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  #101  
Old 01-02-2011, 11:27 PM
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I'd jump at the chance to get one too! My first experience with S&W's was as a SP augmentee at my first radar site (North Truro AFS, MA). My M-15 was parkerized...and very accurate. Maybe this will come to be...
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  #102  
Old 01-26-2011, 07:14 PM
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sad news to report. i contacted one of my old friends about the USAF M15s that were shipped to Warner Robbins AFB when they switched over to the 9mm only to find out that they were ALL destroyed!!! DAMN!!! well, i guess we will have to keep after S&W to produce a commemorative model for us. sorry to bear bad news. keep the faith, and we may yet succeed. Smitty.
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  #103  
Old 01-29-2011, 09:07 PM
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I spoke at length with the rep's at the SCI Reno S&W booth regarding commemorative M15's and Model 10's. They are still making the M15 and would produce the M10 if you meet the following two criteria:

1) They would need a distributor to order 500 units (think 1 of 500)

2) Permission from the USAF/USN/US Army to use their trademarked logos. S&W has tried before and been denied that permission by the various branches.

Someone needs to reach out to a distributor...
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  #104  
Old 01-30-2011, 11:34 AM
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so lets all contact every distributor we know and maybe we can find at least one who will order them once they realize there are more than 500 of us who would love to own one. i will also talk to my friends in the Air Force about the logo issue. we can get this done if we all pool our resources. keep the faith, Smitty.
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  #105  
Old 01-31-2011, 11:50 AM
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2) Permission from the USAF/USN/US Army to use their trademarked logos. S&W has tried before and been denied that permission by the various branches

How did Baretta get permission to buld their M92 tribute guns for all the branches of the U.S. Armed services?
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  #106  
Old 01-31-2011, 08:37 PM
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Never fired the M15 while in the regular AF then I went into the active AFRES and was in a Comm.Squadron and had to qualify with the M15...SWEET! My first encounter with firing a handgun I am all for S&W to make a special run for us veterans!
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  #107  
Old 02-03-2011, 07:01 PM
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I'll take it.

Thanks,
Kevin Williams
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  #108  
Old 07-21-2011, 02:37 PM
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Default S&W Modal 15 as USAF

I was a USAF Police Officer 74-78 and have been a civilian officer for 30 years. I still carry a 4 inch 66. I fell in love with the Smith while in the AF.

