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S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers


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  #1  
Old 03-06-2010, 09:43 PM
ctgmi ctgmi is offline
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Default Mod 15-3 Full circle with a K frame

Well this is what I ended up with today.

After buying and selling more autoloaders then I care to mention. It took me several years to realize that I’m able to shoot K frames faster with better accuracy then all but one autoloader I’ve had.

My personal conundrum was I wanted a 4” barreled K frame foremost, and secondly would have preferred it to be chambered for .357 for the versatility.

A number of years ago I had a Mod 19 that went all out of timing due to some feeding of some fire breathing reloads. Now this has me a little leery of buying a .357 K frame with out knowing its history. But if needed for personal protection it seems that +P loads seem to have adequate ballistics “going by the numbers” and while looking for a revolver that would seem to be fail safe from any misuse I decided to search out a Model 15.

In short I picked it up today, cleaned it and promptly went to the range. It’s been around 12 years since my last K frame not including a 617 and almost forgot how nicely they fit my hand and how quick they get back on target.

BTW, could anyone out there know the date of manufacture for serial number 3K210XX?



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Old 03-06-2010, 09:46 PM
scha scha is offline
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Most likely 1971.

Hope this helps.

Steve
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Old 03-06-2010, 11:39 PM
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Vulcan Bob Vulcan Bob is offline
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Looks like you found a nice one! I have two 15-3s and they are amoung my favorite go to guns for some range time. Enjoy your new six-shooter!
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Old 03-07-2010, 07:57 PM
jtpur jtpur is offline
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I have a 19 starting with 2k bought in 1973 brand new. I dont know if the 15's track the same way.....but my guess is 71-74 give or take. I made an offer on a 19-4 and was counter offered more than I wanted to part with. Im looking at a nice 15 in a store nearby. If it is still there this week I just may buy it. There is a gun show next weekend where I live and I may hold out. I have always liked the 15 and like you my only reluctance was I wanted a .357.......
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Old 03-07-2010, 08:48 PM
Scary Gary Scary Gary is offline
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I got my 10 year old boy a 15 , he and I love it . With +P's you should be good to go in the self defence role .
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Old 03-08-2010, 11:01 AM
ctgmi ctgmi is offline
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Thanks for the responses; my real test with this revolver will this Wednesday for the local match. The only thing I’m a little worried about is I don’t have much experience with speed loaders. But with everything practice, practice and practice.
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Old 03-08-2010, 06:12 PM
jtpur jtpur is offline
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speed loaders come in two styles, twist to release and if you can find them push to release. Feed two bullets into the cylinder, the rest should follow. either twist or push and let the speed loader fall, close the cylinder and your good to go. At one point in time I could reload as fast as anyone with an semi auto, I just did not have the capacity of the semis....we had to qualify with twelve rounds in twelve seconds and with the speed loaders...not a problem
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Old 03-08-2010, 08:32 PM
Wee Hooker Wee Hooker is offline
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NIce find ! I have a 15-3 and just love the classic feel and look of this no nonesense "combat masterpiece" revolver.
As for speed loaders, I would advise:
a) use round nose, RNFP or HP bullets that have some taper. A slight case crimp is important too. SWC and/or exposed case edges can hang up on the cylinder edge otherwise and give you fits!
b) remember to point the muzzle down while loading and up when unloading. Most have a natural tendency to hold the gun more horizontal. Gravity is your friend when your trying to get them all to drop in ( or out) at one time.
c) Practice at home with dummy (!) rounds of similar weight. ( Make them up if you reload) I like to practice loading , grip control, target acquisition, dry firing ( Mother in Laws picture works well here:-) and unloading/dumping as if on the firing line. Start slow , work for consistency then build speed. It's not 100% accurate training but takes a bit of the blundering out of the process when on the range.

hth
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Old 03-09-2010, 10:02 AM
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sw44spl sw44spl is offline
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the model 15 is a sweet shooting gun enjoy.
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617, combat masterpiece, crimp, k frame, masterpiece, model 15

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