Talk a bit about the 915 pistol

[Sevens]

I just want to be clear on what I *think* it is...

Was it S&W's first conception of the "value line" before they really decided to cut costs and go more lower price/cost in the full value line guns?

What I mean is...
The 915 has just the single sided thumb safety, the flat black finish, the non-Novak fixed rear sight. However, it is "better" than the full value line (908, 909, 910, others?) in that it still has the aluminum guide rod (not plastic), the metal internal magazine catch parts (not plastic) and the traditional 3rd Gen shaped slide (not the quite blocky and lower cost/less machined) value line slide.

Do I have that right?
Is there anything I forgot?
Are there other "early value line but not quite value line" pistols that match up with the 915?

It seems to me like Smith & Wesson had an idea:
"let's offer some 3rd Gens that cost us less, that we can sell for a lower price" and it almost seems like the full value line was what they wanted, but the 915 was a first attempt and just didn't cut costs enough?

Most of us here really enjoy -ALL- of these pistols, we have that in common, but I have a genuine aversion to the full Value Line pistols... and the only real reason is the blocky an unattractive physical shape of the low-cost slide. It just looks like a familiar friend from a distance... and then looks like a clone or substitute up close.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I like the 915 and I think you hit the points of change from the 5904.

Novack used it as the basis of some custom guns..........

Doesn't the 910 have a different barrel/slide lock-up ?? Seem to remember reading that somewhere..... never owned or extensively handled a 910

 

[BaldEagle1313]

I haven't handled a 915 but I own a 910. Barrel doesn't have a locking lug and the guide rod is plastic, plus the previously mentioned flat-top slide. Mine does have white-dot Novak's on it, but I got it used and they may have been put on by the previous owner.The 915 came out prior to the 10 round magazine laws; after that went into effect the 910 came out, shipped with ten round mags. However the 15 round ones fit and work just fine.

The different slide shape might cause difficulty getting into a holster designed for the more rounded 59XX series guns, but mine fits fine in a Bianchi #19. My 5903 is a little loose in the same holster so it may just have stretched to accommodate the 910.

 

[housedog]

My 915 has a plastic guide rod and did not have the Novak sight cut. I put a set of the old style trijicons on it and had a local guy duracoat it. It feels like and shoots like my 5903 round trigger guard model and fits the same leather and kydex I have.

 

[surfgun]

My 915. Has a blued steel guide rod.

 

[jsbethel]

Are there other "early value line but not quite value line" pistols that match up with the 915?

From the 1993 S&W Catalog -

 

[kaveman]

The 915 has no plastic other than the grips and it does have the barrel locking lug so I don't consider it a value line gun,......just a simplified version of the 5904.

From the above advert,.....

.....Smith & Wesson quality at a price to good to pass up,.........AAAaaarrrggg!!!

I hate seeing that in posts on the innerwebs, but in a professional advertisement?

 

[CoronaDan]

The 915 has no plastic other than the grips and it does have the barrel locking lug so I don't consider it a value line gun,......just a simplified version of the 5904.

From the above advert,.....

.....Smith & Wesson quality at a price to good to pass up,.........AAAaaarrrggg!!!

I hate seeing that in posts on the innerwebs, but in a professional advertisement?

Kaveman- I saw the same thing in the ad, and had the same reaction. Your good.

Uggggggghhhhhh. Hate to act like an English major, but it does great...I mean, grate.

 

[D Rock]

Post #15 by dsk has some great comparisons of 910/915.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/125908-910-vs-915-a.html#post136366207

Here's my well used 915.


Dave

 

[TTSH]

Simple explanation: "Value" cutbacks had to get more aggressive over time or there wasn't much point.

Most of us here really enjoy -ALL- of these pistols, we have that in common, but I have a genuine aversion to the full Value Line pistols... and the only real reason is the blocky an unattractive physical shape of the low-cost slide. It just looks like a familiar friend from a distance... and then looks like a clone or substitute up close.

And yet I love the 908S and the 910S precisely for that rough no-frills/no-nonsense look. Go figure!

It's probably why I own a Kahr CM9 instead of the PM9. Well, that and cost.

And, of course, it doesn't hurt that both the 908S and 910S are on our MA EOPS list so I can actually buy one of each (theoretically) if I can find them.

 

[BaldEagle1313]

Post #15 by dsk has some great comparisons of 910/915.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/125908-910-vs-915-a.html#post136366207


Dave

Thanks for the reminder, Dave. I'd forgotten about that 910 v. 915 thread from 2012. The photos by dsk make it easy to see the difference in the frame (guide rails) and barrel.