Tell me about Smith and Wesson revolvers please

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WhoKnowsWho

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I just ran into a Model 15 with large target sights that was really nice and also had a smooth trigger. But I realized I had no idea about all the different models and variants. Is there a web page listing of all sorts of variants and models? Or do I need the Blue Book listing?

Only reason I am asking is I really am not a revolver guy, but that Model 15 felt pretty dang good! If I hadn't found my Arisaka at the same time, I might have gone home with the S&W.
 
Good lord.

Well, the first stop would be the current S&W website, where you will find their current production models. In order to decode the variety, it's helpful to know that there are 4 basic frame sizes in production now. From small to large, they are:

J--little pocket revolvers
K--smallish medium regular service revolvers (including the 15 you saw); most commonly in 38 or 357 (current example: model 66)
L--a slightly larger & beefier medium frame for heavier duty usage (example: 686)
N--a Large frame built for magnum and big-bore revolvers, like Dirty Harry (example: 629)
X--the ludicrously big frame size currently exclusive to the new S&W .500

So after you go to S&W, you go to smith-wessonforum.com, where you find the section on revolvers from 1945-present, and discover the range of older guns, customized guns, and of course arguments about the relative merits of old and new and small and large and stainless and blued and etc. and etc. You'll develop more specific questions along the way, but short of buying and reading a book by Supica, your inquiry at this point is a bit general to really address. Good luck and good shooting; S&W revolvers are a fantastic American heritage of the 20th century.
 
The Model 15 is a K frame (medium) revolver that was traditionally made with a 2" or 4" barrel. In later years the 15 and Model 14 lines sorta got dumped together and other barrel lenths appeared. I think the Model 15 is a great gun and I have no doubt that you would enjoy it very much.
 
You can also try www.smith-wessonforum.com/ but be aware that they are very habit forming. (worse than crack):D Once in, never out.

The Model 15 is a very good first S&W. It will make you lust for more. I saw a few this weekend that were reasonably priced around $275.
 
Wonderfully accurate revolver. Direct decentant of the famed K-38 target gun.

15_6l.jpg

The .38 special does't seem to get much love these days, so Model 15s can often be found at bargin prices.

Good Luck...

Joe
 
The Model 15 is a very good first S&W.
Click to expand...

Ah, but it would be a second revolver from them. I have an old unloved Model 36 I bought for $145 with some bad wear on the finish but still shoots great!

And the Model 15 was screaming "buy me" at $249. Why buy another 357 Mag when I will be shooting mostly .38 spec anyways? I have a Taurus for .357 for now too.

Thanks for the replies, JohnK also sent me a good listing at http://www.handloads.com/misc/Smith.Model.Changes.asp
 
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