Tell me about the Model 15

[axl911]

Hi all,

I handled a 2 inch model 15 at a gun show and really liked it. Can you tell me more about the model 15 snub nose? What is good and bad about it?

How does it compare to the model 10 and Colt detective special?

Thanks,
Anthony

 

[JP@AK]

Can you tell me more about the model 15 snub nose? What is good and bad about it?

Well, I can't think of a single thing to say bad about it. These were/are great revolvers. In Vietnam we carried lots of them, with both 4" barrels (Air Police, ammo troops, K-9 patrol, etc.) and 2" barrels (mostly air crews). They gave us nothing but good service. I have a few now and they are among my favorite guns.

How does it compare to the model 10 and Colt detective special?

The Model 10 has a fixed rear sight, whereas the Model 15's rear sight is adjustable. Both are built on the medium (K) frame.
The Detective Special is a smaller frame gun and, in my opinion, is not as robust as the Combat Masterpiece, but I don't have a lot of experience with it. Certainly a good revolver. But I'd never trade any of my CMs for one.

 

[DWalt]

Prices for good DSs are through the roof at present, especially for earlier ones. The DS is a little more compact than any K-frame snubby. A DS chambered in .32 or .38 S&W is a very rare find, and even more valuable than one in .38 Special..

 

[sheepdawg]

The 15 snubbies are surprisingly accurate. Ask me how I know.

 

[howiema]

Model 15

In my opinion there is just something about the look of these that is perfect. I had 2 of these nickel 15's and sold one to another forum member. A-lot of people are drawn to this gun when they look at my collection.

Pete

 

[H Richard]

I agree with sheepdawg, Mod 15's are very accurate.


also the 4"

 

[Engine49guy]

Hi all,
I handled a 2 inch model 15 at a gun show and really liked it. Can you tell me more about the model 15 snub nose? What is good and bad about it?
How does it compare to the model 10 and Colt detective special?
Thanks,
Anthony

The snub 15-2 was introduced in 1964 and discontinued in 1988 and evolved from the KTX-38 USAF or Model 56.

Perhaps doomed from the start as one year prior to introduction S&W made a small 50 gun test run of 19 snubs,
and in 1966 the 2.5" Model 19-2 snub RB became a regular cataloged item.

IMO between the RB Model 10 and Model 19 snubs the SB frame, 2" Heavy barrel 15-2 snub is neither Fish nor fowl,
As a CCW the RB Model 10 snub is more concealable and the Airweight Model 12 is an even lighter version of the Model 10 .

If target sites are desired the 2.5" snub K Magnum Model 19 can fire either .38 special or the more powerful .357 Magnum cartridge ,
has a slightly more concealable RB frame and an extra 1/2" barrel for a bit more velocity and accuracy.
The Model 19 snub was also offered in the more durable SS finish as the Model 66 snub in 2.5" and 3" lengths
(the 15 snub was only made in nickel or blue).



Model 15 HB snubs are becoming collectable but in hindsight probably should have been offered in 3" and 3.5" lengths.
I replaced my nickel 15-3 HB (center) with a Model 66-1 snub ( left ) Model 12-3 (right) for comparison.