I wanted to share my two Smith & Wesson additions. I carried a Model 19 when I was in uniform with my Department many, many years ago and recently got nostalgic about getting another wheel-gun as I had sold (personal purchase) the Model 19 when we transitioned to Semi-autos.
I now seem to be a collector of the 19's 38 Cal. brother, the Model 15. My first purchase was one of J&G Sales Very Good+ w/hand-select DAO Model 15-3. It came with well used standard grips, but appeared to have been little-used as the only wear was on the muzzle and a slight band around the cylinder notches. As my old duty weapon had target grips, I wanted to add those. When I picked up the Model 15-3 from my local FFL Dealer, I saw a set of target grips in a bin minus the packaging. I asked my Dealer what he would charge for the grips...he gave them to me! Below is the final result:
My second addition was an incredible find! I was talking to a buddy from another Department and we were discussing collecting...he asked if I knew anyone who collected S&W Revolvers. He told me that a neighbor had given him an old carboard box and told him that he could keep it as his wife wanted the gun out of the house. Inside of the box was a S&W Model 15-2 in it's original wax paper with all documentation, sight adjustment tool, and cleaning rod.....all mint!! The story behind it was that the person giving it to my friend was a Navigator on a C-130 in 1964. His crew got their orders that they were going to Vietnam and he and the rest of the crew didn't know if they were going to be issued sidearms. They were based out of Langley AFB in Hampton, VA and there was a gun shop, A&P Arms just outside of the base. They all purchased Model 15's. The shop owner gave each six rounds and they took the pistols "out back" and fired the six rounds into the field. My pistols owner added a grip adapter to his. The pistols went to Vietnam with them as personal effects. They ended up being issued 1911's so the Model 15's were never used. This Model 15-2, purchased in 1964 has never been fired since it was purchased. I bought it from my friend as he did not collect revolvers. Opening the box was like opening up a time capsule. Below are the pics:
For the serial number gurus out there.....the Ser# on the J&G Sales purchase Model 15-3 is 5K69715.....the Ser# on the Vietnam Model 15-2 is K530186. What are the date of manufacture on these. Sorry for the long post and less than stellar photography, but I wanted to share....Bill G
I now seem to be a collector of the 19's 38 Cal. brother, the Model 15. My first purchase was one of J&G Sales Very Good+ w/hand-select DAO Model 15-3. It came with well used standard grips, but appeared to have been little-used as the only wear was on the muzzle and a slight band around the cylinder notches. As my old duty weapon had target grips, I wanted to add those. When I picked up the Model 15-3 from my local FFL Dealer, I saw a set of target grips in a bin minus the packaging. I asked my Dealer what he would charge for the grips...he gave them to me! Below is the final result:
My second addition was an incredible find! I was talking to a buddy from another Department and we were discussing collecting...he asked if I knew anyone who collected S&W Revolvers. He told me that a neighbor had given him an old carboard box and told him that he could keep it as his wife wanted the gun out of the house. Inside of the box was a S&W Model 15-2 in it's original wax paper with all documentation, sight adjustment tool, and cleaning rod.....all mint!! The story behind it was that the person giving it to my friend was a Navigator on a C-130 in 1964. His crew got their orders that they were going to Vietnam and he and the rest of the crew didn't know if they were going to be issued sidearms. They were based out of Langley AFB in Hampton, VA and there was a gun shop, A&P Arms just outside of the base. They all purchased Model 15's. The shop owner gave each six rounds and they took the pistols "out back" and fired the six rounds into the field. My pistols owner added a grip adapter to his. The pistols went to Vietnam with them as personal effects. They ended up being issued 1911's so the Model 15's were never used. This Model 15-2, purchased in 1964 has never been fired since it was purchased. I bought it from my friend as he did not collect revolvers. Opening the box was like opening up a time capsule. Below are the pics:
For the serial number gurus out there.....the Ser# on the J&G Sales purchase Model 15-3 is 5K69715.....the Ser# on the Vietnam Model 15-2 is K530186. What are the date of manufacture on these. Sorry for the long post and less than stellar photography, but I wanted to share....Bill G
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