S&W Model 15-2 K38 Combat Masterpiece

[sophie]

I won the auction on this S&W Model 15-2 K38, Combat Masterpiece the night Hurricane Irma made landfall on the western side of the Florida Coast on September 11, 2017. There was just a couple of pictures of the gun and not very clear. I decided to take the chance. As Hurricane Irma moved inland that night all power went down stopping all communications. Power was down in that area for a couple of days. I felt like I had gotten the transaction completed before the power went down but wasn’t sure. After 2 days the power was restored in that area of Florida and I received tracking from FedEx the gun was shipped from a gun shop in Leesburg, Florida. I received the gun in 5 days and felt real lucky. Man was I relieved because Hurricane Irma done lots of damage that night in Florida. Upon receiving this Model 15-2, the condition was much better than I had expected. No box, gun only, mfg. in 1966, grips number to gun, good timing and barely a turn ring at all and extremely nice condition.

 

[JP@AK]

A very nice .38 Combat Masterpiece and a good story. I'm glad you got it.

I have one that shipped in June, 1966. I wonder how close our serial numbers are. Here's a picture of mine, wearing GA target stocks from a Model 19-2. I do have the original Magna stocks for it and the original box. It was a gift from my dad before he passed away.

 

[Inusuit]

My absolute favorite S&W. Also my first centerfire handgun in 1961. Let that one get away, have since replaced it.

 

[TJm15.38]

The S&W Model 15 is also my favorite revolver.

 

[sophie]

A very nice .38 Combat Masterpiece and a good story. I'm glad you got it.

I have one that shipped in June, 1966. I wonder how close our serial numbers are. Here's a picture of mine, wearing GA target stocks from a Model 19-2. I do have the original Magna stocks for it and the original box. It was a gift from my dad before he passed away.


Jack, that is a mighty fine looking Model 15 your Dad gave you. That makes it twice as special.

 

[LCR]

Great story. I also have a 15-2 that my Dad gave to me before he passed.

 

[chief38]

I have used two different M15's for many many years in PPC matches, bullseye competition and just for plinking. They are my most fired S&W revolvers - and I do have a few - lol.

I own many revolvers including target versions, however I shoot none of them better than my model 15's. I have one of them set up for 148 grain wad cutters and the damned thing will print one hole groups at 50 feet. My other one is set up for 158 grain RNL/FNL and also shoots incredibly well too. Both have had so many rounds through them, (one of them probably 75 - 80,000 rounds or so - maybe more) I don't even keep official track anymore. That said, I keep them in perfect shooting condition and although they have been used for many decades even the bluing is still in descent shape on the older one and the newer one from the 1970's is in incredibly good shape!

If I had to recommend a revolver for someone as a first, I would suggest a vintage S&W model 15 every time!

 

[CHARLIE699]

Combat Masterpiece,, any finish, any age. Cannot have enough.
I stumbled across this 15-2 early this year. MAY have been shot a cylinder full.

Her younger sister, 15-3, came from a friend last year. Retired P.O. from a city near Chicago. PC grips match but I had to settle for the early 2.5" "Combat Magnum" box he had it in

One of my favorites, a M14-2 "Hanen". Never certain though,, is it a Short Heavy "Target Masterpiece" or a 4" Heavy "Combat Masterpiece"??

My stainless Masterpieces (67 & 67-1) get most of the range time.
O.P., great catch. So many of these had a hard service life. Buy all the nice ones you find.

 

[Xfuzz]

Very nice model 15....
It's SS cousin I snagged a couple weeks ago.
I like the blue steal 15 better...but could not pass on this one.

 

[spin132]

Sophie, luck was on your side and congrats on a most excellent example of an old 15-2! I recently came across my first model 15 (also a -2) at my very first gun show. This one is the shorter barrel model that has also survived the test of time!

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

 

[4barrel]

I sold my -2 once and had to give $100 more to retrieve it.

 

[saemetric]

Mine from 1965 with rosewood targets