S&W Model 915

[jimmywalkabout]

I have several questions regarding the S&W Model 915 pistol in 9mm . I've been heavily into revolvers most my life and have somewhat minimal experience with semiauto centerfire pistols.....however, today when browsing one of my local shops (and wading through the hoards of people trying to get their hands on AR's!) I bumped into a S&W Model 915. It's in decent shape (probably about 90-95% condition with some light wear on the bluing near the muzzle end of the frame). To my honest surprise, this pistol seems to be calling my name! I'm not sure if it's because my uncle has an older aluminum framed S&W 9mm pistol that he has carried in the woods for years, which in turn stirred up some sense of nostalgia for me when handling this M915 today...or possibly it's because it actually had a nice, natural feel in my hands and I found myself drawn to its sleekness, simplicity and overall high quality feel. Plastic pistols don't excite me, although I have no doubt that they probably work just as well or maybe even better than older all-metal guns...and I'm sure they are cheaper to manufacture. Maybe it's because in the back of our minds we keep telling ourselves that a metal frame means it will out-last us vs. the likely flawed ideal that plastic won't...?

Aside from all that, I would like to own a quality 9mm pistol, if only for the fact that 9mm ammo and components are so common and as such, I'm thinking it would be an excellent choice for a bug-out-bag piece...as well as relatively inexpensive to load for and simply have fun with. I can purchase this pistol for $310 + tax. What kind of deal is this and are there any common issues/problems with these that I should be aware of? Also, is this gun a 2nd or 3rd generation pistol and what kind of durability has been experienced with these now that they've been around for a while? Lastly, approximately what year was this gun made? (SN: TYD1xxx)

 

[max]

It is a 3rd generation and probably made in 93. I would buy that gun in a second. I have had several, but don't have one at present. I have sold them to friends who wanted a 9mm. If you do a search, you will see there have been lots of positive comments about them. Until this week, magazines were easy to find and inexpensive. I recommend it to you and if you are not satisfied, I will buy it from you for what you paid.

 

[RufusG]

I would say that's a decent price, especially if there's a second mag and box included.

 

[Jim PHL]

In my opinion, the 915 is among the more under-rated guns available and usually a best buy when you consider some of the prices they can be found at. I had one for a while and it was reliable with a few different rounds I tried, accurate and rugged enough and easy to clean and mantain. Another bonus: mags are easy to find and not too expensive.

 

[MR.G]

I would buy it at that price. I had a 915. Never had a failure, and all kinds of ammo was fired in it. I should have kept it.

 

[t-bird]

Great gun for the money.

 

[JJEH]

Buy it, the 915 is very reliable and accurate!

 

[jimmywalkabout]

It came home today!

I picked up the model 915 today and even got them to throw in a used Fobus kydex holster for free to use until I find something with more class and better concealability to carry it in. Does anyone have advise as to what holsters are good for the Mod. 915? I'm thinking that I'd like to possibly try a full-frame & trigger coverage, close-to-the-body-fitting kydex style but the only ones I've ever seen at local shops are Uncle Mike's, Fobus, and Blackhawk.....all of which I consider terrible for CC since they stick out off my hip way further than I'd like. None of the kydex holsters I've personally seen and handled hold the pistol in close enough for me to even consider them usable for real concealed carry. I've heard people say good things about Bladetech, but I've never handled any of their products. Are there any good kydex style holsters out there that are relatively inexpensive that hold the pistol in close for CC? Maybe Bladetech is the way to go??