15-2 Price

[UncleEd]

Every time price comes up on the older guns, posters say it's "a tad high."

Why?

If the Model 15 is mint, compare it to a new gun from Smith, most of which are north of $700.

And, while boxes and papers are nice, they really don't mean
anything except to the uber collector who gets something and then puts it away for a decade.

Considering the price of a meal or other things which last only
for a short time, that Model 15, even if shot extensively by the new owner, will still be worth more in usefulness and giving
satisfaction.

 

[22hipower]

Thanks for the tip! They are the original grips, but they are the one part of the firearm that doesn't look pristine. The medallions are tarnished and the wood needs some oil.

When the condition of the stocks doesn't match the condition of the gun's finish that shouts "look closer" to me. A pristine original finish gun should have stocks to match. Are you sure it is not a refinish? Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Jim NNN]

I bought my best Model 15 (circa 1964 and pristine except for slight muzzle wear) for $500 when all was said and done. That was about 2 years ago. I live in the midwest, but the gun was being sold on the east coast.

 

[VaTom]

Was in my local antique and collectable gun store today. Stop in every couple of weeks to see what is new. In the case was a pinned barrel Model 15, 4" in nickel. Price was $690. It looked nice.

 

[Aircrewman]

I believe UncleEd has explained this as well as can be explained. I will add that:
1. These revolvers will never be made like this again....EVER.
2. The Model 15 Combat Masterpiece is one of the best revolvers ever made. The best Service Revolver ever made.
3. They are indicative of the craftsman art at Smith and Wesson.
I wish I had been able to see it. I would not be typing this. I would be crowing about the Great Purchase of a great revolver that I made!!!

 

[American1776]

I recently picked up a 15-3, in LNIB condition, paperwork and tools in the blue box. The craftsmanship on this revolver *will never be repeated again*. It is a work of art.

I paid a little less for mine than 600 bucks. But new S&W revolvers are going for much more than 600 bucks (closer to a grand now), and the new ones are NO WHERE NEAR the craftsmanship of the old ones.

If someone were to make a model 15, today, just like they made them in the 60's and 70's, I would guess it would cost 2,000 dollars (just like the custom 1911's with tool steel parts).

 

[chuck17]

If you can afford it, go for it. If it is a stretch, wait for a 19. Like others have alluded to, I would rather have an older S&W in very good condition than a new made revolver (of course, I would rather have a NIB older one!). It is an investment in an asset that will pay dividends at the range and provide pleasure of ownership. You can't really find that very much anywhere anymore.

 

[jdlii]

Offer $600 and if they don't accept the offer, see if they will let you place it on lay-a-way. If they don't accept that, then tell them that you are really looking for a Mod. 19 and ask them to call you if they get on in for resale.

Build your relationship with the LGS and it will pay dividends. Just my $0.02 worth.

 

[CajunBass]

I've got one of each. A 15-2 and a 19-4, and have probably owned a dozen or more of them over the years. I'd be hard pressed to say which one I like best. But there is more to the difference than just the different chambering. The 15 is a little lighter, a little more svelte than the 19. It has a more tapered barrel, and a slightly shorter cylinder and lacks the ejector rod shield. To me it just feels a little better.

Model 15-2



Of course the older diamond targets may account for some if not a lot of that difference. They're not quite as thick or as flared at the bottom as the targets on the 19.

Model 19-4



Well, to be honest, I go back and forth on which I like best. I think it just depends on which I last handled. However, it would be hard for me to pass up on a really nice Model 15 to wait for a 19. I think I'd grab the 15, and keep looking.

 

[JohnRippert]

I've got one of each. A 15-2 and a 19-4, and have probably owned a dozen or more of them over the years. I'd be hard pressed to say which one I like best. But there is more to the difference than just the different chambering. The 15 is a little lighter, a little more svelte than the 19. It has a more tapered barrel, and a slightly shorter cylinder and lacks the ejector rod shield. To me it just feels a little better.

I find it interesting the way people have such a wide variation in their interest for the same things. The reason I like the Model 19 over the Model 15 is the heavy barrel, lug over the ejector rod and the extra wight from the longer cylinder and everything else above.

I agree with you about the grips. I prefer the slightly smaller profile on the earlier diamond targets as well.

 

[31FordA]

I paid $485 for a immaculate Model 15-2 back in 2014. No box, but the gun was flawless. I'm in PA, so the prices here would tend to be lower than out in CA. My Model 15 was so much fun to shoot I went out and bought a Model 67 to keep it company. They're the perfect compromise between my Model 10-5 and Model 19-7.