I would like to start a thread again, last one in 2011 I think, about a 15-3 with a 6" barrel, SN 5K37732. I realize there are none in the book but I've always said "never say never." When I asked for a ship date, Mr. Jinks stated "interesting gun." It did leave the factory in December, 1973. So now his comment has piqued my curiosity and I'll send off for a letter. Wonder if anyone has ever run into a Model 15-3, not the later known 15 with a 6" barrel, but this earlier possibility?

Gun has rounded service stocks numbered correctly, patridge sight. I'm attaching a couple of pictures for you to look at.

Thanks in advance for your comments.

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	15-3 One.jpg (79.2 KB, 341 views)
	15-3 Two.jpg (80.2 KB, 317 views)

Interesting gun...

The only factory six inch 15 that I've seen is my 15-6. Sounds like getting the letter is the right thing to do. If Roy told me that I had an "interesting gun" I'd certainly be sending for the letter. Don't forget to get back to us when you receive it. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

What front sight does it have?

Gun has rounded service stocks numbered correctly, patridge sight.

As a 15-3, I bet it started life as a 2" barrel gun. Look at the rear sight. It extends all the way to the front end of the frame. The rear sight on that revolver is longer than the standard K-frame rear sight. Also the top of the frame at the front is squared off like the 2". It is even more square than a 14. It may have been a special order but the frame started out being intended as a 2".

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S&WCA 1729

My guess would be a special order. Rather strange, since if you wanted a KT .38 Special with a 6" barrel and Patridge sight at that time, the easiest thing in the world would be simply to buy a Model 14-3.

Not too long ago, Roy answered a date request for me on a .32-20 by saying, "interesting order." I lettered it and was very glad I did. Go for it and let us know what you find out.

I will note that we have had a few other "Model 15-x" guns show up with 6" barrels. Always (IIRC) in the past Roy had determined that they left the factory with 4" barrels. Apparently not this one.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

I am tennexplore on this one

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213th FBINA

Jack, it does seem strange. Makes no sense actually. But, I'm sticking with "never say never" until the letter arrives.

Thanks

Nice catch. I was thinking the same thing based on the rear sight length and lack of step down of the frame toward the barrel.

Here's my 2" Mdl 15 that was converted to a 4" Smolt; looks similar.

I have a 2" and a 4" 15-3, but all my 6" are either K38's or Mod 14's. I had one gun that i got a ship date from Roy that he said "That's an interesting gun, you should letter it". I did, and found it was a one gun special order for a test gun for the Swedish Air Force, (Mod 39). Glad I did letter it.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Wow, that is pretty exciting. I'm crossing my fingers. Holy cow!

I owned a 6" Model 15 some years back. I don't recall the dash number but I think it had a ramp front sight. Emphasis on THINK, in other words I am not sure. It's been many years.

My 2" Model 15-3 has the extended rear sight ramp that goes all the way to the barrel as show in the OP's photos.

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15 snub 1_edited.jpg (137.1 KB, 113 views)

My bet is a 2" converted, Ive done several like that and changed several back to 4" guns for officers. The 2" frames topstrap is even thicker than a model 14, so it leaves a little step down to the barrel. That and the sight are the giveaways. Factory may have done it but they started with a frame from a 2" model. They all shot great and the longer barrels look nice on the gun.

Thanks for all the replies. Will be interesting to see how it letters. Jink's comment has me hopeful.

Since I do long distance accuracy have changed most guns barrel's longer. I have a M-15 with a NOS 8 3/8 had changed, simple thing.

A firearms dealer up the coast from Sydney has a 6" barreled model 15. Nit sure on the Dash series.

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IMG_1337.JPG (105.6 KB, 243 views)

Thanks Doug, I think we all know that.

Here is a follow-up to my post regarding the Model 15-3 with 6" barrel. I got the letter today from S&W. This revolver was shipped from the factory on 12/3/1973 with a SIX INCH barrel. It was purchased by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Nashville, TN.

So I guess the question now is.....were there more than just one??????

I'm excited for you, Steve!! Glad to see this one lettered as correct and with LEO background!!
Congrats!!
Hank

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Hank
SWCA 2945

Cool find. Does it have the untapered barrel of a model 14, and if so without looking at the model stamp would you guess it is a model 14?

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

This past weekend, at a gun show in Indiana, I bought a Model 14 4 inch. It’s a 98-99% gun, in the box, with Target grips, hammer, and trigger. I asked Roy for the ship date, which was July 1958, and his comment was “neat gun”. I think we all know when Roy comments “neat gun” or “interesting gun”, it’s something other than the norm. I sent for the letter today.

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SWHF #691