S&W Model 15: What should I know?

[highpower]

I already have three of them, but for a mere $340 each I would buy at least one those. Maybe even two.

 

[johnjohn]

I also have one I made the mistake of letting my wife shoot. Long story short,it is "hers".

 

[jmace57]

I got one in an auction last year for $325 + commission and thought I had gotten a good deal. It was a LE gun as well...lots of blue wear, almost pristine inside. I also say "go for it".

 

[palmetto99]

I bought my LEO trade-in 15-3 about eight years ago for $225. It's got some holster wear and lock-up is about 98%. It's still a great shooter. A great action. I added a T-grip to the Magna grips to keep the old school look. That price is actually pretty good in the insane used S&W revolver market of today.

 

[Liberty1776]

If in good shape you can't go wrong. I've got three right now. I'm slowly accumulating K-22s and Model 15s for each of my (6) grandchildren..

 

[Njal Thorgeirsson]

Well, I took the advice of everyone in this thread and purchased my first S&W!

I did some research and found that the one I got is a 1981-production 15-4. I was a bit confused at first because it has an un-pinned barrel. Apparently some of the late 15-4's have unpinned barrels because they were starting to transition to the [un-pinned] 15-5. But regardless, I did my best to check out all the items mentioned in the "revolver checkout" sticky in order to narrow it down to my chosen Model 15. Definitely some cosmetic wear, but it locks up as tight as any I handled and the bore looks great. This one also has the original wood grips.

There is also some very slight surface rust, but nothing that will leave any pitting, and no damage whatsoever to the bore or crown.

Although I haven't fired it yet, I'm very happy with my purchase. Thanks all for the advice!

 

[Comrade Mike]

Now will you tell us the name of the shop?

 

[Njal Thorgeirsson]

Now will you tell us the name of the shop?

I just PM'd you a link to their website. Sorry, I would have responded to your PM earlier but I was on a hiking excursion for the last two days- I was lucky they still had some today

 

[Lucky Derby]

Congrats. I know you'll enjoy it.

 

[Stephanie B]

Can I have the name of the gun shop, please? Pretty please?

 

[hevin]

Nice Thread

I'm new to shooting and this site. I just purchased a M15-5 S&W for target practice. I'm moving up from my .32 H&R. - I know little about guns but am eager to learn and love target shooting. So, a few days ago when I bought the LE - M15 S&W from a gun dealer for $335 I didn't even know if it was a good deal. I just liked the look and feel of the revolver. - After reading this thread, I'm happy I made the purchase. - I haven't fired it yet, but intend to go to the range this weekend and try it out.

 

[Waveski]

I second all the praise for the Combat Masterpiece. Superb shooter. Mine is in nickel with the right (original) wood grip showing numerous little dings , leading me to think that it was carried extensively on the right hip of a LEO.

The advice of buying 2 at that price - providing they check out mechanically - is also well spoken.

That 4 " K frame 38 special is well balanced , stylish , and has a great trigger. Hesitate not!

 

[zoom6zoom]

Yeah, you did good hevin, and welcome to the board.
Beater trade-in Model 10's are going for around 300 now, so a bit more for a 15 is a darn good find.

 

[Old Dog]

I approve of thread resurrection when it's new people to our community (both shooting and THR) who make excellent choices for their first revolver!

 

[murf]

welcome to the forum nevin. while it is not a requirement, posting pics of that fine weapon and a range report on its performance is highly suggested.

murf