Smith & Wesson question

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mossy141701

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I would like to know what everyone thinks of a model 15 Smith&Wesson. I found one that numbers to 1969 I believe that is in great shape, no bluing wear , a very slight cylinder ring and the only scratch is one on the bottom of the right grip. What does everyone think it is worth? I will post pictures when I pick it up (and figure out how to).
 
I personally think the 15 is one of the very best regular production 4" .38 spcl made. The heavier barrel vs. the 4" Model 10 makes it balance a bit better, and the target sights are a valuable addition., and of a time-tested and durable design. A nice clean one like that, with original grips and in excellent shape, could fetch up to $400 to the right collector or enthusiast. The addition of a grip adapter, either a Tyler or older Pachmayr design as pictured, makes it handle even better for many shooters.

IMGP2671.jpg
 
kamerer that just happens to be what I paid for it, thanks. Isn't that a model 10 in the picture?
 
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Yes, it's "pre-10" Military & Police model. 1947 vintage, 5" barrel.

Butch, you're supposed to JOIN a militia, not arm your own...;)

I don't have a 15 at the moment, but I do have the stainless version, the 67. S&W is unique in giving stainless versions different model numbers, instead of calling it a different finish. I see some logic to that, since the stainless is a different steel and requires some different manufacturing methods. This is a 67, circa 1973. To me a 15/67 is the "one" 4" .38 to have.

IMGP2607.jpg
 
The Model 15 is also known as the K-38 Combat Masterpiece. It's fitting. They are fine revolvers, and arguably are the handiest, best shooting handgun in existance.
Prices will range from $200 for a weathered carry gun to $500 for an unfired example with the box and docs. Screw count and whether it's pinned makes a difference in the price too. Here are three more.
Model15-K38TRIOsmall.gif
Model 15-3 Combat Masterpiece
K38 Combat Masterpiece
Model 15-9 Heritage
 
SOmeone referred to the Model 15 as a K-38 and that's just WRONG

THe 15 & it's bro the 18 in .22 LR are the Combat Masterpieces with
plain ramp front sight standard trigger and hammer with 4" Bbl. only.

The K-series called the Target Masterpiece include
the Model 14, K-38 MOdel 16, K-32 and Model 17 K-22
they have a Patridge i.e. post front sight, Target Hammer,
Target trigger, and were built with 6" or 8 3/8" bbl. lengths.

They all have the adjustable for W&E rear sights and internally
are probably the same in terms of finish AFAIK and built on
the same K-frame platform.

I recall my first handgun, the model 18 was 38 oz. whereas a
Model 15 was listed as 35 oz, since the .38 sized charge holes
left less weight for the cylinder as well as the 18 having the same
profile/size Bbl. was the reason it was 3 oz heavier.

DIfferent flavored apples off the same tree so to speak.
 
"SOmeone referred to the Model 15 as a K-38 and that's just WRONG"


I believe if you do a search for K-38 Combat Masterpiece you'll find that it is indeed a Model 15.... the 14 was called the K-38 Masterpiece or Target Masterpiece.
 
Just this past week I aquired a model 15-4. It probably was mfd. just after they stopped pinning the barrel. Anyway, I can tell it hasn't been shot much but it has a lot of holster wear and some rust in a few places with bluing off about 1/4 of the cyl. It has been in my local pawn shop for quite a while priced $100 less than less desirable guns in my book. Anyway I walked out with it for $250. Not a great deal but I'm gonna refinish it and it's mine now.:)

Also within the last two months I've bought two nice model 14's.........Sweet is all you can say.;)
 
I have 3 and will always consider more.
5 screw(1951), 4 screw(1960), 3 screw(1977).
I prefer the Combat Masterpiece(15) over the 14, but that is just my personal likes.

Regards
Old 112
 
I have found that the Model 14 and the Model 15 have an identitiy crisis. There's not a huge difference to start with and I often run across one with features of the other. Particularly when they have six inch barrels. At present I own a Model 15 six inch with a Model 14 barrel on it. This is an unpinned barrel.
 
Model 14 vs 15

I bought my Model 15 used with no box, but in very nearly new condition. I'm pretty sure the Model 14 barrel is factory original since I've seen this sort of thing a number of times before. The Model 14 hammer & trigger were options on the 15 at least in the 6 inch length. At one time even the single action lockwork was an option on the 15.

I've just installed a single action kit in my15 even thought the serial number places it after the option was supposedly discontinued. I'm using it as a companion target revolver to my Colt Officer's Match single action as it now has all the Model 14 features even though it's a 15.
 
I think I'd spring the $30 for a factory letter on it, ya just never know what it might say.....

I've always looked at the model 15 and think, 'a 2 or 4 inch service revolver with a relatively light barrel and adjustable sights.....the 'Combat Masterpiece'.

A model 14 has always been the 6 or 8 inch target revolver with a heavy barrel and adjustable sights...but then, I seem to recall having seen at least one 4" model 14 too (a heavy barreled service gun?).

I guess I can understand a 4" model 14 with a heavy barrel, but why would they make a heavy barreled 6" model 15 when they already have the model 14? Maybe they'd already quit making the model 14's and someone wanted a new target revolver? A letter might tell.....
 
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