Product: Model 15

Why does it have an underlug?....that's the Model 19.

EDIT: I just sent S&W an E mail to see what they say about it. I'll keep y'all posted

The pic says .38 spec on the barrel. It also has a straight barrel like the 19 rather than the tapered barrel that makes a 15 look so good. Maybe they figure that the majority of their future customers for this thing won't know, or at least won't remember, what a real 15 looked like.

Besides having the IL, I don't like the looks of it at all. The tapered barrel is the trademark of the model 15.

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S&WCA # 2045

Just a few Random thoughts here...

When the Mod 19 came out, the shrouded barrel was a feature that was liked by all.

This "new" Mod 15 is rated +P, so along with the +P+ 38 Special ammo, maybe S&W feels the increased weight of the new Mod 15 barrel profile, is a good thing...

Model 15s were always elegant guns to me...great lines.

That thing is UGLY.

...but, so are all model marked 15's

As I recall, there was a very late model 19 variant in .38 Special in the late 1980s. This looks to be a continuation of that model, and goes with the "no K frame .357" factory rule. Not my cup of tea, especially at the MSRP quoted.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

It's not so ugly -- but it is not what I would buy as a mod 15 -- it just dosen't look right

They'd have to discount that about 60% before I even thought about buying one. Not that I will, since I have the real thing.

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Sure you did

Yeah, that price is hilarious! Even if it was stainless and didn't have MIM parts and The Lock, that's a silly price!

T-Star

I'll stick to the real model 15's. J&G still has some cheap. LNIB examples are still plentiful.

I agree, that thing is ugly. Probably expensive too. Regards 18DAI.

I find it interesting that the first item listed under "Purpose" on the S&W link is "Collector's Interest." Real model 15s are available, cheaper, and command much more interest from collectors.

Just another reason to aquire "real" S&Ws!

I'm sorry - looks like something Rossi would put out. I'm with the crowd . . . I'll just keep my real classic 15.

Can't help but wonder where this crowd of "collectors" is that's going to be so interested in this new model 15 ?

...+1 for having chest pains at that MSRP. I realize a $1000+ retail price means you could probably score one for around $850...but still. For the mid to high eights one could buy your pick of a cherry or NIB pre-lock S&W. I would think that as pre-lock prices continue to increase, that S&W would counter with some sane retail tags.

Just my two cents, but this Model 15 "reissue" should cost $350-$400 USD.

I have one of the Heritage Series Model 15's No Lock Not sure when they were made or how many. Got it in a trade a yr or 2 ago

You would think that they would have just shortend the model 14 Classic with different front sight.

CD

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De Oppresso Liber

As far as I'm concerned, the change to a shallower curve on the frame near the hammer to make room for the lock makes every new K/L frame look awful. At least the N frames keep the same frame profile. Oh yeah, and a 15 without a tapered barrel isn't really a 15.

Well I guess you should give S&W some credit for trying to keep the revolver's alive in this plastic universe of our's.

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Stay safe people!

They'll come along in about 40 years, when S&W loonies realize that this model is rare because nobody wanted to buy it. Just like Model 16 .32S&W prices are out of sight, because they made so few because nobody wanted a .32.

Today's unwanted uglies are tomorrow's collector's items.

That Heritage series Model 15 is probably the last real Model 15 Smith produced. The value of the pre lock Model 15s will continue to grow. I can still remember how everyone was excited back in the 70s when S&W introduced the Combat Masterpiece in stainless steel, now those early 67s are becoming collectable.

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A few people have commented that the tapered barrel is model 15 and this is bull barreled.

To my understanding, M-15s were origionally tapered (like the Model 10) but eventually they started producing both bull and tapered for the 15 and ultimately were left with only the bull barrel discontinuing the tapered (also like the Model 10).

If y'all think that thing looks ugly (it's a lot of things, inaccurate design, the lock, internal firing pin, etc., but ugly to me it is not) look at their Model 10 with the heavy barrel and the rounded magna grips. http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...layErrorView_Y

Hey Guys ,k frame collector, not all 15,s have tapered barrels ,besides the rare special orders in 50s-70s, between 86-91 15's were H/B like the target masterpiece, Im sure alot of you know that anyway ,I hope this doesnt violate any rules ,but really nice looking 15-7 H/B for cheap on G/B, Ive got one in my collection,and too many hoops to jump through to get it to CA,but it looks like a nice gun, REB

i would add to your observation...in the ad it also states a purpose is law enforcement....i'll venture a guess that not one is sold with that in mind...
also states home defense...ok...i'll buy into that

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SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

This is a .38 Special Model 19, no matter what the roll marks state. The ejector rod housing ruins the look, although I could live with the heavy barrel, as some original M15s had them. I'll stick with my 1974 make M67 and 1978 make M15.

That's sad! It's a 19/15 no dash...A new modeling scheme. That's some serious cash they want.

rags

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RIP Shipmate

Sorry! I had to get the "new" M15 image out of my head!!



rags

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RIP Shipmate

How fortunate we are to have had all these Model 15s from which to choose over the years. One of my two 4 inchers [never did find a bargain 2"], with its missing blue and a scratch is as accurate with 38s as my Python with 357s. And the other isn't bad at all...

I sort of like the new one's looks, as I admire the Model 19s' looks greatly, but sure am glad to have the old Model 15s!

