15-4, do I want it to much?

[Penmon]

I was visiting a gun store, shooting range in Philadelphia and ran across a S&W Model 15-4 with a 4 or 5 in barrel not exactly sure,Combat Masterpiece, in 38 special, a conservative 96% blue, virtually no turn line, tight as a drum.Adjustable rear sight, target hammer and trigger.Pinned but not recessed .Bore looked good but a little dirty and no flame cut on the back of the top of the frame.
It also has a set of custom Hogue type grips, very nicely done, inlayed with 3 intinals in gold probably brass, offset on the right side grip about 1/4 tall. Kind of like the grips but I figure on loosing the monogram or changing my name.

All that said they want $375.00, 8% tax and $45.00 to ship it to my FFL in Maryland , it will cost another $50.00 to make it mine in Maryland. All said and done $500.00 out of my pocket
If I could find the same gun in my home state it would be $450.00 min.( guns cost more in Maryland than PA) plus 6% tax and $10.00 state police fee, pretty much the same price.Based on the theory a bird in the hand I bought it.
I work in Philly and the store I found the 15-4 in was fairly busy when I was there. So when I go back I will see if I can get them to lose the tax as it's an out of state sale or lessen the shipping fees or both. No body ever died trying, however all the sales people do carry guns

Am I over paying for this little beauty? Is my desire to own a masterpiece clouding my finical judgment? What do you guys and gals think. After all I could claim I payed $375.00 for the gun plus S&H and fees, it's only money and I can always make more but I may not be able to find a 15-4 in this high of condition again.

Penmon AKA Jim

 

[ddixie884]

If it's really clean and in good shape, how much difference can even $100.00 make? 2 years from now that may be a heck of a bargain. It's a no lock .38spl K-frame with target sights and a 4in barrel. All good, see below.

 

[robctwo]

Last July I bought a Nickel 15-4 standard trigger and hammer with magnas in almost new condition from a guy in Florida. $470 OTD in Oregon. I think you are right in the ball park for a great gun.

 

[Penmon]

Feeling guilty I guess

Thanks guys I may be having a touch of buyer remorse but after your comments my conscience is a little clearer and your $100.00
comment makes a lot of sense.
Thank You
Penmon AKA Jim

 

[bamabiker]

I can take you to one of our local shops that has one that's like new, best one I've seen. They've had it about a year marked at $739. I believe they will have it a lot longer.
If it's something I want in high condition I don't worry too much about it being $50 to $100 high. We all like great deals but sometimes you just have to pay for something you want. MHO.

 

[redlevel]

My local store has a nice 15-3 blue, original grips, has a turn line but probably 95%, marked $399 + 7% tax. I could probably get it for $350 + tax, and probably would if I was not in such a gun-poor position right now. I got carried away buying Ruger Vaqueros and Flattop Blackhawks in December.

You aren't paying enough too much (if any) to worry about. I have payed a whole lot more "too much" on several occasions, but I still have the guns and I still like 'em.

 

[earplug]

I have a 15-3 and enjoy it. Use it for home and ICORE games. They will last for decades.
Consider swapping out the target trigger for a narrow one if you do much DA shooting.

 

[fyimo]

I bought a 15-4 last year in excellent condition for $420 and felt like I got a deal.

 

[WildBillD]

In a hundred years the $100 won't make a difference.

I paid too much for a real nice 28 a couple years ago that doesn't bother me a bit. Shoot it and enjoy it.

 

[indiuckian]

Someone on this forum once posted a very true comment concerning Smith and Wesson products and I will try my best to quote from memory.

"You can not pay too much for a Smith and Wesson though you may buy one too soon."

As Einstein proved time is relative. You did fine.

 

[CajunBass]

Shoot, I paid too much for all of mine I'm sure. Since I'm not planning to "flip" them, it doesn't matter to me.

 

[JCS&W]

The phrase you used "do I like it too much", is foreign to me. I do not believe you can like a S&W too much. I have always believed that if you want it, can afford it, buy it. I do not see how you can go wrong with a nice M15.

 

[44wheelman]

Sounds like the price is not exactly in your control. If they run $450 locally (+ fees)... then you bought at the going rate. Short of moving, what are you going to do.... wait for that really good deal that may or may not come?

Just check gunbroker for completed auction prices. Include shipping & assorted fees & compare to what you spent- I think you'll find it is right there in the middle.

 

[minconrevo]

Nice 15's, say a -3 or -4 in blue 4", often go for around $350 +/-. The "-" range can run down to $275 for a 95% one in perfect mechanical shape. The "+" range could go to $450 if with box & papers and in 98% shape.

I +1 the comment to replace the serrated .265" wide trigger with a .312" wide smooth trigger if you end up doing much double action shooting.

The 15's are relatively plentiful and relatively inexpensive, in my part of the country. Most are ex-LE and many are lightly used.

 

[growr]

If it puts a smile on your face then who cares WHAT the price was! Get it, shoot the heck out of it and smile like you know something THEY don't!!
Randy

 

[Frank46]

I bought a 15-4 for $300 just before Christmas. Muzzle was all scratched up, some dings and scratches on the cylinder. Target hammer and trigger.
The checkering on the hammer was concealed by the rust. Lockup is good. Cleaned up the scratches on the muzzle, same for the hammer. She won't win any beauty prizes but will be worn when I cut the back section grass on my property. Started to walk away after paying for it and the dealer has a 3" model 10 on the table for $275. AARRRRGGGHH
Frank

 

[Az Rick]

I can't find a decent Mdl. 15 here,... yet, been looking for a year or more. I'd buy that one and be happy.

Best, Rick

 

[chud333]

I just picked up a 15-3 4" nickel LNIB. I saw it at local gunshop and he wanted to do some trading so we did. Wish i knew how to post pix on here. I say, if you like it buy it. I never argue with a Smith & Wesson revolver that says "take me home"...

 

[M3Stuart]

I prefer to shoot .38, have more .357's than I could wear out in my lifetime, and prefer adj sights. So, yup, I'd buy it at that price and be happy.

The part of your story that really shows the commitment is all that goofy nonsense you have to go through to buy the darn thing. What part of communist china did you say you lived in?

 

[chud333]

In my opinion, you can never want a gun too much. Here's a pix of my 15-3 nickel that i just got in trade for a rifle i did'nt shoot anymore. I took a loss but i'm happier now with the S&W. It looks to be never shot. But i'm calling it LNIB.