What to do with "found" Combat Stocks

[22hipower]

So stopped by a pawn shop yesterday and there was a 15-4 with "cloudy" nickel and the wrong stocks. Didn't really have a use for the 15-4 but thought perhaps I could find something to do with the stocks so bought the gun. Pretty sure no one else here has ever done that. Anyway, had a 18-3 with magnas not numbered to it so tried them and think they work. That's Galco leather with it and a ram's horn vascowear knife with elephant sheath by the late Clay Gault.

Oh, and it turned out the "cloudy" nickel on the 15-4 cleaned up nicely so will have to find something to do with that now.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[one eye joe]

IMHO, THOSE DO NOT LOOK LIKE FACTORY SB COMBATS. THE RIDGES BETWEEN THE FINGER GROOVES APPEAR TO BE TOO SHARP, TO BE ORIGINAL S&Ws......

 

[22hipower]

IMHO, THOSE DO NOT LOOK LIKE FACTORY SB COMBATS. THE RIDGES BETWEEN THE FINGER GROOVES APPEAR TO BE TOO SHARP, TO BE ORIGINAL S&Ws......

I'm no expert on S&W combat stocks but if they're not original someone went to a lot of trouble to duplicate the "silver" stamped stainless steel circle inserts and S&W medallions. Original or not, I'd like a few more sets.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[murphydog]

I think they are original stocks, but refinished with a matte surface and possibly reshaped.

What, no photos of the nickel 15-4? For shame!

 

[k22fan]

They appear to to be S&W made Combats that were refinished with an oil. Combats originally had a thicker shinier finish. Perhaps sanding made the ridges between the finger grooves sharper than they originally were but I did not notice the sharpness.

That's a great looking Model 18-3! They were among the best .22s ever made. Also the ram's horn handle looks exceptionally good.

Maybe shooting some tiny groups with the nickel 15-4 will help you decide what to do with it.

 

[daddio202]

I think they are original stocks, but refinished with a matte surface and possibly reshaped.

What, no photos of the nickel 15-4? For shame!

Yeah what about some pictures of that formerly milky 15, we want to see how good she turned out.

 

[22hipower]

Yeah what about some pictures of that formerly milky 15, we want to see how good she turned out.

Ok, didn't realize anyone would care.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Eddietruett]

You scored twice in that deal!!

 

[Texas Star]

If you don't like nickel guns (I certainly don't) , sell it and buy a more respectable M-67 stainless, or better yet, a M-66 .357. Do you need a Model 60? A M-629? Trade the M-15 in or swap for the M-60. The .44 Magnum will cost more, so the nickel thing would just be good for a partial trade. But it's a partial trade, and that's helpful. You might be able to trade it for a Ruger GP-100.

Or, just load the gun and leave it in some room where you don't yet have a gun handy. Maybe install Uncle Mike's rubber grips or a Tyler adaptor.

This isn't rocket science... Even I can figure it out.

BTW, I spotted that little knife as being Clay Gault's work. Didn't realize that he'd died. He was a talented knifemaker. And that elephant hide sheath is very classy. What's the blade length? Do you know which steel he used?

I think your refinished S&W "combat" grips look very nice, an improvement on the original version. Whoever worked on those is a knowledgeable gun guy.

 

[F75gunslinger]

Nice grips AND nice Model 15...gotta love days like that!

 

[spad124]

That IS a nice M15! I'm not a nickel fan either, but i have a nickel Model 10-8 with the sweetest trigger that a friend gave me. With a trigger like the one in my M10 sometimes you can definitely justify keeping a nickel revolver!

 

[M29since14]

When I was a young lad I had no use for a nickel-plated revolver. Somehow that has changed, and now I have a few of them and I like them just as much as their blued brothers and sisters.

If you're not real fond of it, trading it is always a possibility, but I'd hold on to it a while. Might find it grows on you.

(Of course, then you will want more. )

 

[white cloud]

What M29since14 said! I would not sell it.

 

[Stirling]

That is a nice looking M-15.

 

[Greg E]

Would anyone know year of production on model 19-3-- 2 1/2 inch bright nickel .357 SN 3K662** and perhaps a value. Clean? Many thanks

 

[k22fan]

Would anyone know year of production on model 19-3-- 2 1/2 inch bright nickel .357 SN 3K662** and perhaps a value. Clean? Many thanks

1972 according to the list in the Standard Catalog of S&W, 3rd ed. "Clean" is open to interpretation and I have not been shopping for one so I'd only be guessing. You could look at sold auctions on GunBroker.com. Throw out the highs and lows then average what's left.

Don't be bashful about starting your own thread. Eventually you'll get used to members pointing out every thing you write that is wrong. That's how we learn.

 

[YeshuaIsa53]

Perhaps Morado grips refinished?

 

[JohnRippert]

I would put the combats on a 4inch Model 19 or similar 357. A Model 18 with combats just makes me go "Whut?".

 

[A10]

Good looking nickel 15. Were it mine I'd use it as my Sunday go to meeting gun.

 

[k22fan]

I would put the combats on a 4inch Model 19 or similar 357. A Model 18 with combats just makes me go "Whut?".

Combats were never standard on Model 19s so that would look wrong to me. However, they are equally wrong on Mode 66s but some how look right on 66s. Model 18s look best with Targets but the butts of those swell too much to be a great fit for me. Other than being the wrong vintage I'd argue that Combats are not out of place on any caliber Combat Masterpiece. That name was used for Model 18s as long as they were made.

Perhaps Morado grips refinished?

The morado wood Combats were the later flat sided round butt N frame Combats.