New to Me Model 15-3

[AJ]

I bought a Model 15-3 today. Had a brain fart, the tag said 15-2 and I looked in the crane web but never really looked close, it is a 15-3. Anyway it is a Model 15-3 with a 2 inch barrel and is in nickle. I think close to 98% finish. Locks up tight, just about the tightest S&W that I have ever seen. On the back of the cylinder and on the base of the grip are "N's" stamped, I believe this means a nickle finish. The S/N is 5K90355 which I think is 1974. Price was $375. I did change the grips to the targets that are on it now. It came with Magna's. Will shoot it on Thursday.

[JP@AK]

Originally Posted by AJ

The S/N is 5K90355 which I think is 1974.

Yes. 1974.

A very nice piece. I was fortunate enough to pick up a 15-3 2" a while back at a very good price. It is blued, however. A nickel version would make a nice addition to my safe! Glad you found one. Enjoy it.

[19leben]

AJ, congrats on your awesome find. I've been on the lookout for a snubby Combat Masterpiece for quite a while and have yet to find one. I travel a lot and always stop in pawn shops looking with no luck.

I have found:
Registered Magnum Arizona
1955 Target New Mexico
Model 10 snubby southern Oklahoma
27-2 nickel 5" Arizona
Detective Special New Mexico
16-4 New Mexico


Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

[bananaman]

I have wanted a 15 snub myself. Never found the right 1. I compensated with a 10-5 RB, and a 66-2, 2.5" From what I've heard, 2" 15's shoot quite well. Let us know! Bob

[AJ]

Have a case of "new gunitis". As with a lot of new toys, I want to modify it to be mine. In this case about all you can do is to change the grips. When I bought it yesterday it came with Magnas (there was no serial number inside the grip). I am not a fan of those, so I changed them to a set of target grips I had. Have been thinking about a set of S&W Combat Grips that I have. I do not like rubber grips. I am curious as to what others have on their guns.

[kennyb]

nice find on a somewhat scarce gun....keep the grips that came with it

[Lufbery]

$375 is a steal! That's a really beautiful revolver. Happy shooting.

[Waveski]

It always happens - Just when I think "I have what I need for now in the safe ; I can turn my attentions elsewhere..." someone comes along with a post like the one at the top of this thread!

A 2" nickel 15 at $375???? Thanks a lot!

[Old cop]

My 10-7 square butt snub is as close as I can come. It's similar to one I was issued during my LEO career and does duty in my nightstand now. These are amazingly accurate & durable guns.

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Originally Posted by AJ

Have a case of "new gunitis". As with a lot of new toys, I want to modify it to be mine. In this case about all you can do is to change the grips. When I bought it yesterday it came with Magnas (there was no serial number inside the grip). I am not a fan of those, so I changed them to a set of target grips I had. Have been thinking about a set of S&W Combat Grips that I have. I do not like rubber grips. I am curious as to what others have on their guns.

For my hand, Rogers/Safariland grips are by far the best. Others to consider are the Magnas with a Tyler, and wooden Hogues.

[MC57]

Wanted one for years but never got the right deal - like this!!

[AJ]

Originally Posted by MC57

Wanted one for years but never got the right deal - like this!!

I must admit, I know the owner of the LGS. I eval military weapons for him. He had a price tag of $450 on it and I asked him if that was the best he could do. He gave me the family discount.........

[AJ]

Shot the Model 15-3 today at the range. It shot well, except I was not overly impressed with the Target grips. I changed the grips with another of my revolvers that was wearing a set of S&W Combat grips. They felt better, only got to fire 6 rounds before they shut down the range due to hard rain and tornado warnings. Will try it tomorrow........

[DD357]

Great gun at a fine price. Well done.