Market Check on USAF Model 15

[rover1992]

Hello, I saw a mod. 15 recently that was marked usaf on frame. It also has factory letter confirming the gun. Gun is about 75/80 percent finish. Does anyone have any idea of value? He had it listed for $1800.00 This is a grail gun for me. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I was unable to take a pic.

 

[CH4]

Hello, I saw a mod. 15 recently that was marked usaf on frame. It also has factory letter confirming the gun. Gun is about 75/80 percent finish. Does anyone have any idea of value? He had it listed for $1800.00 This is a grail gun for me. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I was unable to take a pic.

For me it’s an $800 gun, maybe $1000 if I couldn’t live without it.
I carried one as an USAF police officer.

 

[sigp220.45]

I’d say $1800 for a grail gun that you’ll probably never see again is a pretty good deal.

 

[Frailer]

I’d say $1800 for a grail gun that you’ll probably never see again is a pretty good deal.

There is some wisdom there.

If something is so hard-to-find and desirable to me that I would refer to it as a “grail” then “market value” isn’t really relevant.

I’ve knowingly “overpaid” for hard-to-find items I *really* wanted more than once. I can’t think of a single time when I regretted it.

On the other hand, I can recall several “bargains” that were a waste of money.

 

[jpage]

Last two on GB hammered for $1776 and $2200 IIRC. Don't recall the condition.

 

[murphydog]

I have not tracked prices on these but the asking figure seems high for the stated condition. So I think buying it is a question only you can answer - will you be happy with it or look to upgrade? If the latter you may want to wait until your "forever gun" comes up for sale, and save your pennies while waiting. Good luck in your decision.

 

[Breakaway500]

Would not sell mine for any price as my Dad carried it in Vietnam.

I learned to shoot “a real handgun” with it in my teens, and is the reason I prefer S&W revolvers (and the 3Ts.). Didn’t know it was “collectible” till I joined this forum and started learning about such things. It is still my high benchmark when comparing handguns.

Combat Masterpiece is a fitting name.

 

[CajunBass]

When was the last time you saw one for less?

When do you next expect to see one like it for sale even. We won't even talk about the price for now.

 

[luvsmiths]

Wrong grips. Wrong box. ( below RIA gun) Cowens also had one go for 6500 about 15 years ago. Lesser condition than this one IIRC.

U.S. Air Force Smith & Wesson Model 15-2 K-38 Combat Masterpiece | Rock Island Auction

1800 for what you describe is well worth it as long as it letters. How many how you seen to compare?

Exactly.

 

[MelvinWalker]

Would not sell mine for any price as my Dad carried it in Vietnam.

Too cool....I have my Dad's Garand that he bought in 1968 that I'm going to sell and plus I am not overall enamored with M1 Garands, (plus no kids....let it go).

If my dad had been Air Police in Vietnam and I had his carry Smith, no WAY I'd get rid of it.

Nice, nice firearm you have there.

 

[Slufstuff]

When was the last time you saw one for less?

When do you next expect to see one like it for sale even. We won't even talk about the price for now.

I collect USAF handguns, unless it is just absurdly high, price is not usually my biggest concern. The hard part is finding examples for sale. It took me years to locate a USAF Model 56 for sale at a non-astronomical price.

So, to OPs question, I would pay $1,800 if the condition was acceptable to me. I am sure some guys here would shake their heads at my purchase price on a few of my US military handguns, but it really does come down to either overpay a little today, or possibly wait a couple of years before you see another one for sale.

 

[Slufstuff]

I’ve knowingly “overpaid” for hard-to-find items I *really* wanted more than once. I can’t think of a single time when I regretted it.

Exactly. This is the situation you face when collecting niche items like USAF issued handguns. If you pass one up you need, you might never see it again, or maybe not for a few years anyway.

 

[lihpster]

Like has been said, your need/want is going to decide the price you're willing to pay. I have no itching need for one so I wouldn't pay the asking price, but I ain't you. I would say, especially if you're not looking at it as an investment, which you shouldn't, what we would pay shouldn't concern you. What do you feel comfortable paying? Rarity and desire will drive that up.
Good luck in whatever you decide.

 

[45NUTT]

Go back and bring it home. It's calling your name and you know it.

 

[SSGRock]

USAF Model 15-2

The USAF Model 15-2 that I have cost me $1676.67 in November 2022. It did come with a letter from Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation.

 

[Bald1]

Where is the gun for sale? Online or locally? Individual or retail store? These things can affect your ability to haggle a little.

 

[DWalt]

And I think of those I demilled.

 

[burneyr]

My philosophy is to buy if it's something I need or want for my collection. Then, if I happen upon a better condition example down the road to buy it and sell the other. Just keep trading up so to speak.

Get the bird in the hand then you can sneak up on the one in the bush.

 

[carrdon]

During my time in as an officer, never came across many in very good shape. Remember parts falling off one during annual qualification in Panama. Price seems high for what it is. You can usually buy a great N frame for alot less.

 

[luvsmiths]

During my time in as an officer, never came across many in very good shape. Remember parts falling off one during annual qualification in Panama. Price seems high for what it is. You can usually buy a great N frame for alot less.

So thats your ONE post.

"Parts falling off"? Seriously?

as the kids say:
smh