Questions about new S&W Model 15-3

[rainbowbob]

I recently acquired a S&W Model 15-3 (Thanks Al G19). Today I put 300 rounds down range and was amazed at how sweet it is!

I'm sorta new and I've done most of my shooting with a S&W Model 36 snubby. When I first began shooting the M-36 with the original wood stocks, I was somewhat dismayed by the handling - and the knuckle-busting it gave me. I tried a Hogue Bantam...it handled well and eliminated the pain - but I didn't like the look and feel.

Then I discovered the Tyler T-Grip and was happy with the looks, feel, and handling. I learned to shoot respectable groups COM out to 30-40 feet, and I'm pretty confident at 10-20 feet.

But shooting the M-15 was a revelation. Balanced, smooth, easy on the hand - and sights I can actually see. It was like shooting a .22 target pistol compared to the snubby. I couldn't miss COM and head shots on a silhouette at 50-70 feet.

I had assumed I would need T-Grips to get the right feel and had already picked out my new bronze T-Grips. The trigger has sharp ridges and I thought I'd get a trigger shoe as well.

I realized after shooting it that, even without a T-Grip, my knuckle didn't get busted, and I hadn't noticed the sharp ridges on the trigger at all.

So...I'm asking you K-frame shooters - Will a T-Grip make it even handier? Will a trigger shoe make it even smoother?

Also...What's your favorite holster? What speed loader do you prefer?

It's a whole new world...

Pics below:

 

[ZombiesAhead]

Very nice gun. I have the exact same one. Right now, I have a Smith and Wesson brand OWB leather belt holster for my M15. It kind of sucks so I'm looking for something else.

 

[rainbowbob]

Do you have the original stocks? T-Grip?

 

[ZombiesAhead]

All original here - Looks just like yours:

 

[9mmepiphany]

you've just discovered the mistake alot of folks make...buying a gun for size rather than ability to place accurate shots. a J-frame isn't a good gun to start with. on the other hand a K-frame is an excellent gun to build confidence in your shooting ability.

a T-grip will indeed make it more comfortable because it will properly place your middle finger lower behind the the trigger guard and prevent cramping your fingers as you complete the trigger stroke. you might to a look at Hogue Monogrips

a trigger shoe is generally a bad idea on a defensive gun and it extends beyond the edges of the trigger guard. it also makes it harder to control the trigger in DA...it's fine of SA target shooting. a trigger shoe will not make the trigger smoother, it will give the illusion of a lighter trigger because pressure is spread over a larger surface area.

if you are going to use it for SD, i'd recommend that you have the trigger stop taken out...it can come loose and jam your trigger. also do not loosen the strain screw to lighten the trigger.

for casual/range carry, the Fobus paddle holster is light, handy and inexpensive. for CCW, i think one of the best holsters is the Kramer Belt Scabbard

the best speedloader (secure and simple to use) is the Safariland Comp I or II..the I is smaller, the II has more to grab. also remember to get some speed strips

 

[chriske]

My S&W 15-3 (4") is my very favorite DA handgun. I use Pachmayr Gripper Pro rubber grips : they don't cover the backstrap (so trigger reach isn't increased) and don't add noticeably to the bulk of the gun.

 

[Storm]

I also like Tyler T-Grips. They feel really good and deal with the grip issues beautifully. While I do like Hogue Monogrips and Pachmayr Presentations, the Tyler T-Grip allows me to use the original stock grips retaining some of the original look of the gun providing a great grip and a cool sort of retro look.

 

[Old Fuff]

Concerning a trigger shoe; Don't! They can cause more troubles then they solve. There are better options.

An easy cure to the sharp-edged serrations is to take a strip of emery cloth and "shoeshine" the front of the trigger. It doesn't take much to solve the problem.

Or you can buy a wide "target trigger," and replace the one you have. Go to:
www.e-gunparts.com

Smith and Wesson also made a semi-wide trigger with no serrations, and you can replace the present trigger with one of those. Get one from the same place listed above.

