Came across a really nice looking Model 15-3 .38 from a retail store in my area that sells older guns, the guy sent me some pictures, no rust, nice blueing, only a tiny bit of wear around the muzzle otherwise gorgeous. Says lockup is tight. It is pinned, the serial number is 6K382XX. So not sure what the date for it would be. It's pinned so pre-1982 that's all I know. It really is a beautiful looking gun and he's asking a little over 550 for it. I'm really thinking I'll pick it up. Should I go for it? He's holding onto it for me until I get over and look it over. Here's a picture of it. I actually like the classic Model 10 best, at least for .38 spl, but the Model 15 reminds me so much of the Model 19's which I love. Going to check it out in person first, but it definitely looks like a catch to me. What do you guys think.

If it looks as good in person, locks up tight, and otherwise mechanically sound, I would go for it. I'm actually waiting on delivery of a 15-3 I just bought. Mine has the original magma stocks on it, seller stated it as a 1971, but I will check serial when I get it. 480+ship+FFL trans, I will be around 525. Good luck

Most likely dates from around Jun/Jul 1975. Nice gun!

Go for it. I have a 1970 Model 15-3 with matching stocks and the original box. Paid $575 for it and never looked back.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

Didn't somebody say once upon a time, "Just do it". I love mine & I don't believe you will regret your purchase.

Cory

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Cory
SWCA #3015 SWHF #465

Still thinking it over, was going to hold out for a Model 10, but this one looks really nice the seller at my request sent some pics of it without the grips and it's in fine condition everywhere that I can see. I think grips look original not sure. Is a little over 550 a fair deal? Going to look it over in person in a couple days.

I like my model 10 also, but if I had to pick...it would be the 15 every day of the week. Just has a better balance in the hand.

Cory

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Cory
SWCA #3015 SWHF #465

Stop "thinking it over" and go get it. $550 is a fair price for that revolver. They will never make any more like it and the Combat Masterpiece is as nice a .38 as there is.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Yea, everytime I see a nice p&r smith it's hard for me to resist. Ha.

Sounds like a "Go" to me!

Buy it!

I just picked one up recently for $400 that was in bad shape finish wise. Otherwise, was tight, had correct timing and no end shake and etc. There was surface rust inside and out and the lock works were filthy. Picked it up in a.m. and in p.m. it was on the way to Smith for a high polish refinish. Should cost me about another $300 but in the end I'll have a like new revolver. For what you've described and pictured for $550 is a deal - don't collect 200 as you pass go, buy it!!!

He's holding it for me. It's from Cabelas and the guy was really nice over the phone sent me a lot of detailed pictures of it. Going to look at it this weekend and if I like it I'll pick it up.

In my book, those stocks are a plus! See if you can get the price down some. That will make it better yet. Bob

I love Model 15s and have a couple. That looks like a nice one. $550 is probably the going rate. I bought a beater 15-6 for much less, but after re-blue I have that much in it.

Have a 15-3 too shoot it every week and will not ever sell it. Buy yours and use it

Yea I fell in love with this one. Haven't checked it out yet in person but plan on that in a couple days. I might try and get the price down a little, since it's a large retail store not sure if they would budge or not. Worth a try I guess. As of now I'm planning on getting it.

Let us know what you decide & post some photos from when you look at it here

Cory

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Cory
SWCA #3015 SWHF #465

Ok guys, full disclosure, I don't have a mod 15, and I made a comment on the 67 thread that I would not trade my 67 for 2 mod 15's. I apologize and I have put a mod 15 on my gun bucket list!!
SEMPER PARATUS

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NRA Life Member
CPO

The Model 15 Combat Masterpiece is one of my favorites,

If your interested in its evolution here is a link to a brief tracing of the changes (scroll down to post 26 to begin)

Some Combat Masterpiece eye candy

If you like Model 19's you'll like the Model 15. The 15 is a slightly lighter, more svelte gun. The barrel is tapered, vs the heavier barrel on the model 19. The 19 has the shrouded ejector rod, which the 15 does not have. The cylinder on the 19 is slightly longer than the 15.

To me they feel totally different. It's not that one feels better, just different. I go back and forth on which I like better. Since we're talking about the 15 right now, I like that one better.

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John 3:16 .

I love my 27s and would never sell them but when I walk a fence line in the pasture I have my old 1963 vintage model 15 with me.