K-38 combat Masterpiece Model 15

[modelbuilder56]

I just purchased my first S&W revolver yesterday and I could use the expert opinions on this forum. I bought it from my neighbor who purchased it new, he said it has less than 50 rounds through it. I know it's of the Bangor Punta era and was looking for a possible manufacture date with the serial number, K8661XX.

I'll post some pic's of it later as I have a couple more questions about the revolver too. The grips have a matching serial number also.

 

[modelbuilder56]

I figured out how to post pictures and sorry for the quality. The right grip has a small chip on the upper left and I'am concerned about the wear on the right side of the hammer, any input from you guys would be great and thank you all so much.

 

[Engine49guy]

Very nice Combat Masterpiece,
Should be a Model 15-3 and probably shipped sometime in 1969.

 

[P&R Fan]

Looks darn nice!
The Catalog dates it to 1969, making it a M15-3. I have one, but not as nice as that one. They are great shooters.
Jim

 

[modelbuilder56]

Thanks for the information guys I'am pretty excited to get such a nice example. Your thoughts on the right side hammer wear?

 

[bigggbbruce]

Get a .002 shim for the hammer / side plate. Or stone inner edge of plate. Which ever works the best.

 

[Nighthawk0083]

Thats one sweet looking model 15. Wish I was that lucky haha

 

[damienph]

The model 15 is one of the best S&W revolvers out there. You did good!!

 

[BC38]

So just a little more in terms of educating those of us still learning the terminology, are all model 15's considered a "Combat Masterpiece"?

 

[JoeReed]

Very nice Combat Masterpiece,
Should be a Model 15-3 and probably shipped sometime in 1969.

I have just about the same gun. This is my most accurate gun, period. At fifteen yards or less I can shoot the lights out with this little revolver.

 

[CajunBass]

So just a little more in terms of educating those of us still learning the terminology, are all model 15's considered a "Combat Masterpiece"?

Back when I was a young fellow, I used to spend hours studying the Shooters Bible and Gun Digest. This would have been in the late mid/late 70's. They both used both terms in their listings for Smith & Wesson revolvers. You would see listed,

Smith & Wesson Model 15 "Combat Masterpiece."
Smith & Wesson Model 19 "Combat Magnum"

and so on.

I don't know rather the factory or the collecting community kept the name along with the number or not, but in common usage, both were used. I think the numbers gained prominance simply because it's easier to say "Model 15" than it is to say "Combat Masterpiece."

I have always thought "Combat Masterpiece" was the best name ever for a handgun. OK, maybe "Peacemaker" is right there with it.

To the OP. Beautiful CM you got there. Enjoy it.

 

[highpower3006]

So just a little more in terms of educating those of us still learning the terminology, are all model 15's considered a "Combat Masterpiece"?

Yes. If you look at the blue boxes from the late fifties on, they say "Model 15" and under that they say "Combat Masterpiece".

And I agree, it is one of the coolest names ever for a gun.

 

[Retired W4]

Get a .002 shim for the hammer / side plate. Or stone inner edge of plate. Which ever works the best.

The only real problem is once you have the wear there's nothing you can do about it except having case colors restored. That is a fairly common problem.

What a sweet gun though.

 

[AlHunt]

Yes. If you look at the blue boxes from the late fifties on, they say "Model 15" and under that they say "Combat Masterpiece".

And I agree, it is one of the coolest names ever for a gun.

I'm also partial to Distinguished Combat Magnum.

 

[Hapworth]

...Your thoughts on the right side hammer wear?

Very common, particularly at that location; unless there's actual binding occurring inhibiting smooth action, you needn't worry about it.

 

[Lee's Landing Billy]

That place on the hammer makes this gun useless for anything but parts, BUT since I am in a generous mood I will give you your money back for it. Just trying to help!!

 

[modelbuilder56]

That place on the hammer makes this gun useless for anything but parts, BUT since I am in a generous mood I will give you your money back for it. Just trying to help!!

Thanks to everyone for their input and expertise.

Took her out today and I must say WOW what a gun, I now know why everyone says what they do about S&W revolvers. Being a Glock person this thing makes my tupperware pistols look like they have bent sights!!

 

[BC38]

Thanks to everyone for their input and expertise.

Took her out today and I must say WOW what a gun, I now know why everyone says what they do about S&W revolvers. Being a Glock person this thing makes my tupperware pistols look like they have bent sights!!

DING! DING! DING! We have a winner! Another convert to the S&W fold...

 

[jhde69]

I just checked with my neighbor, no guns. Darn

 

[sophie]

Congratulations on a great purchase.