Help picking a revolver

[JustinL]

Hi everybody, I could use some help. Visited a gunshow today & saw a few revolvers which appealed to me, but could not decide on what I wanted to buy so I will sleep on it. I am soliciting opinions as to what you all think would be the best purchase. I would use any of the revolvers listed here as range guns. The prices listed are OTD, but I do not know if they will negotiate.

Smith & Wesson 15-3 4" - reblued but otherwise sound, lovely trigger: $309
Smith & Wesson 15-3 4" - around 95% blue: $419
Smith & Wesson .38 Regulation Police 4" 95% (post-war) $350
Colt Official Police .38 6" blue 90% (late 1960s serial #) $350
Colt Trooper .357 Nickel 4" 95% but not originial trigger $395

What would you pick and why?

 

[RustyShackelford]

The $309.00 model S&W 15 .38spl...

I'd buy that one...

The price is good and it sounds like it is decent shape. The DA S&Ws listed all sound old and worn. If this model was re-blued and cared for, it may last longer...

RS

 

[KyJim]

Well, you don't say what you want to do with the revolver, so that could change my answer.

I believe the Regulation Police is .38 S&W and NOT .38 special. It is a weaker cartridge and harder to find ammo these days. I would eliminate it from consideration. The new trigger on the Trooper bothers me. Sounds like it has been worn out or abused. And, did the person putting it in know what they were doing? I would stay away from it.

That leaves the Colt Official Police and the two Model 15s. I would give the edge to the Model 15s because they have adjustable sights. I have a couple of Model 15s and love them. I would trend toward the one with 95% original finish. The fact the other one was reblued might be an indication it was not treated well (not necessarily, but it could be). The price is on the high side, so I would try to talk the dealer down.

 

[calaverasslim]

I pretty much agree with KyJim, however I wouldn't discount the Smith Regulation Police out of hand. Factory ammo is available but pricey. $30 a box of 50. However, if you reload, then you can get some nice defensive loads. I have a "RP" and carry as a defensive gun. I hand load 146gr LRN to about 750-775, and they list loads using the 110 or 125gr JSP by Speer upwards of 900.

So if concealed is a prime consideration, you mite consider the 38S&W,

Having said all that, I agree the M15 is the way to go. I have the one my Dad carried as a LEO in 1960 and I carried in 1967-68. M15, no dash and it is just a super pistol. Of the ones you listed, this is the one I would buy.

Good luck.

 

[JustinL]

I ended up with the nicer model 15. Thanks for the help!

 

[KyJim]

I think you did the right thing. On occasion, I have wished I paid a bit more and gotten a better gun. When I've bought the better gun, I've never regretted it.

 

[owlhoot]

Justin, to give you an indication of just how fond folks are of their m15's, take a look at the M15 thread. I would have taken the Colt OP, but then, I already have three M15's.

 

[Elvishead]

1st one for me.