MOD 15-3 any info

[Door Kicker]

SN is 1K123xx
in excellent condition

what can you tell me about this gun? Is this the Combat Masterpiece? is this police or military or just civillian?
how old is it and what is the aprox value?

I picked it up in trade and want to know if this is a keeper or should I sell it???

Thanks

 

[murphydog]

If it is stamped 15-3, it is a .38 Combat Masterpiece (this was its only name prior to 1957). It was a very popular LE gun but many were also sold to the general public. It probably shipped in 1970.

In excellent condition, it is probably a $350-400 gun. Photos would be helpful for an exact estimate. I would judge it to be a keeper, but this is the S & W Forum so you probably expected that answer.

 

[Door Kicker]

thanks. I will get some photos up when I get a chance.

 

[fyimo]

They are a very popular revolver and they are great shooters so I would a least go shoot it to see if you like it before selling it.

My Model 15-4

 

[Stevie]

Probably a keeper...they are a top-notch .38 Special revolver. I own a nickel 15-3 that's a superb shooter

 

[oldafsp]

The Model 15 is the hallmark of S&W .38 revolvers.

Sold to military (USAF),police and civilians these are outstanding accurate shooters.

Often imitated but never equaled you can't get a better revolver chambered in .38 special.

Shoot it first. Then you decide.

It will outshoot you..I have no doubt.

Hey if it's good enough for Massad Ayoob...well that pretty much sums it up!

Mas fires his Model 15 in the Stock Service Revolver Class, IDPA

One of my Model 15's...my favorite shooter, a 15-3 built in 1969

 

[Cerberus62]

You are not going to like it, these are dime-a-dozen revolvers forsaken by every police department that used them and far eclipsed by the new autoloaders and the fancy alloy lightweights from them Performance Center.

It doesn't have tritium night sights or a compensator so it is worthless for any real use.

Don't worry though, there is a way to correct your mistake. I will take it off your hands so you can get a real gun...

 

[Door Kicker]

thanks guys. I mainly meant I would sell it if it was very valuable. I think I'll keep it...

 

[sheepdawg]

I've got a 15-3 snubby and had a 15-2 with a 4" barrel that I sold to a friend. I wish I hadn't, they are great shooters.

 

[Mickey D]

Great gun for target and home defense. It's a keeper.

15-3

 

[JDW250]

My Nickle 15-3 is one of the best shooters I own. The statement, "it will outshoot you" definitely applies in my case.

 

[DGNY]

These guns are a special breed. Very valuable indeed, but not [yet] in really big dollars.

They are one of the last bargains, in my view, in the whole revolver world. Beautifully made; sights adjustable for ammo and range; durable for their caliber; suitable for hands of many sizes; accurate plus; and yes - drumroll - can fire +P ammo!!

Regards,

Dyson

 

[Monticello Marshal]

My police price in 1970 was $71.49. We had to buy our own revolvers.

 

[Buford57]

I traded into a 15-3 a few years ago and the only reason it ever left my possession was as a wedding gift to my youngest son and his bride. My wife has used the stainless version (M67) as her house gun for over 30 years. They are hard to beat.

 

[LEO918]

Back in the day one of the Deputy's I worked with carried a M-15 with Magnas and a Tyler T Grip - Ultra Cool!

 

[viceunit]

My 15-2 will knock down popper plates six-for-six every time if I do my job. I can rarely do that with any other gun. It is a fun gun to shoot and unquestionably the best package for the .38 special.

 

[Plstu]

I think the model 15 is hands down the best revolver going for the money. It is one of the few guns I own that I will NEVER get rid of. There is a reason why there are so many and the cops loved them!

 

[Door Kicker]

well thanks again for all the help guys. I ended up making a trade at the gun show today, the 15-3 and a pocket knife I had for this 629-5

I think I did pretty good. I never did even shoot the 15-3 and I kinda do regret that it is gone cause I could have started a colection of S&W revolvers, but I really really wanted a 629. It took all day walking around and wheeling and dealing but I actually walked out with the 629 and $20 bucks...

 

[Retired W4]

I have two 4" 15-3's. One is a beautiful shooter and the other appears to be unfired (outside the factory) and is so far a safe queen. You might end up regretting the loss. They don't get much better.

 

[JP@AK]

One of, if not the, favorite of all revolvers for me. I shot the heck out of one in the 1960s before I went into the service. Carried one in 'Nam, and have loved them ever since. Here's a dash 2 that shipped in 1966 with all three Ts.