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S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers


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  #101  
Old 10-14-2013, 08:55 PM
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All I have to say is, I like any thread about model 15s.

The cute SP, shown with the garrison belt at Lackland, looks like a girl I dated in my early 20s.
About 20 years after that pic was probably taken, though.
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  #102  
Old 10-14-2013, 10:27 PM
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Originally Posted by DWalt View Post
Looks like there are a good many former SFs here. Up until about 5 years ago, I worked at the USAF Gunsmith Shop at Lackland AFB, on the Medina Training Annex. One of my projects which I was not happy about at the time was converting, I think, 10 or 12 of those nice revolvers for ceremonial use by honor guards. That involved welding the barrels, and also welding together the internal parts to make them inoperative. I don't remember any of them having USAF markings. I seem to remember they were shipped to Lackland from Anniston Depot, so it's possible they could have come from another service. All were in excellent condition, except the magna grip panels (they were the type with diamonds) on most required refinishing.

By the way, the picture above may have been taken at Lackland, but I can't think of any view from any of the Lackland gates in my memory looking like that, either at main base or the annex. It does look like there is a static aircraft display on the left side, and there is something similar inside the Medina gate, so it could have been there - but I doubt it. Possibly the Valley Hi gate? Things do change over the years and the view could have been much different back when the picture was taken, as Lackland has changed a great deal. It's officially not even Lackland AFB now - It's Joint Base - Lackland, as all of the San Antonio bases have been consolidated under BRAC - Lackland, Randolph, Fort Sam Houston, and Camp Bullis. Brooks AFB and Kelly AFB no longer exist as military facilities.
I know this post is old DWalt, but wondered if you remember Bob Day, I was at Wilford Hall in March of 1997 with my Dad, who was having an adult Stem Cell transplant, God Bless the United States Air Force, and fine Doctors, Nurses, and in particular a Civilian Social Worker, who supported patients and their families, (I am an Air Force Brat), and proud of it. My Dad's Dr. was a Red Headed Major, sadly I don't remember his name, but his love and respect for my Dad was a tangible blessing and encouragement to my DAD, he sent him home to the BOQ, just to get him out of the hospital for a day. I will forever be gratefull as he live another 5 years, thanks to his transplant. Anyway, I drove around San Antone, and found Bob's shop, but he was out that day. billymagg
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  #103  
Old 10-15-2013, 02:10 AM
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Originally Posted by jonesy814 View Post
My dad was in the Air Force from 1952 - 1972. He worked in the air to air missile field from the early 60's til retirement. In 1967 we were station in Goose Bay Labrador, where my dad was a senior master sergeant with nuclear missiles under his control. He was issued a S&W snub nose .357. He cant remember what model it was, and I was only 4 and don't remember it. He said almost no one could qualify with the snubby at the required range, and that frequently whoever was running the qualifications would walk up to the target and poke holes with a pencil so they would qualify. Any ideas what model of .357 this might have been?

Assuming that it was really a .357 and not a .38, it'd have to be a Model 19. It was introduced about that year, although supples of it reaching USAF channels so soon seem unlikely. It was the first S&W snub .357, unless one counts the big M-27. I recall reading a review of it by Larry Koller in a gun magazine that year.

BTW, I stayed at Goose AFB for a week or two then, while processing out. I was stationed at a radar station in Newfoundland and some of the admin. process for us was carried out at Goose Bay. The fighters we called out to intercept Soviet aircraft invading Canadian airspace came down from Goose.

I knew a couple of brothers who'd been stationed at Fairchild AFB, WA and thair unit there had the snub .38 designated M-56. It was probably the forerunner of the commercial M-15 snub. Both said that it was very hard to qualify with, the men not having enough shooting experience to shoot snub guns well.

Ironically, today's shooters in snubby matches often choose the M-15 for its added weight and adjustable sights over the smaller snubs. But they are practiced, motivated marksmen.

