Biblethumpncop
Member
- Joined
- May 22, 2009
- Messages
- 402
Odd title, I know, but here is why.
I saw this Smith and Wesson model 15-3 at a pawn shop over a year ago with a 6" barrel on it for $499. I assumed it was a model 14. I later saw it on Gun Broker listed for $450, but it didn't sell and was relisted for $350. I went into the pawn shop and asked to see it. Lock up was good and there wasn't any pitting or rust, but it was obvious the front of the frame wasn't tapered for a tapered barrel and the rear sight was full length of the frame. I offered $330 plus tax and they accepted ($350 OTD).
As I researched it, I discovered the gun was made around 1977 and had originally been made as a 2" snub nose. I shot the gun but found the cylinder would drag after getting warm from shooting. A .002" feeler gauge wouldn't fit in the cylinder gap.
I began a search for a 2" barrel and found one on Ebay, but it wasn't marked for a model 15. The guy evidently didn't know the model number and said it was for a .38 special. For $25, I took it and had a gunsmith install it and set the B/C gap to .004" for $80. It was done in a week.
Now to do something with the grips. The gun looked like a big bootied gal with a flat chest. I ordered a set of Hip Grips and a set of Altamont grips. As I was waiting for the grips to arrive, I made a couple of holsters.
The grips arrived and finished the rebirth of this K frame. I have a J frame BK Adapter which seems to fit okay, but I need to trade it for a K frame adapter or just buy another.
I saw this Smith and Wesson model 15-3 at a pawn shop over a year ago with a 6" barrel on it for $499. I assumed it was a model 14. I later saw it on Gun Broker listed for $450, but it didn't sell and was relisted for $350. I went into the pawn shop and asked to see it. Lock up was good and there wasn't any pitting or rust, but it was obvious the front of the frame wasn't tapered for a tapered barrel and the rear sight was full length of the frame. I offered $330 plus tax and they accepted ($350 OTD).
As I researched it, I discovered the gun was made around 1977 and had originally been made as a 2" snub nose. I shot the gun but found the cylinder would drag after getting warm from shooting. A .002" feeler gauge wouldn't fit in the cylinder gap.
I began a search for a 2" barrel and found one on Ebay, but it wasn't marked for a model 15. The guy evidently didn't know the model number and said it was for a .38 special. For $25, I took it and had a gunsmith install it and set the B/C gap to .004" for $80. It was done in a week.
Now to do something with the grips. The gun looked like a big bootied gal with a flat chest. I ordered a set of Hip Grips and a set of Altamont grips. As I was waiting for the grips to arrive, I made a couple of holsters.
The grips arrived and finished the rebirth of this K frame. I have a J frame BK Adapter which seems to fit okay, but I need to trade it for a K frame adapter or just buy another.
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