Hello I have been looking at a lot of threads trying to soak up info on my new model 15 stub nose. My dad has had it since about 77, the gun was made in 75. Its in great shape but has normal holster wear on it, so im gonna try to have a local gunsmith re-blue it for me.

But I do have a question. The other day I was inspecting it and noticed there is a bit of play in the firing pin. Now this gun hasnt been fired in about 15 years. Its been a bed side gun forever, so its always been in a holster and oiled. But what could cause this to happen, since it hasnet been fired a great deal? Is there anything I can do to repair this?

Ok last question. Can this gun handle +P rounds? My dad got a 77 model 64-1 N and that is how I got this pistol. The guy he bought it from gave him all his ammo he had for the pistol. So if he was firing +P outta that one will mine be able to handle it as well? Thanks for the help, im gonna be a S&W revolver junkie now. Oh well. =)

Hi, and welcome. If you are referring to a slight up and down movement in the firing pin with light pressure, that is normal. It is fine for as many +P .38s as your wallet can feed it.

If you are looking to have it refinished, consider sending it back to the factory. Hope this is helpful, and enjoy!

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Thanks Murphy, glad thats normal. It had me worried a lil bit. Thats great about the +P's too, cant wait to shoot this thing again. Ive missed it for so long, Sat will be a great day.

We'd all like to see pictures. If you are going to shoot it, and or carry it, I'd suggest holding off on the re-blue for a bit. If you do it now and then put a scratch in it you'll regrets spending that $250.

You can always get it done later

Honest holster wear is actually good looking. It shows it is a working-man's revolver.

Slight movement in the pin is normal.
Personally, I would not reblue any classic Smith for 2 reasons:
1. I happen to admire the look and history of a nice worn gun (especially if it was my dad's).
2. You reduce the collectors value when you refinish.

+P is fine in any "Numbered" series S&W 38.
Just be sure to practice with what you intend to carry.
Just my opinion: Shot placement trumps the slight rise in velocity.

If your a newbie to shooting a revolver you might want to start out with 148gn wadcutters. Super accurate, cheaper than +P, and you won't pick up bad habits from excessive recoil (not that +P 38 is that bad).
Try a few boxes of 148gr wadcutters and enjoy watching her go to work.

Welcome to revolvers. Say good-bye to bent-over brass hunting and stovepipes.

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Jon

yeah i vote on the not reblueing it and leaving it as is.

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God save the SOUTH

You're going to enjoy shooting your 15, they are absolutely wonderful guns. As to bluing, I wouldn't have anybody but the factory or Fords do it, were I to have it done. Refinishing it will, in any case, decrease its value (unless it really looks terrible); however, the factory and Fords both have the equipment and experience to do the job right - the last thing you want is a gun that has been buffed improperly for a re-blue with rounded edges, blurred edges on the roll marks and lettering, and, possibly, wavy lines on larger flat areas, or dished parting lines between the side plate and frame, or around screw holes. The cost of a factory re-blue is not bad, and Fords is just a little higher, but both offer works of art! Especially considering it was your Dad's gun, it is worth having it done right, should you decide to have it re-blued. Enjoy that little shooter!

Don't reblue Dude. Just take it easy and enjoy how well your 15, in like its current condition, really ties the room togeather.

You may pick up on the idea here that most folks will tell you to not re-blue the gun. I agree. Don't lose that history. If it were my father's, it would be to do it. Shoot that sucker and enjoy it. Take care.

Dude, its your dads gun. First of all promise all of us you will never sell it; it is a family gun, keep it that way. Second, don't refinish it. Some day you will value every mark he put on it because HE put those marks on it. Add your marks and pass it down to your son or daughter.. repeat as necessary.

Don't reblue it. Worn guns are cool. Don't ruin that character earned from 35 yrs of bedside duty. Respect Dad's gun!!

I will add another reason not to reblue it: there is a strong possibility that you will find that gun both very accurate and very easy to carry. You may end up carrying it so much that you will put a bit of cosmetic wear on it, and be back where you started only missing the price of refinishing. I bought one very inexpensively, and it is one of my favorite guns. I have added slightly to the holster wear.

I agree on the stovepipes, but if someone is practicing to use a gun in a defensive manor, they need to practice for real (speed reloads, dumping brass on the ground and not in your hand).

I remember some fellows in California in the early 70s taught all of us a lesson, too bad they paid the price in the process.

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I miss my 4546 the most.