New Model 15 w/Pics - Request DOB

[BuffDriver]

Hello,

This is my first post here. I just found the Model 15 that I've been after for years at a Pawn Shop. Except for some minor holster wear, she is in fine shape! Paid $300, which seems like a pretty fair deal for an early Model 15. The yoke is marked with serial number and "Mod-15".

Serial Number is K3706XX. Can anyone tell me the date of birth?

I've just placed a big order with Midway for bullet mold, dies, shellplate, etc. Can't wait to take her to the range!

Cheers,

BuffDriver

 

[BuffDriver]

Hello,

This is my first post here. I just found the Model 15 that I've been after for years at a Pawn Shop. Except for some minor holster wear, she is in fine shape! Paid $300, which seems like a pretty fair deal for an early Model 15. The yoke is marked with serial number and "Mod-15".

Serial Number is K3706XX. Can anyone tell me the date of birth?

I've just placed a big order with Midway for bullet mold, dies, shellplate, etc. Can't wait to take her to the range!

Cheers,

BuffDriver

 

[Rigmover]

1959

 

[fyimo]

You did real good and a great purchase.

 

[Iggy]

Welcome to the forum.

You did very well with your Mdl 15.

You and your grand kids should get much enjoyment from it.

 

[rags]

Love a Model 15 4"! One of my favorites. You done good.

Welcome to the forum and nice pic!!

 

[BuffDriver]

Thanks, all, for the nice comments.

Wow, 1959! Sounds like I was close to being able to use my C&R license with this one.

I am planning to load cast 158gr SWC made from wheel weights. The Lee tumble lube mold is on order and should be here next week. Does anyone have advice to share about loading for the .38 Special round? I've done plenty of auto pistol and rifle, but never anything for revolver, or otherwise requiring a roll crimp.

Also, if there is an indispensable book that I should have as a S&W owner, I will add it to my list.

Thanks again for all of the nice comments. This type pistol is like the one that I qualified expert with 3 times in the Air Force. It will be a joy to experience again...

Kindest Regards,

BuffDriver

 

[rags]

Also, if there is an indispensable book that I should have as a S&W owner, I will add it to my list.

Here...
http://www.amazon.com/Standard-Catalog-Smith-Wesson/dp/...id=1233881112&sr=8-1

 

[Bajadoc]

Try Winchester 231, 4.0 grains with 158 grain SWC and small pistol non-magnum primers. Mid range load very accurate in all of my 4" S&W .38 Specials.

 

[Match10]

I think my pet load for cast 158 grn SWC, along with best accuracy in my Model 66 is 4.2 grains!

 

[S&W-Keeper]

The model 15 will make a great shooter, enjoy.

 

[dewidmt]

Buffdriver, I too shot expert with the Mod 15, back on the old "crouch and shoot" combat course!
You may be a bit older than I though, this was 1984. I worked with a lot of Buff guys up in Loring, Maine while it was still a SAC base. I was a medic though.
My favorite light target load is good ol Bullseye, 3.0 grains under your 158 gr LSWC. About 700 FPS. A slighty hotter load that is still plenty accurate and controllable is 3.2 grains of Titegroup for about 815 FPS. That old 130 gr ball ammo we used in the AF was barely making 700 FPS, more like 650!

 

[BuffDriver]

dewidmt, I was commissioned in 1984, and was 'SAC'umcized in 1986. My BUFF bases were Carswell and Barksdale. I'm a Predator pilot now, but PredDriver just doesn't have the same ring to it...

Thanks to you and all others who have offered load advice. My intent is to begin with Bullseye, though I also have some 231 that I load my .45ACP with. If the Bullseye is too 'stout', I will follow up with 231.

Regards,

BuffDriver

 

[JayCeeNC]

BuffDriver and dewidmt, you guys might enjoy this pic. I'm an old Sky Cop myself, 1971-1975.
This is a Model 15-2, USAF contract gun, which shipped in 1964.

 

[BuffDriver]

JayCeeNC,

That is a BEAUTIFUL firearm you have. I had forgotten about the wide trigger on the USAF revolvers. I remember the trigger feeling as wide as a boat paddle!

I am also impressed, sir, with two Presidential Unit Citations. You must have been part of a very special unit. Thanks for your service, then and now.

Regards,

BuffDriver

 

[dewidmt]

JayCee, I used your pic for a screensaver a couple of months ago!

 

[JayCeeNC]

Thanks BuffDriver.
dewidmt I remember you asking for it! It's one of my favorite guns, brings back lots of memories.

 

[Milpolice]

Beautiful M15 JC...I was an LE at Loring 1976-1981...loved every minute of range time...

 

[Srigs]

My Model 15-4 is a great revolver. Enjoy your new 15!

 

[crewdog564]

You both have great revolvers, and made great photos of them! I was on Minuteman ICBM crew at Malmstrom AFB, Montana from 1976-81. We qualified with the M15 4" bbl and carried them in the field when on Code Officer duty. On alert in the capsules, we had the Snubbie version of the M15. After searching for a long time I finally found a M15 4" bbl at a gun show in Houston in Dec '07 for $360. A local gunsmith called the finish about 92%. It's a great shooter. The M15 is a classic, one of the finest revolvers ever made.