Need date on CDC Model 15-3

[foudufoot]

I just bought this 15-3 marked CDC (California Department of Corrections). I believe it's a late 60's manufacture. Can anyone confirm? Thanks, Dan.

 

[diamonback68]

We can tell you, but you need to give us the serial number off the butt of the gun. Everything goes by serial number.

 

[foudufoot]

We can tell you, but you need to give us the serial number off the butt of the gun. Everything goes by serial number.

It's 10K4769 Diamondback. Thx.

 

[MP1983]

SCSW shows 1977, which would better match the grip color...it's a beauty regardless...nice find!!

 

[KEN L]

Are you 100% sure on the department markings? It may very well be the Center for Disease Control right here in Atlanta. I didn't even know they were armed until just a couple of days ago. I was talking to an employee of a shop I frequent about department marked guns and he mentioned that he had bought one a while back. Not sure what model, but believe it was a 2" .38. Sumptin to thought about!

By the way, nice looking gun!

 

[MP1983]

If it is Calif. Dept. of Corr., I wonder how many 2 inch M15's were ever marked that way...seen quite a few M64's but not 15's...plus, I know w/ the Texas prisons we always had 4 inch K-frames for standard issue...any Calif. DOC folks out there who can share their insight?

 

[foudufoot]

Are you 100% sure on the department markings? It may very well be the Center for Disease Control right here in Atlanta. I didn't even know they were armed until just a couple of days ago. I was talking to an employee of a shop I frequent about department marked guns and he mentioned that he had bought one a while back. Not sure what model, but believe it was a 2" .38. Sumptin to thought about!

By the way, nice looking gun!

That must be some nasty germs you have there in Atlanta!! LOL.

But, no, I'm not sure that this is a California Correctional gun. The seller, who I know well and is reputable simply identified it as such. I'd like to know if it is not though. I always like to know the provenance. It adds character to the gun.

 

[foudufoot]

If it is Calif. Dept. of Corr., I wonder how many 2 inch M15's were ever marked that way...seen quite a few M64's but not 15's...plus, I know w/ the Texas prisons we always had 4 inch K-frames for standard issue...any Calif. DOC folks out there who can share their insight?

If it's not a DOC gun, maybe they will know from the engraving. It might be a different font or numbering system.

 

[foudufoot]

SCSW shows 1977, which would better match the grip color...it's a beauty regardless...nice find!!

Thanks MP. I was NOT in the market for another S&W wheel gun, but when I saw this one, I just had to have it. You know that feeling, right?...;-) Price wasn't bad either.

 

[MP1983]

I was NOT in the market for another S&W wheel gun, but when I saw this one, I just had to have it. You know that feeling, right?...;-) Price wasn't bad either.

It is a "Combat Masterpiece", so how could you go wrong! Plus, to me the 2 inch barrels have always had extra appeal.

If it is Calif. Dept. of Corr., I wonder how many 2 inch M15's were ever marked that way...seen quite a few M64's but not 15's...plus, I know w/ the Texas prisons we always had 4 inch K-frames for standard issue...any Calif. DOC folks out there who can share their insight?

In what I wrote above, I should have specified I've seen a number of "2 inch" Model 64's reported to be from CDC. I think they were used in transport details, and were probably from the 80's (few prisons could afford stainless steel prices of the 70's). I would not be surprised at all if your 1977 Model 15 is Calif DOC, but I'd still like to hear from someone with first hand knowledge...there's gotta be one forum member out there who knows a little more

Come on Cali, represent

 

[Speedo2]

I've got one of those "CDC" marked 2" M64's. I've not lettered it, but I was also told that it was from the Calif.Dept.of Corrections. The Ajax grips and TGA were of my own selection; IIRC it had Pach's on it when it was acquired:

For a cheapie (at the time), it turned out to be a pretty nice CCW. -S2

 

[MP1983]

Four-inch Model 10's and 15's were authorized for Institutional use (tower and transports). The two-inch 64's were issued to paroles.

Regards.

Bob

Thanks, Bob. TDC was using 4 inch Model 65's exclusively when I came on in 1987. Now, we're purchasing S&W M&P's in .357 Sig (our highway patrol uses Sig 226's in .357 Sig), but I know hundreds of the old revolvers are still on duty. I think the revolver is still the best choice for corrections (IMO). It's easier to safely inspect & unload, which is ideal for a weapon that's passed around from shift to shift.

 

[MP1983]

Four-inch Model 10's and 15's were authorized for Institutional use (tower and transports).

makes me wonder what the 2 inch Model 15 that Dan owns was for...administration? or, maybe parole in the 70's? It looks to be in great shape for a blued gun.

 

[MP1983]

p.s. thanks for the pics of the CDC Model 64 Speedo!

 

[MP1983]

I don't think this gun is a Cal DOC gun. Most institutional guns were purchased through law enforcement vendors and were not marked. Markings, if applied, were done at the institution and were marked for that institution. Later, four-inch Model 64's were marked CDC but had no number marking other than the serial number. The number following the CDC engraving on this Model 15 doesn't make sense for Cal DOC.

Hope this helps.

Bob

Thanks for your thoughts Bob.

Dan, you got fifty bucks? (for a historical letter)

 

[foudufoot]

Thanks for your thoughts Bob.

Dan, you got fifty bucks? (for a historical letter)

Thanks, Bob, Speedo, and MP1983. I have fifty bucks laying around somewhere here. I'll be sending it in to S&W today and will report back when I hear from them.

 

[foudufoot]

The S&W historian replied. Most likely this was engraved by the F. Morton Pitt Company in San Gabriel CA then issued to the California Department of Corrections. The F. Morton Pitt company still supplies uniforms to law enforcement agencies although the gun store in san Gabriel appears to have since closed.

 

[MP1983]

that's pretty awesome...I really suspected it was Cal. Dept. of Corrections gun, this definitely gives evidence in favor of that...

p.s. how the heck did you get a letter so quick!!! I waited 3 months for one this summer.

congrats on the info and the service snubbie

 

[foudufoot]

Thanks MP 1983! I guess it's a slow period for the historian at S&W.

I've contacted the F. Morton Pitt company to see if they have any record of where this snubbie was shipped. Would be nice to know if it went to a correctional facility officer or some other CDC person.

 

[stantheman86]

On a related note, maybe......I bought some used Sam Browne belts, K-frame 4" holsters and speedloader pouches all stamped "OCDC" into the leather......are these California DC rigs or some other county corrections? The "O" kind of throws it off.......