Opinions on S&W Model 15

Status
Not open for further replies.
I know nothing about grading your purchase...
But it is admirable, love the grain pattern on the grips.
Congratulations about your purchase!
 
I see no evidence of a re-blue, and those beautiful factory grips are worth at least $100+ bucks alone.

I think if you wanted a Model 15 at all, you done real good!

On the other hand, if it turns out to be a re-blue with plastic grips?
I will give you $250 for it!!
That way you only lose $150! :D

rc
 
Can you believe that lasted a week on GB? I have been watching off and on for one on GB for months now. On this forum I have extolled the virtues of the 15 I carried in the AF and decided I needed a stablemate for my Model 14. I'm trying to wait till I have it in my hands to be thrilled (and smug).
 
Last edited:
Nope!

On the other hand, it ain't a stainless hi-cap 9mm, or even a Magnum like they use in video games.

An anemic .38 Spl Combat Masterpiece?
Pretty old-school for lots of young'ns with high disposable income.

A lot of them don't know what a Mod. 15 is, let alone do a search for one.

Perhaps with a different auction header listing, it would had more people find it?
I don't know.

(Or maybe it's a re-blue with plastic grips and all the experts can plainly see it?)

rc
 
<---- 29 and knows what a model 15 is. :)

Beautiful gun, I've got the 4" 15-2 my grandfather carried as a cop and a 2" nickel 15-4 I bought when I was 21.
 
Well I suppose I ought to feel my "Old Fart" status kicking in but actually I'm feeling more like a 19 year old slick sleeve airman being introduced to some class.

I was so dumb then that I thought "this revolver stuff ain't all bad" (thought I was being insulted that I didn't get an issue 1911 like the soldiers, even though most of them were rode hard and put away a little wet). Went out and bought a Colt Trooper Mk III for personal use because I couldn't afford a Python. After all it was a MAGNUM, that means better right?

The Trooper wasn't bad at all (still isn't), but what I know now is that the Combat Masterpiece (and the K-38 Masterpiece) are almost magical clockworks compared to the "blunt instrument" I bought then.
 
Last edited:
Looks like you got a nice deal. My LGS has a model 15 I've been looking at. They want $640 but not sure if i want to go that high.
 
That's the same price I picked mine up for in similar condition, private sale. It's a gun I don't ever plan to sell.

I have the same feeling about a re-blue because it's just a bit too perfect. But, no one I've shown it to agrees. So who knows and I don't care anyway.

Yah done good!

Edit: I actually traded a .38 Ruger LCR for mine, trade value was $400.
 
Last edited:
The K38 Combat Masterpiece (M15) is a classic S&W revolver and one of the best fighting revolvers ever made. This one looks real nice. The stocks are pretty but are incorrect being of post-1982 style on pre-1982 pistol. I think you paid right about top dollar for it but the condition likely warrants the price.

I have a 15-3 (in nickel with polished stags) and a couple of pre-model Combat Masterpiece revolvers (.22 & .38).


standard.jpg


standard.jpg
 
Hammer and trigger are the regular ones for the model 15, where the stocks are an extra cost option. If they are original to the gun you will find the serial number stamped on one or both panels on the inside.

No visable sign of a reblue.

If you plan to use it as a shooter the missing box and accessories is of no material importance.

The price is on the high side of current market, but you won't find a better revolver in its class for any price. In the long run you did fine. ;)
 
I think you made yourself a happy deal there. Those grips are beautiful, is she going to be a shooter for you? I'd think she would become a safe queen for me.
 
M-15 Smith&wesson

The Combat Masterpeice is a classic .38 special . It is and was Smith and Wesson s answer to the Diamond Back .38 special from Colt . You couldnt get a better .38 without paying twice as much for a Colt . You got a good deal ;) I carried one for 14 years as a LEO and for awhile in the Air Force i really miss my old one :( but like i said you did good enjoy it .
 
I believe you would have to say the Diamondback was Colt's answer to the S&W Combat Masterpiece.

The S&W Combat Masterpiece was introduced in 1949.
The Colt Diamondback in 1966.

rc
 
To answer my plans for it, well that depends. I will need to have it in my hands to say. If it really grades out as unfired AND the grips number to the frame, then I will probably speculate on the future collector value by granting it safe queen status for my sons to fight over while I'm trying to talk my way past St. Peter. May even let Roy Jenks tell me bit about it's history. That would bring up something of an ethical question. I HATE the practice of counterfeiting factory box and paper, but might look into period correct never claiming original, cost could be prohibitive.

I think at the moment that it's likely that Saxon is right about the grips not being original, and if not why change grips on an unfired original? Maybe the pretty grain was enough to convince someone but if you preserve unfired status would you ruin that by grip replacement?

I think it likely that it's just an excellent example of the breed but has been fired and someone came across grips they fell in love with. In which case it will be the closest this poor boy comes to a BBQ gun. Let's say pampered shooter status. Some hand tooled leather for Louisiana country BBQ may be in order.:)
 
Last edited:
I'm not likely right about the stocks, I am right. The gun has a pinned barrel and that feature was dropped in 1982. The stocks are the large relief type, introduced in 1983. There is no way those stocks came on that revolver.

BTW- S&W generally did not number target stocks as they did with the Magna style. Only a few examples of revolvers from the 1950s and 1960s are documented with target stocks being numbered.
 
When it comes to this "unfired" thing picture #4 keeps bothering me. The face of the cylinder is so flat finished it looks parkerized. With no "dash" number revealed by the seller I don't know the vintage yet.

Thanks to Saxon, I know it's pre '82.

Believe me Saxon, no disrespect intended. You know more about this game than I ever will. That settles it, poor man's BBQ and occasional shooter.
 
Not cokes and odds are high (very high) that those target stocks are not be numbered to the gun.

As S-P stated...S&W usually only numbered the service aka magna style stocks to the gun, not target stocks.
 
Those are not Cokes. Those are target grips. Cokes have a larger checkered area, a palm swell and a slight flaring at the bottom of the stock.
SP is absolutely correct on the stocks being replacement items.
The roll marks look very crisp and I notice no chamfering around the screw holes. From the provided pics, I would opine "no" on a refinish.
Cokes, in a similar condition, would likely sell for $400.00, in themselves.

Mike
 
Thanks all,

Just ruminating about what a positive thing this forum is. Especially for those of us that need to fight to roll back ignorance. Knowledge is not only power but a fuller appreciation of relatively simple things.

Like the old man in the movie Legends of the Fall, I'm scratching on my chalkboard , am happy.

P.S. never have been a particular fan of nickel, appreciate blue and wood. But, just can't get over the beauty of Saxon's and Cocked and Locked's nickel and stag in this model revolver.
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

A
  • Locked
S&w 10
2
Replies
26
Views
1K
rklessdriver
R
M
  • Locked
Buying a Model 10, looking for advice
2 3
Replies
51
Views
3K
Old Fuff
O
DAdams
  • Locked
S&W 940 3 inch 9mm How Rare is it Really
Replies
3
Views
2K
Brian Williams
Brian Williams
E
  • Locked
S&W/Colt Combo
Replies
18
Views
990
ryan b
R
bikemutt
  • Locked
Smith & Wesson model 19-4 snub price check
Replies
21
Views
2K
Litlman
L
Back
Top