Tell me about the model 15 combat masterpiece

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I've got a nice 15-4 snub coming in the mail and I can't wait to carry it. I've heard these are the Cadillac of snub revolvers! On paper a model 15 sounds like the perfect handgun. Your thoughts gentleman…
 

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The only K snubby I've handled is my buddy CarNdrvr's m64 and it felt really good in hand. Good weight and balance
 
I had a 15 2'' I used in the 70s for PPC shooting. It was used in the "Off Duty" fun matches. Gun was very accurate and quite dependable and I won my share of matches. I even carried it for a while.

You will enjoy your new revolver, of that I'm sure.

Have fun!

That's really cool. Off duty matches. Sounds like was a lot of fun
 
My personal experience was that it was/is a well made, nice to have around gun.
You might seek out some former Air Force Security Police, I'm sure there are some here on the forum. The air Force issued the model 15 to it's Security Police at the air bases in Thailand and Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

The Air Police/later Security Police, were carrying four inch 15's, not snubs.
 
Other than it being the best revolver ever made by S&W there isn't much to say.

I've never had a 2", but the 4" version was the first handgun ever issued to me by Uncle Sugar about 1983, and I've had one ever since.
 

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I doubt you will regret your purchase, Carried a 4" in uniform and the snub in detectives. Never felt under gunned then and wouldn't now. I have a nickle snub and a blued 4" now. I think you will be pleased with both the handling and accuracy of these fine guns. I'll bet you surprise yourself at the range with the accuracy.

Enjoy,

Al
 
I have several, 2" and 4" and I have regularly carried a 2"...I prefer target grips on my 15-2 carry gun...:cool:...Ben

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The air Force issued the model 15 to it's Security Police at the air bases in Thailand and Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
Not just SPs. Also to Munitions troops, dog handlers (usually these were also SPs) and to at least some air crews.

I personally carried one over there for two years.
 
The Mod. 15 is one every S&W fan should have in their collection. The 2" that I own is just as accurate as the 4". The 2" is my wife's bedside companion and wears Crimson Trace grips that are more comfortable for her and the laser is awesome for low/no light.
 

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Oh man, just when I think I'm done buying guns you post this!

I feel like Michael Corleone.

That is a great set up.
Don't rule out the 4" guns like this 4-screw 15 no dash with target hammer, target trigger, overtravel stop and walnut target stocks...The letter says it shipped that way with 9 others just like it so you have a good chance of finding one of those...:rolleyes:...Ben

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I had a nickel M15 snub. Lovely revolver. Personally, however, in K-frame snubs I prefer fixed sights. There is very little chance that I need to use adjustable sights on such a gun. So, for my purposes, the Model 10 is the Cadillac. That said, I have absolutely nothing negative to say about a Model 15 snub. K-frame snubs are all wonderful; I used to have a collection of them.

These are my only K-frame snubbies now and I generally don't carry them but.....sometimes....

M10

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Custom M64 002 - Model 12 "Airweight" barrel
done by TheShootist1894
Spring 2016 - - - We MADE it into a K frame snub! It was a 4" heavy barrel M64. It's better now............ ;)

And it's much more like a M10!

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I had a 4" first Real handgun I ever had as a kid ,17 years old. Shot that gun well into my late 30's mostly +P reloads , light lead loads , factory loads. I'm not real sure how many rounds that gun injested? Well onto 15-20 K?? Relentless. At the end the barrel was shot out. Would only shoot HBWC ok. Action, lock up,and timing was still spot on. Mine was a 15-2, miss that gun alot!
 
Awesome stories and pics! Thanks to all. I could see myself having several K snub's by the time all this is done. I routinely carry a 67-6 that I guess is somewhat a stainless 15 and it's a sweet shooter. If the 15-4 comes anywhere close to it's performance I'm going to be thrilled!
 

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I feel like Michael Corleone. I had to see what gun it was. I forgot. It's a chiefs special with taped grip! Lol

That is a great set up.[/QUOTE]
 

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I feel like Michael Corleone. I had to see what gun it was. I forgot. It's a chiefs special with taped grip! Lol

That is a great set up.
[/QUOTE]

It was a reference to Michael saying that everytime he thinks he's done (with the illegal part of the family business), they keep pulling him back in.
 

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I love snubnose revolvers, but I greatly prefer round butts and fixed sights, so I never saw the need for a Combat Masterpiece.

Nevertheless, a few months ago I came across a Model 15-3 at an excellent price, so I bought it. I took it to a "backup gun" match and was amazed at how easy it was to shoot accurately. It makes me look better than I am.

I will still opt for fixed sights on guns I carry, but the answer the the question, "Why would anyone want adjustable sights on a snub revolver" is, "The better to see them, my dear."

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The Air force did have a similar gun the Model 56: KTX-38 USAF, a less refined version of the Model 15 snub nose. 15,205 manufactured. destroyed. (almost all?)
 
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