As an aside, does anyone know what those AF badges like in the photo in the OP sell for on E-Bay? I realize that there's a bidding process, but what is the usual range?

Last edited by Texas Star; 10-15-2013 at 02:15 AM.
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  #104  
Old 10-15-2013, 07:32 AM
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Fairchild AFB...I know that one...was born there! I also checked EBay and could find nothing but minutures or pin type. Will keep looking thou.
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Old 10-15-2013, 09:38 AM
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Originally Posted by Texas Star View Post
Assuming that it was really a .357 and not a .38, it'd have to be a Model 19. It was introduced about that year, although supples of it reaching USAF channels so soon seem unlikely. It was the first S&W snub .357, unless one counts the big M-27. I recall reading a review of it by Larry Koller in a gun magazine that year.

BTW, I stayed at Goose AFB for a week or two then, while processing out. I was stationed at a radar station in Newfoundland and some of the admin. process for us was carried out at Goose Bay. The fighters we called out to intercept Soviet aircraft invading Canadian airspace came down from Goose.

I knew a couple of brothers who'd been stationed at Fairchild AFB, WA and thair unit there had the snub .38 designated M-56. It was probably the forerunner of the commercial M-15 snub. Both said that it was very hard to qualify with, the men not having enough shooting experience to shoot snub guns well.

Ironically, today's shooters in snubby matches often choose the M-15 for its added weight and adjustable sights over the smaller snubs. But they are practiced, motivated marksmen.

As an aside, does anyone know what those AF badges like in the photo in the OP sell for on E-Bay? I realize that there's a bidding process, but what is the usual range?
I talked to my dad after posting this. He said the gun had a 2.5 in barrel and adjustable sights. Also it was nickel plated so it probably was a m19
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  #106  
Old 10-15-2013, 09:44 AM
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Originally Posted by jonesy814 View Post
I talked to my dad after posting this. He said the gun had a 2.5 in barrel and adjustable sights. Also it was nickel plated so it probably was a m19


