New to me S&W 15-2

[4D5]

I was browsing one of the local gun stores this week and spied this find. At the time I gave it a casual look. It seemed pretty nice however.

Well I went back yesterday and thought I’d give it a serious look and maybe take it home I’ve got several revolvers, all mostly recent manufacture but none have the “hole” in the frame

Back to the gun store… I give it a good looking over and it looks to be in really good condition and the price was about right. After some negotiation we arrive on a price and it came home with me

Today I gave it a good cleaning. Started out thinking a basic cleaning. Well the cylinder had quite a bit of drag but turned ok. So I decided I’d better take off the side plate and do more thorough cleaning. Good thing, it had crud that had a cosmoline like look Same thing for the crane and cylinder parts. Turned out to be dried up oil/grease. I gave it a good hosing down with Breakfree gun blast, let the parts soak, blew them out with air, then Breakfree CLP, let that soak, blew it out again then oiled it up and reassembled. It cleaned up really well. I don’t think it’s been shot much at all, there’s no build up at all on the face of the cylinder and no flame cut on the top strap. Has a few minor scratches on wood and metal but overall very nice.

Well it operates MUCH better now with all the crud gone. Probably won’t get to shoot it until after Christmas because all my favorite spots are snow and mud holes now

I checked it’s DOB and it’s some time in 1966.

 

[Starter52]

Nice find. Your new gun seems in decent shape for a 43-year-old. The target trigger and target hammer are a plus.

I've always liked the Model 15 revolver. I think they are underappreciated by shooters today. Too many folks think that only a magnum will do.

FYI your gun has replacement grips. A 1966 S&W would have what collectors call "diamond grips".

 

[4D5]

FYI your gun has replacement grips. A 1966 S&W would have what collectors call "diamond grips".

Starter52, thanks for the info. I wasn't sure about the grips but I planned to replace with aftermarket anyway, maybe Ahrends. I wasn't about to pass up a fine shooter because the grips weren't original

On another board someone mentioned that they thought the rear sight blade looked low, possibly been replaced. Any thoughts ?

Maybe... I'll get out soon to shoot it....

 

[Oro]

Yes, the nominal blade height on that should be .146" and that looks much shorter. You can see this for yourself by just finding another photo of a similar 4" K to compare. It may well zero the elevation to the point you want. But if not, you may need to alter it.

 

[madcratebuilder]

Nice M15, not that many have the target trigger and hammer. I know mine shoots great, I'm sure yours well too.


Your revolver may have that short blade for a reason. I see the sight body is all the way down in the frame. Take a look at mine, zeroed for 15 yards.

 

[StrawHat]

I have and enjoy my 15-2. You should get a lot of enjoyment from yours.

Is it marked M15-2? With the target trigger and hammer it might be one of the Dayton M14s.

 

[Husker_Fan]

I think the quick draw frontsight makes it a 15.

 

[4D5]

Strawhut...

Is it marked M15-2? With the target trigger and hammer it might be one of the Dayton M14s.

Yep, frame stamped 15-2.

 

[earlthegoat2]

nice looking 15 there madcratebuilder

 

[4D5]

First target picture

Well I got to take it out this morning since I’m off work the rest of the week. This gun is definitely a shooter considering this is the first time I shot it and it was 25 degrees out.

It’s amazingly comfortable to shoot especially with soft loads. I put about 75 rounds through it before I got too cold. I did have a dozen or so light primer strikes and did not fire so that will have to have a look.

It was pointed out to me that the rear sight blade looked a little short, but based on the target results I’d say it is definitely the correct sight

Here’s the 6 shot target…