Model 15's Are They "Special"?

[Zebulon]

Yes they are....the only Snubnosed revolver that shoots like a long barreled Traget gun....Here's another example....Zebulon

 

[Crazy K38]

I have a 15-2 and this gun has become one of my favorites quickly, I got it for doing a tattoo for a client that was pressed for cash but needed the ink, he was happy, i was thrilled, never really appreciated revolvers until this gun came along

 

[coffeebar]

Originally posted by Peter J.:
I have owned a bunch of S&W's for over 30 years, but here is a question I have often wondered about. Did Model 15 "Combat Masterpiece" style revolvers get special treatment like a better than average trigger job before they left the factory? Or are they pretty much just an average Model 10, but with adjustable rear sight?

My only handgun is a 4'' 15-7 and i have not tried so many models to speak... but i think is a very good shooter with a light and crisp trigger, maybe better than some 686...and for me one of best looking smiths of all the times

Only problem with mine (made in 1996) is the round-butt design but gun come with uncle mike RB to SQ conversion so is not a big deal

 

[HAWKEYE10]

my model 15-4 is "special" to me. it is unfired but i have been thinking about changing that.

don

 

[Chubbo]

My old Mod.15, Made & bought in 1952. Has shortened S&W smooth target grips,th,tt,red rampfront sight,white outline rear,44oz.trigger pull. My first centerfire pistol. has had bushels of rounds run through it, and is as tight as new.
Chubbo

 

[Walter Rego]

In Roy Jinks' "History of Smith & Wesson", page 179 he discusses the introduction of the Combat Masterpiece Models in .22, .32 and .38 caliber. He states that in the 1950 catalog, the new Combat Masterpiece was described as a "short action, target grade holster gun for law enforcement officers". I have always taken the "target grade" statement as meaning that the revolver had the micrometer adjustable sights, and I believe the trigger stop. That being said, two of my S&W's that have the most perfectly timed actions, and almost imperceptible end play and rotational play when locked are a Model 15-3 from 1977 and Model 27-2
from 1972. However both are from the Bangor Punta era where there was some inconsistency in the quality of the guns. I also had a Model 19-4 from 1978 that hardly had any rounds through it but was timed poorly and a bit loose so I sent it back to S&W a couple years ago for one of their tune ups and it came back perfect, tight, and with the barrel set back for a tighter B/C gap as well. My opinion is that the Model 15's from about 1972 on are like many other models, luck of the draw regarding how well they are put together. No better or worse than a Model 10 from the same period. From post WWII to about 1970 or so, it would be uncommon for any S&W K or N frame not to be assembled, and polished & blued damn near perfectly.

 

[yugolovr]

Special you ask? Of course it is special it is stamped right on the barrel.

Sorry guys couldn't help it.