Adopted This Orphaned Model 15-3

[Fredo Batali]

Well I couldn't stand it any longer. My LGS has had this Model 15-3 on the shelf for a couple of months now. I posted about in the "Smithing" section and maybe on this section, can't remember. A previous owner used an electro-pencil and "engraved" a number on the side plate (case number?). I cold blued the number and it looks better I picked it up because the LGS knocked $100.00 off the asking price and I had a few spare mil-surp rifles in the safe and traded straight across (for both). The stocks number to the gun and SN: K837XXX puts it manufactured in 1968, according to SCSW. Here's a couple of photo's. It should be a good shooter and for what I have into it I can live with the defacing of the side plate. As a bonus I also picked up this HI Standard Sentinel .22, I couldn't pass it up

De Oppresso Liber





De Oppresso Liber

[jrs70]

Nice, both look like they will serve you well.

[sunnyd]

mod 15 is a great shooter, every body should own a few!

[Gun 4 Fun]

That makes a nice old shooter gun. If you can find a replacement side plate, you'll have a really nice old gun.

I have one very close to yours- K868XXX. Shipped in May '69. Picked it up a couple years ago for $235 at a LGS.

[Engine49guy]

Yes who cant resist a solid shooter grade Model 15 ?
I just picked up a nice shooter 15-2 for $200 with wide TT/TH
in the K-7864xx range probably a 1968, had beat non diamond Magnas now wearing walnut targets.

Im guessing Gun 4 Fun had a typo n meant May 68,

[Warren Sear]

Sideplates are not interchangeable. There is a slim-to-zero chance of a different sideplate fitting right, and fitting a new one is a very difficult task.

I would just leave the side plate as-is, and leave bad enough alone.

It is still an excellent revolver.

[Gun 4 Fun]

Originally Posted by Engine49guy

Yes who cant resist a solid shooter grade Model 15 ?
I just picked up a nice shooter 15-2 for $200 with wide TT/TH
in the K-7864xx range probably a 1968, had beat non diamond Magnas now wearing walnut targets.

Im guessing Gun 4 Fun had a typo n meant May 68,

Yes, I just came back and saw that and fixed it before scrolling on down to see your post. Thanks for mentioning it though. A dash 3 in '60 would be a rare treasure now wouldn't it?

It was shipped in May '69

[Gun 4 Fun]

Originally Posted by Warren Sear

Sideplates are not interchangeable. There is a slim-to-zero chance of a different sideplate fitting right, and fitting a new one is a very difficult task.

I would just leave the side plate as-is, and leave bad enough alone.

It is still an excellent revolver.

Warren- I know of more than one guy that has replaced a side plate without too much trouble at all. A couple have posted on this site about doing it as well.

[Art Doc]

I could not live with that. I know from past experience that I would never be happy with a gun marred like that. Wear doesn't bother me, but names and numbers crudely engraved on a gun makes my skin crawl.

It's a great gun and if you can overlook the flaw it will serve you well.

[RonS]

I wonder how much it would cost to have S&W fit a side plate and refinish that?

I did that once with a Mossburg shotgun, someone had put a number on the side of an alloy frame. I sanded and stoned it flat and then wrote them a letter and asked how much it would cost to have them run it through the tanks. (This was in the 70's) The cost was minimal and it looked like new after they were done. If they had declined I would have painted it or something, I can't remember if Brownells had Aluminahyde back then or not.

[steamloco76]

I'd be tempted to sand the side plate even though it would mess-up the S&W logo. Sanded, polished and re-blued would be less obnoxious than the electro-pencil engraving. I have a couple guns people engraved, two are done with a state driver's license # under the grips one the flat of the grip frame-not bad, the other is a pistol with the owners initials crudely scratched onto the butt by the mag well.

The worst abomination I've witnessed in person was a 1970's production 6 inch Colt Python with BRUCE IV deeply hand letter punched into the barrel. Filled in with white paint too. Some peoples kids!

[jimmyj]

Hi:
The "Numbers" appear to be a social security number.
However I have seen officers scratch a case number on a firearm also.
If it was my firearm I would cold blue the numbers and use "as is".

[Zipdog]

A scotch brite wheel on a die grinder will take that right off.
I did it once before and no scratches were left. No it won't
come out perfect but will look lots better.

[policerevolvercollector]

You are good guy , Batali for taking in those homeless refugees!!

[OIF2]

I had a Smith scratched up like that awhile back...I dropped it off (entire gun) at the factory and they refinished the sideplate (only). Wasn't expensive and it didn't take too long. If you had to have a mark like that, it's in a good spot for removal; the S&W emblem isn't ruined, either.
Bob

[kaaskop49]

What's the matter, Fredo? Couldn't find any guns to buy up that I might want? Stay safe partner.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

[jimmib]

I have had a 15-3 for over 20 years and never get tired of shooting it...enjoy it not matter what you end up doing with it

[Fredo Batali]

I tell you what, I've cleaned out the LGS I haunt regularly. Only things left are Rossi and Taurus revolvers, one lonely Model 10-14, and a bunch of plastic. I'd probably have the 10-14 except it has no box or key for the lock. If it were to lock up then what? Think I'll' pass on that one. I hit the number on the Model 15 with cold blue again a few minutes ago and I'm good to go, I'll leave it as is and shoot beedweedle out it...

De Oppresso Liber

[BJoe]

You had a good day Bub. Congrats!

Bob

[Wee Hooker]

Model 15's are such classics! Really the perfect and classic 38 spl in my mind. Enjoy!

[Jaymo]

15s should be a prerequisite to owning any other firearms.