S&W 15 2"

[Casehardn]

I have a chance to pick up a 2" model 15.
I believe it's a dash-3.

I currently own (and like) my Colt Det Spl.

How would you compare the two guns - disregarding size.
I'm aware of the frame difference.

I basically want to know if the Colt is everything the Smith is, or does the Smith offer something additional, I'm overlooking.

Price is around $400.

Appreciate your input. Thanks.

[wheelgun1958]

I'd say, other that the direction of rotation, they're about the same. $400 seems a bit high to me.

[NOTREDAME]

I don't have a Colt to compare it to, but my 15 is my favorite carry gun. Actually, in the last year, I have picked up 4 model 15's. Here is the -2 -3 Lnib and -4 which is my carry gun. It has an insert in the front sight and an action job with polished trigger and hammer. $400 would be a good price for a gun in good condition in my area.

[prescobd]

On advantage the S&W has over the Colt is the adjustable sights. This could also be a disadvantage, however, for concealed carry. Both great guns.

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I think that most people like the trigger pull, particularly DA, on a Smith a lot more than on a Colt. I am certainly one of them. However, there should be plenty of folks who feel the exact opposite. Let's just say that however you feel about "staging," you are NOT going to be surprised that you shot someone with a Colt used DA.

I'm pretty sure that accuracy is luck of the draw with both brands, although I have been unlucky with three 2" D frames, and VERY lucky with one 2" Model 15. The Rogers grips don't hurt any in that.

[ACP230]

I have a Colt Cobra and a two-inch M15.
I am thinking of getting rid of the Colt.
The M15 goes to the range almost every trip I make.

I like the sights on the Cobra better than any of those on my Smith snubnoses, but don't like the Colt trigger as much. The light weight of the Cobra makes it harder to shoot than the M15 also. Of course, that wouldn't be as much of a problem with a Detective Special.

[bronco45]

Colt d frames are fragile. 2,500rds of +P and then get them retimed. Anyone seen a Colt mechanic lately?

I have a beautiful DS but it has been relegated to trophy status. I carry a 60-4, 3" or a Ruger SP 2.25 with night sights.

I would go for the 15.

[S&W-Keeper]

$400 is not a bad price for a nice snubbie model 15,They are very accurate, you will think that you are shooting a 4".

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Originally Posted by S&W-Keeper

They are very accurate, you will think that you are shooting a 4".

This is not an exaggeration. My targets think that I am shooting a 4".

[Casehardn]

Thanks for all the input.
My Colt is light and accurate but I often wondered if the 15 would be stronger and I could put +p through the gun with less worries about frame stretching or timing problems.

[Pilgrim]

I can't tell you about shooting it, as I haven't shot my 15-3....nor has anyone else !

All I can say is, that it's a S&W revolver and they don't get any better than that.

[H Richard]

One of my favorite pistols. The weight, balance, smoothness of trigger, and accuracy are great. This is a 15-3 dating to June 1974. Group shot double action at 10 yards.

[revolvergeek]

My 2" 15 is one of the very few guns that I truly regret selling. It would shoot 1" at 50 feet with Remington factory wadcutters. It is somewhat bulkier to carry than the DS, but in my experience it generally will have a better trigger and easier to shoot.

[Frizzman]

I have a 2" M15-3 that I got about a year ago. I had been on the lookout for one of these for a good while. You don't see many of them around here. It was in excellent condition with original box and papers. I paid around $400 for it and considered it a reasonable price considering the condition.

I have a LNIB Colt DS from the last run of them on the early 1990's and an Agent(not the crude looking one) made in 1974. I don't consider them that comparable for me. The M15 seems a good bit heavier and more bulky. I like Colts and S&W's and the difference in the triggers is no big deal. I can shoot either one as well as the other. The S&W definitely has better sights. I find that the bit of extra heft makes it a bit easier to shoot well. I actually like the combo of the M15 with the alloy Agent as a BUG. I don't intend to get rid of any of them!

[Casehardn]

Not that I really need another gun, but you've all convinced me.
If it's still there tonight I'll pick it up.

Thanks for all the feedback.

[sw282]

si----------

[Casehardn]

Yes, the diamondback might be closer to the 15, but that's not the gun I currently own. Thanks to all who helped me understand the 15's strength and accuracy. Looks like a new addition to the safe is on the way.

I placed a down payment on the 15 -3 tonight.

Gun is in fantastic condition. Looking forward to going to the range.

[Casehardn]

Yes, the diamondback might be closer to the 15, but that's not the gun I currently own. Thanks to all who helped me understand the 15's strength and accuracy. Looks like a new addition to the safe is on the way.

I placed a down payment on the 15 -3 tonight.

Gun is in fantastic condition. Looking forward to going to the range.

[j38]

I believe you should buy the Model 15 so you can compare the two guns yourself. (This philosophy has cost me a lot of money over the years - but I'm not complaining one bit!)

Let us know what you think after taking both to the range.

Best of Luck,

Jerry

[Casehardn]

Picked up the 15-3 today. Serial number shows DOB of 1974.

Didn't get to range today as we are getting rain due that storm coming up the coast (my club range is outdoors with no cover).

What may be unique here is after I got the gun home and was examining it closely, I noticed the gun has a grooved target trigger.

The S&W hardcover guide says that 2 inch guns came with smooth triggers, but it also says "at least one 2" reported with serrated trigger but not verified."

Well, I guess I can verify that mine has the serrated trigger.
Maybe this is a rare gun? Anyone else out there with a 15 that has a 2 inch barrel and serrated trigger?

Finish is near mint with just a faint cylinder turn line.
Barrel looks super sharp inside. Case coloring is beautiful with purple, blue and straw tones on both trigger & hammer.

I'll try and post some pics later today.

[Casehardn]

Attached a few picks.
Sorry, not the best photographer.

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

It's not a target trigger, and the grooves, usually called serrations, are standard. What page # of what book told you different?

[Casehardn]

Originally Posted by Model520Fan

It's not a target trigger, and the grooves, usually called serrations, are standard. What page # of what book told you different?

Page 181 of the Smith & Wesson standard Guide 3rd ed.
Bottom paragraph on left side of page where they are describing the model 15.
Maybe I am misinterpreting "serrations" ?

[NOTREDAME]

The " serrated " trigger question has come up before, I read the same thing when I got my first 2" mod 15. I have a 15-3, 15-4 nickel that both have serrations on the trigger. I don't think it is anything special.

Nice looking gun,I hope you enjoy it. I just picked up a 15-5 2" today myself, it came with a smooth trigger.

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Originally Posted by Casehardn

Page 181 of the Smith & Wesson standard Guide 3rd ed.
Bottom paragraph on left side of page where they are describing the model 15.
Maybe I am misinterpreting "serrations" ?

Thank you for the source. I don't think you're misinterpreting anything. Furthermore, they say the same thing on page 133 of the 2nd edition. I'm still quite sure that they are wrong. Perhaps some of the more knowledgeable collectors will pipe up on this. Anyway, I have one of the "rare" ones, too.

[Casehardn]

Thanks for the info.
Have a great Labor Day Weekend!