Looking at 3 old Smiths.... need help

[C-grunt]

Hey guys Im looking at 3 old S&Ws in my local gun shop and need some help. This gun will be mostly for range, BBQ, and occasional carry. I dont know enough about the old Smiths to make a decision. I got a couple weeks until I will have the money so obviously Im over thinking the decision.

The first contender and the one Im eyeing the most is a model 15-1 with a 4" barrel and looks like it is in phenomenal shape. Deep bluing, great shine, no wear marks and has the coke bottle style grips.

The second is a model 1905 in 38 spec with a 4" barrel. It has a bit of wear though but looks to be in good shape otherwise. I think it has some good history behind it.

The third is a model 19 with a 4" barrel. Its not in as good of shape as the 15 but I would still rate it above 90 percent. Its got Hogue rubber grips so thats something I would change out.

I only had a few minutes today, so sometime later this week I will return and check them more thoroughly for any mechanical issues.

All 3 are within 75 dollars of each other with the 1905 being the cheapest and the 19 being the most expensive. Which would you choose and why?

 

[Jim Watson]

I can't see the fixed sights well enough to get caught up in the Mystique of the M&P, leaving the 15 or 19.

I don't shoot Magnums often enough to matter, I'd probably buy the 15. Coke bottle grips if original to the gun are worth a good deal all by themselves.

 

[sheephearder]

I would go for the model 19, it is the same as the 15 but in 357. You should check the guns for timing and end shake problems, a gun that is shot at the range but not carried can have excellent finish but have more ware than one that was carried but not shot much. There is a lot of information on how to check a used revolver, or have some one who is knowledgeable go with you to get their opinion. I definitely would go for the newer guns over the older one especially if you plan on shooting it much. Good luck : Bill

 

[Old 112]

First pick.
15-1
Because that variation is not so common.
Because it is in the condition you describe.
Because the Combat Masterpiece is perfection in a 38.
I have a 5,4,and 3 screw CM and two 19s.
Balance and accuracy is second to none.

Actually, you have an opportunity to 3
classics. That does not happen often.

Of course, do the Checkout....

Package deal mabe.

You have a very enviable situation.

Regards,
Old 112

 

[Low Budget Shooter]

Dear CG,

I'd go with the 15 or the 19, not the old M&P. I suppose if it came right down to it, I'd go with the 19, so as always to have the option of .357 or .38.

LBS

 

[orionengnr]

I'd go with the M19, but I'd be looking for a set of original (or at least correct) grips.

The P&R M19 is one of the finest revolvers ever produced.

 

[SaxonPig]

For less than $75 dollars get the 19. The 15 is a close second choice. Leave the old M&P for a collector.

But "Coke Bottle" stocks refer to N frame stocks that came on the early 41 and 44 Magnums, not on K frames. I assume you mean it has Target style stocks.

 

[C-grunt]

Yeah you are correct. I just looked "target grips" up on google and thats what they are. I will definitely do a checkout when I go back, probably tomorrow. Gonna try and decide and maybe put one on lay-away.

 

[Oro]

Yes, no "K" frame cokes per-se as SaxonPig said, though some of the K-frame diamond targets from that period did have that "palm swell" feel to them; slimmer and more shaped than later ones. I had a gun with them.

As mentioned, the 15-1 is interesting for the variation and condition, but it depends upon the prices and condition of the other two, also. What are the prices on the different guns?

What grips are on the M&P and does it have a "long action" trigger (up to 1948). Those are very, very smooth to shoot. It might be a "best buy," too, based on the price.

 

[C-grunt]

I cant tell if the M&P has either trigger, dont know enough about Smiths.

Like I said earlier, I only had a few minutes in the shop so anything I describe about the guns are either just by look or what the tag said.... ie 15-1.

The 15 and the M&P were both 400 and the 19 was closer to 500 if I remember correctly. I dont know if thats a ad high or not, but Im willing to pay a little extra to help out a smaller, trustworthy shop. During the recent craziness, he still sold ARs for reasonable prices. Ill head back tomorrow and takes some pics and get some contact info if anyone is interested.

Trust me, if you like old guns and the rare/odd kind.... this is the shop for you. The owner does estate sales as well and I assume thats where he gets all his cool old stuff.

 

[chriske]

Go for the 15.

 

[pinkymingeo]

Many guys, me included, feel that K-frames are really only good for occasional .357 full-house loads. No fun to shoot, and pretty hard on the gun. Since the vast majority of your shooting will probably be .38's, the 15-1 seems more appropriate. If you load your own ammo, by the way, you can load .38spl very close to .357 performance. MY 15-3 is about as sweet as a revolver can be.

 

[GodGuns&Guitars]

If it is in good shape, I'd have to op for the Model 19. I carried one on duty for many a year and the darn thing saved my keester more than once. It's up to you though.

 

[Oro]

Ok, with those prices and your description, my opinion is:

1) Too much for the 19, especially with tacky rubber on it. You can do better on Gunbroker even.

2) The M&P is also overpriced, unless it is an exceedingly early one in near-mint condition with original grips, or a target variant.

3) The 15 is priced OK, especially if it has original diamond grips and is a -1 in mint condition. They generally did not ship with "Target" grips but they were an available option. If they are later '70s or '80s target grips in rosewood or without the diamond around the screw hold, I'd bargain $75 off the price for that problem. If the grips are indeed high-condition K-frame diamond targets, the gun is a very good deal and you should grab it. Those grips are nice, even if they may or may not be original to the gun.

That's my advice, but again it's without seeing them or truly knowing the condition/year/grips.

 

[KyJim]

For what you want, it would definitely be between the 15 and the 19. Both are K-frames but the 19 is a bit heavier. To me, the 15 balances slightly better than the 19 but this may differ with different people. If you don't plan on shooting .357s, I would pick the 15.

 

[sw282]

I would get the 15 & 19. THe 19 is no longer made and their prices are increasing rapidly. Esp the 4"

 

[C-grunt]

Ok so I went back today and put the 15 on lay away. I really like the way if feels in the hand and it locks up tight. I took a pic of it and the M&P. Sorry the pics are from my phone so they are not the best.

15


M&P

 

[Oro]

Unfortunately those are later targets on the 15, but they will shoot well with it.


Is that muzzle wear on the M&P or the lighting? Do you remember if those were pits or dings in the trigger arch on the left side or just some lint or something? Honestly, I think $400 is a little steep on it, but it is interesting, too.

 

[C-grunt]

That is muzzle wear on the M&P. I didnt really look at it very much, just took a couple pics for you. I think its in pretty good shape. It needs a cleaning and a rub down with some oil. After that it would look a good deal better in my opinion.

 

[C-grunt]

Also can anyone date the 15 for me?

K997449

 

[Oro]

That would be 1970, which means it's not a 15-1, but a 15-3. But that means the grips could be original.

 

[C-grunt]

Thanks Oro.