Model 15-3 K38 Combat Masterpiece

[PoppyJack]

My brother recently gave me as he says "an old S&W" pistol. It turned out to be a Model 15-3 K38 Combat Masterpiece with the 4" barrel, Serial number 3K559XX. Looks wise it has seen it's better days. Shooting wise, it still locks up tight and shoots awesome!

I would like to find out the date of mfg on this gun. What could it be worth? What should i do with this gun, i.e. re-blue, re-finish, restore, etc., etc. or just keep it around in it's present condition for a solid fun shooter?

I have included pictures to show you the current condition of this gun.

 

[JP@AK]

Hi
First, you have one of the best revolvers that S&W ever made. The Combat Masterpiece is highly thought of by any of us who ever owned or shot one. I personally carried one for my two years in SE Asia and qualified as Expert Marksman with it. I have a few in my collection now and never tire of shooting them.

The 3K serial numbers were issued over a period of two years; 1971 and 1972. Yours, at 3K559XX, fits into the 1972 period of issue (3K31280 - 3K99999).

I would point out that the stocks shown in your picture are not original to your Model 15-3. That style, with the diamond at the screw location and the sharp shoulder were made and sold only from 1946 until sometime early in 1953. The sharp shoulder went away in 1953 and the diamond disappeared in about 1968.

Incidentally, your brother is a little bit confused. No one of my age is going to agree that your gun is "old." By the time it left the factory, I had completed my two tours and was back in the World with my wife and baby.

Enjoy your S&W revolver. It may not be pretty any more, but it is still a fine sidearm!

 

[JP@AK]

What should i do with this gun, i.e. re-blue, re-finish, restore, etc., etc. or just keep it around in it's present condition for a solid fun shooter?

The latter. Keep it as it is and shoot it a lot.

What could it be worth?

In that condition, not a whole lot. Maybe about $300 or a bit more.

On the other hand, the stocks by themselves are probably worth $100.

 

[Breakaway500]

I've never seen a 15 with a thin trigger.Thought they were all target triggers.

 

[Duke44]

I vote let it be. Keep it clean and shoot it often.

 

[Targets Guy]

Keep it clean, keep it oiled and shoot it often.

 

[Dillyp]

Don't fiddle with! Shoot the snot out of it and appreciate it as the best 38 special revolver ever made. My personal favorite.

 

[Targets Guy]

Just put new shoes on this old war horse; 1957 pre model Combat Masterpiece.

free upload image

 

[OldChief]

Jack, if you do decide to have your 15 refinished, there's only one place to go - Smith and Wesson. I've had 3 revolvers refinished in the past year and a half and have been exceptionally pleased with each job. For the high polish finish the price was $288 for each one. I don't imagine it has gone up much if it has. Anyway, the model 15 is a great shooting piece so enjoy yours.

 

[Bob L]

I also vote for keep it as is. They are great shooters so oil it and enjoy!

 

[KEN L]

I've never seen a 15 with a thin trigger.Thought they were all target triggers.

Standard hammer & trigger were the norm. Target hammers/triggers could be special ordered or were added later.

 

[KEN L]

My brother recently gave me as he says "an old S&W" pistol. It turned out to be a Model 15-3 K38 Combat Masterpiece with the 4" barrel, Serial number 3K559XX. Looks wise it has seen it's better days. Shooting wise, it still locks up tight and shoots awesome!

I would like to find out the date of mfg on this gun. What could it be worth? What should i do with this gun, i.e. re-blue, re-finish, restore, etc., etc. or just keep it around in it's present condition for a solid fun shooter?

I have included pictures to show you the current condition of this gun.

Probably Oct/Nov time frame 1972. Normally, I don't advocate refinishing worn guns. In this case, where your investment is zero, it might warrant a trip back to the mothership for refinishing. I'd have it nickeled, but restoring the blued finish would also be nice.

 

[Remmark54]

Nice gun. I like this kind of project. A good shooter that needs to be spruced up. I would have it reblued. While I enjoy a mint gun all the time, I really enjoy fixing stuff up; cars, guns etc. Not so much with women though...

 

[Mule Packer]

First off, congratulations! The Model 15 is definitely one of my all-time favorites. I agree with those who have posted previously---shoot it. That's what it was made for. Good luck and enjoy.

 

[Inusuit]

A Combat Masterpiece was my first centerfire handgun back in about 1962. Traded it for a Ruger .357 Blackhawk. Recently acquired a 15-3 and a 15-6. They are excellent shooters and remind me of that first S&S.

 

[bananaman]

Welcome to the FORUM! What can I say, that hasn't been. If you ever decide to do some blue touch-up, there are advanced (home) methods that are not bad. It will never look new though. I have a 67 no dash, which is the stainless version of yours. They are good guns. Enjoy it! Bob

 

[bananaman]

First off, congratulations! The Model 15 is definitely one of my all-time favorites. I agree with those who have posted previously---shoot it. That's what it was made for. Good luck and enjoy.

Nice gun & picture! Your stocks are cool too! I have a N set like it for my 28, no dash. Feel great to me. Have always liked skip checkered. Bob

 

[Double-O-Dave]

PoppyJack:

Welcome to the Forum.

Congratulations on your new revolver. You're lucky - the only thing my (youngest) brother ever gives me is grief. Case in point, a few years ago, our mother died, and she had asked him to dispose of all of her household goods. Said goods included her nightstand gun - a Model 64. I told him I would be happy to pay him the market price for this revolver as a remembrance of mom. He told me he had already made an even trade with it for a...Taurus!

As far as your Model 15 goes, personally, I'd have it refinished as others have recommended. I'd either go with a nickel finish, or a brushed chrome (matte). If you do decide to have it refinished, be sure to remove and keep the grips before sending it off. That way there is no chance they'll get "misplaced".

Good luck,

Dave

 

[petemacmahon]

Yup, the M15 rocks!

Hi
First, you have one of the best revolvers that S&W ever made. The Combat Masterpiece is highly thought of by any of us who ever owned or shot one.!

Yeah, I have to agree with Jack on this one. I picked up two M15 police trade-ins from J&G supply about 10 years ago and if memory serves, they were $259 a piece. BEST BARGAIN EVER!

They were both broken in nicely, no rust, just holster wear. They are both DAO actions. I should find out if they were delivered that way from the factory or were converted by the department armorer. I do not know what department they came from.

They both shoot like a house afire! Love them. My only gripe is I wish I had asked them to pull two with smooth trigger faces. As it is, I got one of each and my son has already put claims on the smooth face one!

 

[PoppyJack]

WOW! Guys, I really appreciate all the comments/feedback. Time to grab a few boxes of .38 and head to the range. Best regards all.

Bob