Model 15-3 My First Handgun

[Jaden]

Hi guys, I've been wanting to get a handgun for several years now, but never got around to doing it. I just recently moved to Atlanta and felt the need more than ever to get one. I mentioned this to my aging mother and she remembered that a colleague of hers gave her a model 15-3 a couple of decades ago. She's had it in a shoe box all of these years. She always hated having it in the house and now that she remembered about it, she wants it out now. So, I'm getting my first handgun for free. I wanted to start with a .22 revolver, but I guess I'm starting with a .38 special.

The serial number is 3K412XX. I think it was manufactured in 1971 or 1972. Can someone please confirm for me? Thanks.

 

[Jaden]

Oh, and I don't suppose those are the original grips?

 

[JP@AK]

Hello
You just received a very fine revolver to start your experience with good handguns. Congrats!
Your Model 15-3 Combat Masterpiece probably started life in 1972.
There is something odd going on with that rear sight. It looks bent upward a bit. But that may just be the camera angle.
And no, the stocks are not original. But if you want to put Magna stocks back on it, they can easily be found on eBay. You will be looking for K frame Magna stocks without the smooth diamond shape around the screw hole and escutcheon.
Thanks for sharing this experience and revolver with us here at the S&W Forum. Welcome aboard!
Jack

 

[Jaden]

Thanks Jack. I'm looking forward to taking her to the range. An experienced buddy is going to help me clean and evaluate it before we do anything else. I'll probably go with rubber grips over the originals.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Welcome to the forum!

The rear sight may just need to be screwed back down, because it is definitely raised up.
The stocks you are looking for will be like the ones in the bottom picture in the link below, at post #25 if you want it to be returned to original.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...-right-can-ultimate-thread.html#post137491208

 

[Jaden]

Thank you sir. They sure are pretty. I'm tempted to try them first before going to rubber.

 

[JP@AK]

Jaden
If you do end up putting "Goodyears" on your Combat Masterpiece, be sure that you take them off and wipe the grip frame down after every outing with your gun. The rubber stocks are notorious for allowing moisture to accumulate under them and this will cause rust to develop and eventually damage the value of your nice revolver.
Jack

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

They are fairly easy to come across, even right here on this forum in the classifieds, and they, along with a Tyler-T grip makes for a very nice carry package. The T grips are for sale right now in the classifieds here.

 

[Jaden]

Thanks Gun4Fun. Is this a square or round butt model?

 

[JP@AK]

Is this a square or round butt model?

Square. I don't know that the Model 15 was ever offered in a round butt version like its bigger cousin the Model 19 was. (Unless it was a special order of some sort.)
Jack

 

[Jaden]

Thanks Jack! It's a pleasure having this forum as such a great resource.

Dan

 

[george_lehr]

Welcome to the forum.
The stocks that are on your model 15 may not be original, but they're not bad looking. They are similar to the S&W factory target stocks, which I prefer over the original magna stocks. I suggest that you try them at the range and see how you like them. Then look for lots of other stocks to buy and try. It's fun. And the extra stocks can be used on your model 17 and 18 K frame .22 caliber guns when you get them.

 

[Jaden]

Thanks George. What do you guys recommend as a good cleaning and tool kit?

 

[fyimo]

Great first S&W and the price was right and your Mother gave you an awesome price (Zero) to get it out of the house. If you like the feel of S&W target grips keep them on it because a lot of us with larger paws don't like the smaller magna grips. Every K frame I've ever owned has ended up with S&W target grips. The Model 15 is an awesome revolver and a great shooter.

 

[ddixie884]

You nearly can't beat a model marked combat masterpiece. .38spl caliber, +P capable, adjustable sights, 4" barrel. Good combination.......

 

[JWWIII]

I too started with a 15-3 given to me by my father. It is a snubbie. Glad it looks decent considering it was not cared for for quite some time.

My snubbie is amazingly accurate, hope you enjoy it!

 

[Rpg]

Great revolver!

You're starting with one of the best.

 

[JP@AK]

Every K frame I've ever owned has ended up with S&W target grips. The Model 15 is an awesome revolver and a great shooter.

Like this one?
Model 15-2

 

[bikerlbf406]

Welcome to the forum and nice gun

 

[mikeruns]

I just gave one of these to my mom. She was talking about wanting to get a gun as she lives alone, and so I told her I have the perfect gun for you (I have 2)....anyways, she was happy, and I take comfort knowing she is well healed for defence as are you!