Yesterday I looked at a really nice 15-3 4" with paperwork but no original box. The blueing was very good with just a faint turn line. It also had a another pair of lighter wood stocks in the plastic box. I ran it thru function checks and it felt fine. They are asking $695. I currently don't have a model 15. With tax and transfer fee it will be about $762 OTD. It's the only 15 I've ever seen come in to this LGS and I've been shopping their toooo long.

I watched several 15-3 videos last night and it looks like it is a really nice shooting revolver. I also learned about it's history and use in LE and Military. Are all 15-3's considered to be K-38 Combat Masterpieces? I wasn't too sure about that.

I'm gonna go back and look at it again today. I checked some GB prices and it seems in line with them. The lack of original box is not a deal breaker at all.

Do you think this price is fair? I know, it's all about whether I think it's a good deal or not.

Thanks in advance...

Update...I called the LGS to get the serial number and it is 3K157n ... any idea on the manufactured date?

I like mine and find it accurate and fun shooting. I have not priced one in a while but think it's probably withing $50-$75 of what todays prices might run at a small gun store in Montana.

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Front sight and squeeze

Thanks for your experience and info price ranges.

The .38 Combat Masterpiece was introduced in c. 1949. It was the 4" "combat" version of the K-38 Masterpiece. In 1958, the Model 15 designation was added to the name, so it became the .38 Combat Masterpiece Model 15.

The company never advertized it as a "K-38 Combat Masterpiece," although that moniker is often (incorrectly) associated with it. Later spec sheets included in the box with the Model 15 did use the "K-38" designation, but in reality it is just a .38 Combat Masterpiece. The same thing is true with the .22 LR version - Model 18 .22 Combat Masterpiece. The 6" Model 17 is the K-22 Masterpiece.

In high graded condition, that isn't a bad price in today's market. If you don't have a .38 Combat Masterpiece and like to shoot .38 Special revolvers, I don't think you will be sorry to have paid that price.

I carried a Model 15 for two years in SE Asia. I now own several and love shooting them.

Go for it!

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

John, I would offer this: If the function checks are good (timing, trigger, hammer, and general function is satisfactory), then I would be buying it. The Model 15 is one of Smith and Wesson's finest offerings (among most of their offerings)! And, you will enjoy shooting it for many, many years. It is a fine target shooter as well as a good self defense sidearm.
I think that the price is good, given that prices seem to continue to rise on all of the "older models." You can eventually get a "period" box at a reasonable price if you are diligent in your search.

My first duty revolver was a Model 15 with LASO. It has remained my favorite revolver from the many that Smith and Wesson has offered throughout the years..... Hope this helps.

Thanks Jack...and thank yo for your service. Very cool that you carried one in SE Asia.

Thank you for the history on the 15 and it's naming conventions. No, I don't have a 15 and enjoy shooting .38s since I own a few more S&W .357s.

I think my mine is getting quickly made up...

Aircrewman...thank you for your service as well. Neat that a 15 was your first service revolver.

It was really clean with deep blueing, no major or even minor scratches with a faint turn line. Plus it functioned very well.

Yes, your info was very helpful.

IMHO that is not a great price, but is within the reasonable range assuming good condition. Were I in the market for another one I would go that price for one.

Thanks robert, it's a little higher than the GB prices I saw ; without their extra fees. I don't have a 15 yet but will probably make this one my first.

It’s not a great price. It’s high for my area. Offer them $600 and hope they counter at $650. But at the end of the day, if you spent $50 to much on something you want who cares. A pizza and wings cost me $50 last night.

I bought a a 15-3 recently that sounds to be in the same condition as this one. Mine was $603 out the door.
my post - Latest find - 1971 15-3
serial 3k158xx - 1971 mfg i think yours falls in the 1971 range

The price at your LGS seems reasonable. I'd do it at that price
My LGS never negotiates, so what he posts is what you pay but his prices are usually fair.

Thanks pabicyclist. I saw your 15-3 earlier today when I was searching the forum for info. Yours is really sharp, the one I just put aside...yes...just did it...looks almost like a twin to yours.

This LGS doesn't negotiate either, but if I walked away from it today, it wouldn't be there the next time I came in.

I'd probably pay $700OTD tops, but then once it's in my cold stingy hands I would have issues giving it back. I have one born in '73; bought it off of a man, Hal Williams I believe. Real cool older gent!

That would be a reasonable price on a 2", a tad high on a 4". If it was really nice get it and just say you bought it early cause it won't lose any value. IMHO. one of S&Ws best 38 spec. revolvers if not the best. I have a 15-3 snubby that's pretty much a safe queen and it would be one of the very last to go.

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LIVE FROM THE DAWGHOUSE

I own several of these in various configurations including the original Combat Masterpiece plus Models 15-1, -2, -3, -4 and no dash...I have 2" and 4", blued and nickel...I just like them...One of my carry guns could probably been named the Combat Masterpiece 100 years ago if someone in marketing had thought of it - a 2" M&P Target shipped March 1, 1927......Ben

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Cogito, ergo BOOM!...

Without the correct box, I think $695 is just an asking price. Without the box and with some visible wear, this sounds more like an excellent condition shooter grade Model 15-3. I'd say that an offer of $600 cash would be appropriate and the shop might take that offer, but be prepared for the shop to accept $650 as their final price. Further, if $650 included tax(es), I'd call it a good deal.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

Recently I bought a 15-3 that has a impact damaged albeit small ding on the front sight blade that will probably file out. This replaced a 15-2 that I bought in ‘74 and sold in ‘76. Long ugly story I was “suggested” to get rid of things we didn’t need, and before long figured out what it was that wasn’t needed….whole other story.

