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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 07-03-2017, 08:46 PM
Scottastic Scottastic is offline
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Default 15-2 Price

While breaking my new 686 out of jail, I saw a beautiful 15-2 on display for $650. It looks brand new, frankly. Original blue, zero scratches and great shape. Walnut service grips.

Are they asking a fair price?
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Old 07-03-2017, 09:23 PM
TX-Dennis TX-Dennis is offline
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My Dad has a nickel 15-2 that he paid $25 for. Nice gun. Of course, he bought it from a friend about 40 years ago.

The price sounds a little high to me, but if it's really as new it might be worth it. Most I've seen have gone for $400 or thereabouts in average condition.

Last edited by TX-Dennis; 07-03-2017 at 09:26 PM.
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Old 07-03-2017, 09:27 PM
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How long is the barrel? Shorter is worth more.

Where are you located? That can make a significant difference.

Last edited by Rpg; 07-03-2017 at 09:31 PM.
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Old 07-03-2017, 09:29 PM
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Quote:
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How long is the barrel? Shorter is worth more.

Where are you located? That can make a significant difference.
Forgot to say, it's a 4". I'm in California so everything is more expensive here.
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Old 07-03-2017, 09:32 PM
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It does seem high to me. You did not mention if box & papers come with it. Bob
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Old 07-03-2017, 09:39 PM
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4" is good, value wise in CA, from what I understand of the market there. I'm not there, so I'm judging third hand.

You won't find many in pristine condition.

Some might fuss over $50.00-$75.00 but you have to factor the opportunity cost: how many miles and years of looking will it take to find another? How badly do you want it?

If it was a 2", it's a good price anywhere.
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Old 07-03-2017, 09:51 PM
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Quote:
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4" is good, value wise in CA, from what I understand of the market there. I'm not there, so I'm judging third hand.

You won't find many in pristine condition.

Some might fuss over $50.00-$75.00 but you have to factor the opportunity cost: how many miles and years of looking will it take to find another? How badly do you want it?

If it was a 2", it's a good price anywhere.
I had an immediate emotional reaction to it, because on first glance I thought it might be a 19. Been trying to replace my dad's old 4" 19 for 6 years and it's tough here. Can't have it shipped must be a local private party transfer. When I realized it was a 15 I was slightly disappointed but it's darn close to what I wanted.

Since 15-2s are over 50 years though I DO have the option have having those shipped to me.
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Old 07-03-2017, 10:13 PM
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Quote:
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It does seem high to me. You did not mention if box & papers come with it. Bob
Not to my knowledge no
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Old 07-03-2017, 10:18 PM
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It's not a 19, but for practical purposes a 15 is as good: most folks use 38special almost exclusively in their 19's.

The 15 is a delightful revolver. I shoot mine much more than my 19s.

Being able to have it shipped to you adds value: convenience is worth something.
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Old 07-03-2017, 10:27 PM
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Quote:
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It's not a 19, but for practical purposes a 15 is as good: most folks use 38special almost exclusively in their 19's.

The 15 is a delightful revolver. I shoot mine much more than my 19s.

Being able to have it shipped to you adds value: convenience is worth something.
Well in this case it's even more convenient, it's already nearby 😜
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Old 07-04-2017, 09:18 AM
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Maybe a tad high?...after you shoot it, you will forget the price! Love mine...add some target grips and you got a dandy.....I always dicker on price anyway.....
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Old 07-04-2017, 11:32 AM
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I would say in the condition you describe and 4" the price is about right. Not a smoking deal but fair. May want to offer $100 less and negotiate from there.
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Old 07-04-2017, 11:42 AM
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I paid $696 (out the door) in late 2015 on the Model 15-3 4" in the picture (top). Bought at local auction with winning bid of $575. Tax and 15% buyers premium added.

They are sweet revolvers. Some think the best that S&W made.
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Old 07-04-2017, 11:59 AM
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One more item. On a 15-2 the original grips would be serial numbered to the revolver. Right hand grip underneath. Original grips add value. If grips are period correct but not numbered to it that would be a good negotiating point.
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Old 07-04-2017, 12:58 PM
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Quote:
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One more item. On a 15-2 the original grips would be serial numbered to the revolver. Right hand grip underneath. Original grips add value. If grips are period correct but not numbered to it that would be a good negotiating point.
Thanks for the tip! They are the original grips, but they are the one part of the firearm that doesn't look pristine. The medallions are tarnished and the wood needs some oil.
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Old 07-04-2017, 01:37 PM
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With that California pricing I would hold off if you are really jonesing for a Model 19. If it were cheaper I would say buy it and use it as trade bait for a M19. Part of my reasoning is because the Model 19 is my favorite S&W revolver, and I really like shooting 158gr magnums in them. There is something very satisfying about the way magnum rounds feel when fired through a 4in K-frame. Nice thump without being painful at all.

Last edited by JohnRippert; 07-04-2017 at 01:40 PM.
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Old 07-04-2017, 03:43 PM
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Quote:
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With that California pricing I would hold off if you are really jonesing for a Model 19. If it were cheaper I would say buy it and use it as trade bait for a M19. Part of my reasoning is because the Model 19 is my favorite S&W revolver, and I really like shooting 158gr magnums in them. There is something very satisfying about the way magnum rounds feel when fired through a 4in K-frame. Nice thump without being painful at all.
Thanks for this. This is where I was leaning, which is why I really wanted to know if it was a good deal. Hopefully it won't take me another 6 years to find one!
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Old 07-04-2017, 04:46 PM
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As further incentive, or at least to give you something to drool over, here is a 19-2 that is a B-day gun for me.



