Like New Pre Model 15 Combat Masterpiece 4-Screw

[EarlB]

Just a few days ago I was mentioning on here about how there doesn't seem to be a lot of Model 15's in North Texas. I've seen a few, but they are usually well used. One of the people I've bought a few revolvers from messages me yesterday with the first pic asking if I had an interest in a like new pre Model 15 Combat Masterpiece 4-screw? Uh, duh...the other pics are at it's new home. From what I can tell from the SCSW due to the serial number K 323146 I suspect it's a very late Combat Masterpiece from just before they started stamping the model numbers in 1957. The diamond checkered magnas are original and matching numbered. I did add the Tyler T Grip and removed the trigger shoe. I wish we could know the story on them some times. It's understandable when a 60 year old revolver has a fair amount of wear as guns are tools and meant to be used. How one can survive for 60 years with little to no wear I don't know. It does have a slight turn line so it's been fondled/used a bit. I'll have to put a few rounds thru it at least.

Earl

 

[Wiregrassguy]

That's a beauty, Earl!

 

[Aemsl69]

Congrats! Two for Texas this week.

 

[chiefdave]

It's understandable when a 60 year old revolver has a fair amount of wear as guns are tools and meant to be used. How one can survive for 60 years with little to no wear I don't know. It does have a slight turn line so it's been fondled/used a bit. I'll have to put a few rounds thru it at least

I've often wondered that myself. Have a 1905 from the teen's and a Regulation Police from the 20's that both appear to be unfired after leaving the factory. Both were acquired in trades and will stay in the safe until I can trade them for something that is both collectable and shootable. I'd be on the fence about shooting that nice Masterpiece, especially if it shows no wear on the recoil shield. Very nice find.

 

[EarlB]

Thanks. Hard for me to say if there is any wear on the recoil shield. There is an obvious wear line on the recoil shield from the extractor rod where the cylinder has been opened and closed but no wear I can tell on it or the end of the cylinders from firing. No carbon at all in the firing pin hole, frame around the cylinder, front of the cylinder, recoil shield or forcing cone. If it's been shot (after the factory) it hasn't been shot much. I think it's been fondled more than it's been shot I will shoot it but not a lot. Too bad it didn't come with the box.

 

[iskra]

Beautiful gun! Don't believe I'd have added anything. Wouldn't be firing that puppy and safe queen in my book. But naturally, each to his own!
Congrats and...
My take

 

[Engine49guy]

Love the Combat Masterpiece series and that one is a beauty

In my collection have a
Combat Magnum Serial K 317946 Shipped May, 1958.
Model 18 Serial K 334388 Shipped Nov 1958

might be a safe bet yours may have also shipped in 1958

Enjoy

 

[EarlB]

Stupid question(s), did they not start stamping the model 15 on them in 1957?

I figured it had to have been produced then since it doesn't have a model 15 stamp on it. The book doesn't get into specifics on this area, did it actually take a year or so before there was consistency in stamping the model numbers?

If so, that generates another question on my part (sorry!) - if 1957 is accepted as the cutoff between a pre-model 15 Combat Masterpiece and a Model 15, would a Combat Masterpiece not marked as a Model 15 but shipped in 1958 still be considered a pre Model 15 or a Model 15 even though it isn't marked as such? LMAO, hope I didn't cause to many headaches with those questions

Earl

Love the Combat Masterpiece series and that one is a beauty

In my collection have a
Combat Magnum Serial K 317946 Shipped May, 1958.
Model 18 Serial K 334388 Shipped Nov 1958

might be a safe bet yours may have also shipped in 1958

Enjoy

 

[Wiregrassguy]

if 1957 is accepted as the cutoff between a pre-model 15 Combat Masterpiece and a Model 15, would a Combat Masterpiece not marked as a Model 15 but shipped in 1958 still be considered a pre Model 15 or a Model 15 even though it isn't marked as such?

In general, any non-model marked gun that has the engineering features of a later model marked gun is often termed a "pre" model. Keep in mind that S&W sometimes "skipped" stamping the model number well after model marking began. Those guns are usually identified by the model and change number associated with their serial numbers even though they are not stamped.

 

[EarlB]

Interesting. I'll probably submit this one for a letter just because I'm interested in it's born date. Earl

In general, any non-model marked gun that has the engineering features of a later model marked gun is often termed a "pre" model. Keep in mind that S&W sometimes "skipped" stamping the model number well after model marking began. Those guns are usually identified by the model and change number associated with their serial numbers even though they are not stamped.

 

[bigggbbruce]

Beautiful gun! Don't believe I'd have added anything. Wouldn't be firing that puppy and safe queen in my book. But naturally, each to his own!
Congrats and...
My take

It's been fired, and will clean up again nicely... Shoot it or lose it..

 

[Beauetienne]

Sweet revolver !

 

[shouldazagged]

I would have to shoot a lot more than a few rounds through that beautiful gun. Many people consider the pre-15's and M15's the finest revolvers ever made in .38 Special. The only one I've owned, a 15-3 that now lives with my son and grandsons, was the smoothest handgun of any description I've ever shot. But it's your gun and your call.

 

[Lee's Landing Billy]

I'm jealous.

 

[LEO918]

Here's a couple of mine..

 

[LaVistaBill]

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/560257-like-new-pre-model-15

Interesting. I'll probably submit this one for a letter just because I'm interested in it's born date. Earl

If you join the S&W Collector's Association you can go to the SWCA area in this Forum and ask Roy Jinks the born date. It's probably cheaper unless you just want the letter. I enjoy being in the SWCA and getting their magazine.

 

[crsides]

sweet


Charlie

 

[EarlB]

Good point. I need to join and will do so this week. Thanks, Earl

If you join the S&W Collector's Association you can go to the SWCA area in this Forum and ask Roy Jinks the born date. It's probably cheaper unless you just want the letter. I enjoy being in the SWCA and getting their magazine.