Hi
I recently found a really nice S&W model 15 revolver in 38 special with a 6 inch barrel. My info shows these model guns came with the Buckham quick draw front sight but my gun has the target patridge front sight on it. Is this correct or did someone at some time change the barrel? I can see no eveidence of this being done to it. Any and all info on this would be much appreciated.

Thanks Graydog

Just like the Model 19, typically the 4" barrel was issued with the Baughman front sight, and the 6" with the Patridge.

Can you post some pics?
The Model 15 usually has a 2", 4" barrel but some were made with 5" barrels.
Are you sure your handgun isnt a Model 14 ?
They typically came in 6" with a Patridge front site like you are describing.
A few 14's came with a 4" barrel too.

The Model 15 came with either a 2" or 4" barrel. It sounds like yours is wearing a 6" Model 14 barrel or, less likely, it's a mismarked Model 14. The top of the frames are different on the 14 and 15 so pictures would really help us help you. Specifically pictures of the top of the frame where it meets the barrel.

Hi
Here are the pictures you asked for, let me know if you need more.

Thanks Graydog

Per the photos, you have a later (-6) version of the model 15. This was made during the time the model 14 was out of production, but it is identical to a later 14, including the heavy barrel instead of the tapered barrel of the standard model 15s.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Yes it is marked as a Model 15 but its actually more like a Model 14.

Saw this one like it with a 4" barrel Model marked 15-7 posted in the FS forum the other day and noticed it had a Model 14 frame marked Model 15 also.




S&W got their models a little mixed up in the 90's.

Here's my 15-6



It's virtually identical to my 14-4.

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