I would love to see you issue a Model 15 AF Commemorative
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  #109  
Old 07-22-2011, 03:42 PM
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Just to point out the S&W model 15 was the standard issue sidearm for all officers in the USAF, not just SPs...I qualified on one in OTS and again when I got to Moody AFB in 1985, the next year we received Beretta M9 pistols. My dad carried a model 15 in Vietnam in 1965-66 and the ones we qualified on looked about that old..they were in good shape though and accurate. It was pretty easy to shoot expert with the model 15.
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  #110  
Old 07-22-2011, 06:25 PM
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The M-15 wasn't standard issue for all officers. I occasionally saw a colonel or general with a S&W Model 39 9mm auto.
Of course, upper-ranking officers being so close to their desk and almost always miles away from the "lines" needed these fast-firing and fast-reloading pistols for cracking walnuts, prying off bottle caps with the trigger guard, as a paperweight in their air conditioned office, or to look cool.
Meanwhile, the SPs still carried a 6-shot revolver and weren't even issued speedloaders for them. I bought my own, and my own speedloader pouch, when I was in. Though it wasn't regulation, sergeants and officers looked the other way; they knew it wasn't an affectation.
But high-ranking officers carrying a 9mm that would almost certainly never be fired except at a range was a travesty that still ticks me off.
Some pilots carried the M-39 9mm and I don't begrudge them that. If they were shot down in enemy territory, the 9mm made more sense for escape and evasion than the 2" snubnose .38 that most of them carried.
Nonetheless, the Model 15 was still a good handgun for Security Police. It was light on the belt, utterly reliable, accurate, easy to be trained with and easily maintained.
I loved my M-15 for these reasons, but I also cringed at its capacity limitations and wished we'd been issued the S&W 9mm. Or better yet, the S&W M-59 with its 15-round magazine.
I'd still love to see a commemorative USAF Model 15 made available. It has a long history of service behind that that the S&W 9mm cannot begin to approach. I'm sentimental.
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  #111  
Old 07-23-2011, 08:41 AM
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I do love the Model 15 to. Here is mine. I do own this revolver for about 16 years.
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  #112  
Old 10-20-2011, 11:26 PM
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Niceeeeeeeee ... the Model 15 with a 4" barrel always looked all-business. But it was such a pleasure to shoot. I'm still looking for a 15-2 at a good price, to mimic the one I carried.
I still have my armory card, which I handed to the armorer at Howard Air Force Base, Panama, to get my M15 for the shift. Wish I had that old gun; someone well before me had gone into and smoothed the action until it was like oiled glass. Makes me sick to think it ended its service under a cutting torch, or at the bottom of the ocean.
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  #113  
Old 10-29-2011, 05:13 PM
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You'd think that would be the ultimate no-brainer. I'd have my order in NOW.
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  #114  
Old 10-29-2011, 08:12 PM
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also an Air Force Security Policeman not Law Enforcement Specalist. Qualified with M-15 twice in my career. Actually carried the M-9 Beretta and M-16 more. I have been thinking about getting a M-15 and just get some faux ivory grips and have a badge scrimshawed on them. I do have the Security Police mini badge pin and thought about picking up a less expensive m-15 and getting it inlaid to the grips. Not exactly like having an actual commerative but might look nice if i had the old web belt, holster and dump pouches to go with my beret.
Service 74-78 and 81 until early retirement in 95. Municipal LE now for 11 years.
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  #115  
Old 02-17-2012, 09:40 PM
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my father was stationed at offutt as a sac elite. he has a 38 (chrome or nickle) in a cross draw holster with bone grips. is this the same modle that you are talking about?
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  #116  
Old 02-17-2012, 10:46 PM
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Quote:
Not exactly like having an actual commerative but might look nice if i had the old web belt, holster and dump pouches to go with my beret.
ive got the black leather set of gear with the dump pouches and belt and some issue 'American' branded handcuffs...

Quote:
my father was stationed at offutt as a sac elite. he has a 38 (chrome or nickle) in a cross draw holster with bone grips. is this the same modle that you are talking about?
it would be nickel unless he had a blued version chromed sometime after the service. but yes, this is the M-15. it is a K frame, .38spl with a 4" barrel and target trigger and target spur hammer...

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  #117  
Old 02-17-2012, 11:18 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mrg455 View Post
my father was stationed at offutt as a sac elite. he has a 38 (chrome or nickle) in a cross draw holster with bone grips. is this the same modle that you are talking about?
What you're describing is exactly what the SAC Elite Guard carried. Could you get pictures of it?
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  #118  
Old 02-17-2012, 11:24 PM
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my father is first row, third from the right. i will try to find a better pic, but it shows the grips.



http://www.saceliteguard.com/images/...ard_No_Two.jpg
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  #119  
Old 02-17-2012, 11:32 PM
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I think that these have been identified in the past as Model 10 or Victory Model revolvers (in some pictures they have lanyard loops), not Model 15s. AFAIK the fake stag grips and plating was done by the Air Force but ordnanceguy or one of the other experts may come along and correct me.

Thanks for posting the picture. Very cool. If you aren't familiar with it there is a great website that has lots of pictures and film clips of the Elite Guard: SAC Elite Guard

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  #120  
Old 02-17-2012, 11:47 PM
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i will go through some of his photos and hopefully find a good shot to post(pun intended)
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  #121  
Old 02-25-2012, 10:21 AM
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I'll give this idea a big thumbs up, but only if they also produce a commemorative Model 10 for the Army (and Ruger could also follow suit with a speed six). Since they already make a 1917 in the classics, it would just make sense. I reckon they should include the Navy too.
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  #122  
Old 03-23-2012, 10:08 PM
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Wonder if the Air Force Security Forces Association would be interested in putting a project like this together? The AFSFA is a fraternal organization for any and all current AP, SP or SF members.

Would be a good way for them to boost membership and offer something unique to it's members.

