S&W Model 15 .38 as USAF Commemorative

Gatofeo · Feb 21, 2009

I was a U.S. Air Force Security Policeman (Law Enforcement) from 1975 to 1979.
The standard issue sidearm for Security Police was the S&W Model 15 Combat Masterpiece in .38 Special, with a 4-inch barrel.
This was a magnificent sidearm: Accurate, light on the belt, well-balanced, simple, low-recoil, utterly dependable and rugged.
Alas, it was hampered by rather weak military loads: a 130 gr. full metal jacket bullet at about 700 fps.
But the revolver itself was wonderful and introduced many non-shooters to the fun of pistol shooting.
I'd like to see Smith & Wesson introduce a 4-inch Model 15 with a little simple engraving but not so dominant that it drives the price up.
Perhaps the Air Force logo etched on the frame and, "In Honor Of Those In Blue Who Defended America" or something simiilar.
Many pilots and Office of Special Investigations (OSI) carried Model 15s with 2-inch barrels, so this special revolver would honor them too.
But keep the 4-inch barrel! It's more accurate.
I was issued an M-15 at Howard Air Force Base, Panama in 1977 that someone before me had slicked up. Wow, it had a wonderful action.
I nearly cried when I had to turn it in before discharge; how I wish I could have purchased it!
Bring back a simple, affordable Model 15 commemorative for those of us who served in the Air Force.
Please, Smith & Wesson?

Darreld Walton · Feb 25, 2009

Would love to see one like this! I did more than a 'few' years as a Minuteman and Peacekeeper ICBM maintenance type, security augmentee, meaning we were armed with these beauties while convoying, and had to have them within reach while working on the 'Big Guns'...the 'older' AF emblem would be nice, or even a SAC crest......

safearm · Feb 26, 2009

I was a Security Specialist in the Air National Guard from Aug 80 to Dec 82. On the flightline, I carried a M-16, but while working as a security controller, I wore a M-15. Coincidentially, my issue weapon at the police department where I worked was also a M-15.
I'd love to have a M-15 with the SAC crest on it.

WC145 · Feb 27, 2009

I'd buy one, I was a security specialist in the early 80's and carried a Model 15 on the occasions I worked the gate and everyday while working as an armorer. I'd like to see it with the old security police badge or maybe our old function badge engraved on it.

NC Oldtimer · Feb 27, 2009

I have not posted here in a long time. The last time I visited the forum it was undergoing a bunch of changes.

Anyway, I would love to see a USAF Model 15 issued. I too was an "Air Police" officer way back when, but my time was from 1965-1969. I carried a Model 15 every day that I was on duty. I carried a Model 19 for many years in my civilian LE days, then later switched to a 6906 and a 2 1/2" Model 66. I still have all of those along with quite a few others.

I'm glad I staggered back into this forum.

winshooter · Mar 12, 2009

The M15 was one of the premier S&W guns of the day. I have a 4 inch model that I would never part with. One as a tribute to the Air Force would be much sought after I believe.

Mike

sigp220.45 · Mar 13, 2009

I was a Security Police officer from 83 - 91, getting out as a Captain. I carried a Model 15 until nearly the end of my stint when the M9 started coming out.

One afternoon at Bergstrom AFB in Austin, TX, an RF-4C (aka "Texas Lawn Dart") crashed on the highway short of the base. The pilot parachuted safely into a nearby residential area, somehow losing his Model 15 in the ejection. I was working the scene when a civilian walked up to me, carrying the pilot's gun by two fingers like a dead rat. I stuck it in my belt and later turned it in to the armory. I doubt anyone would have missed it, with a couple million bucks of classified plane scattered all over the place, but I turned it in anyway.

I'd like to see a commemorative Model 15, too.

S-W4EVER · Mar 15, 2009

Excellent idea.

crewdog564 · Mar 30, 2009

I'll vote for this! When I was on Minuteman crew at Malmstrom ('76-'81) I carried both the 2" and 4" M15. I'd love to see a commerative with the SAC crest. After a couple years of searching I did find a very good condition M15-3 4" at a gun show in Houston in Dec '07. Great shooter, with that sweet S&W trigger.

I'd also like to see a good, six-shot J-Frame for concealed carry. If Taurus can make one, S&W can make it better.

