Picked up a Model 15-3 (2") at show.

[DCWilson]

I agree that looks like a stock 15-3 with a strange serial number. One thing I notice is that the two corners of the grip frame look a little sharper than I would expect. Even square butt guns have slightly rounded frame corners. It's almost as though the butt of this one was planed to remove the original serial number and then restamped with an old C-prefix number. (Not that I seriously believe that actually happened. I'm reporting a notion that crossed my mind.)

Whatever their model number designation or serial number, two-inch CMs are very cool guns, and I give that one an appreciative upturned thumb.

 

[murphydog]

Good theories, all. Should you spring for it, I think the factory letter may document the SN transplant if it was done at the factory, or only deepen the mystery.

 

[Nframe_is_no1]

All of the theories mentioned above are plausible, but the thing that catches my attention and suggests the gun may have been tampered with is that the finish fades out the lower you go on the grip frame. The rest of the gun looks fairly clean, so why is so little to no bluing left on the lower portion of the grip frame, an area that should, theoretically, have more finish since it's normally protected by the grip panels. I'd love to see the letter for that gun.

 

[red_12]

I'm gonna call SW tomorrow and see if this serial# ever shipped on a 15-3. If so, I'll get the letter and post details here. If not, I'm thinking I'll stop asking questions and just enjoy this beautiful mystery snubbie.

 

[red_12]

One more question, should post-diamond 15-3s have a serial number or other part number on the back under-side of the ejector star?

 

[cowboy45]

The diamond grips were dropped around 1968.

 

[michael thornton]

i have a 2 inch 15-2 great shooter and easy to carry as a ccw

 

[cowboy45]

The diamond grips were dropped around 1968.

 

[cowboy45]

The diamond grips were dropped around 1968.

Sorry for the double post.

 

[SilverStallion]

Did you ever get the letter red? I have the same problem with a round butt 15-3 with a K SN dating from the 50s

 

[Retired W4]

Looks like red last logged in around March 2013.

You might be able to reach him by email.