They have put together commerative badge sets, etc in the past. This would be a lot more work, but very nice.
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  #123  
Old 03-23-2012, 10:21 PM
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I would buy twelve of these. Two for me (one to shoot and one for the safe) and ten to sell in my shop.


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  #124  
Old 03-31-2012, 09:19 PM
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Wow that brings back memories. I too was stationed at Bergstrom AFB when that plane crashed on Ben White blvd. I was walking on base just getting ready to cross Ben White to go to my apartment at Sunscape Apartments which was east of the main gate. I remember hearing 2 pops then a KABOOM when the plane crashed. It's a wonder that no one got hurt. Even though I worked at the hospital, I sometimes shot with the SPs. The military is a totally different place these days. My son is just finishing his 4 years and didn't enjoy it at all. Anyway, it is always good to hear from someone else that was at BAFB! Brian
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  #125  
Old 10-04-2012, 10:30 PM
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A while back, I bought a like-new Model 15-3 off an auction site for $500. It's nickel-plated and looks as good as when it left the factory in 1977.
Magnificent revolver with 4" barrel.
I may have paid a little too much for it, but I figured that its condition and nickel-plating will do nothing but increase its value. Besides, I wanted something with a little panache, and the nickel certainly does that.
Still, as I said when I created this post some time ago, I wish there were a commemorative Model 15 to honor we Airmen who carried it.
My nickel-plated Model 15 now guards my home, loaded with Remington 158 gr. lead +P hollowpoints. This load was carried by the FBI, Chicago PD and New York PD, as well as other law enforcers. It has an excellent record of being a good stopper and is probably the best .38 Special load in revolvers with 4" barrels or longer.
It's more difficult to get a 2" barrel to hurl it fast enough for reliable expansion.
Wish S&W would make a commemorative Model 15. I'd have a counterpart to my recent acquisition. Might have to get a double gun belt made!
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  #126  
Old 12-04-2012, 08:07 PM
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thank you for your service to our great nation,you should have had the option to buy your sidarm's when you where discharged.
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  #127  
Old 12-24-2012, 02:11 AM
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I was honorably discharged in 1979. The Air Force used Model 15 .38 Specials up to the early 1990s, I've been told, 10 years after the 9mm Beretta was adopted.
I heard of a doctor in the 1st Gulf War who was issued a Model 15, holster, belt and box of cartridges as his defense gun. The M9 9mm was in high demand by front line troops; quartermasters apparently figured that medical personnel would never have to use their sidearm so they got the "leftover" .38 Special.
I used to work with a guy who carried a Model 15 in South America, setting up a radar site, in the late 1980s. He said the same thing: the M9 9mm pistol went to troops likely to see action. His crew weren't expected to use their sidearm, so they were issued .38s (and M16 rifles).
I've been told by people that seem to be in the know that the military no longer has .38 Special revolvers in inventory. I've been told that they were all crushed and sold for scrap metal.
Makes me sick!
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  #128  
Old 12-24-2012, 02:11 PM
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Since it seems unlikely that S&W will offer a commemorative M-15, I am thinking about having my early '70's piece engraved with my squadron and years of service on the left side of the frame. For example: USAF 10th SPS RAF Alconbury 1967-70

I'm not looking for anything fancy and would prefer the same style font used on the piece by S&W.

I've researched various engraving services on the internet but would prefer to deal with an engraver in my area.

I would appreciate comments and suggestions.
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  #129  
Old 08-04-2013, 01:53 PM
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If Smith & Wesson or someone ever produces this revolver, I hope they use the old roundel (logo) of the U.S. Air Force. This new logo, with its wings and points turns me off. The old roundel had class; this new logo looks like a sports drink logo.
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  #130  
Old 05-07-2014, 12:22 AM
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Since posting this a few years ago, I've sent three letters of suggestion to Smith & Wesson.
Given the interest this has generated, I think it's worth Smith & Wesson's consideration.
Anyone have a name at Smith & Wesson to whom I might address this suggestion directly?
I believe a USAF Model 15 .38 revolver commemorative would sell well. And Model 10s in Army, Navy and Marine commemoratives.
But it's important to keep them somewhat affordable, and useable: leave them blued, with the service engraved on the side, its own serial number (F, N, M and A can precede the serial number to designate which service) and perhaps the name of the service written out along the backstrap.
They should be so fancy that you'd agonize to fire one. These should be holster guns, carried by veterans who served.

