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04-13-2010, 10:19 AM
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USAF Model 15-2
Along with an Aircrewman, I also purchased a USAF marked Model 15-2 that I received a letter from Roy Jinks on. It has been parkerized, presumably while in USAF service. We had a mix of blued and parkerized Model 15's when I used them years ago.
Thanks to opoefc and Mr. Eric Archer for their help with this revolver.
I am attaching photos and a copy of Mr. Jinks' letter.
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04-13-2010, 10:38 AM
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Nice gun. Maybe one of these days I can obtain one also.
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04-13-2010, 11:33 AM
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Wouldn't mind getting one of the old USAF guns, or even a commemorative version. They don't pop up much, or so it seems. The one lonely M15 I did manage to get was snapped up by my then 16 year old son and after all these years I still DON'T have one. A clear case of bad judgement.
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04-13-2010, 02:08 PM
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Nice gun, they're pretty rare. I have one and have only seen a few others in the public domain.
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04-13-2010, 03:34 PM
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Why would an Air Force gun be shipped to the Army?
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04-13-2010, 03:34 PM
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Very nice gun and hard to find. I picked one up a while back and Eric was a great help then also. Judging by your other posts our interests seem to be moving in the same direction.
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Last edited by hsguy; 04-13-2010 at 03:55 PM.
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04-13-2010, 03:54 PM
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Very nice. This brings back fond memories.
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04-13-2010, 07:34 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sigp220.45
Why would an Air Force gun be shipped to the Army?
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This is an interesting question. I know of two other Model 15's that were invoiced to the U.S. Govt. Disbursing Office in Boston. The revolvers were actually shipped elsewhere, most likely Robins AFB in Warner Robins Georgia. A letter on K6010XX actually mentions that these guns were for the Air Force and "they were marked with their property markings."
The Army did buy some K-38 Masterpiece revolvers with 6 inch barrels (pre-Model 14) but the ones I know of shipped in the 1950's and the letters mention the Springfield Ordnance District and Army bases like Rariton. These are usually marked "U.S."
I think it might be wise to check with Roy about the letter on K741687.
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04-13-2010, 08:33 PM
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This is all really bad news for me. I have a 1961 model 15-1 Combat Masterpiece like the one I carried in th A.F. The problem is I have been looking for one with U.S.A.F. markings and from the posts i've read here, it looks like that may never happen. If anyone out there knows where I can find a K38 Combat Masterpiece, with or without the markings, please let me know. I need it for a display case for the family of a fallen comrade. Thanks.
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04-14-2010, 05:03 AM
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I hate to post this pic again so soon, but it's one of my favorite guns and appropriate for this thread.
Model 15-2, shipped June, 1964, to Government Accounting and Finance Office, Grand Island, NE. It's believed the GAF office was a disbursement point for military equipment.
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04-14-2010, 08:54 AM
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I've posted this story before but it still makes one sick. Back in the early 90's I was stationed in Germany and was in charge of the base armory, different than the SP armory BTW. Anyway during the reign of clinton orders came down to ship all our revolvers back to depot for destruction. We had IIRC 272 USAF marked M15's and one lone 2" USAF marked M10. Most of these were like new. I couldn't bring myself to do the deed so I kept putting it off until I left. But I"m sure the next guy threw them all in a big box and sent them on there way.
It wasn't just a few years before that that the Army was able to sell off excess pistols to individual soldiers. I don't know if the AF ever did that or not as it was a little before my time.
Thanks again clinton for destroying a piece of our history.
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USMCR 84-87, USAF 87-07
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04-14-2010, 09:44 AM
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David Carroll had a like new example (for big bucks). It came complete with the box and a canvas like overwrap. All numbers matched. Clearly had never been issued, fired, or carried. Anyone interested can contact him or go to his web page and see if its still listed.
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Dick Burg
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04-14-2010, 02:15 PM
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I carried M15s in the Air Force, both as an enlisted Security Specialist (Security Controller) and as an aircrew member, before transitioning to the M9. I don't recall any of the M15s having USAF markings, but at the time, I didn't look that closely. Coincidentally, I was also issued a M15 as a duty gun at the police department where I worked.
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04-14-2010, 02:50 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rburg
David Carroll had a like new example (for big bucks). It came complete with the box and a canvas like overwrap. All numbers matched. Clearly had never been issued, fired, or carried. Anyone interested can contact him or go to his web page and see if its still listed.
