I have a buddy who wants to trade me this gun for something but I don't know anything about it? I also can't figure out how to post pictures on here? The markings are as follows,

K771946
MOD
15-2

On barrel it has,

38 S&W SPECIAL CTG

It's a revolver with a fold down sight, about 4 inch long barrel, it looks in pretty used condition just wondering about it? Thank you for your feedback

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Welcome to the Forum.

Without pictures, it is hard to give you a value. As long as there is no active rust present and the bore looks good, $ 250 or so would be fair to both parties. Better condition would up the value. Your location is important too. Guns sell for more in CA.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Awesome thank you for the help I think I figured out how to post a picture on this reply but not the main post!!

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That's a $100 gun to me it looks pretty rough

Also if I were to accept this gun, I've heard about getting it blued? What does that do and how much does it cost? I clearly don't know anything about guns but I would like to learn! In case your wondering I do a ton of backcountry exploring both in the summer and winter and I'm married now with a little boy so I want to be able to protect us out in the wilderness!

Thank you for your input Riley and Gil I will take this into consideration!! I know it's just a picture but I imagine these older revolvers are pretty reliable do you think this gun would fire and operate ok?

I have three earlier model 15's that I've bought in the last few years. The visually roughest one is 1960-ish and is cosmetically about 60+ percent. Functionally perfect with a good bore. I paid $375 for it, but mostly because it's a four screw.

I also have a pretty minty 1964-ish three screw that I paid $430 for. Having said that, there seem to be a few used model 15's on GB that might be surplus guns with non-original grips. Most are non-pinned barrel era guns and prices are starting in the high 200 range, depending on condition. Probably security guns, so no safe queens...about the general condition of the gun you pictured.

I mention this not to tell you what the gun is worth, really, but to give you some information to get an idea of what some people are paying. I may be crazy, but it seems like prices on 15's might be going down just a shade. I personally consider them the best value of all S&W vintage revolvers.

I see two issues with the gun pictured. First, the rear sight appears to either have a loose screw - or one that is missing or broken off. Second is the thumb piece that releases the cylinder is missing. Neither is difficult to repair, but a gunsmith's services may be necessary if the sight screw is broken or the threads for the thumb piece are stripped.

If you don't know anything about guns, this might be a good one to avoid. You may be able to find a better condition used one at any decent gun shop.

Mark

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S&W Forum Member #721

About what I saw.
Find something with out issues like that.

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Only difference Fool/Mule-ears

I've been known to buy guns because I felt sorry for them, and that would be one of those. If the bore isn't rusty or pitted and the rifling is still there, and if the action works okay, I'd get it just to get it back into shape. It'd still need to be less than $300.

The side plate screws don't seem to be torn up, which is a good sign. If the value of the trade is right, it might make a fun project gun for you.

I would not buy that without testing it first. It could be a fine shooter or a total dog. If it functions OK it should be worth $200 approximately. Either way your friend should replace he missing parts before trying to sell it.

I wouldn't worry about reblueing it. A good reblue will cost more than the gun is worth.

I agree with prices above in all parts there working condition abut 250 to 3 hundred as is lots less if gun functions and shoots well .that said a good 38 special does make a good trail gun in my opinion .

Bluing is a type of metal treatment to protect it against the elements. It's actually a form of rust but it turn dark blue/black and shiny.

If it had a cylinder release and sight screw I'd say about $150 +/- depending on the local market. With those two things missing I wouldn't bother.

Here's what a blued gun looks like

In the days of Shotgun News, this one would be advertised as "Fair, will clean to Good."

A lot of us here would buy such a gun if the price were low, depending on getting a screw, latch, and nut, and cleaning it up.
But I don't think it is a good starter gun for somebody unfamiliar with the type.

If "I" could get that for $100 I would buy it, only because I know how to fix the obvious problems and could also probably fix any other problems that might exist. It appears to be what a lot of us call a "beater", a gun that might be reliable, but beat up enough that we wouldn't to hesitate to throw it under the car seat, in the back pack, etc for some rough use we wouldn't want to do with our shiny nice ones.

If you have to hire a gunsmith to fix the problems, I would pass. There are a lot more out there in much better condition in the $300 to $500 range that (taken care of) will last a lifetime. I would recommend a stainless steel model for your stated uses.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! The Model 15 was originally produced beginning in 1949 and known as the .38 Combat Masterpiece. It became the Model 15 when S&W began model numbering in 1957. It is one of the finest shooting adjustable sight handguns made. The 4" barrel and ramp front sight are standard configuration, but there were later other barrel lengths such as a 2" snub. Even in poorer condition, like the one pictured, it is still a desirable tool and would be a perfect choice for protection when hiking in most of the US (bear and big cat country not so much), IMO.

I'm leaning towards recommending you trade for it. Parts are available and DIY parts replacement is relatively easy if you are good with your hands. My biggest reservation is with the rear sight. If the screw is broken off and you have to take it to a gunsmith or machinist, you may have more in it than it is worth. Also, the rear sight may be messed up and need replacement. They are running $80-100 or more used depending on the demand at the time. Of course, if you trade for it and decide you don't want to deal with it, you can likely sell it for what you traded was worth. An interesting dilemma...but, I'd go for it. Good luck on your decision!

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

I would buy it for a reasonable price, given that the only problems are the missing thumbpiece and a rear sight screw.

Other than that, it doesn´t seem to be worn except for the finish (seems to be worst on the left side of the barrel). I don´t see any scratches, dents, rust nor pitting. The drag mark along the cylinder is very thin and the stop notches are fine. The recoil shield looks fine too. The side plate fits OK and the screws are not worn. I would take a very good look at it before deciding, but who knows, maybe you´ll end up with a pretty decent shooter at a very reasonable price.