Picked up a new (to me) S&W...

[MrFox]

Hello:

I just bought a used S&W 15-2 today. I can't seem to find any info on it online, or anything.

I paid 250 for it at a gun store. The guy said it was a police trade in. I did the revolver check out and I didn't find anything wrong with it. Its got some thin bluing in areas but thats about it.

So, what did I just buy?

Thanks.

 

[Bellevance]

MrFox,

You are the lucky owner of one of the finest .38 revolvers ever made. The model 15-2 is THE classic K-frame revolver, called the Combat Masterpiece, with a pinned and tapered barrel. In the 4-inch length, they were very common LEO carry weapons in the 60s and 70s, before police depts. went to 9mm autoloaders. Sounds as if you got a good deal on it, too.

If you visit the S&W forum, you'll find a great deal of information about the 15.

Enjoy.

 

[SaxonPig]

Hmmm... What did you buy? Sounds like a Model 15-2 to me.

Seriously, the 15 is a target grade K frame service revolver chambered for the 38 Special cartridge. Started around 1949 or so as the Combat Masterpiece and became the Model 15 when model numbers were assigned in 1957. The 15-2 was made 1961-67. The stainless steel version was the Model 67. Made in blue and nickel most were made with 4" barrels but 2" versions were available.

A couple years after the 38 Combat Masterpiece (CM) came out, S&W introduced the same gun in 22 caliber. In 1957 this was dubbed the Model 18.

Here are my 22 and 38 CMs.



Here is a Model 18.



Here is a Model 15-3 in nickel.

 

[Ruodo]

You are very lucky Mr Fox! I have been wanting a model 15 forever and can't seem to find one. I am going to a gun show tomorrow and looking all over for one.

 

[MrFox]

Thanks for the info guys.

I thought I did OK with the buy, but I wasn't sure. I'm really impressed with the trigger. I guess the broken in trigger is the benifit of a police trade in. The gun shop had 3 more and I picked out what I thought was the best. They were all priced the same.

Apparently they were used by the local PD, right down the block from the gun shop.

So are there any loads that I cant shoot and would cause too much wear? Is there anything I need to look for specifically? Do these get that top strap frame cutting thing, or are those just the 357s? What should the sight picture be? The front sight seems tall.

Thanks!

Oh, and SaxonPig, yours look much much nicer than mine. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Oro]

You can shoot any .38 load you wish (+p, too). The flame cutting issue is generally only with magnums - don't worry about it.

FYI - I dated your gun for you in the DOB sub-forum where you posted.

 

[MrFox]

Thanks Oro!

I really appreciate that. I'll get some pictures up whenever I get the chance. I think this might be one of my better most recent deals I've found.

 

[rainbowbob]

The gun shop had 3 more and I picked out what I thought was the best. They were all priced the same.

You could probably go back and buy the others and sell them for a profit.

I recently paid $475 for a 15-3 in near mint condition. I love it and wouldn't part with it for anything.

 

[Ruodo]

Oh yeah he could easily sell for a profit unless they are in really bad shape. Like I said yesterday, I went to a gun show today and actually saw quite a few 15s, all were priced way above $250.

 

[messerist]

Fine looking gun. I must live in a revolver drought stricken zone. I have only found a few surplus police Smiths at Ahlman's and the local gun shows have been disappointing to say the least when it comes to older Smiths.

 

[Average Joe]

I have two of the 15-3 models. Best revolvers I have ever owned.

 

[MrFox]

Heres the pictures.

Enjoy.

 

[SaxonPig]

Shows some honest wear but the 15 is one of the great classic revolvers and I don't think you paid too much for it.