Model 15-2, 2" snubbie accuracy & value

[Patches09]

A local shop has a 1967 vintage blued 15-2, 2" revolver for $600 in excellent condition (about 95 percent finish). I know this is a little high, but 2 inch guns are getting scarce, and I've always liked 2 inch snubbies with adjustable sights but have never had one. For you fellow members that have one what are your thoughts-can you dial your favorite load in to point of aim and are they reasonably accurate for the gun that they are? Or should I just stick with my model 60 and learn "Kentucky windage"? I'm tempted to get it anyway but wanted some input from you guys before I decide.

 

[Coaltminer]

Don't know about the 15, 2", but I've had a 10, 2" and a couple of 12's in that length and they've been very accurate, much more so than the J frames for me. They were also dead on with the fixed sights at 20 yds. The 15 2" has been a grail gun for me, but you don't see many and I don't think $600 is out of line, I've seen them for $1000 in WV, which IS high, but they're somewhat scarce. The K frames seem just the right size for me, anyway.

 

[Welder1]

I bought mine for $600 and would buy another at the same price. From what I'm seeing in Ma that is a very good deal.

 

[NYlakesider]

I have a 15-2 and I bought it for shooting the snub-nose class of PPC that was quite popular at my club years back. Rules were your were restricted to 2'' barrel and I found that cop carried gun at my LGS. It was a bit rough but the price was real good and the shop owner let me pull the side plate and do other checks. I bought it did a action job and won first or 2ed place most times.

I liked the gun so much I used it as a CCWP gun for a couple years (Loaded with appropriate social ammo)

I found the gun very dependable and quite accurate for a weapon of that class.

 

[devilfrog1911]

I wouldn't hesitate to pay that much for a M15 snub if I were in the market for one. I think I paid close to $500 for this 15-3 a few years back. I love the looks of this gun, but for whatever reason, I shoot a Model 10 2" better -- heresy I know

 

[.45mtngun]

In the shape that you say that it is in, I believe I would go for it. In my area, i've never seen a 15 2" at all. I recently picked up a 10 2" in very good shape that is very accurate and just feels great in the hand. I believe the 15 would be the same for you! I'm sure it won't stay around very long.
Jim

 

[MDMarauder]

I bought my 2" 15-3 a few years ago, in real good shape with out a box for $450.00. Hands down one of the most accurate revolvers I have.

 

[BobR1]

I have a 15-5 with 2" barrel and Square Butt in as new condition. I put $600 plus a little in it almost a year ago. They have went up since I bought mine.
I just put another $600 in a 10-5 with 2" barrel in a round butt that is not nearly as clean or desirable.

These are the only two K Snubs I have ever seen for sale in my area.

In my neck of the woods the gun shops either get Police revolvers, or boxed comeratives for Blued Revolvers. Normally nicer blued revolvers get handed down, NOT sold or traded in.

In my area the gun shops know who buys S&W revolvers. I normally get notified if anything used and desirable shows up, along with two or more others who soak up all the collectable S&W's in my area. Lately with the Obooba Gun Sale in full swing they have been asking about $200 more than what they are worth. I bought the 10-5 snub because I wanted it. At $600 I probably gave $150 - $200 more than it was worth for it. I will be glad when things get back to normal again.

Bob

 

[Triggerman66]

Two years ago about this time I dropped by a pawn shop that I had not been in for years and was supprised to find a S&W 15-2 blue in 95% without box or factory grips. After digging out $350 plus tax, I was out of there one happy guy. I have since aquired the correct box, docs, tools and factory grips. After that lucky find I got a 10-5 and a 36 no dash flat latch both blue 2 inchers. Now I'am done..... maybe?

 

[S&W-Keeper]

I have a 15-2 snubbie,it is very accurate. It shoots like a 4". It seems to me to be at least $100 to high, but I guess that is what they are selling for now days.

 

[H Richard]

Well, I can't comment about a 15-2, 2", but I can speak to a 15-3, 2" and there shouldn't be a nickel's worth of difference between the two.
Pictures speak louder than words. This was at 10 yards offhand.

 

[Patches09]

Well, I just found out the owner is on vacation this week so will try again next Mon. I believe you guys have convinced me to get it, and you seem to confirm that the "snubbie" model 15's are hard to find. The only other Smith that has my attention is another oldie: a blue-worn, 1961 dated model 19 for $375, don't believe I've ever seen one that early!

 

[Patches09]

Well, sometimes patience pays off. I hesitated on getting that gun but then recently found this minty, early 1965 piece from a fellow shooter and bought it for $500. The collector in me says to take it out every full moon, kiss it, and put it back in the safe. Another part of me says to enjoy it, shoot it, and carry it till the blue wears off...why?...because life is just too short! I wonder which part of my inner self will win out...

 

[sac-gunslinger]

I have a list of about five guns I wish, really wish, I had never sold. On the top of that list is a Model 15 2" that I bought in 1976. Finish 98%, really rich, deep bluing. I keep looking but never find one.

This gun is very accurate because you have a solid frame with enough mass to absorb recoil plus the adjustable sights give you great control over point of aim. You will find nothing to complain about with a 15 2".

So get off the computer and go buy it! Now!

 

[sheepdawg]

This 15-3 is scary accurate. Paid $500 for it about two years ago, it couldn't have had more than a cylinder's worth shot through it. Of course I had to check it out.

My next door neighbor gave me the stocks you see on it, I've never seen another pair like them.

 

[Silver Dollar]

Ya gotta love those 15s.

 

[Rpg]

Years ago I got a 15-4 from a former US attorney stationed in the us Carib possessions for a price I'll never share. Lovely revolver !

No one has quoted a price I'd consider for it in this thread. And I'm a 1911 guy. Beautiful 2' revolver. I think I'll keep it!

 

[Patches09]

Looks like my problem is solved-I just found this nice, but used 1967 vintage 15-2 with a neat Air Force holster for a decent price at a local pawn shop. I doubt this is an Air Force issue, but it's a neat rig and the gun is dead on at 25 yards, and has a very crisp trigger pull. It has enough blue wear that I won't worry about carrying it or using it in the field. And now I see why everyone loves the 15's so much...they are accurate, and addictive! I think they gave it the right name!

 

[sipowicz]

I love shooting my 15 2". This and my Model 10 are my favs....I wish my tupperware autos brought me this much joy.

 

[Doug M.]

I'll admit that they are not my cup of tea, but historically, I see more folks on this forum expressing regret about potentially interesting/desirable guns that they did not buy than than the other way around. My default answer then, is to to shut up and buy one if you are inclined and don't think you are getting shafted after due inquiry.

Mechanically, these 2 inch revolvers as a group are probably indistinguishable in accuracy from a similar group of 4-6" revolvers. Ergonomically, many of us might not do as well shooting them - different issue. I'm one of them. I can't live up to the accuracy potential of any decent gun now, probably, but I am sure I will do better w/my K38 than a 2" M15.