1947-48 Model 15: in .22 LR?

[Doc Mark]

Greetings, Folks,

I have a friend who's Dad has an S&W Model 15, which he bought, used, in Alaska, somewhere around 1947-48. It is factory-marked as being what he says it is, yet it's in .22LR caliber! Is this something that S&W actually offered as a factory option, at one time, or might it be a factory mistake? Your thoughts on this would be much appreciated, and I will pass them on to my friend. Thanks, very much, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc

 

[bamabiker]

Since they didn't start model marking them until 1957 I don't know how it got marked in 1947-48.
That said, mismarked guns are seen from time to time, not that unusual.

 

[Doc Mark]

Evening, Bamabiker,

Thanks, very much, for getting back to me so quickly. It's very possible that I misunderstood what my friend said, when he gave me the dates, and it could very well have been 1957-1958, instead, I will give him a call and verify, just to make sure. Or, his Dad, who is up in years, now, might have forgotten, exactly, when he got that pistol. In either case, I'll let you know how this turns out. Still need to know if the M15 ever came in .22LR, at anytime during it's history. Anyone know? Thanks, again, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc

 

[DCWilson]

By definition, the Model 15 designation was applied only to the Combat Masterpiece, a K-frame .38 Special with adjustable sights and a four-inch barrel. There was also a .22 caliber version called the .22 Combat Masterpiece, which became known as the Model 18 after model numbers were assigned.

If your friend has a .22 marked MOD 15, it was a simple tool room error. As bamabiker noted, guns were occasionally mismarked.

 

[fyimo]

By definition, the Model 15 designation was applied only to the Combat Masterpiece, a K-frame .38 Special with adjustable sights and a four-inch barrel. There was also a .22 caliber version called the .22 Combat Masterpiece, which became known as the Model 18 after model numbers were assigned.

If your friend has a .22 marked MOD 15, it was a simple tool room error. As bamabiker noted, guns were occasionally mismarked.

DCWilson is right and if it's miss marked that usually doesn't add much added resale value to the gun. Some dealers on GB try to get more for a miss marked revolver but they rarely sell for more.

 

[linde]

If your friend has a .22 marked MOD 15, it was a simple tool room error. As bamabiker noted, guns were occasionally mismarked.

It's also possible that a pre-model would . . . by shear coincidence . . . have a 15 in the crane that was an inspectors mark. Per David's note, look for "MOD 15" . . . and not just 15.

I seem to recall having one that had a two digit number where model numbers ultimately ended up after 1957.

Russ