Biblethumpncop
Member
- Joined
- May 22, 2009
- Messages
- 402
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.
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.
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