Picked this old shooter up today

[Gun 4 Fun]

I went to a local gunshop and was looking at all the usual suspects, when I happened to look up on the top shelf of the display case (right in front of my face where I wasn't actually looking), and spotted this 15-3 lying there. I asked to see it, and checked it over. Timing good. Lock-up good. No push-off. Not a lot of wear showing other than a few cosmetic blemishes on the right and left side, and a couple of small spots on the topstrap where rust had started to form at some point. The magnas were/are in very good shape with nice grain and color, and they do number to the gun.
According to Mr. Jinks, this one shipped in May of '69. No box or anything, but that's ok since I have an opened, but new set of tools, and a period correct box stored away. I have been looking for a shooter grade 15 for a while, and this one will fill the niche nicely. Best of all was the price- $239. Around here, that's a darn good deal for a blued S&W in any kind of decent shape.

 

[fyimo]

Congratulations Tim on getting a great revolver at a super good price.

 

[29aholic]

Nice one Tim...glad you finally got a screaming deal

 

[Camster]

I'd expect a price like that for a knocked around common Model 10.For a good looking 15, an excellent buy.

 

[RalphK22]

$239! I picked up a stainless steel 4 inch Ruger security six a couple weeks ago for $219 and thought I stole it.

I think I hate you, now I feel like I got robbed.

 

[HAWKEYE10]

Way to go Tim good score. Don't you just love it when things go your way. Don

 

[pistola]

Very Nice !

A very nice revolver at an even better price. Congratulations.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Way to go Tim good score. Don't you just love it when things go your way. Don

Yes I do Don, and it doesn't happen that way very often for me, so it makes it seem even better when it does.


Curtis- It must be all that chatting I do with you is bringing me some good luck. Now if I could actually pat you on the head I might get lucky and find that elusive 5" 29 I need ....er want so badly .

 

[pawncop]

$239.00!!!!!?????

I am of the opinion that I may just need to obtain a warrant for outright thievery.

Good find and great price.

 

[aquagear]

Great find the model 15 is one of my favorites, heck of a price too. Enjoy

 

[S&W-Keeper]

I don't know which is better, the deal, or the revolver. Both are excellent.

 

[Dragon88]

That's a nice piece and a great price! I would have bought it without hesitation, nice find.

 

[TNDave]

You stole that gun! Very nice 15

 

[rlsbee]

Very nice gun and what a buy! Enjoy

 

[Marshal Tom]

I had the same thing happen to me a couple of years ago in a small local shop here in my little town that was about to sell out. I got a 1950 Combat Masterpiece for $225 OTD and it was a birth year one to boot. That one is very nice Tim.

Tom

 

[Crazy K38]

jesus if you call that a shooter I would love to see one of your safe queens! nice looking gun

 

[Shooting Padre]

Good Job

Very (sniff) nice (sob) find of a (weep) fantastic (blow nose) gun. Actually, I'm just a little jealous, but immensely happy for you. It is really a nice (want to sell it for $300?) model 15. I carried one in the Air Force a long time ago, back when we flew strapped to kites. I finally got my own, but not as nice as yours. I'm really impressed with the quality and price. Way to go. Wanna trade? Com'on now.

 

[sheriffoconee]

I hope you kissed the guy that sold you that beauty for 239 bucks, cause you sure did....well, you know how it ends.....GREAT handgun, even better price

 

[photoman]

Very nice!

 

[dkees]

The Model 15, maybe the best revolver S&W ever produced. Good on you!

 

[Art Doc]

239 is a great price. Classic revolver.

 

[j38]

"Screaming deal" is no exaggeration in this case. Congratulations and thanks for the great pics!

Jerry

 

[Scotter260]

There isn't one thing about that revolver that looks shooter-grade to me. Your photos are as stunning as the revolver itself.

Nice score!

 

[MR. IHC]

i bought one last week at gander mtn. for $375 plus tax. a 15-3 in as good of shape . i'd say you did good. i think it is the nicest gun i've shot. it hits right where i want it to. and man what a nice fit to my hand. my serial number is 6k978xx, i was thinking it was made in the 80's? is my # close to yours?

 

[DGNY]

Old Shooter

Ahhh - the quintessential K-Frame S&W. The right caliber for CF fun, small game and some SD. The right barrel length. The right sights. The RIGHT price.

Well done, indeed, Sir!

Dyson

 

[fyimo]

Tim,

I forgot to mention in my earlier post just how good your photo's are and how I like the way you use the background in your photo's. I still can't get over the price your paid for that beat up old shooter that's in such bad shape that I would throw it under the seat of my pick up truck. HaHa

That revolver is a beauty and I'm glad you found it and gave it a good home.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Art,
that's high praise coming from a guy like you who really does outstanding photography work.

I have a very cheap camera, and really struggle to get any kind of decent pictures.


Scotter260-

There are a few small spots on the topstrap that I mentioned in my OP where rust had started to form, but had been cleaned off, and a couple of weird looking laces on either soide of the frame that didn't show up in my crappy pictures.


I shot it today, and with the one load I had with me for it, it did an outstanding job. The gun is nice and tight, so that helps the accuracy too.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

i bought one last week at gander mtn. for $375 plus tax. a 15-3 in as good of shape . i'd say you did good. i think it is the nicest gun i've shot. it hits right where i want it to. and man what a nice fit to my hand. my serial number is 6k978xx, i was thinking it was made in the 80's? is my # close to yours?

Your gun was serialized in 1975. This 15-3 was serialized in '69 and according to Mr. Jinks it shipped in May of '69.

 

[Glock 'em down]

You call that a shooter?

Lemme tell ya...I looked at a REAL shooter today. It was a 15-3 as well. The finish was kinda rough, the front screw was all boogered up, somebody has been inside it and made it DAO, it had an ugly ol' set of Pachs on it (obviously hiding a rusty front/backstrap) and he was asking $350 for it!

I could probably talk him down to three bills, but I'm still not sure that's a good enough price.

Guys? Is $300 a good enough price?

 

[sw44spl]

very nice and a great price.