Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Semi-Automatic Pistols > Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols
o

Notices

Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols Other Smith & Wesson Semi-Automatic Pistols from the 1950's to Present


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 07-29-2020, 10:57 AM
mrbubbles773 mrbubbles773 is offline
Member
Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915  
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
Liked 7 Times in 3 Posts
Default Picked up a S&W 915

I just purchased a S&W 915 the other day and it seems to be pretty good condition. I ran 50 rounds through without a hitch. I don't really know how many rounds have been through it and I'm still new to firearms. I don't know if there's parts I should replace or really what the availability of 915 parts are. How has your 915s held up for you guys?
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #2  
Old 07-29-2020, 11:08 AM
jsbethel jsbethel is offline
Member
Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: KY
Posts: 2,334
Likes: 1
Liked 2,237 Times in 1,104 Posts
Default

Always change the recoil spring of a pistol with an unknown round count - Smith & Wesson Recoil Spring S&W 5903TSW 5906TSW 5943TSW 39 3904 3906

Might not hurt to change the magazine springs also - Smith & Wesson Mag Spring 15-Round S&W 5903TSW 5906TSW 5943TSW 59 459

Consider the Trijicon SA04 to replace the factory sights -
Trijicon Bright & Tought Night Sights - Smith & Wesson 411, 915, 5903, 5904, 5906, 5924, 5926, 5944, and 5946 | Trijicon(R)
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #3  
Old 07-29-2020, 11:18 AM
Ozark Marine Ozark Marine is offline
Banned
Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915  
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: SW Missouri
Posts: 2,370
Likes: 15,735
Liked 5,251 Times in 1,622 Posts
Default

Welcome from the Ozarks of S/W Missouri -via- Chicago.
Just do what jsbethel told you.
915's are great guns.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #4  
Old 07-29-2020, 11:21 AM
URIT URIT is offline
Member
Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915  
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: New Bern NC
Posts: 2,451
Likes: 7,466
Liked 2,329 Times in 1,100 Posts
Default

Welcome aboard from coastal North Carolina and I hope you get as much enjoyment from your 915 that I have had from mine.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #5  
Old 07-29-2020, 11:30 AM
JJEH's Avatar
JJEH JJEH is offline
Member
Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 7,437
Likes: 13,465
Liked 8,495 Times in 2,835 Posts
Default

Welcome and congrats on a great gun. Loved my 915, never had any issues, but sold it to fund other things.

Parts wise check the internet, like gun broker, ebay, or first and foremost this board.
__________________
Jorge
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #6  
Old 07-29-2020, 12:10 PM
BAM-BAM BAM-BAM is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: A Burb of the Burgh
Posts: 14,748
Likes: 1,614
Liked 19,849 Times in 8,772 Posts
Default

Welcome; the 915 is one of my favorite Smith autoloaders.



Mec-gar makes some nice 17 & 20 round mags for those....... $23 at Greg Cote LLC. Been buying there for years.

Last edited by BAM-BAM; 07-29-2020 at 12:11 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #7  
Old 07-29-2020, 03:15 PM
mrbubbles773 mrbubbles773 is offline
Member
Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915  
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
Liked 7 Times in 3 Posts
Default

Thanks for the reply guys! I really like how it feels nice in my hands. I've been dry firing it a bunch. Are parts interchangeable between the 915 and 910?
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 07-29-2020, 03:28 PM
jsbethel jsbethel is offline
Member
Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: KY
Posts: 2,334
Likes: 1
Liked 2,237 Times in 1,104 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by mrbubbles773 View Post
Are parts interchangeable between the 915 and 910?
Yes and no. You have the better pistol. See this thread - $325? Difference between 910 and 915?
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #9  
Old 07-29-2020, 03:54 PM
Sevens Sevens is offline
Member
Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915  
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Ohio
Posts: 7,822
Likes: 9,389
Liked 14,736 Times in 5,022 Posts
Default

More parts interchange between 5903/5906 and 915.

For some possible hint at previous use, the frame is aluminum alloy and black and that black is NOT a durable finish, so all frame parts and rails that interact with the steel slide will wear to a bright metal. The more black, the less (possible) wear.

Also, on all 1-2-3rd Gens, the hammer naturally pounds the frame during live fire. Simply drawing the slide back manually won’t smack the frame the way live fire will. So look at the area where the hammer naturally bounces off the frame as it is re-cocked and you will find that new guns barely have a mark and guns that have had lots of love will often exhibit a solid divot in this area.