Well, the snub M-19 has a 2.5 inch bbl. and was optionally available in nickel plate, so that's probably it.
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  #107  
Old 10-15-2013, 10:32 AM
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Well, before we close the case I must say that I don't believe a nickel plated Model 19 could have been issued. It would have been a private purchase. AFAIK the USAF has never bought Model 19 revolvers and certainly not nickel plated ones. I intend no insult to your dad but memories are tricky things. The Air Force issued Model 15s with 4" barrels and Model 56s with 2" barrels. I don't believe there were any .357 Magnum revolvers or ammunition in the supply chain.
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  #108  
Old 10-15-2013, 02:08 PM
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There is a program ( forget the official name) where le agencies can get equipment for free from the Feds. This includes firearms and it doesn't seem like a lot of this is tracked administratively very much. I could easily see some USAF 15's getting loaned to an agency and getting thrown in with a surplus sale during the switch to auto loader in the 90's. Also I wonder if some may have been available for sale to Air Force personnel back in the 60's ? In those days many bases had gun clubs that sold guns to members and perhaps some could have leaked out as well. I spent most of my service in the army but during a brief time I transferred to the Air Force I did qualify once with the model 15 and having fired pistols a long time the instructors figured I knew a bit about pistol shooting firing the best score they had seen in some time. As I recall the pistols issued were a mix of plain blued and re parkerized guns. One of my coworkers is a retired aviator and recalls those model 56's ( basically a 15 snub) from his service. My only pistol of the type I own is a 15 2" and would like to add a four inch soon. ( my bullseye guns are six inch 14&17's) I just seem to shoot the old wheel guns better
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  #109  
Old 10-15-2013, 04:03 PM
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LBJ stopped the sale of surplus handguns through the DCM in 1968. Clinton signed an Executive Order that stopped the sale of surplus law enforcement guns to the public in 1994.
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  #110  
Old 10-15-2013, 08:03 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BillyMagg View Post
I know this post is old DWalt, but wondered if you remember Bob Day, I was at Wilford Hall in March of 1997 with my Dad, who was having an adult Stem Cell transplant, God Bless the United States Air Force, and fine Doctors, Nurses, and in particular a Civilian Social Worker, who supported patients and their families, (I am an Air Force Brat), and proud of it. My Dad's Dr. was a Red Headed Major, sadly I don't remember his name, but his love and respect for my Dad was a tangible blessing and encouragement to my DAD, he sent him home to the BOQ, just to get him out of the hospital for a day. I will forever be gratefull as he live another 5 years, thanks to his transplant. Anyway, I drove around San Antone, and found Bob's shop, but he was out that day. billymagg
Sorry, I don't remember that name. We had both civilians (like me) and enlisted in the USAF Gunsmith Shop, and there was a lot of turnover as the military guys rotated through. I left in late 2007, and at this time, I hardly remember anyone who was there. At that time, our principal function was making up special M9s for General Officer issue and rebuilding thousands of high-mileage M16A2s, plus the occasional special project, such as accurizing M14s, mounting sights on M249s, etc.
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  #111  
Old 10-15-2013, 09:00 PM
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Originally Posted by kwill1911 View Post
Well, before we close the case I must say that I don't believe a nickel plated Model 19 could have been issued. It would have been a private purchase. AFAIK the USAF has never bought Model 19 revolvers and certainly not nickel plated ones. I intend no insult to your dad but memories are tricky things. The Air Force issued Model 15s with 4" barrels and Model 56s with 2" barrels. I don't believe there were any .357 Magnum revolvers or ammunition in the supply chain.
Well, I believe he IS correct. He has owned guns, including 38 special revolvers all his life, and knows a .357 when he sees one. The fact that it WAS a .357, is why it sticks out to him, because everyone knows the USAF issued 38's. In his 20 years, he never saw them issued anywhere else so possibly it was because he was outside the US. Or, possibly it was something they were considering, and got a few in to assess. I found a picture on the web of some different S&W snubbies including a nickel M19, and he immediately pointed it out and said "it was just like that one". Who knows with the government.
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  #112  
Old 10-15-2013, 09:07 PM
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Kwill while both of your statements are true, if possession of a gun was transferred to a non federal agency and eventually was taken "off the books" what the non fed agency did with it is no longer much concern to the Feds so to speak
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  #113  
Old 10-15-2013, 10:22 PM
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  #114  
Old 03-16-2014, 01:24 AM
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Brings back memories just seeing AF ribbons and USAF Model 15s...... Just joined the forum a few minutes ago and have two questions for anyone:

1) I remember from my active duty days, some USAF Model 15s were blued and some were parkerized--but some did not have "USAF" markings, but rather, "US" markings...does anyone have any additional details on this?

2) I have a civilian Combat Masterpiece Model 15-4, purchased back in 1989, with the serial number: X7XXx, where the "little x" denotes an actual number... Does anyone know what the significance is of three Xs in this serial number? Was this the end of the Model 15 production run? Has anyone else seen a serial number similar to this?

Deeply appreciate any help you can lend, as well as any insights.

Kindest Regards,

Steve
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  #115  
Old 03-16-2014, 09:36 AM
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Steve,

Parkerizing on the Model 15's started probably in the late 1970's or early '80s at some of the bases. By that time the orignal finishes were virtually worn off.

Figure that most of these 15's had been in the inventory of arms rooms since the 1960's and issued how many times x 3 shifts in a 24 hour period..that's alot of holster wear!

