need a Model 15 to go with it, getting a USAF marked one would be awesome but from my readings they are very hard to come by.
 
I'm kind of torn as a friend had a 15 in 98% condition he wants to sell. I have dad's 19 but rarely shoot it. The 15 only needs original grips which I have. Gonna toss a coin to see if I want another safe queen.
 
PapaG said:
Darn you, Gunny. You are right. In my mid 70s, what am I waiting for? Gonna make him a fair offer. Then the two boys can argue over who gets each 4" k frame, magnums or special. Got pair of most other good stuff.
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Glad I could help. I’m only 54, but I have made it a habit of buying good deals that come along. I only ask myself two questions. #1 Do I want it. #2 Do I have the extra money.
I’m not saving my money for someone else to spend when I’m gone. I’m having fun with it now.:D
 
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