Model 15-3 questions

[earplug]

My 15-3 appears to be a transition piece. SN 1K46xx. The gas ring is on the cylinder, so it does not have the little cuts on the yoke to divert gas from the barrel cylinder gap.
It has a one piece barrel and machined front sight. I don't know what dash model S&W changed to a pinned front sight.
My 14-3 is pinned and has the newer gas ring yoke cuts.
Another interesting thing is the rear sight screw is long enough to bottom out in its hole before the sight tang is flush with the frame. Its not loose and this method of fitting seems better then my later model S&W's that have short sight screws. I have to loctite the short screws.
I'm real happy with it. Anyone have more information on my revolver?

 

[spwenger]

per Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, Third Edition

• 15: Stamping of model number, 1957
• 15-1: Change extractor rod to left-hand thread, 1959
• 15-2: Delete trigger-guard screw, change cylinder stop, 1961
• Introduce 2" barrel, 1964
• 15-3: Relocation of rear-sight leaf screw, 1967
• Delete diamond grips, 1968
• 15-4: Change gas ring from yoke to cylinder, 1977
• 15-5: Pinned barrel eliminated, 1982
• Introduce 6" and 8 3/8" barrels, 1986
• 15-6: New yoke-retention system, radius-stud package, hammer-nose bushing, 1988
• etc.

 

[pinkymingeo]

What's to say? The "Combat Masterpiece" is about as good as it gets. Your gun is 1970 production. I have a '69 nickel snubbie with a factory action job that's my favorite Smith. To my knowledge, the "Baughman Quick Draw" sight was always standard.