S&W Model 15 .38 as USAF Commemorative

[M2MikeGolf]

I'll give this idea a big thumbs up, but only if they also produce a commemorative Model 10 for the Army (and Ruger could also follow suit with a speed six). Since they already make a 1917 in the classics, it would just make sense. I reckon they should include the Navy too.

 

[ChopperGuy]

Wonder if the Air Force Security Forces Association would be interested in putting a project like this together? The AFSFA is a fraternal organization for any and all current AP, SP or SF members.

Would be a good way for them to boost membership and offer something unique to it's members.

They have put together commerative badge sets, etc in the past. This would be a lot more work, but very nice.

 

[GA Firing Line]

I would buy twelve of these. Two for me (one to shoot and one for the safe) and ten to sell in my shop.


USAF 2003-2010

 

[brian_a_mcmillen]

Bergstrom AFB

Wow that brings back memories. I too was stationed at Bergstrom AFB when that plane crashed on Ben White blvd. I was walking on base just getting ready to cross Ben White to go to my apartment at Sunscape Apartments which was east of the main gate. I remember hearing 2 pops then a KABOOM when the plane crashed. It's a wonder that no one got hurt. Even though I worked at the hospital, I sometimes shot with the SPs. The military is a totally different place these days. My son is just finishing his 4 years and didn't enjoy it at all. Anyway, it is always good to hear from someone else that was at BAFB! Brian

 

[Gatofeo]

A while back, I bought a like-new Model 15-3 off an auction site for $500. It's nickel-plated and looks as good as when it left the factory in 1977.
Magnificent revolver with 4" barrel.
I may have paid a little too much for it, but I figured that its condition and nickel-plating will do nothing but increase its value. Besides, I wanted something with a little panache, and the nickel certainly does that.
Still, as I said when I created this post some time ago, I wish there were a commemorative Model 15 to honor we Airmen who carried it.
My nickel-plated Model 15 now guards my home, loaded with Remington 158 gr. lead +P hollowpoints. This load was carried by the FBI, Chicago PD and New York PD, as well as other law enforcers. It has an excellent record of being a good stopper and is probably the best .38 Special load in revolvers with 4" barrels or longer.
It's more difficult to get a 2" barrel to hurl it fast enough for reliable expansion.
Wish S&W would make a commemorative Model 15. I'd have a counterpart to my recent acquisition. Might have to get a double gun belt made!

 

[montegomx]

thank you for your service to our great nation,you should have had the option to buy your sidarm's when you where discharged.

 

[Gatofeo]

I was honorably discharged in 1979. The Air Force used Model 15 .38 Specials up to the early 1990s, I've been told, 10 years after the 9mm Beretta was adopted.
I heard of a doctor in the 1st Gulf War who was issued a Model 15, holster, belt and box of cartridges as his defense gun. The M9 9mm was in high demand by front line troops; quartermasters apparently figured that medical personnel would never have to use their sidearm so they got the "leftover" .38 Special.
I used to work with a guy who carried a Model 15 in South America, setting up a radar site, in the late 1980s. He said the same thing: the M9 9mm pistol went to troops likely to see action. His crew weren't expected to use their sidearm, so they were issued .38s (and M16 rifles).
I've been told by people that seem to be in the know that the military no longer has .38 Special revolvers in inventory. I've been told that they were all crushed and sold for scrap metal.
Makes me sick!

 

[nole1972]

Since it seems unlikely that S&W will offer a commemorative M-15, I am thinking about having my early '70's piece engraved with my squadron and years of service on the left side of the frame. For example: USAF 10th SPS RAF Alconbury 1967-70

I'm not looking for anything fancy and would prefer the same style font used on the piece by S&W.

I've researched various engraving services on the internet but would prefer to deal with an engraver in my area.

I would appreciate comments and suggestions.

 

[Gatofeo]

If Smith & Wesson or someone ever produces this revolver, I hope they use the old roundel (logo) of the U.S. Air Force. This new logo, with its wings and points turns me off. The old roundel had class; this new logo looks like a sports drink logo.

 

[Gatofeo]

Since posting this a few years ago, I've sent three letters of suggestion to Smith & Wesson.
Given the interest this has generated, I think it's worth Smith & Wesson's consideration.
Anyone have a name at Smith & Wesson to whom I might address this suggestion directly?
I believe a USAF Model 15 .38 revolver commemorative would sell well. And Model 10s in Army, Navy and Marine commemoratives.
But it's important to keep them somewhat affordable, and useable: leave them blued, with the service engraved on the side, its own serial number (F, N, M and A can precede the serial number to designate which service) and perhaps the name of the service written out along the backstrap.
They should be so fancy that you'd agonize to fire one. These should be holster guns, carried by veterans who served.

