15-4 Date of Manufacture & Value

[Ghostmaker]

I have a 2" model 15-4 with pinned barrel. Serial # 85K22xx. Can someone tell me the date of manufacture and approx value range?

 

[murphydog]

It is a 1980 gun. They tend to run more than the (more common) 4" version, so $450-600 depending on its condition; blue or nickel may also make some difference. Enjoy!

 

[Ghostmaker]

Outstanding! I was thinking 1982 or so. Wikipedia says that the -4 did not have a pinned barrel, but my gun has a pinned barrel.

 

[JP@AK]

Wikipedia says that the -4 did not have a pinned barrel, but my gun has a pinned barrel.

The dash 4 was introduced in 1977 and production stopped right around the end of 1981. Pinned barrels were eliminated in 1982 and the Model 15-5 was the first of the Combat Masterpiece line to be without the pinned barrel. There was, of course, some overlap as parts were used up, so it is possible that you might find an early dash 5 with a pinned barrel, or vice versa.
This wouldn't be the first time Wikipedia had incorrect information posted on it!

 

[RaylanGivens]

So, is it possible to find a 15-4 2 inch without a pinned barrel? A buddy has one for sale. No pin. But clearly marked 15-4. The serial number dates it to 1982. Could this be a fake?

 

[murphydog]

So, is it possible to find a 15-4 2 inch without a pinned barrel? A buddy has one for sale. No pin. But clearly marked 15-4. The serial number dates it to 1982. Could this be a fake?

Probably not (the concept of "why bother faking one?" operates here), but a factory letter would be the only way to be certain.