Finally I joined the club, the model 15 club

Winchester_73 · May 30, 2013, 08:37 PM

I met a guy at my gun club the other day, shooting pistol. We got to talking and S&Ws get brought up. He states he was selling a model 15 to a guy, but the guy didn't show up and didn't call him. He pulls out this beautiful 15-4, with target hammer and he said it had a trigger job. It felt awesome, like you all say

. He said that his brother actually won competitions using it (I buy the guns, not the stories). He tells me he wants $350 for it, which was a fair deal I thought, given the nice condition, target hammer, pinned barrel, etc. I tell him "pretty nice, I will have to call you back about it." I said that because I needed to do a quick check of finances because I have bought quite a few recently and also because model 15s are somewhat plentiful. He then says "if you want it, you can have it for $300" and at that point, I said "I will take it!" We met yesterday at the local gun shop (pistol transfers are mandated in PA even between private people).

They are as great as I've heard from you all. This one is a 15-4, SN 96K13XX, making it probably a 1982 gun, possible one of the last to have a pinned barrel. It feels great with this barrel length, and that style of grips in my hand. I look forward to shooting it.

It took me a while to get a model 15, and it took me a while to get a Colt 1903 32 acp, and a S&W 357 magnum and I have never owned a S&W 36. This is because when a gun is common, I either want one that is like new, or one that is a great deal, or both because I always take the odds, and think there is another one just around the corner. This model 15 fit my bill pretty well.

Buzzcook · May 30, 2013, 08:54 PM

That is a great price. Have fun with that thing.

amd6547 · May 31, 2013, 06:47 AM

Great revolver at a great price.
My own 15-3 is my favorite revolver. I bought it from a gun show dealer in a FTF deal for $175. At the time, I was looking for a Model 10, and really didn't know about the Model 15.
Mine appears to have been buffed and reblued, but it has the target hammer, red insert front sight, and white outline rear.
It is one handgun I cannot seam to miss with.

micromontenegro · May 31, 2013, 07:18 AM

Beautiful gun, Winchester. Congrats! I am always on the lookout for a M15 snubby, but so far it has eluded me.

SgtLumpy · May 31, 2013, 10:06 AM

Nice job getting a great deal!

Sgt Lumpy

**Mike Irwin** · May 31, 2013, 10:11 AM

OOOOhhhh....

Shiney!

Don't have either a 14 or a 15. Maybe one of these days.

Tennessee Jed · May 31, 2013, 10:54 AM

I've been thinking a lot lately about getting a Model 15. Those pictures are really pushing me over the edge. Very nice.

aarondhgraham · May 31, 2013, 11:17 AM

Well, it's about time,,,
That a man with your obvious gun acumen,,,
Obtained what might be the finest .38 revolver ever made.

Now you need a Model 18 to partner up with it.

Aarond

.

shouldazagged · May 31, 2013, 11:26 AM

Quote:

...what might be the finest .38 revolver ever made.

No argument here. Certainly the finest I've ever owned, though my son and his boys have it now.

amd6547 · May 31, 2013, 02:45 PM

Since we are loving the Model 15...
Here is a pic of my $175 15-3.

Chowder · May 31, 2013, 10:26 PM

Jealousy ensues! I need a partner for my beloved model 18, a model 15 would be a fine companion.

Bill56 · May 31, 2013, 10:56 PM

You lucky dog! You practically stole that thing at that price. Enjoy.

amd6547 · June 1, 2013, 07:36 AM

I was at my rifle and pistol club shooting my Model 15-3 one time.
We have 10" round steel plates at 40yds. I was shooting at them and hitting with every shot, when another shooter walks over and says "that revolver shoots pretty good...must be a Smith & Wesson...".
Though I usually rely on a Glock 9mm for HD duty, I would not feel under armed with my Model 15 at all.
Oh, and I did finally find the taper barrel Model 10 of my dreams.

**Tom Servo** · June 1, 2013, 09:35 AM

Quote:

...what might be the finest .38 revolver ever made.

What is this "might" you speak of? It's simply the best handgun of the 20th century.

jglsprings · June 1, 2013, 09:51 AM

Quote:

What is this "might" you speak of? It's simply the best handgun of the 20th century.

Well that about covers it. Lock the thread!

I stumbled upon mine awhile back, it was a turn in gun (armored car company I think) - double action only - not bad shape. I found a hammer assembly to replace the DAO. I was surprised how tight the lock up was. I would have sworn it was a brand new gun - maybe better than new. After replacing the hammer I put it back to the DAO hammer. It was so nice to shoot "as is".

It has become my "training" gun to start out new shooters. Perfect size, weight and balance. Easy to shoot cartridge. Tack driver accuracy.

I can't believe it took me so long to get mine - I'm surprised it took you so long as well.

UncleEd · June 1, 2013, 11:04 AM

A new thread asks about learning to shoot double action.

Besides a Model 10 4-inch barrel, I can't think of a better gun than the Model 15 to learn double action shooting. If none is available on the used market, look at Smith's Model 67, older and used or the new one though it has a "bull" barrel.