Anyway, who might I write to specifically on this suggestion? Send me an email if you'd rather not advertise the recipient's name.

I hope Smith & Wesson will consider this. The .45 gets a lot of fame, but the .38 protected and reassured a lot of service men and women since World War II, and did so until the early 1990s.

 

[carpriver]

I was a Air Policeman in 1966 & 1967 and forced to retrain into Air transportation, Air freight specialist and sent to Viet Nam, As a Sky cop and as a pallet pusher in Viet Nam carried the Model 15. Our unit carried a 125 grain WC, it made a fine entry hole and had stopping power. It was a good in close firearm. I did some work that required me to be armed as I transported classified material I carried the M15. In Viet Nam several of us carried the M-15 in a tanker holster for ease of working inside the cargo bay of the C-123 and C-130 and from the seat of a forklift.

 

[Bat Guano]

I'm still in for one...odd that years back the market was flooded with hokey commemoratives, but one of this significance, with people lined up around the block to buy them, gets no traction???

Finally did get a minty 15-4 to go with the swivel holster and a replica badge, so I'm getting close.

If it was good enough for Robin Olds, it's good enough for me...

8SPS, Ubon, Thailand 66-67

 

[mistermills357]

I had one for a little while, it was a handsome gun!

I had one for a bit, but I could not hold-on to it. I had to sell it back to its owner, to maintain a good conscience. (And what a low price I paid, $200! It was like a gift!)

The Model 15 is one of the sweetest guns that I have ever laid hands on. I have no doubt that I could defend my life with it, in very dire circumstances. Some Safariland or HKS loaders would turn it into a defensive machine, at least that is my assessment.

Just call me old school, but I am confident in myself with a revolver. Especially this revolver.

 

[Spectre_USA]

I was rummaging for something else, and came across this thread.

What a great idea from a few years back. I was a weapons troop, and when we
did nuke convoys and mu "augie-dog" duties, I carried one.

Heck, it was the 2nd of 2 expert marksman ribbons I received, it was a fun gun!

I currently own a pre-Model 10 in nickel plated, which is the closest S&W to it, all else are
autos, and would love a commemorative for the USAF.

Maybe a run of 1,000, if the conditions can be met...

 

[MOONDAWG]

BTT...........

 

[Chop]

I bought a 15-1 about 20 years ago in the Atlanta area stamped with "US" just below the cylinder. Being a soldier I was sure it was a U.S. Army revolver.
When I got it lettered, it had been shipped to a AF Base in Georgia.
It's in storage right now so don't have the letter or revolver with me in Wyoming, but it certainly had a lot of finish wear.
Another forum member on here had one for sale several years ago that was marked in the same way.
I have no connection to the USAF, but bought it because it was cheap, marked "US" and its a 15-1.

 

[HayesGreener]

I am still in for one if this ever comes to pass. I bought a used M15 of the 70's vintage a few years back and sent it off to S&W to have it re-blued two weeks ago. When it comes back I may send it off to Nutmeg for a pair of ivory grips with my OSI and SP badges carved in. I was at the SP museum two years ago and man did I ever get some flashbacks to SEA from the displays.

 

[model 19/39]

Count me in!

Security Police Law Enforcement Specialist 811X2 from Jun 1980 until Oct 1991. Started with the model 15 in tech school and carried it on duty both on patrol and on EST until we transitioned to the Beretta. Went from tech school to Moody AFB then to Kunsan ROK and then to Tyndall where we switched to the Beretta a couple of years later. Loved that gun then and still do. As a matter of fact one currently serves duty as my wife go to gun at home. Always has been and forever will be one of the most accurate and well balanced handguns of all time. As to the OSI .45's my brother was issued one while stationed at Randolph and loved it and still complains because he can't find another like it! Count me in as another vote for the commemorative model if we can get one off the ground!

 

[mistermills357]

I know quality when I see it & I love the gun. I am a big .45 Auto fan, but the Combat Masterpiece, made a believer out of me. The first time that I touched one, the hook was in; it looks that good and feels that good. The Model 15 is a work of art, just like a Maserati is.

 

[M3Stuart]

+ 1 on an 'old style' Model 15. No two piece barrel, no IL. Just a plain, ordinary Model 15. In 2", 3" and 4" variants. Put me down for 'one of each' please.