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Old 07-04-2017, 05:11 PM
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Across the border in Nevada, in my neighborhood it would cost $550ish maybe a little more to make it yours. Considering your location, that's probably a good price. And you may go a long time to find another one in as good a condition.
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Old 07-04-2017, 05:51 PM
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Quote:
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As further incentive, or at least to give you something to drool over, here is a 19-2 that is a B-day gun for me.



I would do unspeakable things for that. Beautiful!
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Old 07-04-2017, 06:17 PM
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Every time price comes up on the older guns, posters say it's "a tad high."

Why?

If the Model 15 is mint, compare it to a new gun from Smith, most of which are north of $700.

And, while boxes and papers are nice, they really don't mean
anything except to the uber collector who gets something and then puts it away for a decade.

Considering the price of a meal or other things which last only
for a short time, that Model 15, even if shot extensively by the new owner, will still be worth more in usefulness and giving
satisfaction.
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Old 07-04-2017, 06:45 PM
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Quote:
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Thanks for the tip! They are the original grips, but they are the one part of the firearm that doesn't look pristine. The medallions are tarnished and the wood needs some oil.
When the condition of the stocks doesn't match the condition of the gun's finish that shouts "look closer" to me. A pristine original finish gun should have stocks to match. Are you sure it is not a refinish? Good luck.

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Old 07-06-2017, 06:45 PM
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I bought my best Model 15 (circa 1964 and pristine except for slight muzzle wear) for $500 when all was said and done. That was about 2 years ago. I live in the midwest, but the gun was being sold on the east coast.
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Old 07-06-2017, 07:58 PM
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Was in my local antique and collectable gun store today. Stop in every couple of weeks to see what is new. In the case was a pinned barrel Model 15, 4" in nickel. Price was $690. It looked nice.
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Old 07-06-2017, 08:33 PM
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I believe UncleEd has explained this as well as can be explained. I will add that:
1. These revolvers will never be made like this again....EVER.
2. The Model 15 Combat Masterpiece is one of the best revolvers ever made. The best Service Revolver ever made.
3. They are indicative of the craftsman art at Smith and Wesson.
I wish I had been able to see it. I would not be typing this. I would be crowing about the Great Purchase of a great revolver that I made!!!
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Old 07-06-2017, 10:25 PM
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I recently picked up a 15-3, in LNIB condition, paperwork and tools in the blue box. The craftsmanship on this revolver *will never be repeated again*. It is a work of art.

I paid a little less for mine than 600 bucks. But new S&W revolvers are going for much more than 600 bucks (closer to a grand now), and the new ones are NO WHERE NEAR the craftsmanship of the old ones.

If someone were to make a model 15, today, just like they made them in the 60's and 70's, I would guess it would cost 2,000 dollars (just like the custom 1911's with tool steel parts).
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Old 07-07-2017, 10:02 PM
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If you can afford it, go for it. If it is a stretch, wait for a 19. Like others have alluded to, I would rather have an older S&W in very good condition than a new made revolver (of course, I would rather have a NIB older one!). It is an investment in an asset that will pay dividends at the range and provide pleasure of ownership. You can't really find that very much anywhere anymore.
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Old 07-07-2017, 10:29 PM
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Offer $600 and if they don't accept the offer, see if they will let you place it on lay-a-way. If they don't accept that, then tell them that you are really looking for a Mod. 19 and ask them to call you if they get on in for resale.

Build your relationship with the LGS and it will pay dividends. Just my $0.02 worth.
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Old 07-08-2017, 06:48 AM
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I've got one of each. A 15-2 and a 19-4, and have probably owned a dozen or more of them over the years. I'd be hard pressed to say which one I like best. But there is more to the difference than just the different chambering. The 15 is a little lighter, a little more svelte than the 19. It has a more tapered barrel, and a slightly shorter cylinder and lacks the ejector rod shield. To me it just feels a little better.

Model 15-2



Of course the older diamond targets may account for some if not a lot of that difference. They're not quite as thick or as flared at the bottom as the targets on the 19.

Model 19-4



Well, to be honest, I go back and forth on which I like best. I think it just depends on which I last handled. However, it would be hard for me to pass up on a really nice Model 15 to wait for a 19. I think I'd grab the 15, and keep looking.
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Old 07-08-2017, 02:53 PM
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I've got one of each. A 15-2 and a 19-4, and have probably owned a dozen or more of them over the years. I'd be hard pressed to say which one I like best. But there is more to the difference than just the different chambering. The 15 is a little lighter, a little more svelte than the 19. It has a more tapered barrel, and a slightly shorter cylinder and lacks the ejector rod shield. To me it just feels a little better.

I find it interesting the way people have such a wide variation in their interest for the same things. The reason I like the Model 19 over the Model 15 is the heavy barrel, lug over the ejector rod and the extra wight from the longer cylinder and everything else above.

I agree with you about the grips. I prefer the slightly smaller profile on the earlier diamond targets as well.

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Old 07-08-2017, 09:08 PM
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I paid $485 for a immaculate Model 15-2 back in 2014. No box, but the gun was flawless. I'm in PA, so the prices here would tend to be lower than out in CA. My Model 15 was so much fun to shoot I went out and bought a Model 67 to keep it company. They're the perfect compromise between my Model 10-5 and Model 19-7.
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