Need help on date of S&W model 15-3

[th]

Mod 15-3 Serial Number 5K982XX

Any idea on what year it was made? I picked this up at police supply place late 90s they had about 75 used model 10s and 15s. I think I paid $125 and gave it to my father-in-law for a birthday present . He died late 2015 and I was given the gun back from the family

Great shooter and very clean. Serial Number is matched to the grips. Were this guns used by the police departments? No imports marks are on it

Thanks
Tom

 

[loeman]

According to the SCSW it appears your gun was made in 1974. The -3 made its appearance in 1967 and ended in 1977. I really like the Md 15s, they are great guns, and I'm sure many departments used them but not sure which.

 

[th]

According to the SCSW it appears your gun was made in 1974. The -3 made its appearance in 1967 and ended in 1977. I really like the Md 15s, they are great guns, and I'm sure many departments used them but not sure which.

Loeman, thanks I was glad the family gave it back to me. He always wanted a Smith but being a farmer he never was able to get one.

I was also blessed to get an early 40s date Browning High Power (P35) nicely marked and a G43 8mm he brought back.

There are not many WWII vets left here. I was honored to have known him...He had a hard time after the war and I know he has found peace now.

What does the -3 mean on the model 15?

Thanks again

 

[loeman]

Before 1957, your gun was called the "K-38 Combat Masterpiece". In 1957 S&W began using numbers for the model name and your gun became the Model 15. The dash numbers refer to engineering changes they made to the gun over the years. According to the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson, 3rd edition, here are the changes up to your model.

15-1 (1959), the ejector rod was changed from right hand to left hand thread.
15-2 (1961), deleted the trigger guard scred and changes cylinder stop.
15-3-3 (1967), relocation of the rear sight leaf screw.

Post some pictures of your family heirloom when you get a chance, we'd love to see them.

 

[KEN L]

Mod 15-3 Serial Number 5K982XX

Any idea on what year it was made? I picked this up at police supply place late 90s they had about 75 used model 10s and 15s. I think I paid $125 and gave it to my father-in-law for a birthday present . He died late 2015 and I was given the gun back from the family

Great shooter and very clean. Serial Number is matched to the grips. Were this guns used by the police departments? No imports marks are on it

Thanks
Tom

Most likely shipped Jul/Aug time frame 1975.

 

[th]

Before 1957, your gun was called the "K-38 Combat Masterpiece". In 1957 S&W began using numbers for the model name and your gun became the Model 15. The dash numbers refer to engineering changes they made to the gun over the years. According to the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson, 3rd edition, here are the changes up to your model.

15-1 (1959), the ejector rod was changed from right hand to left hand thread.
15-2 (1961), deleted the trigger guard scred and changes cylinder stop.
15-3-3 (1967), relocation of the rear sight leaf screw.

Post some pictures of your family heirloom when you get a chance, we'd love to see them.

Here you go