Stainless Model 15-3?

[bwsmith2850]

Browsing the used guns online I came across what the seller lists as a stainless model 15-3. The yoke is stamped 15-3. I haven't heard of one but that doesn't mean there never was one. Usually when the SS model came out the model number changed. (Mod 67 in this case)

What do you think? Mis-identified nickel? Mis-stamped Model 67? Or is this something collectors will be having gunfights over?

 

[john traveler]

I would venture a guess that your M15-3 is a regular carbon steel gun refinished in industrial hard chromium or the Metalife process.

Back in the 1970s and early '80s when your gun was made, most stainless steel models were very hard to get since military and law enforcement sales had high priority. One alternative was to plate guns with industrial chromium to give excellent weather, wear, and corrosion resistance. It looks just like stainless steel.

A letter from S&W would establish if it was a blued gun when it shipped from the factory.

 

[sparkgap]

Nickle

Might also be a factory nickle finish.

Bob

 

[2hawk]

SCSW says.....

"20 Model 15s made in stainless steel as experimental products to show durability of stainless......"

This is on pg 181 of the 3rd edition.

It also says, "... serial number range from approximately K397810 - K397830."

So, yeah, probably plated.

But like they say, you never know with S&W....;D

 

[murphydog]

Most likely a standard nickel model 15 in need of a good cleaning and polishing - has the frosty/hazy look but looks like it should restore nicely with a little TLC.

 

[H Richard]

I wouldn't pay more than a standard 15-3 price for it, but may be an excellent shooter with a great aftermarket finish on it.

 

[bwsmith2850]

Thanks. I know I can count on this forum for info when I see something odd.

 

[scotty14]

Looks like mine. I am confused about my finish as well. Seems like SS, but most likely its some type of refinish. My stamped yoke looks similar, but my SN# begins with a K. Purchased mine for $300 marked down from $405. I love it so far--shoots great and cleans up well.

 

[Big Lou]

"serial number range from approximately K397810 - K397830."

Scotty14 Is your SN one of these ^^^^^^^^ ?

If so, you own a piece of history.

 

[Big Lou]

bwsmith 2850

Per the SCSW the 15-3 SN dates around 1974. First year on the stainless 67's was 1972. I think it's been refinished IMHO but only a letter from S&W could confirm.

Good Luck !

 

[H Richard]

Since the hammer and trigger are also "plated", it's an even bet it is a really nice aftermarket finish. Whoever did it did a nice job.

 

[scotty14]

"serial number range from approximately K397810 - K397830."

Scotty14 Is your SN one of these ^^^^^^^^ ?

If so, you own a piece of history.

Unfortunately no...K801942

Does this mean its "plated"?

 

[Engine49guy]

Most likely a standard nickel model 15 in need of a good cleaning and polishing - has the frosty/hazy look but looks like it should restore nicely with a little TLC.

+1 on it being a nickel model by the glare of the barrel.
I recently bought a Nickel 586 advertised as a SS model,
Seems it is a common mistake for unknowing owners to advertise a Nickel gun as SS.

I like the Model 15 in Nickel if it is not a refinish,
Many factory Nickel Smiths have the letter N stamped under the grip to indicate factory Nickel finish.

 

[scha]

Test with a Magnet?

Can't you confirm carbon steel (plated or not) with a magnet? I don't think a stainless gun will attract a magnet.

Hope this helps.

Steve

 

[flagman1776]

Magnets are not a valid test for stainless steel anymore. Stainless Steel is not all the same. SS comprises several families of alloys. Early SS alloys used in gun making were non-magnetic but they also destroyed tooling. Gun makers all went to more machineable alloys. I just checked my 4" 66-1, and 3" 66-2, 3" 624, 645 and all are magnetic... frame, cylinder, barrel & slide & frame on the s-auto (back strap is alum).
Russell

 

[scotty14]

Many factory Nickel Smiths have the letter N stamped under the grip to indicate factory Nickel finish.

Do you mean underneath the wood grips? Do I have to remover the grips to see the "N"? I looked all over and couldnt find the "N"

 

[bamabiker]

Do you mean underneath the wood grips? Do I have to remover the grips to see the "N"? I looked all over and couldnt find the "N"

Yes you will have to remove the grips. Look on the left side for a large capitol N, large in comparison to other letters or numbers on the frame.

 

[Engine49guy]

Nickle or not

I have 3 factory Nickel Smiths that have the letteer "N" in different configurations under the right side grip panel.
Here they are, models 38, 36 SB and 586 L frame.

Interestingly they all have different style "N" letters,
The Square butt model 36 was refinished at the factory and has factory refinish codes stamped,
Also has an "N" stamped over the original "N"....guessing that meant they renickled it when it was refinished.
I do not know when the practice of placing a letter "N" on the weapon began,
Maybe someone here does,
That model 36 serials to about 1961 .

 

[vrichard]

stainless

I have a early 1965 stainless mdl.60,a magnet will stick to it.

Dick