Another Smith in the house!

[Biblethumpncop]

Sooooo, I did it again. Earlier this year, I bought a S&W model 15-3 that someone put a model 14's 6" barrel on it. I found a 2" barrel and had it mounted, since that is what originally came on it (non-tapered frame and full length rear sight). It is a neat gun and has kindled a love for S&W 38's that are shootable.

I sold off 2 Charter Arms 3" .38's for $750 and bought a S&W model 36-3 Ladysmith with a 3" barrel online last month for $470. Neat gun, but the sights aren't the easiest to see. I put some paint on the front sight, but the rear channel is narrow.

I bought a 4" model 15-3 online this week and just took delivery. $380 seemed like a steal! Possibly refinished, but if it was, it is beautiful. Polished, deep blue & no rounded stampings. It had ugly fake pearl grips, so those got yanked off immediately. I swapped grips around to see what felt best. Right now, it is wearing a set of Pachmayr presentation small grips. I will keep my eye out for a set of Altamont grips.

I was surprised that the two K frames are only 1.5oz different. The untapered frame and heavier but shorter 2" must make up the weight in those areas. The 4" has a slim, tapered barrel. The 2" has a buttery action and trigger.

I had the 4" K frame at the gunsmith a few hours after I brought it home from the FFL. He is going to do an action job on it so it is smooth & light like my K frame snubby.

He is also going to widen the rear sight notch so it can be acquired easier. He and I discussed possibly cutting down the model 14 6" spare take-off barrel into a 3" or a 5" and put it back on the snubby gun. It would be unique and the 3" would be handy and give more velocity. The 5" sounds good too. No rush, as I'm enjoying it as-is and carry it IWB everyday.

 

[DR505]

Nice.

 

[Riomouse911]

Sweet! $380 for a Model 15 is a deal (or steal!), you did great! That model 15 has joined a fine line up you have there

I shot mine today and used it to teach a semi-experienced shooter how to shoot a DA revolver. He had a bit of a time handling the long pull, but he finally got it down and was keeping them in the 8-ring after 50 shots or so.

I am hoping to get my damaged 8 3/8” Model 14 cut to 5” later this year (Prior owner squibbed a shot, fired again and bulged the barrel).

Stay safe.

 

[bannockburn]

That's an awesome deal on another fine S&W to add to your collection!

 

[Biblethumpncop]

Thanks! Anyone able to tell me when it was born?

5K34XXX.

 

[Biblethumpncop]

I found out it was born the same year as me-1973. Pretty cool!

 

[Walkalong]

That's a beauty.

 

[Biblethumpncop]

I have a set of Altamont super rosewood laminated grips on the way for $15 plus shipping. No checkering, but that's okay for the price!

 

[Jonesy814]

Cool guns. Would love a 2 inch model 15 but they are big money right now. I also paid $380 for my 4 inch 15-3, but that was 4 or 5 years ago

 

[Biblethumpncop]

Well, another one is on the way! Model 10-8 for $283 plus shipping and fees. This one will get modified into a 3" carry gun! Now I won't modify the snubby model 15.

I also opted to not modify the model 36's rear sight.

 

[Tallball]

Nice pick-ups! Those are some very nice Smiths at very good prices.

 

[Biblethumpncop]

Great news from my gunsmith!

"Got through the model 15 and I must say I was quite shocked. Exquisite internals, little to no operation at all. Factory lubricants had hardened and varnished. Clean, lube and adjust a few things. Before the work the DA was pulling at 10 lbs and single at 6.5 lbs.......Now the DA is 6.5 and SA is 2.5 lb."

 

[UncleEd]

I've said it before and I'll say it again:
The Model 15---the COMBAT MASTERPIECE--
is in my estimation Smith & Wesson's finest
achievement.

(OK, maybe just a bit of an overstatement
but not by much. )

 

[Waveski]

I wouldn't call that an overstatement , I'd call it a personal opinion for which you can make very strong argument.

I'd also call it justified.

 

[Reloadron]

Several years ago we gave our son-in-law a S&W Model 15-3 for Christmas. Pictured below.


I really liked the gun and a few months back I was in my friend's gun shop when another one came in the door. I took it home.

Enjoy the gun, I see the Model 15 as a Model 10 with the adjustable sights. May ift bring you many happy shooting hours.

Ron