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Model 15-2

R

rwadley1

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I am looking at this model 15-2, but I have a couple questions for the experts. Assuming the box is original, the serial number dates this to 1967. The grips are obviously diamond grips, which, I believe are earlier. (I've asked the seller if they are serialized to the revolver). The box is pre Bangor-punta. I think the boxes transitioned around that time.

Does this add up?

I have a model 36 for 1967 that has later grips (serialized to the revolver) and it has a pre Bangor-Punta box, so, I know these anomalies exist.

Additionally, assuming this checks out, what should I expect to pay for this?
 

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I'm not an expert on these, because I by all stainless revolvers, but just landed my first M15 which is also a -2. Mine has the same diamonds and they are number matched, definitely original (6057XX), and I dated it to 1967 also. My neighbor's FIL was the original owner. Box says April 15, 1955, Springfield, MA. I got the super neighbor deal for mine but I would value your find at $500 -$650 with the box, and that might be low. I never see them available in my area. Haven't shot mine yet due to COVID, but man that action feels great!
 
I suspect the diamond magnas are correct, since the transition seems to have started during 68-69. If all the numbers match, including the box, I'd put it in the $800 range.....seems to be in nice shape.
 
Target hammer and target trigger are not noted on the box end label. Likely added somewhere along the way. Revolver looks to be in nice condition.
 
The diamond Magna stocks may not be correct as directives to eliminate the diamond around the escutcheon and nut on all stocks except oversize (NT and KT) were issued on October 11, 1965 and January 11, 1966, respectively, and mark the beginning of the change to the modern style of stocks without the diamond. This Model 15-2 was most likely shipped in the first half of 1967.

You were correct in asking if the stocks number to the revolver. Overall, it looks like a great package. I have a 15-3 I enjoy shooting and you would enjoy the 15-2 as well.

Bill
 
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Doc44 said:
The diamond Magna stocks may not be correct as directives to eliminate the diamond around the escutcheon and nut on all stocks except oversize (NT and KT) were issued on October 11, 1965 and January 11, 1966, respectively, and mark the beginning of the change to the modern style of stocks without the diamond. This Model 15-2 was most likely shipped in the first half of 1967.
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Bill
Far be it from me to take issue with anything you write. You've been around this game more that I have. But here is something to ponder.

The KT change order was, as you say, issued in January, 1966. But the change, as usual, did not happen instantly. I have a Model 15-2 that shipped in June, 1966, and came with diamond Magnas (I still have them, numbered to the gun). I have also seen KT revolvers that shipped in 1967 with diamond Magna stocks. I don't believe I have ever seen any that shipped in 1968 with the diamond. So, it would seem that 1967 was really a transition year for the stock change. Do you have specific examples of 1966 K target guns with no diamond? This is something I would like to get straight in my mind.

Thanks.
 
Jack...I don't dispute what you are saying. I think the change to Magna stocks without the diamond was somewhat dependent on the number of a particular model produced. I suppose the Model 10 may have had Magna stocks without the diamond first. It would be interesting to find out if the stocks on the 15-2 in the original post are numbered to the revolver.

The Engineering Directives issued in October 1965 and in January 1966 affected all stocks except KT and NT. The change for KT and NT was issued on December 27, 1967 and the last N-frames to feature diamond targets were shipped very early in 1969 (around S300000). I am not sure about KT models.

Bill
 
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The seller is supposed to verify if the stocks are stamped with the matching SN this evening. If they are and if the box SN matches, I will probably make him an offer. I will update this thread with what I find out
 
I still say the model 15 was one of S&W's finest efforts.

In the pics below you will see a 2' and 4" 15-3 with a K38, an unfired 15-2 with Culina olive grips, and a slightly modified 1973 15-3. The 2" now wears Culina Osage Orange combats
 

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Doc44 said:
Jack...I don't dispute what you are saying. I think the change to Magna stocks without the diamond was somewhat dependent on the number of a particular model produced. I suppose the Model 10 may have had Magna stocks without the diamond first. It would be interesting to find out if the stocks on the 15-2 in the original post are numbered to the revolver.

The Engineering Directives issued in October 1965 and in January 1966 affected all stocks except KT and NT. The change for KT and NT was issued on December 27, 1967 and the last N-frames to feature diamond targets were shipped very early in 1969 (around S300000). I am not sure about KT models.

Bill
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Very helpful, Bill. Thank you!
 
YES! That is very reasonable considering the rapidly escalating prices for all Smith & Wesson models of this era. You best get after that one before someone else does!
 
I purchase a Model 15-2 at an Estate action about 20 years ago or so. I paid $220.00 for it. When I got it home I realized it had only been test fired every other chamber at the factory. The tool package had never been opened and it was in the original box. I wiped it down and put it in the safe. I later bought a 15-4 to shoot.
 
rwadley1 said:
So. The grips are not original to the gun, but the box is. The seller is asking $695. Is it worth it?
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The grips on the gun may be incorrect. That is easily rectified. And the diamond magnas are a valuable asset on their own that could be sold or traded.
 
Not to skew the thread, but I'm a little confused.
I've seen a few posts here from people commenting on their 2" barreled model 15's, but its my understanding that all Model 15's came with a 4" barrel.
Am I correct on all this or were some Model 15's made with a 2" barrel?
 
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