Hello, I own a .38 s&w special model 15-3 which has a 2 inch pinned barrel and an adjustable rear sight. Swing arm is stamped MOD 15-3. Barrel is stamped 38 S. & W. SPL. Serial number on bottom of hand grip is K857XXX (last 3 numbers purposely omitted be me). Surface of firearm has bluing treatment. Condition is excellent. Just trying to find out year it was manufactured. Any help greatly appreciated. I would attach photos of my firearm but I'm having difficulty uploading them.

Chief Special and Model 15 are two completely different beasts. Assuming it is a Model 15 you are looking at early 1969 in all probability. If it is a Chief's Special it would not have a K prefix.

Thanks for the info. The barrel reads"38 S.&W. SPL". The swing arm that supports the ammo reads MOD 15-3. The wall thickness of the barrel which is pinned is 3/16 inches.

Welcome! Robert has the correct ID; a K frame model 15-3 also has the name of .38 Combat Masterpiece and the (smaller) J frame Chiefs Special was also called a model 36 after 1957.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

FightingIrish, your Model 15 Combat Masterpiece K frame has a six shot cylinder, the smaller Model 36 Chief’s Special J frame has a five shot cylinder.

Both are good guns. The M15 is more pleasant to shoot, the M36 is easier to carry and conceal.

I keep trying to attach photos but I'm still having no luck. I'm going to have to consult with one of my tech savvy friends for assistance. I will display it as soon as I can. Thank you all so much for your replies and knowledge.

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! There are video tutorials on how to post pictures in a sticky post in the Forum Office subforum.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

According to my database, most likely shipped Sep/Oct time frame 1969.