Your question on the serial number. Here is the list for K frames starting in 1957.
K288,989 – K317,822...1957
K317,823 – K350,547...1958
K350,548 – K386,804...1959
K386,805 – K429,894...1960
K429,895 – K468,098...1961
K468,099 – K515,478...1962
K515,479 – K553,999....1963
K555,000 – K605.877....1964
K605,878 – K658.986....1965
K658,987 – K715,996....1966
K715,997 – K779.162....1967
K779,163 – K848,781....1968
K848,782 – K946,391....1969
K946,382 – K999,999....1970


1K1 – 1K39,500.........1970
2K1 – 2K22.037.........1970
1K39,501 – 1K999,999...1971
2K22,038 – 2K55,996....1971
3K1 – 3K73,962.........1971
2K55,997 – 2K99,999....1972
3K31,280 – 5K6,616.....1972
4K1 – 4K1,627..........1972
4K1,628 – 4K54,104.....1973
5K6,617 – 5K73,962.....1973
4K54,105 – 4K99,999....1974
5K73,963 – 6K58,917....1974
7K1 – 7K26,043.........1974
7K26,044 – 7K70,577....1975
6K98,918 – 8K20,763....1975
8K20,764 – 9K1.........1975
8K20,000 – 9K100,000...1975
9K1,001 – 9K99,999.....1976
10K001 – 24K9,999......1977
25K001 – 56K9,999......1978 – 79
57K001 – 91K6,800......1980
91K6,801 – 124K000.....1981
125K000 – 269K9,999....1982
270K000 – 311K273......1983

1980 Three-Letter Prefix Series Begins at AAA000

From 1957 to 1970 K was the first digit of the serial number on K frame revolvers.

The pinned barrel was discontinued around late 1981.

Hope this answers your question.
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  #116  
Old 03-16-2014, 11:51 AM
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Thank you. I deeply appreciate the info. I'm now thinking I need to carefully try to do a more detailed inspection and find out why my Model 15-4 does not show a serial number, except for the X7XXx on the yoke. I have 2 theories: 1) the X7XXx on the yoke is not the S/N but some other assembly number (S&W says the only S/Ns that were placed on the yoke were those models that were factory shipped with target grips--mine does not have target grips, so possibly they were removed at some point), and 2) the 15-4 S/N must be somewhere else or it has been removed from the butt--but the finish looks perfect. Oh well, the search continues--thank you again.
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  #117  
Old 03-16-2014, 12:20 PM
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Please disregard comment I made about the target grips... I do have what is officially known as "target grips" on my Model 15-4 ...they are just not the oversized ones I thought were called that. I'm obviously not a S&W expert. Thanks
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  #118  
Old 03-17-2014, 04:26 PM
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If you were to ask a LEO to check your Model 15 for stolen, he will insist that he have it in his hand. If its been reported as stolen, it will be confiscated immediately.
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Old 03-20-2014, 02:32 AM
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After someone mentioned General LeMay, I remembered that he was a "gun guy" , unusual in very high ranking military officers of that(and this) time. I read that he was the original driving force behind the M16 when he was SAC commander, just before he became AF Chief of Staff. I had the privilege of meeting him in the early 60s at Ubon AFB where myself and some other Army aviators were flying Mohawks out of there. On the base, pursuant to orders from our Army CO we were always armed with a handgun. I was walking toward base OPS one day when the great man was visiting. I was an Army MSG as I was an enlisted pilot(enlisted at on my 17th birthday and was still under 18 when I graduated from flight school). I was 20 at the time and looked 14. The Army uniform was still the baggy green skin with white name/US Army tapes. The general was walking toward me with an abundance of other great men in attendance and a few AF Police. I saluted of course, and LeMay walked up to me and asked "exactly whose Air Force are you in son". I told him I was assigned to the Army contingent on the other side of the field, he noted my flight wings and asked "you fly those things?" pointing to a group of JOV1As down at the end of the flight line, I of course said "yes sir". He looked at my side arm (an M10 RB heavy barrel) in an AF holster on my web belt. He asked me "you know how to use that thing kid"? I again said "yes sir" slightly loudly(could not have THE USAF General Officer think an Army guy could not shoot). "Let me see that weapon" he said. Whereupon I did a proper administrative presentation (we did not call it that back then), dumped the ammo in my hand the way the AF instructor on the base had told us when we qualified periodically, and presented a just cleaned well oiled up M10 with personally owned grips. "Are these issue grips" the big guy asked, I told him that 'I issued them to myself sir, they help me shoot better". All this transpired while he held a really big cigar in one side of his mouth. He looked at my (brand new) shiny flight wings, he said, "you want to be an AF pilot see the personnel officer, we'll make you a real officer", said, "keep taking care of your sidearm son, you may need it someday" and they all stalked off. Trailing the group was an AF SP SGT I knew, I asked him if they were not worried about the General walking around a bomber being armed with a lit cigar, as it could blow up, the guy told me "it wouldn't dare". My first and last time standing on the same piece of real estate with one of the USAFs' greatest warriors. He was a really impressive guy IMHO, and given the number of other wearers of various numbers of stars following him at a very close distance (BN distance), he was either greatly respected or greatly feared. IN any case he built one hell of a AF.
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Old 03-20-2014, 12:20 PM
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Brings back memories just seeing AF ribbons and USAF Model 15s...... Just joined the forum a few minutes ago.

