Model 15-4 Information

[mac357mag]

I've recently acquired a S&W Model 15-4 from a friend, and I'm looking for a date of manufacture, value, facts/oddities, general opinions on the gun. Serial number on butt: 26K1759 (4" barrel, nickel finish).

Photo attached. My apologies for the photo quality, but it's the only one available to me at this time. The gun is in much better condition than it appears in the photo.

A previous poster had a Mod-4 Ser. #26K**** that he'd pegged to 1978.

I've looked for the mythical "Smith and Wesson Online Serial Number Lookup Tool" without success.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance!!

Mac

 

[TJm15.38]

My third edition of Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson has it manufactjured between 1978 and 1979; most likely your serial was late 1978. Other more knowledgable form members may have more detailed information about shipping date.

 

[JP@AK]

According to Dr. Jinks, 26K numbers were issued in 1979.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

Nice 15-4 especially in nickle.

I always preferred 15s over the 10s. I feel that I acquire the front sight quicker on a 15.

 

[VaTom]

Nice. I have a M15 blue from 1973. Great revolvers. I have seen very few nickel. It might add a premium to value.

 

[VaTom]

Nice. I have a M15 blue from 1973. Great revolvers. I have seen very few nickel. It might add a premium to value.

SCSW 4th Edition says 20% premium for factory nickel finish. You did good.

 

[COLuke]

15-4 question also

Howdy all, I'm new to the forum also. I've got a 15-5 nickel serial 20K6389. It's pinned but not recessed. How can I look up the date of manufacture? Thanks in advance!

 

[JP@AK]

I've got a 15-5 nickel serial 20K6389.

20K numbers were issued in 1978. Are you sure it is a dash 5? Those didn't come out until 1982.

It's pinned but not recessed.

It is chambered for the .38 Special cartridge. Those never had the counterbored cylinders. Only those revolvers chambered for magnum centerfire cartridges and rimfires were "recessed."

 

[COLuke]

20K numbers were issued in 1978. Are you sure it is a dash 5? Those didn't come out until 1982.

My mistake in typing, it’s a dash 4! Thank you!


It is chambered for the .38 Special cartridge. Those never had the counterbored cylinders. Only those revolvers chambered for magnum centerfire cartridges and rimfires were "recessed."

I just learned this from you! I always thought they were all recessed up until a certain date. Thank you!

 

[chief38]

The M15 (vintage) is IMHO one of the very best revolvers ever made - by anyone! Not the most powerful, not the best to conceal, not the lightest or heaviest but when it comes to accuracy, versatility, reliability and shoot-ability, they simply can't be beat.

Good luck with your new acquisition and enjoy it!

 

[kscharlie]

I just learned this from you! I always thought they were all recessed up until a certain date. Thank you!

The only S&W revolvers to have recessed cylinders were .22s and magnum calibers.

Edit: Jack already answered this. I'm late to the game.