My first wheel gun, not suspecting this at all...

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Sebastian the Ibis

Sebastian the Ibis

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I have avoided revolvers forever. Not that I had an aversion to them, but I started shooting glocks, never had a problem with glocks and have always just shot glocks. While I have shot other folks' revolvers before, I never felt any particular connection.

Anyways, I decided I ought to pick up a revolver to fiddle around with - basically so I wouldn't embarrass myself if I needed to manipulate one at the range one day. I've had my eyes open for one for a while, and last week at the gun show a dealer had Model 15s for $220. I really wanted a .357, but figured I wasn't ever going to beat the price so I picked up a well used Model 15-6 (4 inch heavy barrel, target sights). The finish looks decent - aside from some clown scratching his initials and badge number on the gun.

I finally took it to the range today, not expecting anything special. I only took steel targets - and I couldn't miss them with this .38. I thought this was surprising, so I asked a buddy if I could put some shots on his paper. I couldn't believe it - I had a nice little 18 shot group in the black. For comparison I tried my trusty tried and true Glock 19 - the group was at least twice the size - triple if you count a flyer. I couldn't believe how well I shot this bargain basement Smith over my Glock. I have put 20k+ rounds through that Glock and it feels like a part of me.

I am still in a little bit of disbelief - I feel like I just realized a good friend has been letting me down for years. Anyways, I need to order a significant amount of .38 ammo and some more speed loaders and figure out what exactly I can do with this Smith !
 

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Reload, sonny, reloading .38 and you will find out just what that .38 can do.


And here is a tip... get an older S&W target .44 special. One hole groups at 20 yards are doable.

Now the Glock is a fine COMBAT weapon, I have several, but a older Colt or S&W will show the way (and a match 1911 will to.)

Deaf
 
That's a classic revolver at a great price. Nice shooting, I think you'll enjoy it for sure.
 
Was that from Shoot Straight? They bought a large lot of Dept. of Corrections guns (mostly K-frames, some semi-auto Smiths) around a year ago. Most of the ones I've seen are quite beat...loose lockup, badge or whatever numbers engraving that looks like a kid did it with a dremmel and a drill bit, lots of missing blue or pitting from rust that's been removed.

I thought I hit the jackpot last Thanksgiving when I found a 15-7 with nearly all of its blue intact, tight lockup, no engraving, and what appeared to be original wood stocks, and at the (at the time) lowest price point they had (3 price points, supposedly based on condition), which was $275. I put a Hogue wood monogrip on it (better ergonomics, IMO), and it's quite accurate. I have a model 14-4 that's in all ways, in much better shape (paid almost 2x as much for it), and I shoot the 15 better.
 
Your good friend didn't let you down all this time. It did what it does. You just found a new best friend. You will find yourself using the words 'Elegant' more often. And even though you never thought you would ever have a use for the word 'Svelte' it will become common in your vocabulary.

There is nothing like the feel of an 8 3/8" N frame shooting single action in slow fire. It can become almost Zen like.

I'll go back on my meds now.

Johnm1
 
About 10 years ago I started shooting autos. Given a decent gun I can shoot pretty decent with an auto. But I have to think about it.

I'm at my best with a S&W K frame though. No other revolver points as naturally for me as the K frame. I've owned model 15's, 19's and 66's. My all time favorite is the 19 though I no longer own one.

Spend some time with that revolver and you'll find it will treat you well.
 
One will note that .38 Spl is an inherently accurate cartridge and nothing to sneeze at for defensive use, too. As Deaf Smith already pointed out, RELOAD. Using 158gr LSWC w/ Unique powder I spend about $6 per 50rds, less when the powder is bought in bulk.

WELCOME to Revolver Land! Hope you stay awhile :D
 
You need to ask Smith & Wesson about that worthless piece of trash gun... :eek:

Cuz something isn't right, and that may be good. :what:

You see it apparently has a wide-rib barrel, and it's supposed to have one that's the same width as the front sight ramp.

Now to be completely honest (something the Old Fuff tries to avoid) it is known that some with the wide rib configuration did come out of the factory, usually on a special order basis - but even so they are more scarce then hen's teeth.

So it is my sorry duty to tell you that if the barrel represents the original configuration, and Smith & Wesson confirms this, it is most likely worth far, far more then you paid for it.

This is a hard job, but someone has too do it. :D
 
I was thinking that the OP may not have fired too many guns with good single-action triggers before, but Old Fuff probably has a better explanation in his post above.
 
If he was thumb-cocking the revolver I would agree that it was an important factor in his improved marksmanship.

They're is a world of difference between S&W revolver and Glock pistol trigger pulls. ;)
 
My guess is the initials and number were engraved when the gun was seized as evidence. I don't know any LE agency that would tolerate someone carving their initials and badge number like that. It may have been put in service by an agency after all appeals were exhausted.
 
Good for you Sebastian, forwarding you the secret hand shake and decoder ring. :)
Get some instruction, watch some training videos, and welcome to the world of pistoleros.
 
You have just discovered what many people have over the years. The K frame guns are real shooters! Many can be had at a bargain price. Welcome to the K frame club!
 
You think you got a deal?! Just wait. You're now on the slippery slope. At some point, you'll see a revolver you've just got to have. You'll pay more than market value and cancel out this particular deal.

Somehow, I now have six revolvers in the safe and just last week paid a pretty penny to get a LNIB Ruger Speed Six 9mm. So much for my earlier "deals"...
 
You got a pretty good deal.

I've never been able to shoot an auto as well as I could a revolver, a Smith & Wesson in particular. Even the National Match Colt 45, which was mechanically extrememly accurate, I couldnt shoot it was well on demand as most Smith & Wessons I've had.

Auto have always seemed to take way more work to shoot noticably less well for me.
 
You need to ask Smith & Wesson about that worthless piece of trash gun...

Cuz something isn't right, and that may be good.

You see it apparently has a wide-rib barrel, and it's supposed to have one that's the same width as the front sight ramp.

Now to be completely honest (something the Old Fuff tries to avoid) it is known that some with the wide rib configuration did come out of the factory, usually on a special order basis - but even so they are more scarce then hen's teeth.

So it is my sorry duty to tell you that if the barrel represents the original configuration, and Smith & Wesson confirms this, it is most likely worth far, far more then you paid for it.

This is a hard job, but someone has too do it.
Click to expand...

I'm waiting to here a reply from Old Fuff's post. Did you really find a Hen's tooth?

It's a really good deal even if it isn't. Good luck with you latest vise. By the way, there no real cure for it.
 
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