Anyway, who might I write to specifically on this suggestion? Send me an email if you'd rather not advertise the recipient's name.

I hope Smith & Wesson will consider this. The .45 gets a lot of fame, but the .38 protected and reassured a lot of service men and women since World War II, and did so until the early 1990s.
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  #131  
Old 05-15-2014, 11:38 PM
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I was a Air Policeman in 1966 & 1967 and forced to retrain into Air transportation, Air freight specialist and sent to Viet Nam, As a Sky cop and as a pallet pusher in Viet Nam carried the Model 15. Our unit carried a 125 grain WC, it made a fine entry hole and had stopping power. It was a good in close firearm. I did some work that required me to be armed as I transported classified material I carried the M15. In Viet Nam several of us carried the M-15 in a tanker holster for ease of working inside the cargo bay of the C-123 and C-130 and from the seat of a forklift.
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  #132  
Old 05-15-2014, 11:39 PM
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I'm still in for one...odd that years back the market was flooded with hokey commemoratives, but one of this significance, with people lined up around the block to buy them, gets no traction???

Finally did get a minty 15-4 to go with the swivel holster and a replica badge, so I'm getting close.

If it was good enough for Robin Olds, it's good enough for me...

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  #133  
Old 05-19-2014, 01:05 PM
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Default I had one for a little while, it was a handsome gun!

I had one for a bit, but I could not hold-on to it. I had to sell it back to its owner, to maintain a good conscience. (And what a low price I paid, $200! It was like a gift!)

The Model 15 is one of the sweetest guns that I have ever laid hands on. I have no doubt that I could defend my life with it, in very dire circumstances. Some Safariland or HKS loaders would turn it into a defensive machine, at least that is my assessment.

Just call me old school, but I am confident in myself with a revolver. Especially this revolver.
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  #134  
Old 05-22-2014, 02:42 PM
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Cool

I was rummaging for something else, and came across this thread.

What a great idea from a few years back. I was a weapons troop, and when we
did nuke convoys and mu "augie-dog" duties, I carried one.

Heck, it was the 2nd of 2 expert marksman ribbons I received, it was a fun gun!

I currently own a pre-Model 10 in nickel plated, which is the closest S&W to it, all else are
autos, and would love a commemorative for the USAF.

Maybe a run of 1,000, if the conditions can be met...
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  #135  
Old 05-29-2014, 11:14 AM
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BTT...........
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  #136  
Old 05-29-2014, 01:08 PM
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I bought a 15-1 about 20 years ago in the Atlanta area stamped with "US" just below the cylinder. Being a soldier I was sure it was a U.S. Army revolver.
When I got it lettered, it had been shipped to a AF Base in Georgia.
It's in storage right now so don't have the letter or revolver with me in Wyoming, but it certainly had a lot of finish wear.
Another forum member on here had one for sale several years ago that was marked in the same way.
I have no connection to the USAF, but bought it because it was cheap, marked "US" and its a 15-1.
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  #137  
Old 06-21-2014, 07:07 PM
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I am still in for one if this ever comes to pass. I bought a used M15 of the 70's vintage a few years back and sent it off to S&W to have it re-blued two weeks ago. When it comes back I may send it off to Nutmeg for a pair of ivory grips with my OSI and SP badges carved in. I was at the SP museum two years ago and man did I ever get some flashbacks to SEA from the displays.
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  #138  
Old 07-18-2014, 03:02 AM
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Talking Count me in!

Security Police Law Enforcement Specialist 811X2 from Jun 1980 until Oct 1991. Started with the model 15 in tech school and carried it on duty both on patrol and on EST until we transitioned to the Beretta. Went from tech school to Moody AFB then to Kunsan ROK and then to Tyndall where we switched to the Beretta a couple of years later. Loved that gun then and still do. As a matter of fact one currently serves duty as my wife go to gun at home. Always has been and forever will be one of the most accurate and well balanced handguns of all time. As to the OSI .45's my brother was issued one while stationed at Randolph and loved it and still complains because he can't find another like it! Count me in as another vote for the commemorative model if we can get one off the ground!
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  #139  
Old 08-05-2014, 11:03 AM
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I know quality when I see it & I love the gun. I am a big .45 Auto fan, but the Combat Masterpiece, made a believer out of me. The first time that I touched one, the hook was in; it looks that good and feels that good. The Model 15 is a work of art, just like a Maserati is.

