Picked up a clean 915

[GB]

Found a really nice 915 at the local show this weekend. Box, papers and two mags. (one a megar but seems to work well) Been looking for a 9mm to add to my auto family. I am mostly a wheelgun guy but wanted a DA 9mm. only other 9 is a BrowningHP that I have had since the 70s. Anyway this gun was made in about 93 and will go well with the 411 that I already own. As a sidebar: I know that the newer Smiths, the M&PS and such are dependable but I have trouble wrapping my head around the stricker fired thing. When I used to make my living carrying a pistol, about the only stricker fired unit that wasn't a piece of bat guano was the H&K squeeze cocker (P-7?).Anyway this unit is 99%+ and I am looking forward to a trip to the range to give it a run.(If it stops snowing and warms up a little.)

I see Midway has the factory mags on sale(but they are out of the ones for my pistol but are accepting backorders) so I will buy myself some fresh mags for Christmas. Anybody know of another place that might have them? Oh! I forgot, got the new addition for $400 out the door which I don't think was to bad. Sorry no picks, my camera crapped out and Santa hasn't brought me a new one yet

Life is Good!

 

[mlk18]

The 915 was the best no-frills gun Smith & Wesson ever made, IMO of course. It was my first duty gun and served me very well. Like I have said many times before; everything you need in an auto and nothing you don't.

In my experience the Mecgar mags are every bit the equal of S&W factory mags. They make a flush fit 17 round version that is perfectly reliable and even costs less than S&W mags. You may want to check them out. Got mine at Brownells (w/ LEO discount) but several places sell them.

 

[goldenlight]

You can buy the 17 round Mec-Gar magazines here, for $23.99:

Smith & Wesson 59 Series 9mm 17rd Blue Mag New Mec-Gar

Smith & Wesson 59 Series 9mm 17rd Blue Mag New Mec-Gar

Item# MGSW5917B
$23.99


I have used them in my 5906 with no problems of any kind.

Or, if you want the 15 round factory ones, CDNN has them too:

Smith & Wesson 59 Series 9mm 15rd Stainless Mag New Factory

Mec-Gar made factory magazines for S&W, Sig, Beretta, and several other manufacturers.

CDNN shipping is kind of high, ($10, most orders) but perhaps they will have a special before Christmas. I used to be on their mailing list, but I haven't bought anything from them in awhile, and I don't get the 'specials' anymore.

ETA: CDNN has $5 shipping, until noon, 11/29

 

[max]

I have had several 915's, but always end up selling them to non-gun friends who want an auto. I can also recommend CDNN for magazines.

 

[D Rock]

Good find! I was looking for a 5906 when I found my 915 and have been very happy with it. I usually carry an M&P 9c but in colder months still like to carry the 915. Reliable and very accurate.

I agree that the Mec-Gar magazines are the way to go. Midway usually has them but I got several for less money locally. Enjoy shooting the 915.

Dave

 

[GB]

Thanks for the response, guys. I stumbled on to the CDNN site after my post last night as I was reading down the forum...I appreciate the input. Thanks again.

 

[dlehr357]

Congrats! I picked up a 915 with 2 15rd mags (no box though) last year for $375. I recently added some meprolight sights to it and it is on loan to my son as an "apartment defense" gun until he gets his CCDW license next month. Great Gun!!

 

[Scotter260]

Widener's has 15-round blued Mec-Gars for $18 each and they're in stock, Widener's Reloading and Shooting Supply INC.

Congrats on your purchase.

 

[markfi]

Summit Gunbroker has S&W factory used 15rd stainless mags for $18 ea, shipping $8 for all you want.

 

[18DAI]

Congrats on your 915. Possibly the most underated S&W semi auto ever made.

Often lumped together with the similar 910 "Value line" pistol, the 915 is a much more refined, and better built pistol.

The 915 has a lug on the barrel and a corresponding cut in the slide - for tighter barrel slide lock up - and subsequently better accuracy. My 915 and those I've examined have metal parts vice the plastic parts in my 910. Guide rod, mag release, sights, and disconnector are all metal construction in the 915.

Novaks gunshop in Parkersburg West Virginia offered a "Full House" package for the 915. It involved cutting the slide for Novak night sights, rounding off sharp edges, a reliability package and refinishing in a matt black finish more durable than the factory finish. It was quite costly and 915's so modified are rarely parted with by their owners.

I always wanted one of the Novak 915's. By the time I purchased a 915 the package had been discontinued by Novaks.

I lucked out though, and found a very nicely modified 915 on GunsAmerica a few years back. This 915 belonged to Bert DuVernay, the former chief instructor of the S&W Academy. Mr DuVernay had taken a brand new 915 and sent it through the Performance Center. The slide was recut and Novak Low Mount night sights were installed. The Performance Center did a trigger job and fabricated a new slide stop to "tighten up the fit". The 915 was refinished in Melonite.

I have used this 915 in IDPA matches and it has made me look good. Very accurate and reliable.

I'm amazed at those who pony up large sums of money for tupperware 9mm pistols when 915's in like new condition can be found for less. With the 915 you are really getting a superior pistol at a bargain price. Great triggers out of the box, tack driving accuracy and custom pistol reliability for much less money than current production pistols. That is truly a VALUE!! IMO of course. Enjoy your 915!! Regards 18DAI.

 

[Big Lou]

The 915 was the best no-frills gun Smith & Wesson ever made, IMO of course.

Couldn't agree more!

Outstanding gun!

 

[e4dan]

Congrats, you found a very nice gun! I have a 915 purchased new in 1990(?) my very first gun. Original rear sight wasn't very good, and I installed trijicons. Otherwise excellent, accurate, 100% reliable, and just looks COOL! I also like MecGar mags. I find that practicing Draw, Double-tap, Decock, Do-it-again is a good way to master the DA/SA transition. Hope you enjoy your 915!

 

[GB]

WOW! Didn't realize how popular the 915 was. With all the whizbang nifty 9s out there I didn't expect much response. Like I said in my original post I have a matching 411 (40 S&W), my first S&W smi-auto,a first year production gun and really like it. So when I saw this 915 and the price looked right, I figured I couldn't go to far wrong.. Thanks again for all the input.

 

[surfgun]

Couldn't agree more!

Outstanding gun!

+1 a great value, much cheeper than a 5904, the main difference was the lack of a Novak rear site and minor cosmetic issues.