I picked up this "experienced" 15-6 about a year ago from my favorite local G&P. I wasn't really in the market for one but for $280 OTD I couldn't pass it up. The story is that it was originally an Alabama Department of Corrections firearm, but I have no way to confirm that. I did talk to one gentleman who said that the prison system used the mdl. 15 until the early 90s, so it's entirely possible.

It's a pretty standard 15, except for the 720 stamped on the left side. To me it looks like factory bluing on the numbers, but I could be wrong. Anyone have an idea of what the numbers are for? Maybe an inventory number or something?

The last photo is after some elbow grease and with a set of aftermarket target great grips.

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Probably an inventory number. Nice 15!

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Pine_Worker
Ex-LEO, NRA Life

My 15-3 was a Spokane Police trade in. Right where your number is mine is stamped Spokane Police Dept. No. 671. If you didn't know better it looks factory. I think that's a popular spot to engrave or stamp inventory #s.

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The best I can with what I got

WOW! For $280 I would have taken it with an engraving of a clown upside down on a unicycle.

Nice revolver, love the story behind it.

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aka "Mooncat"

You have asked and answered all in one..

Congratulations on picking up a nice and usable model 15!

It also looks to have cleaned up well. No doubt in warmer times a range report may be forthcoming.

Might you tell us the maker and general source of the grips .

Oh trust me - it's been to the range many times! It's a hoot to pop clay birds on a berm at 40 yd.s, pushing 148 grn. wadcutters through it.

The grips came from a vendor on Flea Bay. Don't remember the seller's name, but he's from Indonesia and makes grips for a multitude of handguns. His work is really good and prices are very reasonable.

Great deal! Those grips are very nice, really make the revolver "pop".

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Kevin in Oregon

Is that a heavy barrel? Looks like a straight profile and wide rib.

Excuse my ignorance, but what would be considered a heavy barrel? It does not have a taper to it, if that is what would make it one.

Straight, untapered and larger diameter. The rib is wider, as on a model 19.

The heavy barrel model 15's are highly desired around these parts.

My model 15 in the photo has the usual skinny barrel.

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Then yes, it is a Heavy Barrel. Thanks for letting me know!

Those 4 inch model 15 heavy barrels are "special" as there were not very many in comparison to the light barrels. I'm not much into model 15s, except the old Illinois 5 inch pre 15 I have, so don't know much about them.
If you post the serial number, there are some folks here that are very knowledgeable about them. If you want to really know the history, a letter will tell you when and where it shipped.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

I honestly didn't think this was anything special - just a good shooter grade 4" K frame. I'll get the ser. no. tonight and post it to see what additional info anyone can provide. Now I'm curious what a letter might show.

The serial number is BHP1833. Would anyone be kind enough to provide me with an approximate ship date?

1992. Most of the later production 15's have the heavy barrel. At least all the ones I've seen.

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Centennial Every Day