38 Special CTG MOD 15-3
- Thread starter ElisaD
- Start date
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Welcome aboard from ol' Wyo, Elisa.
According to lore a Lady named Flora Mason Van Orden, co-owner of Evaluators Limited Gun Shop in Quantico/Triangle, Virginia, "designed" the S&W Combat Masterpiece after WW II.
Flora and her husband George owned the shop, and she was a good friend of S&W president Carl Hellstrom.
When S&W assigned model numbers in 1957 the Combat Masterpiece took on the added identifier of Model 15. Yours went through three engineering changes. The Model 15-3 was built from 1967 through 1977, and S&W likely shipped yours in 1975.
Does yours have a 4" or a 2" barrel? Is it blue or nickel?
Value is dependent upon condition. Very nice ones are running more than $700 +/-.
Hope this helps.
According to lore a Lady named Flora Mason Van Orden, co-owner of Evaluators Limited Gun Shop in Quantico/Triangle, Virginia, "designed" the S&W Combat Masterpiece after WW II.
Flora and her husband George owned the shop, and she was a good friend of S&W president Carl Hellstrom.
When S&W assigned model numbers in 1957 the Combat Masterpiece took on the added identifier of Model 15. Yours went through three engineering changes. The Model 15-3 was built from 1967 through 1977, and S&W likely shipped yours in 1975.
Does yours have a 4" or a 2" barrel? Is it blue or nickel?
Value is dependent upon condition. Very nice ones are running more than $700 +/-.
Hope this helps.
I've a 15-3, 1973 date of manufacture. I think I paid around $420 for it back before the covid hit. It's in very good condition, nice bluing. Only minus is a small chip in one stock panel. (Numbered to the gun.) Thinking back, I may have paid closer to $500, no more. Hope it helps.
I've got either 7 or 8 15's and Combat Masterpieces, I forget the exact number...I'm sure I overpaid all of them, but I sure like 'em...
...Ben
...Ben
First centerfire firearm I ever owned was my 15-3 Spokane Police trade in. I've put thousands of rounds through it and have owned it for 32 years. I have it right here beside me as I type. It will go in the box with me. They are excellent shooters and nice packing pistols. When you think of police guns from the '30s or so to the '80s, the Mod.15 and the Mod.10 are what comes to mind. Iconic and classic. As to value, some better pics would help but i understand we're not all Ansel Adams. If the finish is as good as it looks, meaning very little to no loss of bluing and no obvious dings and scratches, I'd put the value in todays market at $650-$800. Now if you put it at auction it could go for $1000 or more if a couple of guys fall in love with it, but more likely will bring nearer the top end of the first estimate. Keep in mind I'm not an expert nor do I keep track of the prices. Some of the guys who do this regularly should chime in with more accurate pricing. Welcome to the forums!
ElisaD, that's a real nice shooting .38spl revolver...my 4" wears target stocks, just balances "right" in hand....even my grand daughters grab it for a go when we're shooting! I see nice ones at local auctions $750 and up
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Thank Y'all so very much for your input! I really like this gun, but to be perfectly candid it's been gathering dust in my nightstand for about two decades. I'm a petite woman with tiny hands, and this gun fits perfect even for me.
As a side note, I replaced my CC Glock 36 with a M&P Shield and I couldn't be happier! I always said I would never carry anything CC that didn't start with a "4", but switching to the 9mm M&P, with my arthritis and tiny hands, was one of the best moves I ever made!
As a side note, I replaced my CC Glock 36 with a M&P Shield and I couldn't be happier! I always said I would never carry anything CC that didn't start with a "4", but switching to the 9mm M&P, with my arthritis and tiny hands, was one of the best moves I ever made!
thomasinaz
US Veteran
The Model 15 will work very well for it's intended purpose. The first revolver I ever shot was an Air Force issue Model 15. I carried one on and off for 8 years, with the Security Police, depending on the post assignment. All of the ones I shot for qual were very accurate. If the accuracy went downhill the R/O would tighten the front screw on the rear sight base. Accuracy came right back after that.
I bought this one 15 or 20 years ago, mostly for nostalgia sake. It shoots as good as the beat up AF issue guns. And has way fewer rounds through it. Hope you continue t enjoy your Model 15-3.
I bought this one 15 or 20 years ago, mostly for nostalgia sake. It shoots as good as the beat up AF issue guns. And has way fewer rounds through it. Hope you continue t enjoy your Model 15-3.
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Welcome aboard! The model 15 IMO was one of S&W's best efforts. A timeless classic. I think I have 4 or 5 of them. I picked up a 1974 new in the box one a few months back for my oldest son. It is his birth year, and a Xmas present. But don't tell him
kobsw
Member
You have a great K frame there, what can you tell us about the white front sight insert?
Do you know if it came from S&W like that or was it aftermarket?
Regards,
Kobsw
Fortunately, I have a Friend about three hours away who can take a look at it when I can get over there some time next month. I was reading some of the threads on this forum and was so impressed by how helpful everyone here is so I decided to pose the question. I really appreciate everyone's input! Thanks!
