Tell me about the model 15 combat masterpiece

[ISCS Yoda]

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

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!

 

[Luke Duke]

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!

 

[Bald1]

Model 15 is a cool gun. A 2" model 15 is a very cool gun. I have 2" J frames and L frames. 3" N frames but no short barrel K frames which are actually my favorite

 

[Shoebox1.1]

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!

 

[Shoebox1.1]

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]

 

[sigp220.45]

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.

 

[CH4]

Can't get much classier than the 15 snubbie!

 

[Shoebox1.1]

Can't get much classier than the 15 snubbie!

Awesome looking pair. Congrats

 

[Frailer]

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."

 

[AGR_TOYS]

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?)

 

[CajunBass]

I don't care much for snubs at all. I am a big fan however of the Model 15. They used to come and go here in one trade or another, but I've settled down now and only have one, a 15-2, with Eagle faux mother of pearl grips. It's a joy to shoot, especially with wadcutters, which is about all I shoot these days.

Looks pretty good too.

 

[rct269]

No, actually it looks VERY good!!

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Hawg Rider]

Although I've posted this one a time or two before, it never hurts to show it off one more time! We inherited this Model 15-2 and accessories from my wife's grandfather, a Calif. LEO and Chief of Detectives in the 1950s thru 1970s. It was his EDC beginning in 1964. The revolver frame was manufactured in 1962 along with rare Model 56 frames, but this one may be one of the first Model 15-2 snubbies to be introduced to the public in 1964 after S&W stopped making the Model 56s. My wife completed her CCW class and range qualification with this revolver. Enjoy!

 

[max503]

Nice revolver, but I've never understood the need for target sights on a snubnose revolver.

I've got a sickness that makes me try and see how accurate I can be with pocket guns, and how close I can get them to consistently hit to POA.

What I don't understand is having a 22 handgun with fixed sights. You at least need windage adjustment.

This 15 was my first big bore handgun. We've been together for around 45 years.

 

[Engine49guy]

There is alot of love for the snub Model 15 series on the forum, it's a very unique gun and there really isn't anything else in the SW lineup quite like it , my guess that it's unique set of features is it's main attraction.

That being said it's kind of a conglomeration of conundrums that trigger my OCD,
I am a died in the wool fan of the Combat Magnum and Combat Masterpiece and have owned a blue and a nickle 15-3 years ago but they got traded off.
First thing odd is that the only thing that the snub Model 15 has in common with the 4" and 5" Combat Masterpiece revolver line it's cylinder and internal parts (which btw are common with all K frame revolvers), the main two components being the barrel and frame are unique to the snub 15 and not used on any other gun including the 4" and 5" versions as well as the Model 14 line.
Btw the other main component of the snub 15 is the rear site leaf, while it is different than the sight unit used on the 15 and 14 line it is shared with the 2.5" version of the Model 19 and 66.
The other head scratchers of the snub 15 are that a snub barrel gun to me is intended for concealed carry and for that I prefer the round butt grip frame which not only conceal better but if the argument is the sb frame shoots better you simply swap to rb to sb grips and walah it's a sb.
Additionally for ccw use I do not need target sights and weight is a big issue, because of that I prefer the Model 12 which is much lighter and deletes the unnecessary target sights , on the other side of the spectrum there is the snub Model 19 which gives me the same rear target sight but with a rb frame and the .357 option and an extra 1/2 of barrel which adds sight radius and ups the bullet velocity, better yet the Model 66 snub which adds some resistance to corrosion or finish wear.
The snub 15's unique features likely put it in a category where I can imagine it could have made sense once upon a time like a PD that limited CCW to .38 special and required it's officers to qualify on targets where having the target sight gave an advantage over the snub Model 10 or 12 but given that the prices on the snub 15 are generally in the same area as the snub 19/66 it never made sense to me other than it's neat and unique conundrum.

 

[Shoebox1.1]

Although I've posted this one a time or two before, it never hurts to show it off one more time! We inherited this Model 15-2 and accessories from my wife's grandfather, a Calif. LEO and Chief of Detectives in the 1950s thru 1970s. It was his EDC beginning in 1964. The revolver frame was manufactured in 1962 along with rare Model 56 frames, but this one may be one of the first Model 15-2 snubbies to be introduced to the public in 1964 after S&W stopped making the Model 56s. My wife completed her CCW class and range qualification with this revolver. Enjoy!

Your pic is what made me want a 15!! Thx

 

[Doug M.]

When I was a cop some of the Detectives preferred the M15 two inch over the J Frames. Extra round, comfortable grip and much more accurate.

*
I suspect that the difference is almost entirely ergonomic. A J frame has a different spring etc. and the resistance of the frame against the trigger pull is not as good. The adjustable sights are far more visible than a typical fixed sight. It is, at least for me and some others, a lot harder to shoot a j frame well and quickly.

I would prefer a round butt, but other than that, the 2" M15 has a lot to be said for it over a j frame.

 

[PALADIN85020]

I think the Model 15 is the ultimate expression of a precision .38 Special traditional blued revolver. It's well made, accurate and in addition really looks great. This one just sparkled when I noticed it at a gun show about 15 years ago. It appears unfired. It's a Model 15-3, and originated in May, 1971. I wouldn't mind having a snubby to go with it - I'm keeping my eye peeled!

John

 

[Shoebox1.1]

That's gorgeous

 

[BKLooney]

I bought this 15-3 many years ago, love this old revolver!