I saw a 15-3 snubbie for $850 a year ago locally and now am going to go take a look at this 15-3 with serial #'d PC grips but no box etc. Assuming it is as good as the pics seem to show, would you take it home at $700 + state tax?
Model 15-3, 2 inch Snubbie
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YouveHadYour6
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Looks very clean - model 10 snubs come up a good deal more where I'm at, but given the prices I've been seeing on those (paid 600 for a 10-5 RB snub w/box from an estate a year ago, passed on a near-identical SB no box at a show last week for 750) I don't think it's insane if its a storefront doing the sale.
At least here in my part of the northwest, revolver sales, especially for collector pieces, has dropped sharply the last year or so, maybe a shorter time frame. If it's a .38, not a .357 on a k-frame it usually takes twice as long if not longer to find an interested party, as well.
All in all I'd call it 'fair' but make sure its one you personally want and desire as opposed to one you're expecting to store money in or pick up greatly in value. FWIW personally I wouldn't sell one in that condition for less and if going myself would probably add it, as I lack a nice snub 15 but would see if they'd roll tax into that 700.
*Just wanted to add that a glance at recent 15 snubs sold on GB seem to bear out this price being fair/reasonable-ish for the condition and lack of orig. accessories, provided stocks number and condition is as clean as shown. Happy hunting if you go take a look at'er.
At least here in my part of the northwest, revolver sales, especially for collector pieces, has dropped sharply the last year or so, maybe a shorter time frame. If it's a .38, not a .357 on a k-frame it usually takes twice as long if not longer to find an interested party, as well.
All in all I'd call it 'fair' but make sure its one you personally want and desire as opposed to one you're expecting to store money in or pick up greatly in value. FWIW personally I wouldn't sell one in that condition for less and if going myself would probably add it, as I lack a nice snub 15 but would see if they'd roll tax into that 700.
*Just wanted to add that a glance at recent 15 snubs sold on GB seem to bear out this price being fair/reasonable-ish for the condition and lack of orig. accessories, provided stocks number and condition is as clean as shown. Happy hunting if you go take a look at'er.
My first Smith was a 15-3 snub, and it shot fantastically.
I’m no expert, but the side plate pic could indicate a refinish FWIW.
I’m no expert, but the side plate pic could indicate a refinish FWIW.
OP
The screw holes looked much more dished in the first pic, and the stamping appeared shallower.
lightstar_actual
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Let me know if you pass on it 
Yeah, that's a no-brainer at $700, IMO. Beautiful gun!
bananaman
Member
That looks like at BEAUTY to me! Of course I have lusted after a Snub 15 for a while. $700 is not that bad compared to the prices of everything else! Just have a lowly 10-5 snub. Bob
Ya'll are probably tired of seeing this15-3 with RR/WO but I could not help my self. I don't remember what I paid for it. Shipped September 3, 1974. Stocks are obviously not original.
OP
Retired W4:
Sure is a pretty one. Stocks are diamond & standard magna's??
Sure is a pretty one. Stocks are diamond & standard magna's??
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ezb57
Member
Looks great, better jump on it.
Assuming it is in good condition and operates correctly that is a very reasonable price IMHO. If I didn't already have one I would take it at that price.
That's a great looking Model 15-3, and I think it's priced very reasonably. Go for it! We inherited this minty Model 15-2 snubby from my wife's grandfather (a Calif. LEO and Chief of Detectives; his EDC). It's an excellent shooter, and my wife qualified for her CCW permit with it.
Please go back and buy it now, you don't want it to get away at that price. Yes, 15-3's are very accurate ans so much fun to shoot.
OP
Took a run up to the small shop on the Canadian border and checked out the 15-3. It was very nice and I didn't see any issues. The seller passed on my offer and I didn't pursue it further since I've picked up three S&W's in the last few weeks. The owner does laser engraving which looked quite nice and showed us a picture of a challenge coin he made in memory of the fallen Border Agent Christopher Maland, killed this winter.
Exchipy
Member
I’d risk dislocating my shoulder by reaching for my wallet so fast. I’ve had a couple of them over the years. Regularly carried one to court appearances when off duty as a CHP Officer in civilian clothes. As an affront to strict preservationist collectors, however, both of my 2” Model 15s ultimately grew long snouts, like this most recent one with its Black Nitride finish:
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My 15-3. I would buy another if I could find one. That one looks great.
That’s a good looking Model 15 and I think priced about right.
Wish they made a 3” with the same ramped from sight. Guess that’s why they went with the 19 snubbies.
This is mine. Bubba wanted to let everyone know it was his gun so he had his initials scratched into the frame. It’s barely visible but I know it’s there. I got it for $525 cash since the rest was super nice but I feel I could have done better!
Wish they made a 3” with the same ramped from sight. Guess that’s why they went with the 19 snubbies.
This is mine. Bubba wanted to let everyone know it was his gun so he had his initials scratched into the frame. It’s barely visible but I know it’s there. I got it for $525 cash since the rest was super nice but I feel I could have done better!
