Added another one...model 915 this time

[jbrentd]

My wallet is starting to scream for mercy.

I had this one on my GB watch list and was thinking about bidding on it, but wasn't sure. I was skeptical of the finish since I had not seen a stainless version of the 915 on the model list. Made me think it had been cerakoted or something. What made up my mind was when the auction turned to a fixed price BIN at $285. Figured it was worth the chance at that price. It's one of the ones in the batch that Cole Dist has. Came only with one new Mec-gar magazine. I plan to get some extra mags, just wondering if I might be able to count on this one being reliable?

Got it home last night and gave it the once over and it looks to be in pretty decent shape. The barrel looks brand new. It had some reflective tape on both sides of the barrel, which came right off without any issues. The finish on the frame and slide are the same, which I think confirms my suspicion about the cerakote job. It appears to be well done and I actually like the look of it.

I do have one question about the alignment of the recoil spring guide rod. This one seem finicky on how it is lined up upon re-assembly. I wish I had taken a picture of it, but the detent on the barrel that captures the guide rod seems a little off center (to the right side). Is that normal? I never really paid close attention before. I'm still new to these, so if you have any tips...I'm all ears.

A picture next to my 908s to compare the finish.

 

[fyimo]

Congrats on the purchase

 

[petepeterson]

Great buy. Nice price.

FWIW, I've never had a lick of trouble with the Mec-Gar mags. I've run them in a 59, 5906, 915, and a Camp 9 carbine.

 

[jbrentd]

Here's a pic of what I was talking about on the barrel where the guide rod rests.

Great buy. Nice price.



FWIW, I've never had a lick of trouble with the Mec-Gar mags. I've run them in a 59, 5906, 915, and a Camp 9 carbine.

Glad to hear that. Thanks

 

[Sevens]

I would say that is definitely not at all normal and it was clearly done in error. However... I kind of think that in operation, it simply doesn't matter at all. I want to think that it only sits in that spot for disassembly and that it falls exactly where it needs to be when assembled.

The finish is most definitely not original and was never offered by S&W but I'd say it looks fantastic. At the money you have in it, I would say it's a winner.

 

[joeintexas]

At that price you really did do good. I had one years ago and never had any problems with it. I agree about the mec gar magazines, they are just fine, no problems there either. Congratulations.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I've never seen one that didn't have a flat blue finish...........................

Some 910s were stainless IIRC......................


Mec-gar mags are as good as and generally hold 2 more rounds than factory.....

 

[Pond Scum 43]

Why do you think the tape was on there? I also this on the internet and wondered why? Was it covering anything?

Nice gun for a great price!

 

[jbrentd]

Why do you think the tape was on there? I also this on the internet and wondered why? Was it covering anything?

Nice gun for a great price!

There wasn't anything underneath the tape. I asked CDI what it was and they replied that it was reflective tape. Their thought was that it was placed there by a LE or security group to help aid in the identification of one of their own. But who knows, really.

 

[scoobysnacker]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pond Scum 43 View Post
Why do you think the tape was on there? I also this on the internet and wondered why? Was it covering anything?

Nice gun for a great price!


There wasn't anything underneath the tape. I asked CDI what it was and they replied that it was reflective tape. Their thought was that it was placed there by a LE or security group to help aid in the identification of one of their own. But who knows, really.

I don't know if this is just internet folklore, but my understanding is that CDIsales gets their guns from the Israelis. Supposedly, they would use tape like that, as was stated, to ID the good guys. I've seen yellow, but it makes sense to rotate the color schemes; otherwise everyone, friend and foe, would have the same tape!

added: as busy as the Israelis are, if the tape story is true, this should be a good gun functionally. It would have been carried at some point to have the tape instead of just stocked, and you have to figure the user would make sure it was good to go if need be.
I guess these are all trade-ins, I wonder how hard it was to get someone to trade in a gun he trusted, to go to whatever they have now.

I got a 39-2 from Israel from another vendor, and a CZ-75, CZ99 and a very used FEG HP9 from CDIsales. I've seen examples with tape before, didn't get one myself (worried about the finish, and I do have a pitted spot on the FEG where they may have put the tape). I suppose most are getting old, and for a few, the supplies are drying up, but they still shoot great. Enjoy, and congrats!

 

[GeoJelly]

That's a great looking 915 for $285! I just checked and Greg Cote has MecGar 15-rd mags, in nickel, for around $22. I've found them to fit and work just fine in any pistol I've tried (except for Ruger P94 - latching problems). Given the current situation - I would be tempted to pick up at least three or four in the next couple of weeks ...

 

[jbrentd]

I don't know if this is just internet folklore, but my understanding is that CDIsales gets their guns from the Israelis. Supposedly, they would use tape like that, as was stated, to ID the good guys. I've seen yellow, but it makes sense to rotate the color schemes; otherwise everyone, friend and foe, would have the same tape!

added: as busy as the Israelis are, if the tape story is true, this should be a good gun functionally. It would have been carried at some point to have the tape instead of just stocked, and you have to figure the user would make sure it was good to go if need be.
I guess these are all trade-ins, I wonder how hard it was to get someone to trade in a gun he trusted, to go to whatever they have now.

I got a 39-2 from Israel from another vendor, and a CZ-75, CZ99 and a very used FEG HP9 from CDIsales. I've seen examples with tape before, didn't get one myself (worried about the finish, and I do have a pitted spot on the FEG where they may have put the tape). I suppose most are getting old, and for a few, the supplies are drying up, but they still shoot great. Enjoy, and congrats!

Thanks for info.

 

[jbrentd]

That's a great looking 915 for $285! I just checked and Greg Cote has MecGar 15-rd mags, in nickel, for around $22. I've found them to fit and work just fine in any pistol I've tried (except for Ruger P94 - latching problems). Given the current situation - I would be tempted to pick up at least three or four in the next couple of weeks ...

I have never ordered from there, but thanks for the lead. I need to get a couple spares.