Shood I shoot this S&W? It's a moral question.

[The Lone Haranguer]

Is this a collector-grade piece that a serious collector should have?

It depends on how you define the terms, but I would say no. It is not old enough, and hundreds of thousands of them were made (if you count the total number). Moreover, it was meant to be a police service weapon knowing that it would be subjected to much use and even some abuse. There is absolutely nothing wrong with at least taking it out to shoot occasionally, or even "putting it to work," so to speak. (I think this option should have been added to your poll.)

 

[preachnhunt]

See sig line.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Realistically, if just used for occasional shooting or kept for home defense and stored properly, finish wear, other than exacerbating the cylinder "turn line," will not be an issue.

 

[Onward Allusion]

It's a common revolver. Shoot the heck out of it but keep it well maintained like you would any other gun.

 

[RevDerb]

If you can't shoot it is it really a gun? :banghead:

 

[Deanimator]

I won't buy anything I can't shoot.

 

[Hondo 60]

I'd shoot it. Then again, I'm not a collector. Every gun I purchase, I purchase with the intention of shooting it, and shooting if often.

+1 I don't believe in safe queens (at least not for me)

 

[22-rimfire]

If you don't need to shoot it, I'd park it in my safe. Model 15's are not uncommon and as one poster said, with the turn line, the "bloom is off the rose" regardless of what most non-collectors believe. The turn line automatically makes it a 98-99% gun.

The general rule of thumb is that collector guns should be 96% or better with the grade increasing relative to production or commonality of that particular model. For old guns, pre-1950, the % consideration generally lowers a bit. Take for example a Colt Bankers Special. They are ALL collector guns unless it is a rust bucket. So if you save the Model 15 for another 30-40 years, it probably has some collector value. It is your choice and for me depends on how many guns I own and my particular interests.

 

[tasco 74]

i got my dream gun a few years ago... a 1968 vintage s&w mod 27-2 6"very good condition in the box with the large s&w target grips......... i shoot it every chance i get............. so yes shoot shoot your handgun!!

 

[joed]

It's a nice gun but there are an awful lot of model 15's out there. Maybe some day it will be a collector but it is not at this point.

 

[weisse52]

Shoot it, just be careful and do not abuse...

Guns are made for shooting, but that does not mean you cannot baby certain ones. In my case if I had this one, I would make a "Range Queen" out of it.

 

[hogcowboy]

To shoot or not

I personally think a gun should be shot. Any gun worth having is worth shooting. So should it.

 

[Waywatcher]

I agree with others in that this piece is not rare enough to warrant concern.

Shoot it, or sell it.

Personally I say shoot it.

 

[JoelSteinbach]

My favorite shooter and range gun

 

[SwampWolf]

I had the same "dilemma" after I bought an unfired Colt Cobra, with the original box and warranty. The good folks at the Colt site pleaded with me to keep it pristine or to sell it to a "serious" collector and to buy a beater to carry. After getting past a little consernation, I made my decision: It shoots just fine and rides in my pocket well concealed.

 

[Sniderman]

Have fun, shoot it!
I have a 1957 High Standard Sentinel Deluxe that, I believe, was mint (NO turn ring, Still in original box) ,when I bought it a few years ago.
I, and some of my friends, shoot it all the time, wonderful piece, great fun!
Although, when I bring it to the range, the box and paperwork stay home!

_____________________________

Welcome to Vermont, Get off my Lawn!

 

[t_dickinson]

Thanks Everyone!

Thanks for all the advice and overwhelming response - this place is a wealth of information.

I decided that since I couldn't make a decision I would let the aduience vote it out. After all, I'd have been wasting your time if I didn't take the advice I asked for.

So, I went to the range yesterday and put about 50 rounds through it. Ohhhhh Boy! To think I almost stuck this in pistol pergatory. I think this will be a range queen as someone suggested. I can't believe I almost denied myself the pleasure of my first revolver. Now my autos are going to collect some dust while I collect more wheelies!

New thread coming on care and maintenance...

 

[22-rimfire]

Range Queen is a very apt term, I think. Take care of it and maybe the turn line will become a little more visible, but it will still be a 98% gun.

The other side of the story is that it might in fact have been unfired and the cylinder trace happened at the factory or at the gun shop prior to the first sale.

 

[MrBorland]

I think this will be a range queen as someone suggested. I can't believe I almost denied myself the pleasure of my first revolver.

Good for you! That sweet M15 is the perfect vehicle with which to practice and maybe one day master The Art of The Revolver. Shoot it often and treat it well, but remember, too, that honest wear (and yes - from a holster, too) is a sign of a good student. Good luck & keep us posted!

 

[Waywatcher]

My sole auto does tend to gather dust nowadays as well.

My revolvers are just more fun. To shoot and reload for.

So how'd it shoot?

 

[krazykeny]

There were simply too many of them made to ever become a "collector"
Example is a model "A" Ford, antique? sure !
There were 4 million of them made and you can buy them around ten thousand dollars.
Car nuts drive them every weekend when the weather is good.

 

[fmcdave]

I don't think I could own a gun I couldn't shoot.