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  #140  
Old 08-10-2014, 10:17 AM
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+ 1 on an 'old style' Model 15. No two piece barrel, no IL. Just a plain, ordinary Model 15. In 2", 3" and 4" variants. Put me down for 'one of each' please.
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  #141  
Old 08-14-2014, 03:34 PM
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BTT...and I "STILL" want one...({)

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  #142  
Old 08-15-2014, 02:50 AM
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Default Model 15 Performance Center

In 2001, the PC made some Heritage guns in the Model 15. The finish and workmanship were stellar. I bought one in 4" and was disappointed, since the rest of the Heritage series had 6" barrels and I wanted them to match. I sent the gun back to S&W and they fitted a 6" barrel. My guns were all case colored and a beautiful set. I liked the gun so much, I bought another, in 4", but in Nickel. Even though I have had this for over 10 years, I seldom shoot it…..so it might be for sale.
email me if any interest….
[email protected]

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  #143  
Old 10-17-2014, 10:21 AM
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Was a Law Enforcement Specialist, carried both the 4 inch and 2 inch version of the 15 Combat Masterpiece. A USAF commemorative with the shields (AP & SP) would be great.
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  #144  
Old 11-05-2014, 11:49 AM
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BTT...........
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  #145  
Old 02-08-2015, 09:22 PM
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BTT...the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Maybe it'll catch on...again!
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  #146  
Old 01-06-2017, 12:56 AM
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Hard to believe that it has been 8 years since I created this thread, proposing that Smith & Wesson issue a tribute Model 15 Combat Masterpiece to honor U.S. Air Force veterans who carried this .38 Special revolver as police, guards, aircrew members, investigators, survival instructors, missile techs, etc. -- all protecting America and its interests.
Smith & Wesson still shows no interest in doing so.
The note in this thread that military insignia is copyrighted is, I'm certain, quite wrong. Uncle Sam cannot copyright material. He can control some things because of security reasons -- photos, documents, videos, etc. -- but certainly not the vintage USAF roundel and Security Police badge.
These would be so nice to have engraved on the pistol's frame or cylinder.
A few years ago, I picked up a like-new S&W M15 with 4" barrel, made in 1977 -- one of the years I was in the Air Force as a Security Policeman, Law Enforcement Specialist. It's nickel-plated, so it's not authentic to what was regularly issued, but it sure is a beauty. Shoots accurately and rides nicely in a vintage like-new USAF holster I found on the net.
Pleassseeeee ... Mssrs. Smith & Wesson, may we have a lightly engraved M15, in remembrance of those in blue who carried it to keep the peace and protect each other?
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  #147  
Old 01-06-2017, 01:13 AM
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81152 LE here from 83-87 - Lowry AFB, CO, Comiso AS, Italy and Tinker AFB, OK
Airman of the year at Lowry AFB, and Airman of the year at Comiso, AS

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  #148  
Old 01-06-2017, 11:45 PM
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On my right side you can see my model 15, handle hidden by my elbow. Osan 1978-81.
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  #149  
Old 01-07-2017, 01:36 PM
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wow! i just found this thread and am wholly on board.
i worked as a small arms specialist in the af (76-80) and dealt with the model 15 daily. i have nothing but good to say about these classics.
part of our job was an annual inspection of every handgun and rifle on base, and i can remember seeing crated firearms in the 100's, unfired, new and waiting to be issued to flight crews. i'm sure the disposition of many or all of them was to never be used, just stockpiled. too bad if they were destroyed.
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  #150  
Old 06-03-2018, 06:36 PM
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A lot were unmarked from Late 1969 -1970 period. Model 15-3's. High polish blue 4". My Bird Colonel had one,no marks and seen a lot of others no marks.
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