Of all the firearms I've used, owned, sold, acquired or traded .. a few Smith & Wesson revolvers hold a special place in time and memory for me .. that is, I've used it as a tool of my tradecraft in the line of duty for many years .. it was not the most powerful of firearms, hardly competitive in the quick change of a load and even seemingly anemic in the number of bullets I could carry .. but it was what I had at my side in some tense situations .. and I relied upon it to perform its' task.
I was an US Air Force Security Policeman (Strategic Air Command) - post Vietnam era where the lessons-learned of Air Base Ground Defense was still in a transition stage of theory to application -- where the concepts of Safeside and defense-in-depth were applied to protecting air bases in a combat environment .. and base entry points, aircraft parking areas, fuel and ammo dumps, cantoment and housing areas ... were protected by seemingly small numbers of dedicated young folks armed with the M16 rifles and/or the Smith & Wesson Combat Masterpiece ..
I was not selected to serve in a combat zone other than the Cold War -Europan theater that followed .. and therein were some hair-raising experiences .. and incidents of terrorism too close for comfort .. I carried that S&W Model 15 daily with confidence .. I knew what it could do, it's limitations and mine, and my approach to danger was tempered by this knowledge. I was required to clean that Model 15 weekly .. although, I fully cleaned it every 3 days and inspected it daily. You really get to appreciate a fine weapon for its' simplicity of design .. and the Model 15 is a firearm I have always wanted to own. I wish S&W would make it in blue or that OD green that I've come to love. I affirm that stainless steel is great for rust protection and it looks nice .. but, simple USAF issue OD green or deep blue is the color more befitting a Combat Masterpiece and its' record of military service and mine.
Well many years have passed since my military experience .. as a shift commander, operations officer and sometimes chief of police .. but I can say with affirmative confidence that the S&W revolver has an interesting history in protecting us in times of war and civil unrest .. glad to see this website and some of the commentary of my brothers/sisters in arms.
And let me say right now, no matter what your politics or view of war .. there is nothing on this planet more admirable than the American fighting man .. it always comes down to that person and the firearm at ready .. when technology fails, communications **** out, leadership is misguided or indecisive (and it will be) .. equipment and ammo in short supply, the food lousy and the water tastes funny .. when the weather is bad, the bugs, snakes, etc. your biggest enemy .. the American fighting man is there and a viable threat to those who do you and others harm .. remember that and when you see a Vet .. know this .. it is not their politics, it is yours, that puts them in harms way ... show a little respect for that.
Folks, I'm glad to see a forum that talks about the S&W .. a company that has had its' share of changes and problems .. as they all do .. let's hope we can share some insights about this great firearm and its' history .. as for me, well, not a collector, and not as good a shooter as I once was .. but I still enjoy the experience. And, if by chance I ever found that beat-up model 15 in faded OD green, I'd trade my armory card for it .. and place it from time to time in a suitable military issue holster for some range time. Thank you for allowing me to this forum.
I was an US Air Force Security Policeman (Strategic Air Command) - post Vietnam era where the lessons-learned of Air Base Ground Defense was still in a transition stage of theory to application -- where the concepts of Safeside and defense-in-depth were applied to protecting air bases in a combat environment .. and base entry points, aircraft parking areas, fuel and ammo dumps, cantoment and housing areas ... were protected by seemingly small numbers of dedicated young folks armed with the M16 rifles and/or the Smith & Wesson Combat Masterpiece ..
I was not selected to serve in a combat zone other than the Cold War -Europan theater that followed .. and therein were some hair-raising experiences .. and incidents of terrorism too close for comfort .. I carried that S&W Model 15 daily with confidence .. I knew what it could do, it's limitations and mine, and my approach to danger was tempered by this knowledge. I was required to clean that Model 15 weekly .. although, I fully cleaned it every 3 days and inspected it daily. You really get to appreciate a fine weapon for its' simplicity of design .. and the Model 15 is a firearm I have always wanted to own. I wish S&W would make it in blue or that OD green that I've come to love. I affirm that stainless steel is great for rust protection and it looks nice .. but, simple USAF issue OD green or deep blue is the color more befitting a Combat Masterpiece and its' record of military service and mine.
Well many years have passed since my military experience .. as a shift commander, operations officer and sometimes chief of police .. but I can say with affirmative confidence that the S&W revolver has an interesting history in protecting us in times of war and civil unrest .. glad to see this website and some of the commentary of my brothers/sisters in arms.
And let me say right now, no matter what your politics or view of war .. there is nothing on this planet more admirable than the American fighting man .. it always comes down to that person and the firearm at ready .. when technology fails, communications **** out, leadership is misguided or indecisive (and it will be) .. equipment and ammo in short supply, the food lousy and the water tastes funny .. when the weather is bad, the bugs, snakes, etc. your biggest enemy .. the American fighting man is there and a viable threat to those who do you and others harm .. remember that and when you see a Vet .. know this .. it is not their politics, it is yours, that puts them in harms way ... show a little respect for that.
Folks, I'm glad to see a forum that talks about the S&W .. a company that has had its' share of changes and problems .. as they all do .. let's hope we can share some insights about this great firearm and its' history .. as for me, well, not a collector, and not as good a shooter as I once was .. but I still enjoy the experience. And, if by chance I ever found that beat-up model 15 in faded OD green, I'd trade my armory card for it .. and place it from time to time in a suitable military issue holster for some range time. Thank you for allowing me to this forum.
