Might buy this from my uncle

[Amnyoung423]

Hey everyone, my uncle has this revolver that was an old Sac PD revolver. He bought it over 20 years ago and probably fired it once or twice and then kept it in his safe ever since. Anybody know what model it is and what it would be worth? Is there anything I should check on it before buying it if I do get it from him? Thanks!

 

[MetalMan]

To,find out what model it is, open the cylinder and look behind the crane right below the barrel....if it's only 20 years old, it should be stamped "MOD XX-X". The serial number may also be stamped there but you can also find this stamped on the butt of the grip frame; most likely, the serial number will be covered by the grips which will need to be removed in order to reveal the number.

Additional photos which depict condition would also be helpful for our forum experts.

 

[Amnyoung423]

Thanks for the reply. This is the only picture he sent me of it and I haven't seen it in person in a couple of years. He isn't one to let go of things so even with him saying he will think about it is a big step. I just want an idea of what it could be worth. I don't remember ever seeing any rust on it, and we live in Northern California so we don't get much humidity.

 

[BC38]

Betcha a nickel it is a MOD 15 - seein' as how it's an old cop gun and all...
I'm guessing that in top condition, its worth somewhere between $400 and $900 - depending on whether it comes with the original box, tools, paperwork, etc., and on local market conditions.
It would probably be on the high end of that scale if it is a perfect gun with all the goodies that isn't on "the approved roster" but one that can be sold in CA anyway, because it is already in CA.

 

[s&wchad]

That's a Model 15 (K-38 Combat Masterpiece, chambered for the .38 Special cartridge). I don't know what revision it is (possible a 15-5) and the photos aren't good enough to determine a value.

A rough wild guess on value would be somewhere around $400, but a Favored nephew might get it for less!

 

[MetalMan]

Since it appears to have adjustable sights, might it be a version of the Model 19, 4"

 

[Amnyoung423]

That's a Model 15 (K-38 Combat Masterpiece, chambered for the .38 Special cartridge). I don't know what revision it is (possible a 15-5) and the photos aren't good enough to determine a value.

A rough wild guess on value would be somewhere around $400, but a Favored nephew might get it for less!

I did offer him $400 without knowing because I know he could use the cash haha

 

[hardcase60]

Since it appears to have adjustable sights, might it be a version of the Model 19, 4"

Probably not a Mdl 19. No evidence of an ejector rod shroud aka under lug. hardcase60

 

[hardcase60]

I did offer him $400 without knowing because I know he could use the cash haha

And the response was?????? hardcase60

 

[MetalMan]

Probably not a Mdl 19. No evidence of an ejector rod shroud aka under lug. hardcase60

Thanks hardcase60....good catch on the lack of an ejector rod shroud!

 

[Amnyoung423]

And the response was?????? hardcase60

He's going to think about it! I hope so! Anything else I should look for when inspecting it?

 

[D Brown]

That's a very poor photo, but it appears that it has had the hammer stud replaced, and it wasn't a factory job. Note the hammer stud showing through the frame, and the strange discoloration. I would be hesitant to part with any hard earned money without having that gun thoroughly checked out by a qualified gunsmith.

 

[viceunit]

That's a very poor photo, but it appears that it has had the hammer pin replaced, and it wasn't a factory job. Note the hammer pin showing through the frame, and the strange discoloration. I would be hesitant to part with any hard earned money without having that gun thoroughly checked out by a qualified gunsmith.

I thought that was just an anomaly due to the poor photo quality, but on a second, closer look you may be correct. Good catch.

 

[Amnyoung423]

That's a very poor photo, but it appears that it has had the hammer stud replaced, and it wasn't a factory job. Note the hammer stud showing through the frame, and the strange discoloration. I would be hesitant to part with any hard earned money without having that gun thoroughly checked out by a qualified gunsmith.

Here is a zoomed in picture. The orange is the bedroom light reflecting off the gun.

 

[shouldazagged]

Sure looks like a Model 15 to me. If so, and if it's in good shaape mechanically and the bore is good, I'd grab it.

They are splendid revolvers.

 

[D Brown]

Here is a zoomed in picture. The orange is the bedroom light reflecting off the gun.

Sure fooled me!

 

[Jim NNN]

Might buy this from my uncle

You didn't complete your sentence. I think what you meant to say was, "Might buy this from my uncle as a gift for Jim NNN."

No, I actually already have four model 15's or pre-model 15's, but thank you. Best wishes on acquiring that great revolver. They're fantastic guns.

 

[foxy320]

Worked for the Dodge City, Kansas PD in the late 70's & early 80's & we could carry whatever we wanted as long as it was a double action revolver in 38 Special or above. Carried a nickel plated 4 inch S&W 29 with 44 Special loads, one speed loader of 44 Magnums & another with more 44 Special loads. Also carried a couple of 44 shot loads for dispatching varmints. Never had to use it for anything but skunks & raccoons but the couple of times I had to point it at someone they had no problem doing what I "asked" them to.

 

[foxy320]

oops, meant to put this in the 44 magnum for law enforcement thread.

 

[Absalom]

Back to the Model 15.

It appears to have department markings under the cylinder on the frame, which depending on your preference either enhances or detracts from the value (very helpful that, I know ). For me it would enhance the value, and I'd pay $400 for that gun any day if everything else is in good order.