And the 4-inch L frames aren't bad either.

mordis · June 1, 2013, 01:40 PM

I have a m15 question. I have a m15-3, and its my favorite gun. I learned to shoot on that gun.

Now it is my home defense gun, and I have one problem that I have yet to figure out. How do I aim it in less the ideal lighting conditions? The black front sight and black rear sight, seam to disappear on darker colored targets.

I put some shirts up in what I felt are likely break in areas and when the lights are out and all I have is my random night lights on, I find the front sight just disappears.

Now I do practice instinctive point shooting with my martial arts instructor but I need a strategy for finding the front sight in less then optimal lighting conditions. Sure I could get a hand light but, it makes my grip less secure and my recovery from recoil is longer.

SgtLumpy · June 1, 2013, 01:52 PM

Quote:

How do I aim it in less the ideal lighting conditions?

Consider: You don't aim. If you're shooting torsos at 10 feet, there's not much front sight needed.

You're probably better at it than you think. Put up some full sized paper torsos at very close, living room range, at your gun range or shooting spot. Don't aim. Just point and shoot. You're likely killing the paper just fine.

Sgt Lumpy

mordis · June 1, 2013, 09:01 PM

Aye but that can look bad in a court room. They ask did you aim at the intruder and ill no I used instinctive point shooting...

God I need more training.

**4V50 Gary** · June 1, 2013, 09:03 PM

The Model 15 is a great gun. It was the first revolver I ever got to shoot and I became quite good with it. Nowadays I shoot more 22 LR because it's cheaper and $5 for a box of reloads doesn't exist anymore.

boa2 · June 1, 2013, 09:44 PM

Winchester 73: That is a beautiful M15-4 that you have there!

Congratulations! I have a NIB M15-1 that I cherish!:

KyJim · June 1, 2013, 10:33 PM

Nice looking Model 15. Mine may be my favorite revolver to actually "use." The four inch barreled K-frames just hit my sweet spot.

Chowder · June 2, 2013, 04:22 AM

The 4" heavy barrel K frame smith to me is the perfect revolver. I have been learning as much as I can about S&W revolvers but do they make a .38 K frame with the patridge sights like my model 18? correct me if I have the naming of the sights wrong, but they are the target sights where the front sight has a flat blade.

SgtLumpy · June 2, 2013, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Aye but that can look bad in a court room. They ask did you aim at the intruder and ill no I used instinctive point shooting...

Hunting for reasons why you SHOULDN'T protect yourself seems like a non-productive track.

We're getting off topic, I know.

Nice Model 15

Sgt Lumpy

dscampbell · June 2, 2013, 11:54 PM

I put a set of crimson trace laser grips on mine. In low light it works great.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

May 30, 2013, 08:37 PM	#1
Winchester_73 Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2008 Location: Pittsburgh PA Posts: 2,863	Finally I joined the club, the model 15 club I met a guy at my gun club the other day, shooting pistol. We got to talking and S&Ws get brought up. He states he was selling a model 15 to a guy, but the guy didn't show up and didn't call him. He pulls out this beautiful 15-4, with target hammer and he said it had a trigger job. It felt awesome, like you all say. He said that his brother actually won competitions using it (I buy the guns, not the stories). He tells me he wants $350 for it, which was a fair deal I thought, given the nice condition, target hammer, pinned barrel, etc. I tell him "pretty nice, I will have to call you back about it." I said that because I needed to do a quick check of finances because I have bought quite a few recently and also because model 15s are somewhat plentiful. He then says "if you want it, you can have it for $300" and at that point, I said "I will take it!" We met yesterday at the local gun shop (pistol transfers are mandated in PA even between private people). They are as great as I've heard from you all. This one is a 15-4, SN 96K13XX, making it probably a 1982 gun, possible one of the last to have a pinned barrel. It feels great with this barrel length, and that style of grips in my hand. I look forward to shooting it. It took me a while to get a model 15, and it took me a while to get a Colt 1903 32 acp, and a S&W 357 magnum and I have never owned a S&W 36. This is because when a gun is common, I either want one that is like new, or one that is a great deal, or both because I always take the odds, and think there is another one just around the corner. This model 15 fit my bill pretty well. __________________ Winchester 73, the TFL user that won the west Last edited by Winchester_73; June 2, 2013 at 09:46 AM.

May 31, 2013, 06:47 AM	#3
amd6547 Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2006 Posts: 2,313	Great revolver at a great price. My own 15-3 is my favorite revolver. I bought it from a gun show dealer in a FTF deal for $175. At the time, I was looking for a Model 10, and really didn't know about the Model 15. Mine appears to have been buffed and reblued, but it has the target hammer, red insert front sight, and white outline rear. It is one handgun I cannot seam to miss with. __________________ The past is gone...the future may never happen. Be Here Now.

