$470 for a S&W 15-7 a good price?
- Thread starter HDCamel
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I would say that price as being at the very top-of-the-market, if not over it.
The -7 was later production, just before the switch to MIM lockwork but before the internal lock. In my view if I was going to pay that much I think I could find an earlier production model 15 that had fewer cost-cutting features - for the same or less money. This revolver in the 4" length is not rare, as it was one of the most popular models S&W made during the last half of the 20th century.
However I will also say if you do spend that much it shouldn't be long before the value catches up.
The -7 was later production, just before the switch to MIM lockwork but before the internal lock. In my view if I was going to pay that much I think I could find an earlier production model 15 that had fewer cost-cutting features - for the same or less money. This revolver in the 4" length is not rare, as it was one of the most popular models S&W made during the last half of the 20th century.
However I will also say if you do spend that much it shouldn't be long before the value catches up.
rswartsell
Member
If it's a true 95-98% and the grips are only slightly worn then I would focus on the final sentence of Fuff's post. There are people right now paying that on Gunbroker when you add in shipping and FFL fees.
Value is simply what people are willing to pay. You might do better with patience and too much patience "gun inflation" may well catch you.
I don't believe the price is outrageous for the current market but it reflects a premium for exceptional condition and would be more appropriate for a 15-2.
Value is simply what people are willing to pay. You might do better with patience and too much patience "gun inflation" may well catch you.
I don't believe the price is outrageous for the current market but it reflects a premium for exceptional condition and would be more appropriate for a 15-2.
bikemutt
Member
I snagged a 15-4 4" in 98%+ condition about a year ago for $400 trade value. I don't think you will be hurt at all, its not a steal though.
Well, I found it locally and from what I've seen online, factoring in shipping and transfer fees, I'd pay between $450-$500 average to get one in similar condition shipped.
I'm having my guy keep it in the back while I'm on the fence about it.
I'm having my guy keep it in the back while I'm on the fence about it.
bikemutt
Member
I was mistaken, mine's a 15-6.
I was floored by how accurate the gun was when I first shot it. I've had quite a few guns come and go, it's never crossed my mind to sell or trade this one.
I was floored by how accurate the gun was when I first shot it. I've had quite a few guns come and go, it's never crossed my mind to sell or trade this one.
That one should go for <$400. LGS has Model 10 (same gun but w/o adjustable rear sight) for $499, but this one is spotless with all original finish w/o cylinder drag mark with 3" HB and round butt which is desirable variant in this line with +P ammo being the best combat revolver one could ever buy.
truckemup97
Member
It's no steal, but they aren't getting any cheaper. At that price, I'd say buy it if you like it. This time next year you'll wish you'd picked up three more at that price.
Guillermo
member
Definitely at the very top of the market or above.
That said, I do not see them often at gun shows or local shops. I might pay the premium just for the opportunity to handle it and not pay shipping and FFL fees.
In the end, the extra 30-50 bucks you spent on it might be worth it
Best of luck
G
That said, I do not see them often at gun shows or local shops. I might pay the premium just for the opportunity to handle it and not pay shipping and FFL fees.
In the end, the extra 30-50 bucks you spent on it might be worth it
Best of luck
G
Don't let this get out because the information is highly confidential, and we wouldn't want any of the... well ... ah... “ordinary people” to find out. Mums the word, right?
The model 15 was nothing more or less then Smith & Wesson's top-line target revolver, the model 14 K-38 Masterpiece. They shortened the barrel to 4-inches (sometimes 2-inches) and changed the front sight to a Baughman quick-draw style, as first used on pre-model 27, .357 Magnums.
What you have is a combat pistol, made to the same standards demanded by fussy paper-punchers. To say it’s accurate is an understatement.
Guillermo
member
Not trying to argue with the Fuffster, everything he said is accurate, but the K38 did have a little more careful fitting.
"back in the day" S&W and Colt put extra effort into their target guns.
But as far as accuracy goes...outstanding!
And, in my never-so-humble-opinion, the K-frame is the best handling, most natural pointing Smith frame size.
It is darned near perfection
"back in the day" S&W and Colt put extra effort into their target guns.
But as far as accuracy goes...outstanding!
And, in my never-so-humble-opinion, the K-frame is the best handling, most natural pointing Smith frame size.
It is darned near perfection
You wouldn't dare!!
Absolutely, of course...
Nope, in this case the models 14 (target) and 15 (combat) were assembled to the same standards. Smith & Wesson advertised it as: "a short action, target-grade holster gun for law enforcement officers." The MSRP included consideration for doing the same care associated with the K-38 Masterpiece. The less expensive model 10 didn't.
I will admit that like most models of Smith & Wesson revolvers not all were created equal. There were good years, and some where quality slipped. But on average the model 15 (and in particular pre-model 15, K-38 Combat Masterpiece) revolvers deserve the reputation they earned for offering exceptional accuracy.
Guillermo
member
I stand corrected
Sure I would, when your shot-gun-hating, trigger-guard molesting, +P-kool-aid-sipping, DAO-loving self is wrong, I will call you on it.
Guillermo
member
u r always welcome
if you leave your bench grinder at home
rswartsell
Member
It is NOT a model 10 with an adjustable sight. As Fuff and Guillermo have stated it is a 4" K-38, significant difference my friend.
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