Model 15 restoration

[38snapcaps]

I have a chance to buy a Model 15 from an individual. He said during a house fire it was thrown out a window into the yard and isn't in too bad shape. I asked him if it had been exposed to the fire and he said no.

My questions are: what would be a fair offer to buy it from him, and what do you think of the idea of sending it to Smith & Wesson for a total restoration. Would they do it and what do you think the charge would be?

 

[swampgator]

I'd say offer $225. There's a four inch on Gunsamerica right now for $265 from a dealer in 95% condition. There are also a few more on gunbroker at a higher cost.

Not sure if S&W would do a "restoration". If the revolver is mechanically sound what else would the factory do to restore it other than refinish? Now if the gun isn't sound then they could repair it and refinish it. Have no idea what it would cost.

If I were in your shoes, I'd buy it, then have it checked over by a 'smith. Chances are anything that isn't right with it can be taken care of locally. And probably at a lesser cost than S&W. Then when all was working well I'd send to S&W for a factory re-blue if they still offer that service.

 

[RON in PA]

Before you even consider buying it check it out using the info in the"sticky" at the top of this page. If it's mechically OK then look at the cosmetics, maybe it didn't get pranged-up too much. Also ask the current owner why he wants to get rid of it. I'm a bit suspicious. I've seen police trade-in model 15s go for as little as $190 with a bit of holster wear.

 

[Dienekes]

I would have it looked over--closely--by someone knowledgeable (and suspicious). There are still a lot of police trade-in M15s around so one more or less isn't a big thing. If the gun was burned or just got too hot, it's potentially dangerous. If it has road rash, then a refinish might be in order, and that's getting pricey.

Tread carefully.

 

[SaxonPig]

How much damage was done? Thrown out the window? Ground floor? Lands on lawn or cement?

Rebluing would likely cost more than the gun is worth. These can be purchased for $150-$250 all day long and sending for refinish will cost at least $200-$225. How much you gonna pay for a damaged $200 gun and then add $200 for repairs? Make sense to you because it don't to me.

If it works OK but shows scarring from abuse then pay what it's worth as a beat up shooter ($100-$125). If broken then forget it. You can buy a nice one for $250 that won't need anything.

 

[XavierBreath]

It's impossible to say what this revolver is worth without a hands on examination. You have received some good advice here,

Sight unseen, I would offer $125-150, with the option to go down once I saw the gun. While it may not have been exposed to the fire, it was likely laying on a wet lawn (from the fire fighter's hoses) for quite some time. It likely had water inside it, and has rust inside, even if the exterior was wiped down immediately with an oily rag, which i doubt. Chances are it laid on that lawn for some time, and was possibly ground into the dirt by the firefighter's boots.

I would proceed carefully.