Identification Help Needed - S&W Revolver (pics)

[BQ]

Hello folks...my first post here...looks like you have a great forum for a gun enthusiast, so I'll be around...

I recently inherited a .38 S&W Revolver of my Grandfather's when he passed away. It was in the original box, great shape and can't even see where it has been shot, but it had no paperwork. The only other revolver in my collection is a S&W 637 Airweight, so I'm not exactly a S&W wheel gun guru.

Here's what I know:
Barrel Says .38 S&W Special CTG
Blued
4" Barrel
Adjustable Rear Sights
Serial Number on the bottom of the butt is 88K3985

Here are some pics (clickable):






If anyone can give me information about this gun (model, production years, etc) I'd be really appreciative. Is this just a standard .38 Special cartridge revolver like I'm accustomed to?

Thanks!

 

[Oro]

That's a S&W Model 15 (I think a 15-3 or a 15-4 -you can swing out the cylinder and look in the yoke cut for the model # stamped there). It was made about 1980.

It's a target variant of the classic model 10 "Military & Police" model. It was made from about 1950 to 2000 and was used by LE agencies, the USAF, and lots of commercial buyers. Having the original box and grips is a bonus, and you should keep them together.

it takes standard .38 Special ammo, and you can use +p in it if you want. These are usually very accurate, smooth, and pleasant shooting. I've had one in blue and another in stainless (model 67). They are really good for introducing new shooters to handguns with .38 target loads (if you don't have a .22). They are among the most versatile .38 Special revolvers S&W ever built.

Now get back to the game!

 

[BQ]

15-4

Ah-ha, you're correct...just flipped out the cylinder and the model number 15-4 is stamped really small there on the yoke. Thanks!

So it's a model 15-4 and was made around 1980. Cool.

The function of the gun is silky smooth and effortless. Much much smoother than my 637 Airweight. I would bet that you are very correct also about it being pleasant to shoot.

Thanks again for the info!

 

[SDC]

The Model 15 was previously known as the Combat Masterpiece, but it was changed to a number in 1957, when S&W went to model numbers instead of names.

 

[TEDDY]

mod 15

get yourself some 38 target wadcutters.they shoot great. I load my own and shoot a mod 10 with Bomar rib.you can shoot the X out of target at 50 ft.

 

[krs]

you can shoot the X out of target at 50 ft

50 yards. It can do it at 50 yards.