Be aware that any trigger made by Smith & Wesson for a post-1947 K-frame revolver will fit in your model 15-3.

The model 15 has been a favorite of mine since I bought my 1st one when they were introduced during the 1950's as the K-38 Combat Masterpiece. They had come about when FBI Agents and others in law enforcement had early ones custom made at the factory. They soon became so popular that S&W made then a cataloged product. During the post-war years when revolvers were standard as police sidearms the model 15 was one of the most popular kind, and by now you know why. For many reasons it is far, far different then shooting a model 36, the only advantage it has is lighter weight and smaller size.

As for the grip adapter, try it and see. Some find it to be the best thing since sliced bread, where others don't. But it is relatively inexpensive, so go ahead and experiment.

 

[rainbowbob]

The model 15 has been a favorite of mine since I bought my 1st one when they were introduced during the 1950's as the K-38 Combat Masterpiece.

Thanks for the suggestions. I should say that Old Fuff posted a similar comment as above in a thread many months ago - and I knew then that I had to have one.

As for the comparison between the M36 and M15: I inherited the M36 and have used it as my daily carry ever since. I actually think it was an advantage to learn to shoot it well enough for SD purposes - before I was "spoiled" by the M15. I anticipate continuing to carry the M36 daily.

The T-Grip is essential on the M36, but I experienced no discomfort with the stock M15. Still, I will order the T-Grip, and I expect it will be even handier than it already is. As for the trigger shoe...'nuff said. I may give the emery strip a work out, although the sharp ridges weren't an issue after 300 rounds.

I have a Safariland Comp III speedloader for the J-frame - so the Comp I or II makes sense to me for the K-frame.

 

[bluetopper]

These are some Badger grips on my 15-4 I bought off a vendor on gunbroker, although Badger Grips has their own website too. Anyway, they are as comfortable as they are beautiful. I highly recommend.

 

[Guillermo]

What Old Fuff said...

The trigger shoe is a mistake. The grip is not something that I like but many find that they shoot better with them. Such is always a good thing.

Enjoy your lovely revolver

 

[rainbowbob]

What Old Fuff said...

Invariably.

As for the T-Grip...I actually have a K-frame sized T-Grip on my J-frame (works fine). I can try it on my M15 before I order one.

 

[David E]

Model 15 is a classic. Good gun !

 

[BCRider]

That's a really nice looking find. And like you I find that there isn't a much nicer shooting cartridge than a .38 Spl for killing targets.

The grips are a hugely personal matter. For myself I like big grips but for holding onto a .38 I'd settle for decent finger wrap that doesn't have my finger nails cutting into the palm after the wrap. With my large size hands this would happen with the grips you're showing. However the S&W wooden target grips provide enough of a grab to fit my hands well.

 

[madcratebuilder]

I shoot K frames with several grip configurations. I do prefer the T grip with the 38spl.

 

[rklessdriver]

Grips are such a personal thing...

Your luck (IMO) that you have a square but K Frame. I really like the factory S&W coke bottle target stocks. A little bigger than what's on yours now.

I have a set of Kim Ahrends target stocks for my M15.



They fit me perfectly but my GF finds them a bit on the large size.

Ahrends makes a "Slim Size Target Stock" that is an in-between size what you have and what I have, while still keeping the classic S&W target shape. Thats what she likes.

I use a T-Grip adapter on my 1959 Colt Cobra and love it....

Every pistol and every person are different. I have a box full of grips for my various revolvers. Just keep trying them until you find something you like.

BTW Congrats on your M15. They are fine revolvers.

Will

 

[rainbowbob]

Another question about my M15-3: What is the weight? How does it compare in weight to a 4" M19?

 

[rcmodel]

The 1967 literature says:

4" model 15 = 34 oz.
4" Model 19 = 35 oz.

This seems unlikely though, as the differance in Magna & Target grips alone would account for at least the 1 ounce.
And the longer cylinder of the 19 would weigh more then that.

rc

 

[9mmepiphany]

i would think the thicker barrel, ejector rod shoud and longer cylinder would account for more than an oz