May 31, 2013, 10:11 AM	#6
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,389	OOOOhhhh.... Shiney! Don't have either a 14 or a 15. Maybe one of these days. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

May 31, 2013, 11:17 AM	#8
aarondhgraham Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2009 Location: Stillwater, OKlahoma Posts: 8,638	Well, it's about time,,, Well, it's about time,,, That a man with your obvious gun acumen,,, Obtained what might be the finest .38 revolver ever made. Now you need a Model 18 to partner up with it. Aarond . __________________ Never ever give an enemy the advantage of a verbal threat. Caje: The coward dies a thousand times, the brave only once. Kirby: That's about all it takes, ain't it? Aarond is good,,, Aarond is wise,,, Always trust Aarond! (most of the time)

May 31, 2013, 02:45 PM	#10
amd6547 Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2006 Posts: 2,313	Since we are loving the Model 15... Here is a pic of my $175 15-3. __________________ The past is gone...the future may never happen. Be Here Now.

May 30, 2013, 08:54 PM	#2
Buzzcook Senior Member Join Date: November 29, 2007 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 6,126	That is a great price. Have fun with that thing.

May 31, 2013, 07:18 AM	#4
micromontenegro Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2010 Posts: 647	Beautiful gun, Winchester. Congrats! I am always on the lookout for a M15 snubby, but so far it has eluded me.

May 31, 2013, 10:06 AM	#5
SgtLumpy Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2013 Posts: 779	Nice job getting a great deal! Sgt Lumpy

May 31, 2013, 10:54 AM	#7
Tennessee Jed Member Join Date: July 14, 2010 Posts: 92	I've been thinking a lot lately about getting a Model 15. Those pictures are really pushing me over the edge. Very nice.

May 31, 2013, 10:26 PM	#11
Chowder Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2012 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 449	Jealousy ensues! I need a partner for my beloved model 18, a model 15 would be a fine companion.

May 31, 2013, 10:56 PM	#12
Bill56 Member Join Date: February 14, 2013 Posts: 28	You lucky dog! You practically stole that thing at that price. Enjoy.

June 1, 2013, 07:36 AM	#13
amd6547 Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2006 Posts: 2,313	I was at my rifle and pistol club shooting my Model 15-3 one time. We have 10" round steel plates at 40yds. I was shooting at them and hitting with every shot, when another shooter walks over and says "that revolver shoots pretty good...must be a Smith & Wesson...". Though I usually rely on a Glock 9mm for HD duty, I would not feel under armed with my Model 15 at all. Oh, and I did finally find the taper barrel Model 10 of my dreams. __________________ The past is gone...the future may never happen. Be Here Now.

June 1, 2013, 11:04 AM	#16
UncleEd Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2013 Location: N. Georgia Posts: 1,150	A new thread asks about learning to shoot double action. Besides a Model 10 4-inch barrel, I can't think of a better gun than the Model 15 to learn double action shooting. If none is available on the used market, look at Smith's Model 67, older and used or the new one though it has a "bull" barrel. And the 4-inch L frames aren't bad either.

June 1, 2013, 01:40 PM	#17
mordis Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2005 Location: NE Indiana Posts: 560	I have a m15 question. I have a m15-3, and its my favorite gun. I learned to shoot on that gun. Now it is my home defense gun, and I have one problem that I have yet to figure out. How do I aim it in less the ideal lighting conditions? The black front sight and black rear sight, seam to disappear on darker colored targets. I put some shirts up in what I felt are likely break in areas and when the lights are out and all I have is my random night lights on, I find the front sight just disappears. Now I do practice instinctive point shooting with my martial arts instructor but I need a strategy for finding the front sight in less then optimal lighting conditions. Sure I could get a hand light but, it makes my grip less secure and my recovery from recoil is longer.

June 1, 2013, 09:01 PM	#19
mordis Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2005 Location: NE Indiana Posts: 560	Aye but that can look bad in a court room. They ask did you aim at the intruder and ill no I used instinctive point shooting... God I need more training.

June 1, 2013, 09:03 PM	#20
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,838	The Model 15 is a great gun. It was the first revolver I ever got to shoot and I became quite good with it. Nowadays I shoot more 22 LR because it's cheaper and $5 for a box of reloads doesn't exist anymore. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

June 1, 2013, 09:44 PM	#21
boa2 Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2004 Posts: 794	Winchester 73: That is a beautiful M15-4 that you have there! Congratulations! I have a NIB M15-1 that I cherish!:

June 1, 2013, 10:33 PM	#22
KyJim Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2005 Location: The Bluegrass Posts: 9,142	Nice looking Model 15. Mine may be my favorite revolver to actually "use." The four inch barreled K-frames just hit my sweet spot.

June 2, 2013, 04:22 AM	#23
Chowder Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2012 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 449	The 4" heavy barrel K frame smith to me is the perfect revolver. I have been learning as much as I can about S&W revolvers but do they make a .38 K frame with the patridge sights like my model 18? correct me if I have the naming of the sights wrong, but they are the target sights where the front sight has a flat blade.

June 2, 2013, 11:54 PM	#25
dscampbell Member Join Date: August 28, 2011 Location: Central valley of California Posts: 84	Finally I joined the club, the model 15 club I put a set of crimson trace laser grips on mine. In low light it works great. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2