Regards,

Dyson

I will say this much for the new Model 15: With all it's inaccuracies, shortcomings and even the offensive "lock"...if I were in law enforcement and were forced to buy a new off the line weapon made today (could not be used) or the head of an agency that had to select new sidearms.....out of all the other duty guns out there between Ruger, Taurus, Charter Arms and S&W....I would choose this new Model 15. It looks the nicest, looks the most professional, it's plain and simple (save the lock, which I would have disabled)

All the other stainless, blued and titanium guns out there today with their with their "night sights" and rubber grips look ugly and have you depending on too many convieniences.

no doubt. talk about sticker shock. that much money will pay for 2 fine used lock-free 19s...which is what that one just about looks like

i surely hope no one here is paying anywhere close to the web site prices...i have several of the newer ones including the new 629 stealth hunter...my dealer sells them for hundreads less then the website prices indicate...i would imagine yours do as well...

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SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

Beautiful gun, rags24, a true "classic" in the appropriate sense.

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Don't kiss smiling dogs!

I always think of these two movies when I think of the model 15. So 1970s and 80s

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I agree with this completely. To my mind this is the worst aspect of the lock, which can be disabled if you want to, and the hole filled in with the plug.

The frames of the J and K frame have gone from graceful to clunky. One of the iconic pieces of industrial design of the last century was ruined.

Wonder if you ream out those chambers 1/10", then have a true model 19.

CD

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De Oppresso Liber

si----------

I'm late but I'll pile on. Here's one that cost $593 dollars less than the MSRP of that abomination ...




... do people buy new revolvers?

GF

I think I may switch to Rossi if buying a new pistol. If this is the best S&W can do these days, why pay more for the same level of quality?

Obviously many used S&W revolvers are severely underpriced. There must not be very many of us. But I will admit that I have pretty much stopped buying guns just because they are great guns at a ridiculously low price. Three 15s, two 10s, two 12s, two Official Polices, and a lot of J frames. That's probably too many, already. But now is definitely the time to buy. Considering prices of inferior new guns, the present prices can't last forever. The 0 tens will soon be the good old days.

When I started in police work in the late '70's my academy class was issued well used Model 15's. I was disappointed because I thought the department issue was the Model 19 - they look the same in a holster!

A couple months later we were issued Model 66 revolvers. I later bought a Model 66 of my own. I didn't think much of the Combat Masterpiece then, nowdays I really wish I had gone out and bought the 15 instead of the 66. The blued 15 is a real classy revolver.....

When I see this new offering from S&W, I wish I had bought TWO Model 15's and a 66!

"Wonder if you ream out those chambers 1/10", then have a true model 19."

Probably not. The cylinder is too short (compared to a genuine 19) and who knows if the heat treatment is up to .357 Mag level.

I'm not too big a fan of the new profile either - the lock in and of itself doesn't bother me too much, nor do MIM parts, but I cannot get happy about the look - the fellow earlier who said they've ruined a classic industrial design got it right.

Also: does anyone know, is this a one-piece forged barrel w/ ejector shroud (like the original 19s) or is this one of those tube/alloy shroud messes?

Not too long ago I saw a late 'Model 66-something or other" with that configuration (tube/shroud), a genuinely klunky ugly revolver.

Still prefer the old Ks, Js, and Ns. Probably always will.

I also agree completely. But I also dislike the bolster behind the cylinder that some people refer to as the scar. I'm glad that S&W is still offering something and I wish them well, but the whole thing makes me sad.
Chris

I wholeheartedly agree with you. I don't like at all the profile of the new J/K/L frames

Is this a K o L frame?

I REALLY hate the lock, and hate the "scar" (integral bolster) on left side, but even if it is not a "real" M15 looks pretty good to me. At least it is not a frankengun "classic" with case hardening where no previous modern S&W had it...

They could do away with those two items, improve the grips a little and I would buy it and many more like it, in several calibers and barrel lenghts... As it is now, NO WAY, and less at this price. Will S&W ever get it?

I don't know but the new 15 and the old 15 could be like the 10. You have the tapered (pencil) and the heavy barrel. I don't have a 15 and like the lines of the old 15 but the new one could work to. I like the barrel. It looks like a strong fighting revolver. The only thing I don't like is the internal lock. BTW I do have a 4" 10-8 and a 4" 28-2. The 10 is heavy barrel and the 28 is the tapered barrel.

I have a couple-three of what are considered "real" model 15's, but I always wanted a model 19 profile gun with a 6" barrel in .38. Why? Just do, that's all. If they make the new one with a 6" barrel, I'll buy one.

I feel sorry for S&W in a way, not matter what they do, somebody like me wants it a little different.

All in all, though, I hope they sell a million of them!

If S&W is going to produce a "Classic" series that supposedly replicates some of the guns they used to produce, I wish to heck they would stop "improving" them and just reproduce the original gun! There was nothing wrong with the originals, just make some more of them and stop monkeying around trying to save a buck.

Looks ugly! Even without the price mentioned!

Thank you to all the forum members who shared pics of the real M 15.

Look at these ugly diamond on the grips. Seems to be like far away from look alike what we know do be diamond grips.

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Regards from Germany
Stephan

I have no interest in any of these so-called "Classics," but if I did buy one, I'd buy the mod. 14 before I'd buy this incorrect mod. 15....

Product: Model 14