S&W 915 Question?

[ehkay47]

I bought a used 915 for really cheap and would like to get a newer barrel to maybe increase accuracy. Since the 915 is so similar to the 59 series, will the barrels fit? Does anyone know where to get factor or aftermarket barrels for the 915?

 

[MachIVshooter]

If you want a competition S&W 9mm, get a 952 PC. The 915 is an economy combat pistol. Solid and reliable, but not bullseye or IPSC material.

 

[10X]

If you really want another barrel, try Brownells or even call S&W.
Unless the barrel in the gun is defective or damaged, etc. I wouldn't dot it.
The 915 are not target guns, they are inexpensive, but good quality combat guns. To put in another barrel may or may not improve accuracy depending upon the quality of the barrel and how it is fitted. You will likely be spending much more than the benefit you receive.

 

[jfh]

You've two good answers, about which I will only say they are correct. Don't get hooked into the 'silk purse from a sow's ear' syndrome.

To the cost of the barrel, add in a gunsmith's attention to fit it--and it will need a bushing installed on the slide if you are to get any accuracy improvement. And, since he's in there, get a trigger job done, and maybe a decent rear sight and a new front post....

Now, how much did you want to spend?

Jim H.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Since the 915 is so similar to the 59 series, will the barrels fit?

Probably not. Remove the barrel if necessary and see if it has a rounded top chamber and a separate locking lug, or a squared-roof chamber with no locking lug. (The edges of the chamber roof form the locking lug.) I suspect it is the latter barrel, in which case it is not the same as 59XX barrels.

 

[ehkay47]

Thanks for the replies. I guess I thought a barrel swap would be easy like a Glock or Sig. For the price I paid Im happy.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

My earlier statement might be in error. This link shows the 915 barrel along with the other "Third-Gens" of the same caliber and length. However, it is still nothing more than a factory barrel. At $119.95 and special order, they're pretty proud of it, too.

 

[portagee]

Don't rebarrel it unless there is obvious damage. I have had handguns that didn't shoot straight for me until I learned how to shoot them well and what loads they preferred. The 915 is an entirely underrated gun by those who have never owned one. Shoot the heck out of it and you may learn to have a new friend for life.

 

[Tom B]

Send your slide to Bar-Sto and have a match grade barrel fitted. I had an Atlanta PD trade in 5903 that was inaccurate and the Bar-Sto made a big difference. Only took a couple of weeks. You will need to enclose your old barrel also as there are a couple of different types made over the years. Shipping cost is not bad as you are not sending your frame so it is not considered to be a handgun. The 910/915 is an economy model 5906. The 5903 is the same except for aluminum frame versus the 5906 steel frame. 95% of parts interchange between these models including the barrels. Good luck and enjoy your 915.

 

[ehkay47]

I checked there website and noticed they didnt have any S&W barrels listed, Im going to shoot them a email with some questions. Thanks for the tip Tom.

 

[ehkay47]

Damn. I was going to ask some questions on there contact page when I noticed this. "We are No Longer Producing replacement barrels (and we do not have any left in stock) for the following firearms: Walther, Smith & Wesson, Ruger, and H&K." Do you know of any other similar companies?