Just inherited a S&W 15-4 blue with a S/N of 96K0488, with what looks like checkered walnut grips
No box or cleaning tools but it a very nice, fleece lined, leather zipper case. It does have a trigger lock for which I am thankful.
Just wondering when it was made, its' $ worth, etc.
Since I know diddly about guns, I did some searches but have no idea how to tell what sights it might have.
From what I can see, it's in pretty good condition.
I've attached photos.
Any help out there for a novice?

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Around 1981 according to the SCSW 3rd edition (serial number range 91K6801 to 124K000 from 1981). Yours came with and has a plain ramp or Baughman front sight (no red or orange insert), and probably a plain blued rear slider or blade (no white outline around the notch) with a .106 height. I replaced my plain blued rear blade or slider with a .126 with a white outline, and also installed an orange insert in the front sight. I love it. The Model 15 or Combat Masterpiece you pictured has period correct magna or service stocks or grips without the uncheckered diamond shape around the screw hole or escutcheon. Yours has a pinned barrel, and no S&W .38 ever came with recessed chambers in its cylinder. Enjoy it, my 15-2 is one of my most cherished guns. I would value yours at an easy $500 with no box or documents. Yours has the target trigger and hammer, along with a trigger stop. Probably all original.

Here is mine. From 1967 wearing stocks or grips that are too new and not period correct. I prefer the feel of the factory targets in my hand. This trusty gun has survived a few different bluing jobs, and has served me honorably.

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USAF AMMO

Before model numbers S&W called that revolver the Combat Masterpiece. You may not know much about guns, but you happen to own one of the best revolvers ever made. Buy ammo and shoot it. Often. Great target gun and plinker.

If the grip doesn't suit your hand (some like'em, but many find Magna stocks kinda awkward), for $15 you can try some rubber form fitting Hogues. They're very popular with shooters. What ever you get, you'll want grips that fit a "square butt K-frame".

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~

As said, you have an excellent revolver. Probably the perfect centerfire caliber and gun size with which to learn to shoot. These were popular law enforcement guns, Los Angeles PD and Sheriffs Department were among the biggest. It was my department's issued gun when I was hired in 1981 (Salt Lake County Sheriffs Office in SLC, UT). .38 Special ammunition is made in numerous power and recoil levels, all of which your gun was designed to handle. The .38 Special will handle just about every use to which you would apply a handgun, everything but big game hunting.

Congrats. Good start!

Nice gun!

If you're truly a novice get some training - it will be worth your while, I assure you.

What's the story with this:

Do you have little kids around? I have tons of trigger locks that came with various guns. I've never used one. So I have to ask why it's important to you.

(New guy here. First post. I have read and followed this forum for years.)

S&W M-15. I have two. You have a fine revolver there. It will shoot better than the average human can hold and fire it. You will love it..
Safetybob

Congrats on one of the finest 38 special revolvers ever built. I once had a combat masterpiece made in the earlier 1950s. In California one would expect to pay in the $600 dollar range. But if I was you, I would not sell the revolver. Revolvers are a joy to shoot. Take care of your beauty.
Howard

Welcome to the forum.

My all time favorite .38 is the model 15 with the target hammer/target trigger .. easy to shoot, carry and accurate. I'm still looking for the one I carried in the Air Force Security Police ... I think you may have something special here as it is configured .. I suggest you shoot a box of ammo before you put it back in the drawer or the safe .. it has great balance and pointability .. really fun to shoot. I can't comment on the collector value as I am just someone who shoots guns as intended .. but I would buy another model 15 if I found one so configured ...

You have a nice Model 15. You will enjoy shooting it very much.

Here is my Model 15-3

Here is my pre Model 15, the K38 Combat Masterpiece (from 1957)

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Carried a Model 15 as my issued duty gun for several years before it was replaced by the stainless fixed sight model.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Welcome to the FORUM! You have what should be an excellent shooter! I do not have a 15. Do have a 67, no dash.(it's stainless counterpart) My wife kind of laid claim to it. Shoot & enjoy your 15! Bob

No little ones resident but I do have grand kids occasionally, so the lock is needed. If it didn't come with one, I'd have to buy one.

Welcome aboard.

The sweetest revolver I have ever shot was a lovely 15-3 I bought unfired from an estate consignment. Amazing trigger.

It now lives with my son and his boys. Couldn't see making them wait till I croak to enjoy it. They love the gun.

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Oh well, what the hell.

I have a Combat Masterpiece from 1953. It is one of my favorites and it loves to be fired. I baby it with wad cutters and usually only shoot it once every couple of months. They don't make quality like that anymore.

Never understood the trigger lock things. Gun safes are for securing guns.