S&W model 15-3 rebirth

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Biblethumpncop

Biblethumpncop

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12F1B8C8-3E2E-4D64-A708-9072B36B8409.jpeg B5FFE1E4-41DD-4E02-A750-C7A05A564BBD.jpeg EAD0E4DE-A528-41B1-802C-0FD94D1971EB.jpeg 1168F262-D9F4-43C0-ABF5-14324C8208FB.jpeg 9F4270DF-DA14-41BB-AB35-A97B853FE156.jpeg 02CD2DBF-5544-41AF-BACB-E84F6BF19195.jpeg 5669EAC0-6CA8-4CF8-A0A5-B1A131BAEF7B.jpeg 1C268269-5CAF-442A-86F5-8A9D1A69EEE2.jpeg 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.
 
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Biblethumpncop said:
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 read 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.
Click to expand...

NIGHTLORD40K said:
Awesome job!

The snubby M15 is one of the best looking S&Ws ever, and those Altamonts really set it off.:thumbup:
Click to expand...

Agree. That is a fantastic revolver.

Nice save, BTC. :cool:
 
Just got back from a quick trip to the range. She is very smooth and shoots great- a little to the left. I tried to adjust the rear sight but my screw driver was too small. It isn't horribly left, but I will adjust it for next time.

I can see why people like the model 15 snubby. Shoots like it has a longer barrel!
 
bannockburn said:
Super reclamation project; definitely has some old school charm about it! Don't see many Model 15s around with the two inch barrel. Really like those Altamont grips and you did some nice work with those holsters!
Click to expand...
Thanks! Those Altamont grips normally are $70. I won them on an auction for less than 1/2 that price, fitting into the budget theme of this project.
 
Excellent restoration, it truly has returned to its original glory! My Model 15-3 is a standard 4", but man does it shoot well! Once you get the 2" regulated it'll be great on the range for sure.

The good old Barami Hip-Grips were all the rage back when I first started in LE, many of the veterans I was around back then had them on their guns. Those Attamont grips look great, as does the holster you made. :thumbup:

Stay safe.
 
Dad had a 15 snubby in his shop once. I tried it and loved how it shot but as a new teacher in the late sixties I couldn't afford it on my $371.37/month. Had a wife still in college. I still don't have the 15 shorty but my 4" is nice enough. I've got a 19 2 3/4" barrel that might find a home on some beater 19 someday. I like yours a lot.
 
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I picked up my first S&W model 15 a few weeks ago. I'm absolutely flabbergasted at how well it shoots. It's a 15-3, with a 4 inch barrel. It cost me a bit more than the OP's total costs for his 2" Model 15-3!

I see that the OP is also a talented leather worker. Great looking holsters.
 
Biblethumpncop said:
This old gal shot perfect at the qualification range today. Only one other revolver there today, a 3" 625. The 625's owner talked to me afterwards and loved my old girl!
Click to expand...

Indeed I did, and you shot very well with her. I would like to have a Model 15 like that. I have its stainless cousin, a 4" Model 67 (no dash) I snagged a few years back for $350. Stocks were numbered to the frame so they're original. The Model 15 family is the best of S&W 38's (sorry J-framers and Model 10 lovers), except perhaps for the old 38/44 Heavy Duty or Outdoorsman.

49837739246_48a416943f_o.jpg
 
I never considered myself a Smith guy .. but I have 3 Smith & Wesson revolvers and 2 Smith Semis
They sorta sneak up on you .. and crawl in your safe
 
I like the model 67's and have my eyes open for one from time to time. That one is nice!

I also have a S&W Model 28-2 that my Grandpa gave me in 1985. It was made in 1966.
 
Well done indeed! You saw a problem, figured out how to address it, and got it done without going crazy cost-wise. My hat is off to you!

The only thing I have that's loosely similar to yours is this poor old thing:
49snub.jpg
M&P .38, shipped in September 1949. Original grips! I think you can see why it's next on my "Must Parkerize This" list. :D
 
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