USAF Model 15-2

[porkchop110]

Along with an Aircrewman, I also purchased a USAF marked Model 15-2 that I received a letter from Roy Jinks on. It has been parkerized, presumably while in USAF service. We had a mix of blued and parkerized Model 15's when I used them years ago.

Thanks to opoefc and Mr. Eric Archer for their help with this revolver.

I am attaching photos and a copy of Mr. Jinks' letter.

 

[bgrafsr]

Nice gun. Maybe one of these days I can obtain one also.

 

[Bat Guano]

Wouldn't mind getting one of the old USAF guns, or even a commemorative version. They don't pop up much, or so it seems. The one lonely M15 I did manage to get was snapped up by my then 16 year old son and after all these years I still DON'T have one. A clear case of bad judgement.

 

[JayCeeNC]

Nice gun, they're pretty rare. I have one and have only seen a few others in the public domain.

 

[sigp220.45]

Why would an Air Force gun be shipped to the Army?

 

[hsguy]

Very nice gun and hard to find. I picked one up a while back and Eric was a great help then also. Judging by your other posts our interests seem to be moving in the same direction.

 

[Samuel Adams]

Very nice. This brings back fond memories.

 

[kwill1911]

Why would an Air Force gun be shipped to the Army?

This is an interesting question. I know of two other Model 15's that were invoiced to the U.S. Govt. Disbursing Office in Boston. The revolvers were actually shipped elsewhere, most likely Robins AFB in Warner Robins Georgia. A letter on K6010XX actually mentions that these guns were for the Air Force and "they were marked with their property markings."

The Army did buy some K-38 Masterpiece revolvers with 6 inch barrels (pre-Model 14) but the ones I know of shipped in the 1950's and the letters mention the Springfield Ordnance District and Army bases like Rariton. These are usually marked "U.S."

I think it might be wise to check with Roy about the letter on K741687.

 

[supersmitt]

This is all really bad news for me. I have a 1961 model 15-1 Combat Masterpiece like the one I carried in th A.F. The problem is I have been looking for one with U.S.A.F. markings and from the posts i've read here, it looks like that may never happen. If anyone out there knows where I can find a K38 Combat Masterpiece, with or without the markings, please let me know. I need it for a display case for the family of a fallen comrade. Thanks.

 

[JayCeeNC]

I hate to post this pic again so soon, but it's one of my favorite guns and appropriate for this thread.
Model 15-2, shipped June, 1964, to Government Accounting and Finance Office, Grand Island, NE. It's believed the GAF office was a disbursement point for military equipment.

 

[K.38]

I've posted this story before but it still makes one sick. Back in the early 90's I was stationed in Germany and was in charge of the base armory, different than the SP armory BTW. Anyway during the reign of clinton orders came down to ship all our revolvers back to depot for destruction. We had IIRC 272 USAF marked M15's and one lone 2" USAF marked M10. Most of these were like new. I couldn't bring myself to do the deed so I kept putting it off until I left. But I"m sure the next guy threw them all in a big box and sent them on there way.

It wasn't just a few years before that that the Army was able to sell off excess pistols to individual soldiers. I don't know if the AF ever did that or not as it was a little before my time.

Thanks again clinton for destroying a piece of our history.

 

[rburg]

David Carroll had a like new example (for big bucks). It came complete with the box and a canvas like overwrap. All numbers matched. Clearly had never been issued, fired, or carried. Anyone interested can contact him or go to his web page and see if its still listed.

 

[safearm]

I carried M15s in the Air Force, both as an enlisted Security Specialist (Security Controller) and as an aircrew member, before transitioning to the M9. I don't recall any of the M15s having USAF markings, but at the time, I didn't look that closely. Coincidentally, I was also issued a M15 as a duty gun at the police department where I worked.

 

[505Gibbs]

David Carroll had a like new example (for big bucks). It came complete with the box and a canvas like overwrap. All numbers matched. Clearly had never been issued, fired, or carried. Anyone interested can contact him or go to his web page and see if its still listed.

It was still there two days ago, but, as noted - it ain't cheap!! : (

 

[Brian41]

Nice gun and thanks for the pictures. That was the first revolver I ever shot in early 70s in the AF. It's what started me buying and shooting S&W revolvers all these years since.

 

[dave2010]

I would also love to get an Air Force M-15 but am not willing to pay for mint condition. The one I carried on active duty was far from Mint.

 

[Pete 45]

U.S.A.F. Engraved

If anyone has one that they are willing to part with I am in the market.

Thanks,

Pete

 

[gunblade]

Why would an Air Force gun be shipped to the Army?

IIRC, the Army was the procurement agency for all the small arms that eventually ended up in USAF possession. Warner Robins was the logistics center that had responsibility for distribution within the USAF once they were obtained thru Army supply channels.

 

[Dale53]

A year or so ago, I found a Model 15 at my local gun club for sale for a very reasonable price. I bought it and gave it to my youngest son as a house gun.

They are one of the most practical field guns available. I have often carried a .38 Special revolver when hunting. I prefer the solid wadcutter at "standard" velocity (NOT target velocity). They are dandy for edible small game. If the game is close, then a head shot is taken - if they are farther away, then a shot through the slats will get the job done without wasting meat.

They are still good for self defense, of course. Again, the standard velocity solid wadcutter is an excellent choice.

Those loads are only available to reloaders - although it is possible that some of the specialty ammo suppliers may offer a similar load. Back in the Sixties the New York Stakeout Squad used that load quite effectively.

Dale53

 

[dscampbell]

I hate to post this pic again so soon, but it's one of my favorite guns and appropriate for this thread.
Model 15-2, shipped June, 1964, to Government Accounting and Finance Office, Grand Island, NE. It's believed the GAF office was a disbursement point for military equipment.

Very cool. I was born in Grand Island


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