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It was still there two days ago, but, as noted - it ain't cheap!! : (
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04-14-2010, 08:32 PM
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Nice gun and thanks for the pictures. That was the first revolver I ever shot in early 70s in the AF. It's what started me buying and shooting S&W revolvers all these years since.
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04-16-2010, 09:55 PM
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I would also love to get an Air Force M-15 but am not willing to pay for mint condition. The one I carried on active duty was far from Mint.
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08-10-2012, 08:27 PM
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U.S.A.F. Engraved
If anyone has one that they are willing to part with I am in the market.
Thanks,
Pete
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08-10-2012, 08:39 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sigp220.45
Why would an Air Force gun be shipped to the Army?
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IIRC, the Army was the procurement agency for all the small arms that eventually ended up in USAF possession. Warner Robins was the logistics center that had responsibility for distribution within the USAF once they were obtained thru Army supply channels.
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08-10-2012, 08:49 PM
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A year or so ago, I found a Model 15 at my local gun club for sale for a very reasonable price. I bought it and gave it to my youngest son as a house gun.
They are one of the most practical field guns available. I have often carried a .38 Special revolver when hunting. I prefer the solid wadcutter at "standard" velocity (NOT target velocity). They are dandy for edible small game. If the game is close, then a head shot is taken - if they are farther away, then a shot through the slats will get the job done without wasting meat.
They are still good for self defense, of course. Again, the standard velocity solid wadcutter is an excellent choice.
Those loads are only available to reloaders - although it is possible that some of the specialty ammo suppliers may offer a similar load. Back in the Sixties the New York Stakeout Squad used that load quite effectively.
Dale53
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08-10-2012, 09:41 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JayCeeNC
I hate to post this pic again so soon, but it's one of my favorite guns and appropriate for this thread.
Model 15-2, shipped June, 1964, to Government Accounting and Finance Office, Grand Island, NE. It's believed the GAF office was a disbursement point for military equipment.
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Very cool. I was born in Grand Island
Scott Campbell Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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08-11-2012, 08:32 AM
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Memories -
Yes I carried a Model 15 starting in the late 60's for the Air Force as a Special Weapons Specialist. Additionally, we had to destroy 25 Model 12 Winchester Skeet grade shotguns (from the Skeet Range), as they were deemed to be too old and unsafe. I'm sure the Model 15's were on the same road. We were not allowed to buy any firearm from the USAF.
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08-11-2012, 08:55 AM
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Pics of mine would not load...will try again later.
EDIT----- got it.
Last edited by KJM; 08-14-2012 at 06:54 PM.
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08-14-2012, 05:55 PM
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Stocks were never off this revolver until this year....
Yes, bottom of box is also serial numbered to gun.
Last edited by KJM; 08-14-2012 at 06:53 PM.
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08-14-2012, 06:11 PM
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I have a Model 15-1 that is marked with just US. Someone else here on the forum has one marked the same way.
It's well used and came with the wrong grips.
A letter from Roy showed it was shipped to Warner Robbins.
I will see if I can did it out of the safe and take some pictures.
Chop
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08-14-2012, 08:53 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gunblade
IIRC, the Army was the procurement agency for all the small arms that eventually ended up in USAF possession. Warner Robins was the logistics center that had responsibility for distribution within the USAF once they were obtained thru Army supply channels.
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gunblade, while the Army may have procured guns for the USAF most of the USAF 15's seem to letter directly to the AF.
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08-14-2012, 08:55 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chop
I have a Model 15-1 that is marked with just US. Someone else here on the forum has one marked the same way.
It's well used and came with the wrong grips.
A letter from Roy showed it was shipped to Warner Robbins.
I will see if I can did it out of the safe and take some pictures.
Chop
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Please do!
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08-14-2012, 08:57 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hsguy
gunblade, while the Army may have procured guns for the USAF most of the USAF 15's seem to letter directly to the AF.
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I agree. After 1947 I don't believe the Army was making any small arms purchases for the Air Force.
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08-14-2012, 09:40 PM
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KJM, that's an absolute jewel you have there!
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08-14-2012, 09:48 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JayCeeNC
KJM, that's an absolute jewel you have there!
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Thanks. It looks better in person.
I can't see any evidence that it was ever fired.
The box and wrappings...the whole package is just pretty unique.
One day I will get some pics in good light outside and re-post some more.
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08-16-2012, 09:46 AM
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It makes me sick to think that deep blued wonderful gun I carried 27 years ago ened up as scrap. At least we still have those wonderful memories.