2) I have a civilian Combat Masterpiece Model 15-4, purchased back in 1989, with the serial number: X7XXx, where the "little x" denotes an actual number... Does anyone know what the significance is of three Xs in this serial number? Was this the end of the Model 15 production run? Has anyone else seen a serial number similar to this?

Deeply appreciate any help you can lend, as well as any insights.

Kindest Regards,

Steve
Because this is a thread about AF issued Combat Masterpieces and M15s I'll be brief and not digress too much.

The 15-4s were a brief run from about 1977-82 or so.

How you would know it is a 15-4 must be because the model number is stamped on the yoke. Directly above that is where the serial number should be. It should also be on the butt.

I encourage you to take a close look at the number with a magnifying glass and in good light. See if the number is stamped over or if you may be mis-identifying a number.

tipoc
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Old 03-20-2014, 10:30 PM
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Tipoc,
Thank you very much for the info. My problem is that there is no visible serial number, either 1) above the "Model 15-4"on the yoke, or 2) on the butt. I've even taken off the grips in my attempt to locate any sort of number. The S/N should be of the type that "oldafsp" described in his reply to me last week: two or three digits, then the "K", then the remaining digits. The only number I can see (other than the "Model 15-4" on the yoke), is:

X7XX5 (opposite the yoke)

But I've never seen this type of S/N before where there is the letter 'X', then a number (7 in this case), two more Xs, and then the number 5...this made me think that this string of Xs and numbers is an assembly number or something.

Strange...

Thanks for whatever assistance you can lend.

The only other thing I can think of is that the S/N has been removed and the pistol reblued...but this is pure speculation and I'm by no means an expert. Welcome any advice you can lend or any leads I can follow.

Thanks so much!

bigsky5
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Old 03-20-2014, 10:32 PM
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I'm sorry--I posted this in the wrong section....I do have one final question.... Has anyone seen a USAF M-15 where instead of the "U.S.A.F." markings, there is simply a "U.S." instead?

Is this correct, or did I acquire a "fake" by mistake? Welcome your thoughts.
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Old 03-21-2014, 08:48 AM
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Yes, there are some Model 15s that have only U.S. rather than U.S.A.F. Some of those shipped to the Army, not the Air Force.

A bigger issue is the serial number on your gun, or, if I'm understanding you correctly, the lack of one. If it has been removed or obliterated you are holding what the ATF considers "illegal contraband." You may want to read this thread: Aircrewman with obliterated number

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Old 03-21-2014, 09:12 AM
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Old 03-21-2014, 09:35 AM
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Thank you Kevin,
This is good info.
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Old 03-21-2014, 09:40 AM
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Could this be a "lunchbox gun" that late in the game? sure sounds like it.... I have heard stories that BATFE has relented with some of the lunchbox 1911s and allowed a "new" serial number to be stamped, but I am sure its not an easy process, and may not be looked as kindly on in 2014 as it was in times past.
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Old 03-28-2014, 06:14 PM
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Default US Marked (AF or Army?) M-15 Photos

All, My sincere thanks to all of you for your support and advice. My first situation is being resolved, so thanks. I thought since we all appreciate USAF- and US-marked Model 15s, that you would enjoy seeing some photos of a recent acquisition. I'm not bragging at all--I know fully how lucky I was to find this, after 25 years of searching.

