Hey,

I'm not sure if manufacturers are producing so many DAO polymer pistols because people are buying them or people are buying them because manufacturers are flooding the semi-auto market with them.

It's a given that striker fired polymers cost less to produce than steel and alloy DA/SA pistols. So I suspect we'll be seeing even fewer pistols with external hammers being produced in the days to come.

I own a few polymer striker fired pistols. I carry a PM9. Good gun. It serves its purpose.

But I've missed going to the range and thumbing back the hammer on a semi-auto.

I was in a shop today where I've bought a few firearms and noticed an old Model 915 on the bottom shelf of a three shelf case. It was in the back left corner.

I asked the owner how long it had been there and was told "A few months I guess." He went behind the counter, took it out of the case and handed it to me.

I asked if I could field strip it and he gave me the go ahead. It was clean, no real wear on the rails. I don't think it was shot or handled much.

I asked if he wanted to get rid of it and he told me $375 plus tax and the $5 background check. This would have put it just over $400.

I said, "No wonder it's been sitting there for months." And I said see you later and headed for the door.

Then he said, "I know you want it. What do you want to pay?" I had a bunch of $20s on me and a few $1s.

I peeled off $300 in $20s, put them on the counter and said, "Out the door." He said he HAD to get more than that. So I took out a $1 and put it on top of the $20s.

He called me a name that implied my parents weren't married, but he accepted the offer.

And then I asked far a week to return it if there was anything wrong with it. He agreed to that saying, "There's nothing wrong with that pistol. You're gonna love it."

I'd say it's in VG+ condition and came with one original mag and one Mec-Gar.

I'm no master negotiator but I've spent a few bucks in his store and he knows it, so he gave me the deal.

I never owned a 915 before but know a couple of guys who do and swear by them.

I gotta get to the range tomorrow and see how well it runs. Can't wait to cock that hammer and fire it.

Do any of you guys have any tips, tricks or other info about the 915? If you do, I'd like to hear what you have to say.

Thanks

They are great guns....... IIRC Novak used them as the basis for several custom builds...... my favorite full size 3rd Gen Smith Auto.

Mec-gar still makes 17rd mags for them.

$300 OTD is a very good price IMO......

You'll love it, the only downside of a 915 is the finish. They don't wear well in a holster but you can say it gave it character. Everything you need in a pistol and nothing you don't.

__________________
LIVE FROM THE DAWGHOUSE

Excellent pistol... GREAT story!

I wish I had your negotiating style and success. Unfortunately, too many dealers know me too well by now. I may save a few bucks here and there, but the really BIG scores are few and far between for poor old TTSH.

I actually paid less than you for mine, but if you saw it, you'd know why! She's got some mileage on her.

__________________
Because of the metric system?

That’s what I gave for mine. And I thought I got a great deal. A photo would be nice.

Here ya go.

Attached Images

	20180410_171202.jpg (57.9 KB, 80 views)
	20180410_171032.jpg (61.6 KB, 84 views)

How about a pic of yours?

I think the 915 is a nearly perfect pistol with the exception of the blank pre-Novak style rear sight. Trijicon SA04 night sights will literally transform this pistol.

Attached Images

sw915.jpg (60.4 KB, 64 views)

Something to think about, I guess.

But part of the 915's appeal to me is its good old fashioned spareness. Nothing fancy about it. It already has what it needs to make it a good pistol.

The Model 915 was my first gun, and I am keeping it. It goes to the range more than any other 9MM. I may get another one. Unbeatable for the price.

Attached Images

Tucson 188.jpg (117.0 KB, 40 views)

Shoot it. A lot. Oh, and no, its not the precursor to the 910, as some people like to say. The 915 has three locking lugs. The 910 does not.

I have it's big brother the 411 40S&W and I love it. If I can find a 915 around here in the near future I may buy it.

I made myself a Franken-fifteen by putting a 915 slide and barrel on the 910 frame I had. Works like a charm, but I can see why having an entire 915 would be even better.

These are good old, workhorse pistols and though I wouldn't necessarily want to lug the 910/915 around all day, it is a lot of fun at the range.

Plain Jane 915

I've enjoyed my 915 and I hope you have a great time at the range.

The best tips or tricks for the 915 is to get used to the manual of arms on that S&W TDA pistol. Transitioning from striker fired (mostly cocked pistols) to the TDA can be frustrating for some.

Trigger placement on your finger may require moving the right edge of the trigger to the crease in your index finger rather than centered on the fingertip pad.

Strong hand thumb rests on the support hand thumb for manipulating the decoker/safety.

Resist thumbing the hammer for shots until you have acquired muscle memory for the TDA manual of arms. You may never go back to the hammer thumbing again.

Lastly, I say a single syllable word as a squeeze off the first DA round, hold the trigger back, then let it out to reset (never taking my finger off the trigger) saying a shorter one syllable word; then, repeat the process with followup SA shots. I use the words "love" and "it" because I do. ENJOY UR 915

I love my 915. The only modification I’ve done to mine is add an ambedexrious safety/decock lever. It’s one of the finest 9mm pistols I’ve shot.