looking at a 15-1 4 screw (kind of rare) 4" barrel, .500 target hammer, and target stocks, the stocks are in good shape with a small ding or two, judging by the pics the bluing looks a little thin and has the normal wear at the holster areas, a visible turn line. but overall it doesn't look damaged. I haven't seen it in person yet.

I was thinking maybe a re-bluing if its if its in good condition. don't think it would add to the value so much, but their only asking $500 for it. what's a good bluing worth these days and where?

it's not USAF tagged

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A man with a gun over there

I am not a re-finsh fan, usually supporting it only in cases of extreme use or neglect. Usually, the end product looks much worse and costs more than waiting for the right gun to come along. I would get it solely as a shooter in its current condition, and make a great multipurpose family gun for current or subsequent generations.

I agree keep them as they are, except in rare cases.

I agree that would be a good gun to buy and shoot. Those grips look comfortable.

Agree that it’s best to leave as is. This piece has a bit of character and history about it that disappears in a refinish.

$500 plus another $300 or $400 for a refinish, and you're into the price range for a pristine, original Model 15. The price is good for it as is. See if you can negotiate a little, but I would not refinish that one. Likely a great shooter .

Sent from my SM-A136U using Tapatalk

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Robert
SWCA #2906, SWHF #760

That gun would go home with me and the patina would remain.

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My Daddy was a pistol..

I'd agree with this. Plus I wonder if that Target hammer was from the factory since it doesn't have the Target trigger.

If I was going to refinish it I think I'd give it hard-chrome.

I'd leave the finish as is. Has character. I would buy it for under
$400.00 as the grips are probably not original, as well as the
target hammer.

OP - I would definitely leave finish as is ! No where near bad enough to refinish.
I bought a very finish worn ex police model 10-6 that was a great shooter. I had a friend bead blast it and the gunsmith shop where I bought it re-blued for $100. Now I have a beautiful matte blue model 10 to match my 28.
If your 15 looked like this 10 then I would be all for a refinish.
Last pic is a hard chrome 19 so you could get an idea.

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well than the re-bluing is out, good point about getting a nice original M15 for the same price. just out of curiosity, can't someone just special order lets say a target hammer but keep the stock trigger, or maybe target grips instead of magna grips, or any different variations? I know some models do come with the triple t's as stock.

those grips look period correct too weather or not their original.

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A man with a gun over there

There is no necessary correlation between the two. There were many K frame units with target sights (K prefix) that shipped with the standard trigger and target hammer. I have a few in my K-38 collection and among my K-22s.

Here is one example of an ANIB K-38 Masterpiece.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

I'd flush it with Gunscrubber, then put a drop or two oil anywhere I thought needed it. Then I'd Flitz it gently, apply a coat or two or three of Ren Wax, and call it good. But then I do that with most guns I buy.

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John 3:16 .

My model 18-3 has target trigger and hammer from the factory as noted on the box end.

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