a S&W, again

[Luomu]

Hi all,
after a period of no american revolvers in the house, I was in a process of getting me a .357 mag, but found a .38 spl instead. This is simply too good a gun to let go, and the price is right, so I believe I am buying this one;
-Smith & Wesson mod. 15-3, 4" slim barrel, in excellent condition, except for a couple of tiny scratches. I honestly don't think the gun has been fired more than maybe 200 rounds max.
But I was wondering, could someone maybe tell me the time of manufacture based on serial number? It is 6K16XXX.

 

[Will5A1]

The SCSW shows 1974 for that serial number range, its also known as the Combat Masterpiece (you probably already knew that) and I really like mine, it shoots much better than I can, especially with light 148gr wadcutter loads.

 

[Luomu]

Thank you.
I have owned an m15 before, as well as models 14, 16, 17 and 63. They were all very good, except the 16 had seen heavy use (and some abuse, as the timing was off) as a competition gun. I do like Smith & Wessons.

 

[Revolver fanatic]

Hello
The Model 16 is one of The Hardest of The K-Masterpiece series to locate. If it were mine, i would have had The Timing Issue repaired and kept it.

 

[Luomu]

Yep, I am aware the model 16 is desirable, especially so in the US. These days, they are relatively rare here also, but they were not that uncommon in the 60's and 70's. ISU/UIT -shooters liked to use them in the center fire competitions. Unfortunately, this often shows in condition of a particular gun. (amazing number of shooters cannot appreciate the delicate nature of a revolver's cylinder and often handle the gun too rough?) Many are modified to various degrees.
Mine showed serious marks of use, and someone had also modified the trigger group somewhat, in an effort to lighten the single action pull. A new hand was needed, at least, with the necessary refitting. (we also don't have too many smiths here who can be trusted to understand S&W revolvers) In the end, the gun was traded into something else. But I would buy another, if a better example came along.

 

[Luomu]

1st try at posting pics..

But here she is, together with a m65 and my old m15, that now belongs to a friend. First group I fired is in the first pic, second group in 2nd pic, after adjusting sights, 25m, strong hand only. My own old reloads, 160 grs hard cast bullet at around 240m/s. Sorry about the photo quality, it's a cell phone camera..

There's no way the shop will get this gun back.

 

[Ala Dan]

I just recently acquired its cousin, a 4" S&W model 19-3 in .357 magnum.
Its factory nickel, with the Goncolo Alves target grips- and has only been
fired a total of 39 times with mid-range L-SWC target loads. It comes
almost complete, with box and docs. Only missing the S&W tool kit-
screwdriver and wool mop w/handle~!

FWIW, I din't purchase this beautiful weapon to be used as a "shooter";
heck I have a 6" S&W 686-5 that will shoot "lights out", if I need to have
a .357 magnum for that purpose? Or, a NIB Ruger 50th Anniversary flat-
top Blackhawk SA in .357 magnum.