As always, I'm always open to comments and thoughts and I will certainly let everyone know if I happen to run across a second one and provide those details to you all to give you an opportunity to acquire one too.

Best Wishes and thank you again for selflessly sharing your knowledge and advice.
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  #128  
Old 03-28-2014, 08:27 PM
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Very nice gun, bigsky5!
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Old 03-28-2014, 08:37 PM
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Thanks JayCeeNC,

steve
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Old 03-28-2014, 08:43 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Geno67 View Post
Gorgeous. You can tell the air farce didn't require the carriers of that particular piece to train much.
I hope you aren't using a derogatory term for the Air Force in this post, as you would be offending a great many persons who have served/are serving in the USAF, including myself.
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Old 03-30-2014, 09:17 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bigsky5 View Post
All, My sincere thanks to all of you for your support and advice. My first situation is being resolved, so thanks. I thought since we all appreciate USAF- and US-marked Model 15s, that you would enjoy seeing some photos of a recent acquisition. I'm not bragging at all--I know fully how lucky I was to find this, after 25 years of searching.

As always, I'm always open to comments and thoughts and I will certainly let everyone know if I happen to run across a second one and provide those details to you all to give you an opportunity to acquire one too.

Best Wishes and thank you again for selflessly sharing your knowledge and advice.
I'd like to add that serial number to my survey if you don't mind sharing it via PM.

Thanks,
Kevin Williams
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  #132  
Old 06-27-2014, 04:48 PM
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Came across this PDF file regarding the old Lockbourne AFB, Ohio (the name was later changed to Rickenbacker AFB. It's right next to Columbus). About a third of way down are six or seven pictures of an air crew Pistol Qualification course, circa 1956. Details on the range and the firing line equipment.

(Side note: Kernel C's father was stationed here in 1961-1963, a RB-47 navigator, during which time Kernel C. was born in the Lockbourne AFB hospital).

Revolvers look like Combat Masterpieces or M&P's. Kinda hard to tell.

http://b-47.com/wp-content/uploads/2...bourne-AFB.pdf
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Old 06-27-2014, 05:03 PM
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Kernal,

As a 37-year Air Force veteran and an amateur historian I would like to thank you for this great piece of AF history.
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Old 06-27-2014, 05:08 PM
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Yes, thank you! Would it be possible to post a link? The embedded PDF is cool but I'm hoping a link to it would not be so small.
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Old 06-27-2014, 05:16 PM
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I found it while snooping around:

The B-47 Stratojet Association | Preserving the legacy of the Boeing B-47 StratoJet Bomber

