Smith & Wesson Revolvers....10 or 15

[GBAH3245]

Looking to pick up a revolver to have some fun shooting. Something to add to my collection. Should I pick up a model 10-8 from buds for 319....or a model 15 from J&G for 419. I like military surplus and police trade-ins. Don't have any revolvers right now so this is my first.

 

[CH4]

Personally, for target shooting and general plinking I would prefer the 15's adjustable sites.

 

[A10]

Yes, I would recommend picking up 10 or 15 Smith & Wesson revolvers........

Seiously, IMO a Model 15 is about the best/highest quality .38 there is, and you would not regret getting one (traded one I had off a year or so ago and regret it every day!).

 

[Jack Flash]

I prefer fixed sights so I would go with the M10-8 and save some money to boot.

 

[george_lehr]

Welcome to the forum.
If the model 15 is in good condition, $419 is a pretty fair price. I agree with those that say everyone should have a model 10, but the model 15 is a gun you will always admire and cherish, and one you will regret selling if you ever do.
If I were you, I'd buy both.
George

 

[El Biblioitecario]

The adjustible sight weapon will facilitate the use of different weight bullets. It eliminates any potential problem with regulating fixed sights to your particular mode of shooting. It allows you to use either a six-o-clock target zero, or a center of mass zero.

If you don't care about any of that stuff, the fixed sight revolver is a viable option.

 

[KarmannGhia]

One of each. Problem solved

 

[CajunBass]

One of each. Problem solved

That's best but if I could only have one it would be a 15.

 

[KEN L]

One of each. Problem solved

There ya go! Couldn't have said it better myself. Definitely go with the Model 15!

 

[Engine49guy]

Go with the one in higher condition,
both being equal I like the Model 15's target sites and raised barrel rib ... Plus ..."Combat Masterpiece" just sound cooler than M&P.

 

[hoosier4guns]

model 15 all day long.

 

[Broker50]

I would rather have one mod 15, than TWO mod 10s. I despise fixed sights on anything bigger than a snub Chief's Special.

 

[kbm6893]

Never adjusted the sights on ANY revolver, and I've owned 19's, 66's, and now a 67-1 (stainless version of the Model 15) I gotta admit I like the bull barrel on the fixed sighted K frames better than the tapered one.

But I just got a Bud's 10-8 just last week. Fit the description. 70-80% blueing remaining. No rust or pitting and gun is smooth. But the finish wear is bugging me, and I predict sending it to S&W for a refinish within 6 months. I know the wear adds character, but I just like nice looking guns.

So my 67-1 is still my favorite. Looks almost new and just so pretty. At 15 yards, a saucer sized target is shredded. Good enough for me.

So for me, I would get the 15 if you can see a pic and if it's in better shape than a Bud's 10.

 

[GyMac]

For fun shooting either will do, but the Model 15 will do better.

 

[scooter123]

IMO you can look as long and hard as you wish, all over the entire world, and you will not find a revolver in any caliber that features a finer balance in the hand than a 38 caliber 4 inch S&W K frame with a Tapered Barrel. Since the Tapered Barrel is exclusive to the model model 15's and model 67's manufactured prior to the 21st century I would recommend the model 15.

Yeah, there were a nearly uncountable number of the Model 10 and M&P Police made with 4 inch Tapered Barrels prior to the appearance of the Heavy Barrel model 10 it's still likely that any recent model 10 will feature that Heavy Barrel. And, I will admit that the balance of the model 10 with that Heavy Barrel isn't awful, however it won't have that completely PERFECT balance of model 15 and everyone should experience complete perfection at least once in their life.

Obviously my vote is for the model 15.

 

[Scrateshooter]

The Model 15 is my favorite 38 special, the Model 10 4" (my CCW for a year) and Model 14 just sit on the bench in the safe.
I bought that J&G Model 15 after my divorce 8 years ago.

 

[Hapworth]

OP: no answer will really help, because each represents the personal preference of the individual answering. Only your personal preference will serve you best.

Handle and, if possible, shoot both. Assess mechanical condition. Look each over closer.

One'll talk more to you. Get that one.

 

[DWalt]

The Model 15 will always have a premium value over a Model 10, given both are in similar condition. They are identical, except for the sights. Some feel that fixed sights are advantageous as there is nothing to get out of adjustment. However, if different ammunition loads are to be used, adjustable sights are valuable. For typical personal protection or home defense use, fixed sights are entirely adequate.

 

[dogngun]

The Model 15 was called the Combat Masterpiece -

They weren't kidding.

A duty version of the Model 14 .38 Masterpiece, with a 4" heavy barrel.
Very smooth and a great shooter, with the adjustable sights.

There is not a thing wrong with the Model 10, either, if you can do without the adjustable sights. 10-8 would have the heavy barrel, too, IIRC...

Bust your credit card-get both.


I have one of each, along with several other S&W revolvers. I would start with the Mod 15 - they seem harder to find.

Enjoy whatever you decide.

 

[GBAH3245]

Stainless vs Blue.

OK looks like 15 wins. For $80 more at 499.99 should I go for the Stainless steel 15 with rubber grips or stick with 15 blued with wood grips at 419.99?