Often overlooked gem : Model 915

[18DAI]

I took my Performance Center enhanced model 915 out for a spin yesterday. As I've posted here before, this 915 was made in 1993 for then S&W academy Chief Mr. Bert DuVernay.

He had it put through the Performance Center for a trigger job and while it was there, the PC cut the slide for Novak low Mount night sights. While I've always found the 915 to be a fine looking pistol, the Novak sights make it look very nice indeed. To me, it is the image my mind conjurs up when I think "semi auto pistol".

Novaks did a special model 915 for a few years. It had the slide cut for low mount sights, Barsto match grade barrel, duty trigger job and reliability package, matting on the front strap and refinish in Black-T. Called the "Novak's Full House + 915, the price was around $1200. I looked for one for years without any luck. I'd still like to come across one.

My 915 is the most accurate 9mm I currently own. It will keep 15 rounds of Winchester White box inside a 3" Shoot-N-Cee target at 15 yards. Every time I take it to an IDPA match it makes me look good.......and gets mistaken for a Sig!!

I picked up a couple of MecGar 17 round mags for it. They work flawlessly. I also put the curved backstrap grip on and slid a "Glock sock" over it. The palm swells on the Glock sock combined with the curved backstrap grip make it fit my hand perfectly.

Reliable, accurate and looks good doing all that. Metal frame and a hammer! Why anyone would pay much more than what 915's bring and get less gun, is beyond me. Regards 18DAI.

 

[CelticSire]

Amen. I have a 915 that I bought new. It's never jammed, it's almost boring to shoot it's so accurate, and it just feels good in my hand. I look at other 9mm pistols and think "Why?"

 

[kbm6893]

My 915 is a close second to my Beretta M9. Actually, the 915 feels better in my hand, but the Beretta M9 is just so silky smooth. I like the straight backstrap on my 915. I had a 5906 once with the curved backstrap, and I wouldn't have sold it if I knew of the straight backstrap. Black gun and stainless barrel reminds me of a 1911, especially with the hammer back. The 915 is one underrated gun.

 

[Vartarg]

Pics

Would love to see some photos!!!!

 

[18DAI]

No photo capability, sorry. Google "Novaks Full House 915". The first two pics that come up are identical to my pistol. Regards 18DAI

 

[twomoons]

hey dai ,will do,i have thought about pickeing one of thee up.dai,whats the difference between a 910,and a 915
thanks for advice ,when you get time

 

[vista461]

Century has some 915's for a good price in "good" condition according to their website.

 

[18DAI]

The differences between the 910 and 915, visually, are the less refined finishing and plastic sights on the 910 vice the rounded slide and metal sights on the 915.

Internally, the 915 is superior to the 910 by virtue of its lugged barrel and corresponding cut in the top of the slide for tighter lock up. The 915 has a metal guide rod and disconnector, as well as metal mag catch. no plastic or MIM in the 915.

While the 915 is the superior pistol of the two, the 910 is a fine pistol. I had an early production 910 I used for training new shooters. I only had around $300 in it and got over 18,000 rounds through it before I cracked a frame rail.

I would take a 915 over a 910.....and any 910 over any M&P. Regards 18DAI.

 

[W.E.G.]

Reliable and unloved as a Ruger P-85.

Usually fits in a SIG holster.

 

[ldp4570]

The differences between the 910 and 915, visually, are the less refined finishing and plastic sights on the 910 vice the rounded slide and metal sights on the 915.

Internally, the 915 is superior to the 910 by virtue of its lugged barrel and corresponding cut in the top of the slide for tighter lock up. The 915 has a metal guide rod and disconnector, as well as metal mag catch. no plastic or MIM in the 915.

While the 915 is the superior pistol of the two, the 910 is a fine pistol. I had an early production 910 I used for training new shooters. I only had around $300 in it and got over 18,000 rounds through it before I cracked a frame rail.

I would take a 915 over a 910.....and any 910 over any M&P. Regards 18DAI.

Though I do not have a 910/915, I do have a very nice 909. She's sitting at S&W for installation of a ambi-safety. Other than that she's rather slick single stack 9MM. Once she returns she will be getting a set of night sights. She's one of those you want to spend all day on the range shooting her!!

 

[D Rock]

I've had mine for several years. Just a really fine pistol.

Found it collecting dust among the polymer pistols in a local shop. Some holster wear but don't think it was ever fired much.

It gets fired often now and has never had a problem.

Dave

 

[Lightfoot4]

Bought mine new in 1994. It was my first semi-auto and my first firearm for concealed carry. Love it!

 

[ABeasley99]

Model 915

Got new about 10 years ago. Fits my average size had well.

Came with 15 rnd mag, got another 10 rnd at purchase. Would like another 15 rnd, but most don't list the 915 in their catalogs.
Anybody know if another model mag will fit the 915?

 

[D Rock]

Just about any 59 series magazine will fit.

Mag S&W 59 459 659 910 915 5903 5904 5906 5923 5924 5926 5943 5944 5946 9mm Luger 15-Round SS

30.95 seems high to me but it's all I could find with a quick search.

Dave

 

[Enframe]

Had a 5906, and was thinking about some kind of dark finish for it, then I saw a 915 at the LGS for $293 OTD (couple years ago). I saved a ton of money, and preserved the 5906 as built.

 

[kbm6893]

Funny this thread was resurrected since I gushed about the 915 earlier in it. I sold it a few months back because I needed something else. I have since replaced it with another 5906. I promptly took off the Hogue's it came with and installed the factory Delrin straight back grips. Such a difference over the curved ones. The 5906 is my new home defense gun (I like the mag disconnect as an added safety feature). I thought of putting Crimson Trace grips on it, but the grip feels so perfect in my hand with the factory straight grips, that I'm leaving it alone.

 

[Badkarma 1]

I know where one of these live right now, and I have a Brand G that I don't love all that much too. Seems I'm going to be making a trip to my LGS to rescue said 915, my 5946, 5906, 645, and 669 will be happy to see another brother come home! Dale

 

[Kansas Jim]

Cabela's has Pro-mags for lass then $10 right now. I bought two and both work fine in my 915.

 

[Denver Dick]

You just have to love the 915. I found mine a few years ago at a local gun shop. It was in the consignment case with along with a 910. Both were in 99%+ condition. I was able to disassemble both and examine them closely, side by side. The 915 is truly a 3rd generation S&W pistol, no plastic parts and no "machining short-cut," like the sharp-angled flat top slide.

Like I said, you just gotta love it.

 

[mg2112]

Bought a used 910 and love it. Goes bang everytime. Never had a single problem with it. Wont ever sell or trade it.

http://gregcotellc.com/cart/index.php - good place for magazines