15-3 question

[Frozen in Minnesota]

A local shop has this 15-3 4" listed for $600. Is this a decent price? I plan on changing grips back to factory style. Has the letters "or co ca" stamped below the cylinder. I might even get it restored. Local guy does bluing and internals for just over 200. I've been wanting to start collecting old s&w revolvers. Good first candidate?

 

[UncleEd]

For what you're willing to
spend to upgrade what
looks like a well-worn
gun, you'd be better off
just getting a more pristine
one from the get-go.

From the angle of the picture,
the barrel doesn't look right
(too heavy) for a 15-3. In
fact, look like it's a heavy
barrel from a Model 10.

 

[raljr1]

I think you can do much better than that gun for $800.

Robert

 

[lihpster]

I agree with Ed. For just over $800 you could get a nice pristine example that will be worth more as it hasn't been refinished. Welcome to the forum and the world of Smith collecting. I would pass on this one if I were you.

 

[Frozen in Minnesota]

There's also this 10-5 for 400.

 

[JP@AK]

There's also this 10-5 for 400.

That is a much better buy.

 

[Baxter6551]

Pass on the 15. As noted by others above its way overpriced for condition and the barrel looks wrong in that photo. I'd go the model 10 all day. Talk them down a little. Don't refinish and shoot the heck out of it. And the model 10 has desirable Uncle Mikes Spegel designed rubber grips.

 

[Frozen in Minnesota]

I'm tempted to pass. But I'm also willing to buy it and keep it as is and shoot it. I hear they're very accurate. I'm not one to get too much involved with resale value. I intend to keep whichever I choose

 

[Frozen in Minnesota]

Yea. I want shooters. Maybe buy some safe queens as I get older. I could look more on gunbroker but I've been burned B4 on a used revolver. I prefer to be able to handle them. I'm sure I could get a deal on either. He's a long time "friend" that I just made aware of a underpriced 1100lw 410 he was selling. Might work in my favor

 

[cda322]

I'd feel a lot better at $450. I just bought a very nice 15-3 with box for $800 and a shooter K38 in better shape than that for $500.

 

[Frozen in Minnesota]

Yea I'll see about talking him down. Otherwise I'll go the 10 route. I've always wanted one of those too

 

[slight_turn_line_69]

I know what you mean about the online auctions. Used gun dealers in general today are worse than the reputations previously held by used car salesmen.

If the bore and function were good on the model 15, I'd buy it if he'd sell it for $425. There are probably nicer guns around for less, but it would take a little time to find one.

Model 10's are great shooters and never seem to wear out of they are taken care of. Most model 10 varieties are pretty easy to find too. The 38 special and the K frame S&Ws are perfect for each other. I have a 6" 10-5 that is amazingly accurate. Good luck.

 

[jimmyj]

Could that Model 15 be a "Dayton Model"

 

[otis24]

Looks like a Model 10 that someone added an adjustable rear sight to.

 

[xfarfuldog]

jimmyj thats what I was wondering. Don't believe the model 15 came with a heavy barrel. But never say never with S&W. But more likely a barrel change??

 

[clang444]

There's something off about the Model 10 too. Bluing on the barrel and cylinder looks to be turning plum. Maybe a bad refinish?

 

[Frozen in Minnesota]

jimmyj thats what I was wondering. Don't believe the model 15 came with a heavy barrel. But never say never with S&W. But more likely a barrel change??

All the ones I see on gunbroker feature same barrel

 

[lihpster]

First pic is a model 15. Notice the tapered barrel. Second pic is a model 10 with the heavy barrel.

 

[Frozen in Minnesota]

It might be the angle. If I go back I'll take better pics and of inside crane area and serial number

 

[Buford57]

Whether the adjustable sighted gun is a Dayton Model is beyond my competence, however the OR CO CA is almost certainly Orange County California. I recovered a duty gun stolen from an Orange County Marshal about 35 years ago. It was a 15, but while I don't recall the barrel profile or exactly how it was marked, the stamping on this gun is similar. In the course of tracking down the owning agency to return it (IIRC the Sheriff's Office had entered it into NCIC) I got the impression that both the Sheriff's and Marshal's issued 15s. What I recall more than the barrel profile was the superb action.

I agree, $600 is pretty rich even if left as is. There are better 15s out there for better prices. I don't think that's a Model 10 heavy barrel due to the rib. It also doesn't appear to be a cut down Model 14 barrel, since the markings look centered. More pictures would be helpful, but if you are willing to spend $800 on a 15, keep looking.