Need info on S&W model 1500 .223

[Gísli]

Hey all.

I'm about to buy my 1st S&W rifle Model 1500 .223 Deluxe.

I like to know if someone have the info how many were made in this caliber, how many might have been shipped to Iceland (I know a long shot), what scope it came with originally but most of all what it's worth?
I know for the fact it has been shot less than 100 rounds since 1983-ish

Ps. This rifle is spotless and a beauty.

Best regards from Iceland

 

[GaryHK]

Greetings from WA state.
Post some pics! We'd love to see it.

 

[Arm]

The 1500 was made by Howa of Japan, very well built and accurate rifles. Seldom see one chambered for .223, they bring a premium, I only have one that is chambered in .240 Weatherby Magnum, that thing can shoot. Grab that .223 if you can, you will like it.

 

[pmosley]

I have an early 1500 chambered in 270 - has been my primary deer rifle for years - nice to look at, excellent craftsmanship - highly recommended.

There was a recall on specific serial numbers regarding the bolt - of you are mindful when reassembling its not necessary.

Sent from my LGMP260 using Tapatalk

 

[ko41]

No idea on how many were made. They did not come with a scope, the receiver was factory drilled and tapped for scope bases.

As far as value, maybe in the $400 range? But now after looking at some completed auction final values, maybe blue steel and walnut is making a comeback.

1982 was the first year S&W offered the the rifle in .223 and 1984 was the last as they discontinued their long gun line.

1984 catalog

For the bolt safety upgrade, if the bolt sleeve looks like this, the upgrade has been done.

If the bolt sleeve is smooth with no protrusions (Like in my photos below.), the bolt safety upgrade has not been done. As long as the bolt is reassembled with the rounded edge of the sleeve toward the back of the bolt there is not a problem.

I wasn't specifically looking for .223, but ended up with the Standard 1500, Deluxe Varmint and Mountaineer all in .223, while my Deluxe is a .222 Remington.

KO

 

[Gísli]

From the picture then the one soon to be mine is heavy barrel varmit.

 

[ko41]

From the picture then the one soon to be mine is heavy barrel varmit.

If it is the heavy barrel varmint, that is worth another $100 or $200 in my opinion.
Be sure to let us see it when you get it.

KO

 

[Gísli]

If it is the heavy barrel varmint, that is worth another $100 or $200 in my opinion.
Be sure to let us see it when you get it.

KO

It's heavy barrel varmit WITH original bolt.
Sadly I don't have the knowledge to add pictures but will gladly send them to you on other platforms

 

[oldman10mm]

Recall data.
Only the bolt needs to be sent to Howa.

 

[Gísli]

The serial number on my 1500 is PN63203.
What was the failure because this one runs smoothly

 

[oldman10mm]

From the web.
Smith & Wesson has identified a condition that may exist with the bolt supplied with some rifles that would allow the striker to become disengaged from its locking tabs during cycling of the bolt, allowing the rifle to fire without the trigger being pulled.

Home Page

 

[ko41]

From the web.
Smith & Wesson has identified a condition that may exist with the bolt supplied with some rifles that would allow the striker to become disengaged from its locking tabs during cycling of the bolt, allowing the rifle to fire without the trigger being pulled.

What you are quoting is for the S&W i-Bolt rifles not the 1500.

The 1500 bolt could be misassembled by putting the bolt sleeve with the beveled end forward instead of to the rear. The bolt safety upgrade replaces the bolt sleeve with one that can only be assembled one way.

KO

 

[oldman10mm]

the 'home page' link is for the Howa rifles.

 

[ko41]

the 'home page' link is for the Howa rifles.

Yes, but your bolt picture and
"Smith & Wesson has identified a condition that may exist with the bolt supplied with some rifles that would allow the striker to become disengaged from its locking tabs during cycling of the bolt, allowing the rifle to fire without the trigger being pulled."
is for the i-Bolt rifle.

From the "home page" link pertaining to the 1500
"This safety upgrade is designed to prevent misassembly of the bolt, which may occur on the affected rifles and result in a hazardous condition to the rifle user. Such misassembly might result in a hazardous condition in which the rifle can be accidentally discharged without the bolt being fully engaged"

KO

 

[Engineer1911]

I bought a 1500 Deluxe Heavy Varmint in 222 Remington in 1982 or '83. After shooting prairie dogs for about 10 years, the barrel was burned out. I am still shooting prairie dogs with the same action and stock but now the barrel is 1" at the muzzle, barrel is 26" long and stainless steel in 223 Remington. This rifle new easily shot 3/8" groups with the right bullets and powder at 100 yards.

I paid about $340 for mine new. Based on my experience with my rifle, I would pay $500 to $600 to get a used one with only 100 rounds fired. Legacy Sports makes a trigger guard conversion that converts it from 7 rounds internal mag to 10 rounds with an external magazine. I wore out the bottom of my action so bullets would not remain in the internal magazine. When the bottle was cycled, the magazine contents fly into the air and spilled on the bench.

 

[ko41]

Correctly assembled bolt, rounded end of bolt sleeve to rear of bolt.

KO