RB-47H cutaway (My dad is sitting right in the nose):
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Old 06-27-2014, 06:08 PM
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Now that I can see larger pictures I can tell that the revolver laying on the table is a Victory Model. It has a lanyard loop, parkerized finish, fixed sights and smooth walnut stocks. You can almost read the SN. That's kind of surprising since most Victory Models went to the Navy.
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Old 06-27-2014, 06:35 PM
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Originally Posted by AKAOV1MAN View Post
After someone mentioned General LeMay, I remembered that he was a "gun guy" , unusual in very high ranking military officers of that(and this) time. I read that he was the original driving force behind the M16 when he was SAC commander, just before he became AF Chief of Staff. I had the privilege of meeting him in the early 60s at Ubon AFB where myself and some other Army aviators were flying Mohawks out of there. On the base, pursuant to orders from our Army CO we were always armed with a handgun. I was walking toward base OPS one day when the great man was visiting. I was an Army MSG as I was an enlisted pilot(enlisted at on my 17th birthday and was still under 18 when I graduated from flight school). I was 20 at the time and looked 14. The Army uniform was still the baggy green skin with white name/US Army tapes. The general was walking toward me with an abundance of other great men in attendance and a few AF Police. I saluted of course, and LeMay walked up to me and asked "exactly whose Air Force are you in son". I told him I was assigned to the Army contingent on the other side of the field, he noted my flight wings and asked "you fly those things?" pointing to a group of JOV1As down at the end of the flight line, I of course said "yes sir". He looked at my side arm (an M10 RB heavy barrel) in an AF holster on my web belt. He asked me "you know how to use that thing kid"? I again said "yes sir" slightly loudly(could not have THE USAF General Officer think an Army guy could not shoot). "Let me see that weapon" he said. Whereupon I did a proper administrative presentation (we did not call it that back then), dumped the ammo in my hand the way the AF instructor on the base had told us when we qualified periodically, and presented a just cleaned well oiled up M10 with personally owned grips. "Are these issue grips" the big guy asked, I told him that 'I issued them to myself sir, they help me shoot better". All this transpired while he held a really big cigar in one side of his mouth. He looked at my (brand new) shiny flight wings, he said, "you want to be an AF pilot see the personnel officer, we'll make you a real officer", said, "keep taking care of your sidearm son, you may need it someday" and they all stalked off. Trailing the group was an AF SP SGT I knew, I asked him if they were not worried about the General walking around a bomber being armed with a lit cigar, as it could blow up, the guy told me "it wouldn't dare". My first and last time standing on the same piece of real estate with one of the USAFs' greatest warriors. He was a really impressive guy IMHO, and given the number of other wearers of various numbers of stars following him at a very close distance (BN distance), he was either greatly respected or greatly feared. IN any case he built one hell of a AF.


He was also an amateur radio operator AKA ham. He was responsible for USAF shifting from AM to SSB for communications. My dad attended the Nebraska State Amateur Radio Convention when General LeMay demonstrated SSB


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Old 06-28-2014, 12:50 PM
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Default Saw one

Saw one(marked USAF) recently at our local Gander Mtn, priced at $2,000, looked in pretty good shape. In the display case for about a month, now gone.
I flew in B52s, only issued sidearm when flying over VN, remembering the snub Aircrewman version, holstered in the survival vest.
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Old 06-29-2014, 06:33 PM
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Kernel:

Given your family connection to Lockbourne AFB you ought to pick up a copy of the recently published book "Crossroads of Liberty". I have seen it and it has a ton of pics of the base and operations. See the link for the backstory:
New book explores history of air force base | Columbus Messenger

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Old 07-03-2014, 12:21 AM
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That Lockbourne stuff is a treat!

Having grown up on the east side of Columbus, (my grampa was a foreman when they built DCSC) and a military buff with an extra-special place in my heart for the aircraft, Lockbourne held such a huge mystique for me.

BTW Elvin Jones, one of the foremost jazz drummers of all time, was in the base band @ Lockbourne for a time.

On topic (kinda), I recently scored a 2" 15-3 w/ box and docs that appears to be from a prison system. Special serial#. Still researching.

Carry on, folks!
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Old 07-03-2014, 01:34 AM
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I thoroughly enjoyed this thread. And the information on Air Force revolvers is interesting.

In my time with the Marines the .38 Special was still issued to pilots and maybe Navy/Marine Corps investigators, the load was the 130 FMJ at a slow speed. I got hold of a few boxes (I ain't sayin' how) and intended to pull the bullets and load them in .357 brass for a "hot load". I couldn't pull the bullets using an inertia bullet puller!

My only experience on USAF bases is that my younger brother was in the AF for four years. So I visited him at Lowry and Lackland. As a kid I swam in a pool at Kelly.

The below information answered a question I had for 31 years as an enroute air traffic controller. I always wondered how "MCO" became the three letter ID for Orlando!

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..............Even some experienced airline folks don't know the origin of Orlando's airport code "MCO" from its McCoy heritage.
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