It seems like everyone on the planet except me wants to chase down and stockpile a slew of parts in case of future failure. For me, I don’t really worry so much about it. If I did, I would buy a second gun. Typically, you’ll spend more money in the ammo it would require to shoot one of these to failure than another pistol would cost.
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #10  
Old 07-29-2020, 04:03 PM
67tempest 67tempest is online now
Member
Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 596
Likes: 93
Liked 863 Times in 339 Posts
Default

I just picked up a 915 and retired my 539 as my CCW. Put 50 rds through it and it ran fine with no issues. Now I'm on the lookout for a second mag, it only came with one. Mec Gar mags are out there and reasonably priced but I'd prefer finding an OEM S&W mag. Anybody have any experience with Mec Gar mags in a S&W?
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 07-29-2020, 04:26 PM
mrbubbles773 mrbubbles773 is offline
Member
Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915  
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
Liked 7 Times in 3 Posts
Default

I guess what I'm trying to figure out is if I should be concerned with parts breakage. Like I said I don't know how many rounds have been through it and I don't really know the overall quality of the internal parts. I know I'm probably being paranoid here. Once again I appreciate you guys replying to the thread. I really look forward in owning the 915.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #12  
Old 07-29-2020, 05:34 PM
mrbubbles773 mrbubbles773 is offline
Member
Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915  
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
Liked 7 Times in 3 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sevens View Post
More parts interchange between 5903/5906 and 915.

For some possible hint at previous use, the frame is aluminum alloy and black and that black is NOT a durable finish, so all frame parts and rails that interact with the steel slide will wear to a bright metal. The more black, the less (possible) wear.

Also, on all 1-2-3rd Gens, the hammer naturally pounds the frame during live fire. Simply drawing the slide back manually won’t smack the frame the way live fire will. So look at the area where the hammer naturally bounces off the frame as it is re-cocked and you will find that new guns barely have a mark and guns that have had lots of love will often exhibit a solid divot in this area.

It seems like everyone on the planet except me wants to chase down and stockpile a slew of parts in case of future failure. For me, I don’t really worry so much about it. If I did, I would buy a second gun. Typically, you’ll spend more money in the ammo it would require to shoot one of these to failure than another pistol would cost.
This is really helpful, thank you. I'll disassemble the gun when I get home.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #13  
Old 07-29-2020, 05:34 PM
Sevens Sevens is offline
Member
Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915  
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Ohio
Posts: 7,822
Likes: 9,389
Liked 14,736 Times in 5,022 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 67tempest View Post
Mec Gar mags are out there and reasonably priced but I'd prefer finding an OEM S&W mag. Anybody have any experience with Mec Gar mags in a S&W?
Yes I do. I have lots of use from Meg-Gar 17-round replacements (I think they are 17, no?) and also with the extended 20-rounders.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #14  
Old 07-30-2020, 07:06 AM
stansdds stansdds is offline
Member
Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Virginia
Posts: 8,707
Likes: 19,260
Liked 11,729 Times in 5,348 Posts
Default

The one part that you can replace and may prevent other parts from breaking would be the recoil spring. The factory spring is 14 pounds and factory 39/59/x39/x59/390x/590x springs are good quality. I'd say replace the recoil spring every 3500 rounds or so, more frequently if you use 9mm NATO or +P ammo.
__________________
VCDL, GOA, NRA
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #15  
Old 08-04-2020, 02:06 AM
mlb007 mlb007 is offline
Member
Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915  
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 67tempest View Post
I just picked up a 915 and retired my 539 as my CCW. Put 50 rds through it and it ran fine with no issues. Now I'm on the lookout for a second mag, it only came with one. Mec Gar mags are out there and reasonably priced but I'd prefer finding an OEM S&W mag. Anybody have any experience with Mec Gar mags in a S&W?
gunprime $29.00 shipped 5906 mag
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 02-26-2021, 08:51 PM
mrmike7189's Avatar
mrmike7189 mrmike7189 is offline
Member
Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915  
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: massachusetts
Posts: 736
Likes: 2,823
Liked 518 Times in 278 Posts
Thumbs up good advice

Quote:
Originally Posted by stansdds View Post
The one part that you can replace and may prevent other parts from breaking would be the recoil spring. The factory spring is 14 pounds and factory 39/59/x39/x59/390x/590x springs are good quality. I'd say replace the recoil spring every 3500 rounds or so, more frequently if you use 9mm NATO or +P ammo.
A new recoil spring costs about $2.50 on midwayusa.com
It's cheap insurance to buy 2 and save one for later!
__________________
S&W BG380, S&W 915 9mm
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #17  
Old 02-26-2021, 11:02 PM
HOUSTON RICK HOUSTON RICK is offline
Member
Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: HOUSTON, TEXAS
Posts: 10,123
Likes: 7,091
Liked 14,252 Times in 5,366 Posts
Default

The 915 when cared for reasonably is a fine pistol as is.Whatever pre-cautions that you take are up to you. Some will talk about the old S&W economy line, but now they do not make them that good anymore. Good for anything that any other 9mm pistol is for. A great underrated pistol.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 9mmModel915s.jpg (36.7 KB, 45 views)

