jad0110
Member
Gotta love the Combat Masterpiece in 38 Special. I can think of no better name for these fine handguns. I am hooked.
As some of you may recall, I picked up a 2" Model 15-2 (1965 DOB) about 6 months ago for $374. Reliable, extremely accurate, good DA trigger and easy to carry IWB.
Yesterday I went to the local gunshow just to look around. Prices on guns and ammo were all over the map. SKS rifles for $500 on one table, $250 on another. 100 round Wallie World Whitebox .380 for $35 on one side of the show, $80
on the other. I even saw a 3.5" 29-2, though nice, was priced at $980. And used 686s seem to start at $600 
.
Sadly, I missed a 3" barrel S&W Model 13 priced at $350 by about 10 minutes .
But I happened upon a very nice, 98% S&W Model 15-3 4" (no box or papers). Lockup is as tight as my 686, and judging by the overall condition, this gun was shot and carried very little (only a small amount of holster wear on the muzzle).
I could not help myself, and left with a near mint Model 15 for just a under $310 before tax .
Actually, before I left I continued to browse, carrying my new conquest at my side. I managed to get about a half-dozen offers from dealers and individuals alike, a couple of dealers kicking themselves for not finding before I did. They probably would have marked it up to $400. I enjoyed infecting a polymer hi-cap auto only guy with the revolver bug by letting him handle it, and he was pleasantly surprised at just how nice one of those "old man wheelguns" felt to hold and point. I think he is considering a used 4" K-Frame now
.
Seems that although K Frame 357 Magnum prices have nearly doubled in the past 2 or 3 years, K Frame 38s have only gone up about 1/4 that amount, at least in my area. I guess everyone continues to underestimate and ignore the good 'ole 38 in everything except J Frame and Taurus snubs. I shoot 38s a bit better anyway, so all the better for me.
Anyway, the S/N of my new 15-3 is: K930xxx
Can anyone tell me a DOB?
Took it out to the range this morning and despite my experiences shooting many different S&W revolvers, I still can't help but marvel at the excellence of the S&W K-Frame. They are the perfect blend of shootability and portability, IMHO. Of all the handguns I own, this 4" 38 K Frame points the most naturally. So much better balanced than my 4" 686, which I enjoy shooting as well. The gun just aims itself, and the prominent front blade makes sight aquisition quick and easy. I don't really care much that they are adjustable, but I do appreciate that big blade. Superb sight picture. The DA trigger is quite good, though not quite as smooth as my 2" 15. As I said, the gun shoots right where you point it. It is just as mechanically accurate as my 2" 15, but as expected it is more forgiving of goofs on my part.
After firing enough ammo to be satisfied with it's reliability, I cleaned it up and I am wearing it as I type this on my hip in a FIST #20 IWB holster on a Beltman bullhide gunbelt. The extra 2" of barrel over my other Model 15 are a little noticeable, but it isn't bad at all. Not quite as comfortable, but not objectionable. The only bad thing is that I'll be standing there in front of my safe, trying to decide which 15 to pack for the day.
Anyway, here are some pics of my new 15, including a 5-shot group shot DA unsupported from 7 yds (158 grain RNL, 4.0 Grains W231).
Model 15s (-2 2", -3 4")
As some of you may recall, I picked up a 2" Model 15-2 (1965 DOB) about 6 months ago for $374. Reliable, extremely accurate, good DA trigger and easy to carry IWB.
Yesterday I went to the local gunshow just to look around. Prices on guns and ammo were all over the map. SKS rifles for $500 on one table, $250 on another. 100 round Wallie World Whitebox .380 for $35 on one side of the show, $80
on the other. I even saw a 3.5" 29-2, though nice, was priced at $980. And used 686s seem to start at $600 .Sadly, I missed a 3" barrel S&W Model 13 priced at $350 by about 10 minutes
.But I happened upon a very nice, 98% S&W Model 15-3 4" (no box or papers). Lockup is as tight as my 686, and judging by the overall condition, this gun was shot and carried very little (only a small amount of holster wear on the muzzle).
I could not help myself, and left with a near mint Model 15 for just a under $310 before tax
. Actually, before I left I continued to browse, carrying my new conquest at my side. I managed to get about a half-dozen offers from dealers and individuals alike, a couple of dealers kicking themselves for not finding before I did. They probably would have marked it up to $400. I enjoyed infecting a polymer hi-cap auto only guy with the revolver bug by letting him handle it, and he was pleasantly surprised at just how nice one of those "old man wheelguns" felt to hold and point. I think he is considering a used 4" K-Frame now
.Seems that although K Frame 357 Magnum prices have nearly doubled in the past 2 or 3 years, K Frame 38s have only gone up about 1/4 that amount, at least in my area. I guess everyone continues to underestimate and ignore the good 'ole 38 in everything except J Frame and Taurus snubs. I shoot 38s a bit better anyway, so all the better for me.
Anyway, the S/N of my new 15-3 is: K930xxx
Can anyone tell me a DOB?
Took it out to the range this morning and despite my experiences shooting many different S&W revolvers, I still can't help but marvel at the excellence of the S&W K-Frame. They are the perfect blend of shootability and portability, IMHO. Of all the handguns I own, this 4" 38 K Frame points the most naturally. So much better balanced than my 4" 686, which I enjoy shooting as well. The gun just aims itself, and the prominent front blade makes sight aquisition quick and easy. I don't really care much that they are adjustable, but I do appreciate that big blade. Superb sight picture. The DA trigger is quite good, though not quite as smooth as my 2" 15. As I said, the gun shoots right where you point it. It is just as mechanically accurate as my 2" 15, but as expected it is more forgiving of goofs on my part.
After firing enough ammo to be satisfied with it's reliability, I cleaned it up and I am wearing it as I type this on my hip in a FIST #20 IWB holster on a Beltman bullhide gunbelt. The extra 2" of barrel over my other Model 15 are a little noticeable, but it isn't bad at all. Not quite as comfortable, but not objectionable. The only bad thing is that I'll be standing there in front of my safe, trying to decide which 15 to pack for the day
.Anyway, here are some pics of my new 15, including a 5-shot group shot DA unsupported from 7 yds (158 grain RNL, 4.0 Grains W231).
Model 15s (-2 2", -3 4")