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08-16-2012, 10:26 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jsw229
It makes me sick to think that deep blued wonderful gun I carried 27 years ago ened up as scrap. At least we still have those wonderful memories.
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Amen brother
I too would love to have a AF issued 15....the cost is prohibitive for me being retired. Too many other things I have to do.
But nice 15's are out there and pretty reasonable for very nice examples.
I have three at this time and probably will buy a couple more. I shoot my 15-3
(1969)blued every week. Its the most fun I can have with my clothes on..
And my wife just shakes her head when we go out and I carry my nickle 15-3 in a Bianchi X-15 vintage shoulder holster under a sport coat.
It's the memories, and history that will never leave those of us who had the honor of carrying these fine weapons to protect lives and property.
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08-17-2012, 04:16 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kwill1911
I agree. After 1947 I don't believe the Army was making any small arms purchases for the Air Force.
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I thought differently...seems like there was some connection, maybe not with the M15s but possibly with other weapons. M203s come to mind, M60s and the like...procured for the AF thru Army procurement channels somehow. Maybe just certain weapons that were common to both branches? Dunno for sure.
Last edited by gunblade; 08-17-2012 at 04:18 PM.
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09-25-2012, 12:57 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pete 45
If anyone has one that they are willing to part with I am in the market.
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Originals were stamped, not engraved.
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11-02-2012, 09:52 PM
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USAF Model 15-2
Spent most of my career as a CATM/SP-SF Armory guy. There are still a few remaining M15s left in the AF inventory. The K-9 doghandlers use to fire blanks to acclimate the MWD's to weapons fire. Usually just a couple per base in the cop armory. I never saw them with USAF stamped under the cylinder though. Generally, they are the nastiest guns in the armory; broken rear sights, lots of carbon, etc. Don't get much TLC from the K-9 guys. I've never seen one at a gun show....but I'm going to start looking nice additions to go with my Victories and M1917.
-As far as defacing some rare guns,,The AF got the first M16s back in the 60's, and the base armories had alot of oldies in storage. They were all upgraded A2s and 3 rd burst. Brings a tear to your eye crossing out "FIRE" with "xxxx" on a pristine condition lower receiver and cold stamping "BURST" onto an Armalite M16 with a 4 digit serial number.
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09-03-2014, 10:49 PM
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I carried a Model 15 as a nuclear weapons specialist in Wyoming in the early 70s and loved it..I went out and bought one just to shoot for myself. I put a parkerized Model 15 on layaway the other day, I only paid $350.00 for it. the pistol is in very good shape and mostly just has holster wear. I also carried one in supply in the Air Guard as late as
1995.
The Russians had no idea who they were screwing with, an 18 year old airman with 5 bullets....
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09-06-2014, 01:41 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Critch
The Russians had no idea who they were screwing with, an 18 year old airman with 5 bullets....
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You were over-armed. Barney only got to carry one bullet...in his shirt pocket.
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09-02-2015, 11:21 PM
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Huh?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Critch
I carried a Model 15 as a nuclear weapons specialist in Wyoming in the early 70s and loved it..I went out and bought one just to shoot for myself. I put a parkerized Model 15 on layaway the other day, I only paid $350.00 for it. the pistol is in very good shape and mostly just has holster wear. I also carried one in supply in the Air Guard as late as
1995.
The Russians had no idea who they were screwing with, an 18 year old airman with 5 bullets....
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Did the AF really make you carry the 15 like a SAA wheel gun of old? Good grief, S&W's were WAAAY past drop=bang!! by the time the USAF adopted them. Seems the USN's Victory models had something to so with that......
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09-02-2015, 11:44 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JayCeeNC
I hate to post this pic again so soon, but it's one of my favorite guns and appropriate for this thread.
Model 15-2, shipped June, 1964, to Government Accounting and Finance Office, Grand Island, NE. It's believed the GAF office was a disbursement point for military equipment.
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It's one of my favorites too and it's not even mine.
Bob
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09-03-2015, 02:10 AM
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USAF Smith model15
Hello;
I was on a SAC base 59 thru 62. The crews used those but when the armory decided the 15's had seen enough they would take them out of service, sent them to metal fab and have them torch the frame and barrel. I talked to a couple of guys at the armory and they said they didn't want them getting out into the civilian market.
thanks,
Nicholas
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aircrewman, combat masterpiece, commemorative, jinks, k38, masterpiece, military, model 10, model 14, model 15, parkerized, springfield |
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