Im new here---- have a question regarding the Model.15.

Am I right to assume that the Model 15 never came with the larger target style grips, or was there a run from the S&W factory that had the larger target grips right out of the box. I have never seen one yet whether it be unfired or NIB or old new stock with target grips.

From the factory with magnas; unless special request from the customer. Same goes for target trigger and hammer.

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John

I bought one new in the early 80's with the "three T's". No special order, just on sale at a shop in Rapid City, South Dakota. Do I have to say that I wish I still had it? Don't care about value, it was just a fine shooting handgun, with a very good straight from the box action.

They weren't normally shipped with target stocks but it happened. I've seen them. When I say that I mean I've seen them factory-fresh in the box back in the late 70's when I worked in a gun store. But only a couple out of the many we sold.

A "Special Order" didn't necessarily come from an individual. A distributor or a dealer could request one with 3T. But the target stocks were not standard on this model.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Although not a factory option, factory combats also work on the 15/67.

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213th FBINA

I have seen plenty of the triple "T's" and always assumed they came from the factory but that's why I come to this site is to learn something new. Perhaps it is that these 15's are considered so accurate that folks wanted to dress them up with target accessories, I will take one any ole way and until things went bat **** crazy you could pick one up in 98% condition for $500 and now I seldom see them for under $700-800 and the supply is less than 50% of what it use to be, good thing you got yours.

This Model 15-2 came from the factory with TT and TH, but with Magna stocks. The GA targets are from a Model 19, but I still have the original Magna stocks and the box for this one, which was a gift from my dad before he passed away.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

While not standard, anyone could order them with target stocks at a slight upgrade.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I've been thinking about this some more; once the magnum mania hit in the 70's, S&W was probably making more target triggers, hammers, and stocks, so had more on hand. And customers who couldn't get or afford model 29's, probably liked the look on guns like the model 15's.

The M15 is one of S&W's finest efforts. I carried one on duty for 7 or 8 years. I have 4 or 5 of them now , and 1 M67. Always have an eye open for a nice 15

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

I bought this 15-2 made in 1965 about 20 years ago.

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I purchased several new revolvers from MAYCO in Triangle, VA.
They had supplies of stocks, hammers, and triggers and set them up the way I wanted 3Ts.
Believe their supplies may have come from Evaluators LTD.

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

Back in the day, most well stocked shops had a display with Target grips and hammers and triggers on the counter. Some also had rear sight assemblies. It was regular practice for us "Blue Suits" to remove the stock magnus and put on a pair of target stocks (later, goodyears) and leave the factory grips with the dealer. Until the early 2000s it was common for a shop to have a big box of takeoff grips some place in the shop (they weren't worth much back then) Also many of us had the shop replace the trigger and hammer with targets ( later combat triggers) or did it our self. Easy job if you know how. I still have 8 or 10 stock triggers in my parts box in the gun room.

Would you say the 15 is a better pistol than the heavy barrel model 10's? I am into "service revolvers" that is where I steer my collecting efforts towards....I am new to all this shows you how much I know but the collection is growing.....I started about 3 years ago and I am really enjoying this.

I have a model: 10-5 4" with original box 98% plus--bought from a retired
policeman
10-8 4" MINT no box ---this one came in the shop
15 4" with box 98% Plus
19 4" 99% with box

I work at a gun shop so things trickle in sometimes, I put another model 15 on layaway the other day that is a strong 96% this one had target trigger, hammer and the target grips--which is why I asked about whether or not these came with target grips--I took them off and they were not numbered to to pistol. I guess this one will be a shooter.
I managed to snag a really nice vintage S&W police .38 dump pouch a few weeks back ---always looking for vintage S&W service holsters and pouches---I am discovering these are not easy finds, especially in minty condition.
Always looking forward to feedback and knowledge here------ You guys are awesome...!!!!

To me, the 15 feels much better in the hand with a nice set of targets.

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Target stocks were not numbered. The only exceptions were on early Combat Magnum revolvers, but that stopped rather quickly. So, whether the stocks on this gun are original probably can't be determined. Even if a letter shows it shipping with targets, you can't be sure whether that pair is actually original, although the odds would be high that it was.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

I have LONG been a real fan of the Model 15's. In fact, the whole Masterpiece series have long had my admiration.

I picked this up from a friend who bought it at our local club sale table four or five years ago. He (and I) paid $275.00 for it. It was and is nearly perfect:



I gifted it to my youngest son and his wife for home protection. They both shoot it quite well, too. Sean is an accomplished handgunner and his wife does quite well, too.

Using the proper ammunition, these fine guns do excellent work in the Field, also. There is probably not a better edible small game handgun to be had when properly loaded. I prefer and handcast full charge wadcutter (my preference is a a #50 original H&G four cavity mold ahead of 3.5 grs. of Bullseye. Pleasant to shoot, does not blast your ears off and does EXCELLENT work! One shot stops on sitting Grouse, cottontails, snow shoe rabbits, and squirrels as well. That load is highly rated as a self defense round if you don't mind shooting reloads for self defense. The pictured RF Lee 158 gr bullet, works quite well also, and at the longer ranges does better than the W/C past 50 yards.

Just a thought or two...
Dale53

P.S. Note: this particular revolver has target hammer, trigger, and grips, as issued. Our local police department was a competitive shooting department during the years they carried these. I cannot swear to it, but I believe they were ordered this way for our local PD. However, as you can see, this particular revolver was issued to the Orange County, California Sheriffs Dept.rdm

Love the non-relieved diamond targets!

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

I've owned this 15-4 for a long time. Of my 1/2 dozen or so range revolvers, it has the finest trigger.

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John

Someone on this forum liked them better than I did.

The heavy bbl M10/64, are fine guns, but with a 15 you get the adjustable sights. I have only one model 10 left, a 1968 2", and it is because it is minty as you say. One of the best shooting guns I ever had was a M65 with fixed sights

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

I carried a Model 15 on duty. Also competed in PPC, Duty Match, with it. One of the nicest 36 caliber revolvers to shoot. Just looked for a photo and can not find one. Until I get one, imagine a well loved Model 15-? with butchered target stocks on it!

Kevin

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Unshared knowledge is wasted.

I have 15-3 marked the same as yours OR.CO.CAL heck of a good shooter, I remember when i bought it talked the LGS guy down because of the stamp. couple years ago $400 out the door.