Trigger pull on Smith & Wesson Model 15

[Mary Gardener]

Hi,
I am a new member on this forum.
I am interested in purchasing a used S&W Model 15, Cal.: .38 spl. Barrel Length: 4.0" Serial No.:91k80xx (x=digit or letter) - perhaps 30 years old??
If the trigger pull is heavy I would not be able to shoot it in double action. The trigger pull on my 40 year old Colt Cobra is barely manageable for me.
I tried out the trigger on S & W model 15 in 'dry' shooting mode in double action. Is the trigger pull the same when the gun is loaded? I was surprised, the trigger pull was easier than my Colt Cobra. It was light.
The gun seems to be in very good condition, no nicks and scratches.
The store owner refused to let me dry out the handgun loaded and I don't want to get stuck with a gun I can't use.
Does any one have any idea when the gun was manufactured?
The asking price for the used gun is $ 450.00. Perhaps too high?? He refuses to negotiate.
Thanks in advance for any reply.
Mary

 

[2hawk]

Welcome to the Forum!

Smarter folk will be along shortly, but it looks like that ser. no. dates to 1981.

And, yes, the trigger pull should be the same when loaded. If the seller is a shop, and they let you dryfire, then you should be able to use some snap caps or empty cases to make sure that the cases don't drag on the recoil shield. That is a very unlikely occurrence, but about the only thing that I can think of that would change the effort on the trigger.

And finally: many will check in with there opinion on price, which is a function of the condition of the gun, and the area that it is being sold in. I have a M15 2" snub, and if I were selling mine I would want $450. My local gunshop just sold a nickel M15 snub for $600(!). So, if you like the gun, and it will meet your needs, the price is probably fair.

 

[CajunBass]

A Model 15 is known as the "Combat Masterpiece", and it's called that for a good reason. It's one of Smith & Wessons best revolvers ever. The 4" barrel version is one of the "classic" 38 revolvers.

The trigger is usually very good them. I can't tell you if they're heavy, only you would know if you think it is or not, but I have yet to see one that I think is, and my wife loves shooting them. I suppose if you have small hands and short fingers, you might feel different.

I just bought one a couple of days ago. I paid more than $450.00 for it, but it is in very good condition and had the original box and papers with it (Box and papers add to the cost. My wife swears I look for the box, and hope the gun comes with it. ). I'd say if the gun is in good condition, $450.00 is about right. It's on the "high side" but not outrageous. I've paid as little as $350.00 for one but that was a couple of years ago, and the gun was a well used "cop gun". A good shooter, but well worn finish.

 

[Circle8]

Hi Mary, I carried a Mod 15 through all of my career in Patrol. Excellent firearm. As a detective I moved on to semi's depending on what I was wearing. Some are hard to conceal and some are a pain in hot weather. Anyway the 15 saw me through many years and saved my rear in a few shootings. I am long retired now but still enjoy the old "all metal" wheel gun. I also tuned it for competition in the old PPC and bullseye matches. It takes very little work to fine tune the trigger pull. You will enjoy it and will have a hard time wearing it out. The price is as CajunBass said. Depends on condition. My last one was $260 but I had to do a little cosmetic repair which took about one hour. Probably more than $100 if a smith had to do it. I would guess in my area $ 4-500 would be OK. My oldest one is from the late 50's and still going strong. Just a note: my neighbor who is a lot younger than me and a semi-auto nut shot one of my 15's this week and commented how nice it was to shoot. Don't worry you will enjoy it.

 

[pawncop]

Welcome from Texas Mary. Great forum for all things S&W, have fun, learn lots, share what you know.

The Model 15 is a fantastic firearm. You have received good advice, the price is about right. I think you will like it.

 

[geneboy]

the trigger pull on a model 15 goes from good to fantastic, a licensed gun smith will make a good trigger a great trigger for a modest price

 

[papajohn428]

Welcome to the forum, Mary! LOTS of knowledgeable folks here......and then there's the rest of us who they allow to hang out and learn stuff.

I picked up a used Model 15 about a month ago, it was unloved and abused but serviceable, missing quite a bit of the bluing. The gun had obviously been dropped and the rear sight was a little crunched, but it still works fine, and is a far better shooter than I am.

Any gunsmith worth his salt should be able to slick up the trigger and lighten the pull a bit, but there's a law of diminishing returns when you start reducing spring weight. I would suggest a daily regimen of dry-firing whatever gun you buy, to build hand strength and familiarity with the weapon. (It's also fun.) I have a lot of guns, but the K-frame S&W's like the M-15 are my favorites, and most of my female first-time students prefer them as well.

 

[KEN L]

I just picked up this lightly used 15-4. The trigger pull is the usual exceptional S&W. They are a great gun, and if in really nice shape, well worth the asking price.

 

[oldafsp]

Welcome to the forum.

The Model 15 is a great choice. Of course I am somewhat biased. I carried one for many years on the job and trusted my life to it.

It will handle any commerical .38 Special load, from light target to +P self
defense without any issues.

They are a lifetime weapon. With resonable care and feeding it will outlast
you.

Trigger pull is awesome right out of the box. It can be improved slightly with
minor work by a competent (I stress that part)gunsmith.

There was a reason they call it The Combat Masterpiece.

Get and enjoy! If you want to see alot of them and our proud owners look at
the thread Model 15 Mania in the 1961-1980 section.