Bat Guano · May 7, 2009

Another SP: count me in. In '65 I carried an old Victory Model and M1 carbine. In SEA the Model 15 and M16. Prior to going over I brewed up some improved loads for the .38: 12.5 grains 2400 and a 158 gr. LHP. Once on post I would dump out the issue 130 grain military loads and put mine in. Never needed them, never got caught. Left them behind--always wondered if anyone ever tried them on for size.

My son latched onto the only Model 15 I ever had and won't let go of it. A USAF commemorative would help fix that. It would be even nicer if my kids would get it for me. Lord knows they've hit Dad up for "a few good pieces" over the years...

Gatofeo · Jun 13, 2009

I can't find a Model 15 anywhere around Salt Lake City. May have to resort to gunbroker.com to find one.
Yeah, loved the Model 15 I carried in the Air Force. Hampered only by its abysmally weak load (130 gr. full metal jacket at 750 fps from a 4" barrel).
I've spit watermelon seeds with more downrange energy!

davidenorth · Aug 16, 2009

Another SP here 1985-90, Whiteman and Wueschheim AS. I qualified with the model 15 but never carried it. Saw three of them today at fun show for 319- in good shape but I had recently bought a model 19 and I had no funds left.

bobcat · Aug 16, 2009

That's a great idea!! I'd be in line for one, I was an 81150A for 4 years, and as a dog handler working off the flight line, we always carried a 15. I think I've still got an issue holster floating around here somewhere.

Take care...

Grapevine · Aug 28, 2009

I carried a Combat Masterpiece at Ellsworth AFB, SD and at Phu Cat AB, RVN. When I went on the PD when I got out, we had Trooper MarkIII's. they just never felt right. I'd love to have a Model 15.

You heard that from the "Grapevine"

josephthreedogs · Aug 28, 2009

Count me in on a group buy if S&W will go for it.

bgrafsr · Aug 28, 2009

I was in from 63 to 67 and would also go for one, but only if S&W made it without the lock.

Milpolice · Aug 30, 2009

Ditto!

Law Enforcement Specialist 1972-Apr 1993...I'd buy one! RAF Lakenheath, England; Loring AFB, Maine; Sembach AB, Germany; and Griffiss AFB, NY were my assignments. I did solicit S&W for a Security Police Commerative in the 1980's (Have letter somewhere) which they replied to saying the Request had to come from the agency, i.e., the USAF before they would take into consideration...MT

HayesGreener · Aug 30, 2009

I'm in! Wow am I impressed with the number of USAF folks on this forum. I was a Security Policeman from 69-73 and then OSI. I carried the M15 in SEA and later OSI issued us a M36, 3" because it was easier to hide than the 4" M15. The service loads were puny and I recall hardball bouncing back toward the firing line after hitting a knot on the support uprights! Later we carried a chopped .45, then the M9, and finally the Sig 228. I don't recall the price on the M15 but when I signed the hand receipt for my M36 in 1973 the value was $60. I have been trying to collect all the service guns I carried in my career and think I paid around $400 for date correct M15 and M36. That M15 is one of the sweetest shooting guns I have ever fired. (General LeMay was a shooter and he wanted a gun that his cops could hit with plus was easier to teach all the non-combat support and technical folks to defend themselves with. Interestingly LeMay favored a special model 45 for his aircrews but the USAF never bought that gun.) Later in civilian LE the M19 seemed a natural to me. If the factory wouldn't do a series I am sure somebody like Nutmeg Sports or Flannery engraving would engrave a series if there was enough interest. They would probably take orders and cash in advance. Another option might be to have some special grips made and put them on stock guns? Nutmeg Sports specializes in custom ivory grips, might be a place to look?

Gatofeo · Sep 2, 2009

I started this thread, thinking it would quickly die a natural death.
I'm surprised at how often it's been resurrected.
Hmmmmm ... think I'll copy and paste the responses (minus the contributor's name) and send a letter to Smith & Wesson.
The fact is, the .38 Special has been carried by every branch, and many of those .38s were Smith & Wessons.
So why not five different models, honoring Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard?
Each service's logo could be on the frame.
Good idea on special grips, HayesGreener. Perhaps dark blue rubber for Air Force and Navy; dark green for Army, black for Coast Guard and camo for Marines.
And moulded into each grip would be each service's logo, to match the gun's frame.
My mind is whirring ... my pocket's burning ... lol

oldsp · Sep 2, 2009

Count me in! SP from 1970-1975. Just Loved the Model 15. Own one now. Would love a commerative with the SAC logo, or PACAF...

S&W Model 15 .38 as USAF Commemorative

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