Model 915 Question

[Pook]

Hi all,

I just got a M915 in great condition to use as a shooter. It looks well made, but I have heard that it is an "economy" gun, which to me means "cheap." I also heard it has a lot of plastic parts, including the sights. I put a magnet to the sights and it stuck, but that could just be the magnet attracted to the steel slide through the plastic. The only plastic part I saw inside was a plunger-type gizmo in the slide.

I know nothing about the M915 other than what I mentioned above. Can anyone tell me about them, whether they are well-made, durable, generally any good?

Mine is matte black; I don't know if it is blue steel or blackened stainless.

As always, thanks for your help.

Pook

 

[shawn mccarver]

The 915 was the economy version of the 5904. When introduced, it had plastic guide rod, sights and magazine release. The mag release is the only real issue on the pistol, as that part will wear excessively because it is mating with a steel magazine. S&W does (or did) have a replacement and they are quite easy to swap out. The 915 is blued steel, not blackened stainless.

 

[mlk18]

Shawn; you may be thinking of the 910. I had an early 915 and it had steel sights, a steel guide rod and magazine release. As have all the 915's I have handled since. Mine did not have Novak sights, just a simple blade rear and a white dot front. The frame seemed to have less milling and the finish was not as nice as the 5904. But it was a great shooter and a great value (and not "cheap" in anyway).

 

[RRH]

"Economy" for this series was less refinement of the edges, etc. I have a 908 (9mm) and a 410 (40 cal.). They do have the plastic mentioned in the sights, mag release and guide rod. I have not had a problem with any of the plastic mentioned above. However, I can not afford to be setting records for rounds fired. I really like both of mine and I am partial to the blued steel. I have seen several that show quite a bit of external wear due to concealed carry, but I do not view that as a problem, either. Great value mentioned above is an excellent description. Enjoy it. I would like for my next purchase to be a 457 (same series in .45).

 

[EvelMe]

I have a 411, had to sell my 915. If I had the money, I'd buy another in a heartbeat.

 

[Mack]

The 915 is pre 94 with metal parts, the 910 is post 94 with plastic guide rod, mag catch etc.

 

[18DAI]

My 915 came with no plastic parts. It has a metal guide rod, metal sights and mag catch. It's former owner, a former chief instructor at the S&W academy, had the Performance Center cut the slide and put Novak low mount night sights on it. I still have the factory OEM metal sights for it.

A few experts here, claim the 915 and 910 are the "same". A cursory examination of both models will show this to be incorrect.

I own very nice examples of both. Both models being S&W aluminum framed 9mm high caps, with black coating. They use a common magazine too. The similarity ends there.

The 915 slide and frame have more machining cuts on them making them rounded and curved. As I stated, the 915 I own, and those I've examined don't have plastic parts. The 915 barrel has a locking lug on it and a corresponding cut in the slide for tighter lock up, and better accuracy.

The 910 is block like.........or Glock like if you will. The 910 will not go into my fitted 915 holsters. My 910 is an early production model with forged hammer and trigger. It has a plastic (nylon) guide rod, plastic sights, plastic mag release button, and plastic disconnector. It is a nice pistol.......for what it is.

My 910 is combat accurate. My 915 is a tack driver.

While both the 910 and 915 were "value line" pistols, the current asking prices for the 910 model make it anything but a value. The 910 is a nice $300 - $350 pistol.

I will take a 915 over a 910 anytime, and take both over any M&P pistol. YMMV. Regards 18DAI.

 

[RRH]

18DAI,
Excellent info on the 915. I could not speak to the 915 specifically. That was the reason that I referenced the two that I have (908, 410) containing the aforementioned plastic parts. Thanks for the information. Now I probably want one of those also!

 

[lpscruggs]

I have had a M915 for a long time and my only wish is that it had an "Ambi Safety". Anyone know where I can pick one up ? Mine also has great 3 dot night sights. Great everyday full sized gun.

 

[Denver Dick]

IMHO, the 915 is a true 3rd Generation with a little less machining. It is a solid steel and alloy pistol. Mine was a great addition to my 3rd generation collection when I found it on consignment at my local gun store back in early 2008. It shoots great, too.

 

[JJEH]

The 915 is a great shooter and the only thing I would change is the rear sight.

 

[W.E.G.]

The 910 is more the "economy" model.

See http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/230065-910-915-range-report.html

I like the snag-free profile of the 915 rear sight.