LGS still has a 15-3

[firefighterjohn]

In the condition you describe, the price sounds fair to me. You could offer less, but in the whole scheme of things $50.00 one way or the other is pretty insignificant, as long as you're happy with the item. If you like it, don't let it get away.

I thought so too, so I didn't let it get away, especially since the place was packed with customers with several looking on...

 

[firefighterjohn]

I paid around $500 several years ago for a 15-3" online,so shipping and transfer fees were added to that and it had some cold blue splatters that didn't show in the pix… those cleaned off easily and it's fun to shoot.Offer $625 and see what happens.

Thanks arjay, glad to hear it's a nice shooter. They wouldn't budge on the price as others would have bought it as soon as it left my hands.

 

[firefighterjohn]

I "loaned" my two model 15s to a good friend last year. He and his wife are an older couple in a very large house, she got scared and wanted a pistol in the house after security cameras outside captured someone breaking into their cars in the middle of the night. One is a shooter grade 15-3 4" that is mechanically perfect with one of the smoothest actions I own. The other is a 15-8 4" heavy barrel that I picked up from a LGS as part of a two gun deal (along with a model 37). I thought I wouldn't miss them but I actually do. Once I finally get my friend and his wife to the range for more shooting I am hoping they will like the idea of a shotgun, modern semi-auto, or anything else other than my old Smiths!

I do know where there is a beautiful 15-3 4" but it is $700 with no box or papers, comes with a right handed holster that is useless to me. I just can't justify it (yet).

That was a very nice thing you did for your friends. It gave you some peace of mind knowing they could defend themselves. Getting them exposed to more options at the range would be great, nice work!

Justify it? When did any of us EVER try to JUSTIFY an older S&W purchase?

 

[firefighterjohn]

The model 15 is one of S&W's finest efforts. If it is all that you say it is buy it. The dollars are about a ham sandwich and a couple beers off. IMO not a consideration.

Hard to believe, I am down to 2 M15's. One wears my mid 70's duty, smooth rosewood grips.

Thank you for your service Narragansett. It really is a nice 15 so that's why I couldn't let it get away for that small difference. I like your thinking...we all can make a FEW small sacrifices for that next S&W, right?

 

[firefighterjohn]

Like others who replied earlier, my first duty firearm was a model 15. I purchased a nickel 15-4 for my personal use in 1979 that is still with me in the original box, paperwork, tool set and price tag. Last year, I traded a different piece for a 1969 blued 15-3. Needless to say, I like 'em!

Congratulations on your find and enjoy!

Thank you for your service C3Ranger. I think I'll enjoy shooting my first 15 also.

 

[firefighterjohn]

If the LGS has been a friend to you and a therapy session when you desired one, then you must at some time return the love, and praise them with a fair purchase.

Now that's a fantastic way to "give back" by getting a nice S&W in return. Thanks, that was a good mini therapy session in itself!

 

[firefighterjohn]

I got a old security gaurd 15 dinged up bluing MINT insides with very smooth action. Think was dry fired a lot any way funnest gun I own. With hauge small tapered rubber grips very fun to shoot

I hadn't ever run across one 15 like that let alone the one I saw. Thanks, after watching some shooting videos I think I'll like shooting mine...so will others in my family.

 

[Babysitr]

Like Pete, mine has smooth Rosewood stocks, I use a BK grip adapter on my 2" with magnas..it's an old duty gun...both shoot way better than you would think, not really sure why, but they're with me till the end!

 

[CajunBass]

I go back and forth between the Model 15, and the Model 19 as to which I like the best. Since this is about the Model 15, it's my favorite.

I think I paid about $600.00 for one a few months ago. IIRC it was tagged pretty close to $700, but had been taking up space in the "if you have to ask, you can't afford it case" so I got a little off. Best part for me was it had a set of Eagle faux pearl grips with silver S&W medallions that sell for around $150.00 or so. I happen to like pearl (looking) grips so it was a no brainer for me.

 

[firefighterjohn]

I go back and forth between the Model 15, and the Model 19 as to which I like the best. Since this is about the Model 15, it's my favorite.

I think I paid about $600.00 for one a few months ago. IIRC it was tagged pretty close to $700, but had been taking up space in the "if you have to ask, you can't afford it case" so I got a little off. Best part for me was it had a set of Eagle faux pearl grips with silver S&W medallions that sell for around $150.00 or so. I happen to like pearl (looking) grips so it was a no brainer for me.

I agree on the 19 vs 15...I usually opt for a .357 S&W since you have more options. I've got a really nice 19 4" that's just as clean as this 15...but I didn't have a 15 yet so had to add it.

You got yours for a great price with a nice set of grips too, nice grab!

 

[firefighterjohn]

Like Pete, mine has smooth Rosewood stocks, I use a BK grip adapter on my 2" with magnas..it's an old duty gun...both shoot way better than you would think, not really sure why, but they're with me till the end!

Sounds like a couple of nice ones there and the reason that not many of them pop up for sale.

 

[shovelhead]

That's a great price for your 15. Wow, 47 years to find another one...that's along time! Around here, the older S&W revolvers don't last long at the LGS.

Previous shop owner I worked for had one in his personal collection but wasn't interested in letting it go. I did check the S/N and it wasn't the one I sold. As he used to go to the shop I sold it to before he became a FFL there was always the chance. Model 10's are in abundance though.

Around here the revolvers are slower to move, 9mm is king.