K frame serial number query

[Guillermo]

Greetings THRers,

I picked up a Model 15-4

Paid too much for such a new gun, but she is in such nice shape.

I am confused by the serial number though.

It is AHP8956

The grips look funky too

thoughts, opinions, teasing are encouraged






She is a bonny lass though

 

[mmitch]

William,

Looks to have shipped twixt Jan-July 1985. Stocks appear to be "modified" laminate magnas.

Nice gun!

Mike

 

[Guillermo]

1985...damn...I was hoping it was earlier.

Those are not factory grips...are they?

 

[Guillermo]

Radagast says (and I am not arguing) that it is a 15-5 (not pinned...frame marked wrong...it says 15-4) from 1985.

I am distraught.

331 plus 25 shipping and 10 ffl have me at 366 all in.

At least I have a gun I can beat up playing IDPA games

 

[ArkieVol]

I agree about the date but the grips?...I don't know if these are S&W's current standard grips are or not but the S&W online store has dymondwood laminate grips for sale that look like yours.

Check them out... http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...4_750001_750051_758004_-1_757843_757837_image

I have two older Model 15's (Combat Masterpiece), 1957 and 1974, and they are fine shooters. I paid about $400 for each and I've seen them go for more so I think you got a pretty good deal.



You know the old saying, "You can never pay too much for a Smith & Wesson, but you CAN buy one a little too soon".

Enjoy it, you have a classic.

 

[Old Fuff]

Absolute piece of junk!!! You should dump it!!!

And I can tell you where to do it...

Actually, on an individual basis, '85 was not a bad year. If it checks out it should be good to go.

The stocks are S&W replacements.

If you... : are going to shoot it in IDPA you'll likely change the stocks anyway. If you do/when you do be sure they work with whatever speed loaders you pick.

 

[Guillermo]

ordered a pile of safariland loaders

There isn't much thinner in the left side than the wooden stocks...but I guess Goodyears are thinner up top where it counts

 

[Old Fuff]

When you get to the match keep your eyeballs open and pay attention! Someone before you has solved this problem, and a lot of others as well. Until then don't spend a lot of money on accessories...

If the old "long action" M&P .38 you bought has the original stocks, try your new speed loaders in it too.

 

[Guillermo]

When you get to the match keep your eyeballs open and pay attention!

There is a certain freedom in being "low man on the totem pole"

I have no pressure to perform. As long as I keep my muzzle pointed in a safe direction and my finger off the trigger when moving, everyone will love me because I will make them feel good about their performance.

 

[rswartsell]

Being a 15-4 it couldn't have been earlier than 1977. Sweet piece if you ask me. Not being a collector kind of guy, I like the grips, good look, more interesting. The functional question for me is does it have that honey sweet S&W action?

P.S. I have an extra set of pristine (non-coke, non-diamond) period correct targets if you are interested.

 

[Guillermo]

rswartsell,

Very kind of you to offer. I am not fond of the large "target" grips.

Despite what Bill Jordan says (and I understand the peril of being contrary to such a master) I point well with the standard D-Frame Colt grips and smaller "magna" style S&W grips.

Point low with the targets.

 

[rswartsell]

Gotcha,

We does what works and hopes for the bestest. What about that action?

 

[Guillermo]

What about that action?

I LOVE k-frames

While I don't own as many as D-frame Colts...I may end up with more.

 

[788Ham]

G,

I think the AHP part of the serial # means "Anaheim Harbor Patrol", probably some ol' sailor on shore patrol duty lost it, then you got stuck with it. Just sayin'... Nice revolver amigo.

 

[Guillermo]

It should be at my FFL Friday.

I may be able to get to shoot it Saturday, Sunday is covered up with work.

If she is half the shooter of my other 15, she will be very good.

A couple of weekends ago I had some youngun's out in the country shooting.
My daughter's boyfriend was shooting at an empty .22 box at forty yards with a Henry lever action .22.
He is a good shot, was scaring the hell out of it...but I popped it with the 15 before he did.

It is a very accurate gun and easy to shoot.

It makes mediocre shots like me look like heroes