Can someone tell me when my S&W 15-3 was made?

Arch · Oct 1, 2005

Finally got my new gun home, and I just want to check to see how old she is.

The first 4 digits of the serial number are "3K34", and it's a model 15-3.

Also when I look at the "Smith & Wesson" logo on the right hand side, under the cylinder the '&' symbol seems to be elongated, and distorted. Is anyone able to tell me anything about that?

Thanks in advance.

dinosaur · Oct 1, 2005

It looks like 1972 on the date. AFA in depth S&W questions try smith-wessonforum.com/

Arch · Oct 1, 2005

Excellent, thanks for checking that.

Shear_stress · Oct 1, 2005

I love the model 15 and always have my eye out for one. Possibly one of the best handling revolvers out there.

Nice to hear someone checking in from Australia. Glad to hear that your M15 didn't wind up getting reincarnated as a manhole cover.

Arch · Oct 1, 2005

Strangely enough I wasn't actively looking for a Model 15, I was actually after a brand new GP-100 when I spotted my M15. And it's probably fair to say that I wasn't really a S&W fan, before I picked up this M15.

But as you said, they are just one of the best handeling revolvers. And geez they are pretty. Much more refined in looks than the Rugers.

I'm glad it didn't wind up being reincarnated as a manhole cover too! Those "buy backs" we keep having are such a petty waste.

Some good news for you guys though, our economy is about to collapse, which may open up a new cheap source for second hand guns for American shooters...lol.

Shear_stress · Oct 1, 2005

I hope you get a lot of enjoyment out of your new M15. I've got its cousin, the M18 (same thing, but in in 22LR), and it really is pretty. Accurate, too.

As for your economy, I can offer some sympathy. The last few years have been pretty rough here as well. Until recently, I lived in a county in California that, alone, lost 250,000 jobs between 2001 and 2003 (yup, there are four zeros in that number).

On the bright side, you might be in a position to corner the market on used Smiths!

caseydog · Oct 2, 2005

Also when I look at the "Smith & Wesson" logo on the right hand side, under the cylinder the '&' symbol seems to be elongated, and distorted. Is anyone able to tell me anything about that?

Known as the "lazy ampersand" in S&W circles, it has inspired all kinds of speculation over the years about enhanced collector value or running off a special production line.

I'm pretty sure it's just that some tool and die guy made a unique rool stamping die that saw a lot of service through the years.

Ray

Arch · Oct 2, 2005

Enhanced Value, neat.

Thanks for sheding some light on that issue, I guess it's an even more special purchace now

Can someone tell me when my S&W 15-3 was made?

Arch

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