S & W model 15-2

WilyECoyote · #1 11-30-2021, 09:10 AM

Good day,

I am a newbie or rookie here. I just acquired a S & W model 15-2 serial number k773 and I was wondering what year it was made. Any other relevant information is welcome. Can I shoot modern day .38 +P? Or should I stick to just .38? The gun is blue in color and I am pretty sure it has a 4 inch barrel. Oh, sorry it is not for sale. Thanks WilyECoyote

Truckman · #2 11-30-2021, 09:24 AM

S/N K773 would make it a 1947 production year, which is unlikely for a model numbered gun...Is there more to the S/N?...Could you post a pic of the bottom of the grip frame?...

And welcome to the forum...

...Ben

WilyECoyote · #3 11-30-2021, 09:30 AM

Thanks for responding. I was told to never put the whole serial number in a thread for safety reasons. The serial number is k773xxx and has three numbers where the xxx is…Am I correct in not listing the whole serial number for safety purposes. Like I said I am a rookie here and just learning. Thanks, WilyECoyote…

Truckman · #4 11-30-2021, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WilyECoyote

Thanks for responding. I was told to never put the whole serial number in a thread for safety reasons.

I've noticed a lot of people who do that...I once did too, but now I don't because I see no reason for it...I post on Dodge/Cummins forums and don't bother hiding my VIN...What exactly is the danger?...

Your 15-2 was produced in 1967...It's one of my favorite Smiths...

...Ben

LittleCooner · #5 11-30-2021, 09:39 AM

Probably from late 1967 and yes it will be ok to shoot +p in the gun. Welcome to the forum .

PeteC · #6 11-30-2021, 09:41 AM

Second half of 1967. Congratulations on your purchase and welcome.

Targets Guy · #7 11-30-2021, 09:48 AM

I'm guessing May/June 1968.

K7770xx shipped 6/68
K7785xx shipped 5/68

WilyECoyote · #8 11-30-2021, 10:05 AM

Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond. I have read that the serial number will also be on the underside of one of the grips. I have not checked. Any truth to that? Also, did S & W keep yearly production numbers of different models produced? If so, does anyone have total 1967’s built? From my little research I’ve done is this one of the last production runs of the 15-2? Thanks again…WilyECoyote

Truckman · #9 11-30-2021, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WilyECoyote

Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond. I have read that the serial number will also be on the underside of one of the grips. I have not checked. Any truth to that?

If the grips are original to the gun, then yes on your particular revolver...The practice was eliminated in later years when hand fitting of stocks was discontinued...In a few scattered cases, the guns may have even been shipped with grips which bear a different number...Or in the case of guns shipped with target stocks, no number at all since hand fitting wasn't deemed necessary on the oversized lumber...

...Ben

WilyECoyote · #10 11-30-2021, 10:27 AM

Thanks again. Does anyone have the years that the different models (15-1, 15-2, 15-3, 15-4) were produced? I tried to find that information and was not successful.

Truckman · #11 11-30-2021, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WilyECoyote

Thanks again. Does anyone have the years that the different models (15-1, 15-2, 15-3, 15-4) were produced? I tried to find that information and was not successful.

I suggest a copy of Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 4th Edition (SCSW4)...You'll find it invaluable in the future...

...Ben

WilyECoyote · #12 11-30-2021, 12:13 PM

Thanks for information.