Model 15-3

[BigSkyBound]

Looking for information on a Model 15-3 .38 Special. This gun has a black, almost parkerized finish, added finger grip and faux ivory grip panels. I know the additions are not factory, but what about the finish? The SN is 1k264**.

 

[Broker50]

I could be wrong, but it looks like a bead blasted re-blue to me. And in my opinion, looks pretty good. Unlike collectors, I see nothing wrong with refinishing a fairly common S&W. Get rid of the cheesy grips & grip adapter, add some Magna's or Bootgrips, & you'll have a nice carry gun. I just noticed the hammer & trigger, definitely a re-blue.

 

[fyimo]

I could be wrong, but it looks like a bead blasted re-blue to me. And in my opinion, looks pretty good. Unlike collectors, I see nothing wrong with refinishing a fairly common S&W. Get rid of the cheesy grips & grip adapter, add some Magna's or Bootgrips, & you'll have a nice carry gun. I just noticed the hammer & trigger, definitely a re-blue.

+1 on what he said

 

[captainjohnsofd]

S&W NEVER blued hammers and triggers in the gun. parts are removed and frames stripped prior to any rebluing. If the hammer and trigger are blued S&W was not involved in the refinishing.

 

[LC '92]

I'm betting its a sprayed on finish like DuraCote.

see: DuraCoat Firearm Finishes

 

[Messer]

I agree with the BBB (bead blast & blue) job refinish thoughts - it might be a spray on finish, but they would show more wear on the hammer/trigger parts with use.

I just picked up a 2" 15-3 - you can see the thread here...

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...253-15-3-2-barrel-followed-me-home-today.html

I really like mine - and agree yours would make a nice carry gun - except I'd keep the grips & the adapter - they feel good to my hands.

Take care,
Bob S.

 

[Broker50]

S&W NEVER blued hammers and triggers in the gun. parts are removed and frames stripped prior to any rebluing. If the hammer and trigger are blued S&W was not involved in the refinishing.

When I see one like that, it always makes me wonder if it was even dis-assembled before it was dropped in the bluing tanks.

 

[BigSkyBound]

I'm betting its a sprayed on finish like DuraCote.

see: DuraCoat Firearm Finishes

Yeah, it's definitely not reblued. At least I don't have to keep wiping my grubby fingerprints off f it.

 

[BigSkyBound]

If I wanted to insure or sell it, what kind of value would this model fetch in its modified condition? Thanks!

 

[Broker50]

If I wanted to insure or sell it, what kind of value would this model fetch in its modified condition? Thanks!

I can only answer for myself, but I would go about $250 for it, if it's blued, & not some sort of coating. If it's a spray on coating not over $150.00. I would have to buy some sort of grips for it at about $50-$60 dollars, so I would be in it for over $300.00 at those prices. That actually may be a little too much, now that I think about it. Like I said, my opinion only, but no one else was answering, so I thought I would give my two cents.

 

[BigSkyBound]

Thanks Broker50. The gun is my Brother's He does not really want it, but might keep it anyway. I will tell him to insure it for $200 and be done with it. Or, he can sell it to me for $150. It was a gift, so he would still be up $150!

 

[GyMac]

I could be wrong, but it looks like a bead blasted re-blue to me. And in my opinion, looks pretty good. Unlike collectors, I see nothing wrong with refinishing a fairly common S&W. Get rid of the cheesy grips & grip adapter, add some Magna's or Bootgrips, & you'll have a nice carry gun. I just noticed the hammer & trigger, definitely a re-blue.

I've got two Smiths like that, a Model 10 HB and a K-38. The hammers and triggers are not blued, though. Picked them up at a gun show a long time ago. I always figured they were probably police trade-ins that got refinished and then sold. The finish is really good and they work great. And I've got the same fake ivory grips and grip adapter on one of them.
Chris

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Try shooting it. Then you will find out what it's really worth. YMMV, but my $155 shooter is one of the best carry guns I have, and I certainly wouldn't take $400 for it, or even $500, since I don't know whether I could replace it. I happen to like Rogers/Safariland grips best, but IMO the ones you have on there aren't bad, either. Others will differ, but what matters is what fits you.

 

[Casehardn]

A while back, I had read on a website where Smith & Wesson did produce limited runs of matte guns for certain law enforcement agencies. Your gun might actually be original finish.
I'm sorry I don't have a link, but I do remember seeing pictures that backed up the text.

 

[Nick B.]

The grips are of course a personal thing. I like the look of the ones on the gun and would keep them, however, I see they are matched with a Tyler T grip which have become quite rare and are selling for a lot of money , see the T Grip threads, probably not less than $60 and at "auction" the sky is the limit.
So if you choose to put new grips on the gun, offer the T Grips for sale on this forum you will have no scarcity of buyers.

NB