Being that I work in a shop I’m usually in the right place at the right time. Bluing on mine is good with one small discoloration on the left of the frame, lockup is tight. As revolvers are not a hot commodity they are priced as such, if memory is right mine was retail priced at $450 with no box.

I remembered why I liked my -2 so much the first time out to the range, only took 47 years to rectify my mistake in priorities….

In the condition you describe, the price sounds fair to me. You could offer less, but in the whole scheme of things $50.00 one way or the other is pretty insignificant, as long as you're happy with the item. If you like it, don't let it get away.

I paid around $500 several years ago for a 15-3” online,so shipping and transfer fees were added to that and it had some cold blue splatters that didn’t show in the pix… those cleaned off easily and it’s fun to shoot.Offer $625 and see what happens.

I "loaned" my two model 15s to a good friend last year. He and his wife are an older couple in a very large house, she got scared and wanted a pistol in the house after security cameras outside captured someone breaking into their cars in the middle of the night. One is a shooter grade 15-3 4" that is mechanically perfect with one of the smoothest actions I own. The other is a 15-8 4" heavy barrel that I picked up from a LGS as part of a two gun deal (along with a model 37). I thought I wouldn't miss them but I actually do. Once I finally get my friend and his wife to the range for more shooting I am hoping they will like the idea of a shotgun, modern semi-auto, or anything else other than my old Smiths!

I do know where there is a beautiful 15-3 4" but it is $700 with no box or papers, comes with a right handed holster that is useless to me. I just can't justify it (yet).

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SWCA #3929

I got a old security gaurd 15 dinged up bluing MINT insides with very smooth action. Think was dry fired a lot any way funnest gun I own. With hauge small tapered rubber grips very fun to shoot

The model 15 is one of S&W's finest efforts. If it is all that you say it is buy it. The dollars are about a ham sandwich and a couple beers off. IMO not a consideration.

Hard to believe, I am down to 2 M15's. One wears my mid 70's duty, smooth rosewood grips.

Like others who replied earlier, my first duty firearm was a model 15. I purchased a nickel 15-4 for my personal use in 1979 that is still with me in the original box, paperwork, tool set and price tag. Last year, I traded a different piece for a 1969 blued 15-3. Needless to say, I like 'em!

Congratulations on your find and enjoy!

If the LGS has been a friend to you and a therapy session when you desired one, then you must at some time return the love, and praise them with a fair purchase.

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"Don't Give Up the Ship"

You're right Bald1, the extra $50 was worth the price of NOT getting it!

Well I did have a hard time letting it slip out of my hands jeffrefrig, so I put it on layaway.

Thanks sheepdawg, I'm certain it wouldn't loose its value either. This is my first 15. Since I've never seen one come in at this LGS, I had to make it mine.

That's a nice collection of 15s. Back then the products were tried and true tested BEFORE marketing hype was released...far from today's marketing ploys.

I hear ya but I decided to take it since their were a handful of guys nearby who appeared interested IF I put it back down. I've lost a few that way to others right behind me. Oh well, what's another $50 in the grand scheme of things? One less Big Mac value meal? LOL

That's a great price for your 15. Wow, 47 years to find another one...that's along time! Around here, the older S&W revolvers don't last long at the LGS.

I thought so too, so I didn't let it get away, especially since the place was packed with customers with several looking on...

Thanks arjay, glad to hear it's a nice shooter. They wouldn't budge on the price as others would have bought it as soon as it left my hands.

That was a very nice thing you did for your friends. It gave you some peace of mind knowing they could defend themselves. Getting them exposed to more options at the range would be great, nice work!

Justify it? When did any of us EVER try to JUSTIFY an older S&W purchase?

Thank you for your service Narragansett. It really is a nice 15 so that's why I couldn't let it get away for that small difference. I like your thinking...we all can make a FEW small sacrifices for that next S&W, right?

Thank you for your service C3Ranger. I think I'll enjoy shooting my first 15 also.

Now that's a fantastic way to "give back" by getting a nice S&W in return. Thanks, that was a good mini therapy session in itself!

I hadn't ever run across one 15 like that let alone the one I saw. Thanks, after watching some shooting videos I think I'll like shooting mine...so will others in my family.

Like Pete, mine has smooth Rosewood stocks, I use a BK grip adapter on my 2" with magnas..it's an old duty gun...both shoot way better than you would think, not really sure why, but they're with me till the end!

I go back and forth between the Model 15, and the Model 19 as to which I like the best. Since this is about the Model 15, it's my favorite.

I think I paid about $600.00 for one a few months ago. IIRC it was tagged pretty close to $700, but had been taking up space in the "if you have to ask, you can't afford it case" so I got a little off. Best part for me was it had a set of Eagle faux pearl grips with silver S&W medallions that sell for around $150.00 or so. I happen to like pearl (looking) grips so it was a no brainer for me.

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John 3:16 .

I agree on the 19 vs 15...I usually opt for a .357 S&W since you have more options. I've got a really nice 19 4" that's just as clean as this 15...but I didn't have a 15 yet so had to add it.

You got yours for a great price with a nice set of grips too, nice grab!

Sounds like a couple of nice ones there and the reason that not many of them pop up for sale.

Previous shop owner I worked for had one in his personal collection but wasn’t interested in letting it go. I did check the S/N and it wasn’t the one I sold. As he used to go to the shop I sold it to before he became a FFL there was always the chance. Model 10’s are in abundance though.

Around here the revolvers are slower to move, 9mm is king.