Smith & Wesson Model 15 Replica or Something Similar

[WildWillow]

Hi,
I am looking for a Smith & Wesson Model 15 (unusable) or Replica or something similar. This is to put in a shadow box for my dad that passed away and was with the Sheriff's Department for almost 40 years. I am trying to make a shadow box with his various badges, his American flag, and have the center with the Smith & Wesson like the one he carried. Unfortunately we do not have his service revolver, hence the reason for looking for a replica or unusable gun.

Any recommendation and help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[glenwolde]

Taurus Model 83 is very similar, they run under $300 on gunbroker usually. Maybe you could render it inoperable? There are a bunch of Taurus 82's that are the fixed sight version that are a bit cheaper.

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/609153120

 

[glenwolde]

I did find this...

S&W 5" Military & Police Revolver British Lend Lease .38 Special | Vintage Ordnance Company, LLC - Makers of FP-45 Liberator Pistol

 

[WildWillow]

Thank you. We looked at the website. This could possibly work but we would need to change the grips. Still searching...

 

[Inusuit]

I'm not finding very many non firing, airsoft, or airgun replicas of S&W revolvers.

You might try these guys:

TV & Film Prop Replica & Blank Guns - ReplicaAirguns.com - Replica Air & Blank Gun Information

At some point, it might be desirable to simply purchase a well used Model 15 and have it deactivated (I shudder, but you probably have a good reason to do so.)

 

[Muss Muggins]

Is it significant that the gun be unusable? Shouldn't have a ton of trouble finding a beater Model 15 . . .

 

[VaTom]

Just remove firing pin. At a later date it could be reactivated by having a new one installed

 

[GyMac]

Just remove firing pin. At a later date it could be reactivated by having a new one installed

Yes! That's a great idea.

 

[H Richard]

Be sure to buy an original S&W, to be authentic and honor his memory correctly. If it is worn and used looking all the more authentic.

 

[Engine49guy]

Hello Wildwillow, Welcome to the forum and Sorry for your loss .
Your story has me wondering what your fathers years of service were,
Did he carry the same firearm throughout his entire career as most depts upgraded their issued duty weapons over 40 years.

Did someone specify your dad carried a Model 15 "Combat Masterpiece" Here is a picture of one with the larger wood target stocks:

S&W made the same gun without adjustable target sites as the Model 10 pictured below wearing the smaller wood Magna stocks:

we had an approved list of approved weapons for duty carry when I went to the academy way back in 1989.
at that time many still carried revolvers although many were changing to 9mm and 45 ACP semi autos .

There are quite a few current and retired LEO's on the forum, if you dont mind sharing the county and State he served with and the years there is a chance a member here may be able to narrow down the correct issue duty weapons.

Also have you sought out anyone from his dept for pics or his service records to see what his duty gun was ,
Any chance you have a clear picture of him wearing his holstered revolver ?

If you just want a reasonable facsimile all this really doesnt matter but if you want the same model he carried I would go a step further and get one that is also period correct as they changed through the years so a 1960 Model 15 is very different than a Model 15 from 1990.

The members here would be happy to help narrow it down and point you in the right direction if you decide to go that route,

Best regards and Happy New year.