Finally got this out of layaway. It was $450.00 OTD. Serial number 15K 28XX. I do not see many older Smith& Wesson revolvers as much anymore and that is the reason that I bought it. 38 special ammo was $39.00 a box of 50 and people were buying 4 or 5 boxes at a time at this price. Maybe someone can tell me if I should try to locate some original grips and anything else noteworthy or not about this gun.
Picked up Model 15-3
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max503
Member
I like pachs on mine. To me, the factory grips are like holding a funnel upside-down. I never could understand those grips. Wider at the bottom doesn't make sense to me.
And my 15 is a shooter. It smokes a lot of steel plates to this day. Here it is with the factory grips.
And my 15 is a shooter. It smokes a lot of steel plates to this day. Here it is with the factory grips.
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Inusuit
Member
I like original Magnas on my Model 15s. But also grip adapters which I think look better than Goodyears and solve the upside down funnel effect.
Your 15 probably dates to 1977.
Your 15 probably dates to 1977.
max503
Member
I bought it around 1980 or so.
I think you'll find the 15 is a great shooter, .38 spl is easy to reload for...I like factory target grips myself, or Magnas and a grip adapter...enjoy it!
Green Frog
Member
My tender sensibilities are offended by rubber grips… Smith & Wesson doesn't build cars so their guns don't need tires! 
My auction purchase of a Model 15-3 with Goodyear Grips and a damaged rear sight was as a potential donor for my project to recreate a Model 16-3, but a 14-3 was a better fit, so the 15 with a proper set of wood grips and a replacement for the damaged rear sight went to a shooting friend to fill a hole in his collection. I sorta wanted to keep it as well as the stainless copy Model 67, but you can't keep them all; where would you put them? Regardless, the 15 series was a desirable style of revolver, IMHO.
Froggie
My auction purchase of a Model 15-3 with Goodyear Grips and a damaged rear sight was as a potential donor for my project to recreate a Model 16-3, but a 14-3 was a better fit, so the 15 with a proper set of wood grips and a replacement for the damaged rear sight went to a shooting friend to fill a hole in his collection. I sorta wanted to keep it as well as the stainless copy Model 67, but you can't keep them all; where would you put them? Regardless, the 15 series was a desirable style of revolver, IMHO.
Froggie
biblethumpincop
Member
I bought my model 15-3 in 2020, I think. I got it online for about $300 after fees and shipping and it was advertised as possibly being reblued but it appears it was from an estate that had several model 15's. When I got it, it had Jay Scott pearl-like grips that were UGLY! But the gun was stiff and beautiful.
I took it to my gunsmith and he said that the original oil had varnished in the action and the bluing appeared to be original. The gun was so nice that we could see why someone it may have been refinished. I shot it numerous times and swapped grips around. This gun can shoot! I shot 6 shot cloverleaf groups, offhand in double action at 15 yards with hand loads. The action is sweet and the sweet girl feels great in my hand. Mine was made in 1973- awesome since it is my birth year.
Enjoy your model 15-3. They are classics!
I took it to my gunsmith and he said that the original oil had varnished in the action and the bluing appeared to be original. The gun was so nice that we could see why someone it may have been refinished. I shot it numerous times and swapped grips around. This gun can shoot! I shot 6 shot cloverleaf groups, offhand in double action at 15 yards with hand loads. The action is sweet and the sweet girl feels great in my hand. Mine was made in 1973- awesome since it is my birth year.
Enjoy your model 15-3. They are classics!
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Model19man
Member
Looks nice. I would find original grips on eBay and lose the Goodyears. The factory grips feel great to me.
This makes me smile. It is wonderful to see younger guys involved in our hobby. So many of us will be put under the ground over the next decade or so, but the love for S&W revolvers will proudly march on.
biblethumpincop
Member
This makes me smile. It is wonderful to see younger guys involved in our hobby. So many of us will be put under the ground over the next decade or so, but the love for S&W revolvers will proudly march on.
I was raised shooting revolvers. I had to carry semiautomatics on duty as a cop for 20 years, but carried a S&W model 60 on my ankle for several years.
After I retired, I have had revolvers exclusively because I have a choice. I think they have the soul that striker fire guns can't possess.
Yes! Great description. It's funny; when I hold a set of uninstalled target stocks upside down, they actually feel more natural in my hand. No wonder so many ended up in the orphan grips box below the counter at gun shops
Birdhunter6
Member
You can't help but love a Combat Masterpiece. Mine is 67 no dash.
4" K frame square butt revolvers with adjustable sights wearing pachys handle and shoot better than any other revolvers I own.
Good luck with yours.
4" K frame square butt revolvers with adjustable sights wearing pachys handle and shoot better than any other revolvers I own.
Good luck with yours.
Wyatt Burp
Member
nice one. I know where one is for sale here in CA that looks just like yours but don't remember the exact vintage. it has rubbers but comes with original service Diamond grips, too. $500 plus around $60 state extortion fees. I've hesitated since I just got a snub 19-4.
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