Last edited by HOUSTON RICK; 02-26-2021 at 11:04 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #18  
Old 02-27-2021, 01:11 PM
Trooper224's Avatar
Trooper224 Trooper224 is offline
Member
Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Kansas
Posts: 878
Likes: 556
Liked 2,638 Times in 607 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by mrbubbles773 View Post
I guess what I'm trying to figure out is if I should be concerned with parts breakage. Like I said I don't know how many rounds have been through it and I don't really know the overall quality of the internal parts. I know I'm probably being paranoid here. Once again I appreciate you guys replying to the thread. I really look forward in owning the 915.
The 915 was one of the last quality pistols S&W made before they started down the polymer rabbit hole. There aren't really any parts that are known for critical failures. Just change the recoil spring, as you should do with any other used handgun. You're right that you don't know the round count on the gun, so don't obsess over it and enjoy it.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #19  
Old 02-28-2021, 03:43 PM
stansdds stansdds is offline
Member
Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Virginia
Posts: 8,707
Likes: 19,260
Liked 11,729 Times in 5,348 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by mrmike7189 View Post
A new recoil spring costs about $2.50 on midwayusa.com
It's cheap insurance to buy 2 and save one for later!
They are inexpensive, so when I buy them from Midway USA, I buy a bunch of them, maybe enough to claim as supply for the rest of my life.
__________________
VCDL, GOA, NRA
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #20  
Old 03-02-2021, 07:51 PM
TercGen TercGen is offline
Member
Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 1,111
Likes: 5,684
Liked 1,664 Times in 730 Posts
Default

Congratulations on the new 915! Great model, dependable as any other S&W 3rd Gen, lightweight, and accurate.

As has been mentioned, a new recoil spring is a must, and really the only other part I personally like to upgrade is the guide rod. The staked-head guide rod that came with it can come loose over time (to check, gently try to twist the head and see if it moves). A one-piece guide rod you will never have to worry about: Smith & Wesson Recoil Spring Guide Assembly S&W 4003TSW 4006TSW

Mec-Gar mags are 100% good to go in my experience as well, love the 17-round flush-fit mags.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #21  
Old 03-02-2021, 09:10 PM
sheepdawg's Avatar
sheepdawg sheepdawg is offline
Member
Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Hills of North Georgia
Posts: 5,118
Likes: 1,850
Liked 12,440 Times in 3,403 Posts
Default

One of the most underrated pistols S&W ever made. Mine is a joy to shoot. The only minus is the finish, they can develop character quickly.
__________________
LIVE FROM THE DAWGHOUSE
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #22  
Old 03-03-2021, 09:13 PM
geo57 geo57 is offline
Member
Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Nebraska
Posts: 150
Likes: 59
Liked 88 Times in 35 Posts
Default

Very nice. I have it's first cousin, a 5904. I wish you great luck with yours.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #23  
Old 03-04-2021, 02:13 PM
JohnHL JohnHL is offline
SWCA Member
Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915  
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Foothills of the Ozarks
Posts: 3,582
Likes: 10,598
Liked 5,549 Times in 2,170 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by threefiftyseven View Post
Very nice. I have it's first cousin, a 5904. I wish you great luck with yours.
Wow, threefiftyseven!

You've been a member since 2008 and only posted 3 times!

You have exhibited an herculean level of restraint!

John
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #24  
Old 03-05-2021, 08:25 PM
geo57 geo57 is offline
Member
Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Nebraska
Posts: 150
Likes: 59
Liked 88 Times in 35 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnHL View Post
Wow, threefiftyseven!

You've been a member since 2008 and only posted 3 times!

You have exhibited an herculean level of restraint!

John
Ha. Actually, a long boring story, John. Short version , a little less boring...Last week on a firearm auction site my acct. got hacked several times resulting in me having to ax my acct there, PayPal acct, credit card cancellation, email address killed, Ebay too and computer guts redone . I could not log back in under my name, geo57 so had to temporarily use an old handle I used briefly. The mod here graciously restored everything.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #25  
Old 03-05-2021, 10:25 PM
JohnHL JohnHL is offline
SWCA Member
Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915  
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Foothills of the Ozarks
Posts: 3,582
Likes: 10,598
Liked 5,549 Times in 2,170 Posts
Default

Still, with only 85 posts since 2006, you ain't exactly setting the keyboard on fire!

Then again, maybe you're just a person who chooses their words carefully.

John
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #26  
Old 03-05-2021, 11:23 PM
geo57 geo57 is offline
Member
Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915 Picked up a S&W 915  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Nebraska
Posts: 150
Likes: 59
Liked 88 Times in 35 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnHL View Post
Still, with only 85 posts since 2006, you ain't exactly setting the keyboard on fire!

Then again, maybe you're just a person who chooses their words carefully.

John
I've recently retired. Before that I had far less time to spend online.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Picked this up a bit ago... F75gunslinger Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics 9 03-02-2016 08:59 PM
Picked up a 10-6 dss1085 S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 8 02-07-2016 12:46 PM
Just Picked Up A 469 mmais Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols 5 02-06-2016 07:17 PM
Picked up a new toy ColumbusJBR The Lounge 5 08-13-2013 11:25 PM
Just picked up a 13-2! pennlineman S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 11 10-31-2011 01:02 AM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:47 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)