When did FBI adopt the M-15 as a service gun?

[Doug.38PR]

wikipedia on the Model 15 states the FBI issued the M-15 at one point. I though they went from Colt Police Positive and Official Police in the 1930s, 40s, 50s and 60s and then to S&W M-10s in the 70s and then to M-13s in the 1980s and early 1990s. Where does the M-15 fit into this?

 

[BUFF]

I don't recall that they ever did. Some individual agents bought and carried their own. I remember G. Gordon Liddy had one.

 

[zzclancy]

Had a chance to meet Liddy in the early 80's when he was in Denver. Very interesting guy to say the least. I liked him. Would have done well in the CIA. I would trust him with my back.

 

[sigp220.45]

The Model 15 was authorized as a POW (privately owned weapon) in either barrel length, blued finish only. I came into the Bureau in 1991 so revolvers were on the way out, but a lot of guys still carried them. I don't think I ever saw a Model 15, though. The old guys with issued guns all had four inch Model 10s.

I've never heard of Model 15s being issued, and I've never seen one in any of the gun vaults I've visited in various divisions.

I'd say Wiki got this one wrong.

 

[rockyrider]

According to Roy G. Jinks, "The History of Smith & Wesson"

In the January 1950 catalog, the 4" barrel was listed as the "Combat Masterpiece": a short action, target grade holster gun for the law enforcement officers.
In 1957 when the factory changed to the model number series, the .38 Combat Masterpiece was assigned the Model 15 designation.
In 1962 when the U.S. Air Force ordered a K frame target model with a heavy 2" barrel, the factory designed a revolver on the Model 15 frame to meet the U.S. Air Force requirements.

 

[gunfan]

The FBI was issued 3" barreled Model 13 revolvers (in .357 S&W Magnum) and shot 158 grain LSWCHP +P ammunition.

Scott

 

[29-1]

The FBI was issued 3" barreled Model 13 revolvers (in .357 S&W Magnum) and shot 158 grain LSWCHP +P ammunition.

Scott

Yep, and here are three of them along with a representative letter on one.

 

[TheGreatGonzo]

The FBI was issued 3" barreled Model 13 revolvers (in .357 S&W Magnum) and shot 158 grain LSWCHP +P ammunition.

Scott

Yep. And I gave mine up kicking and screaming, along with my 1076. It was NOT a peaceful surrender.

To my knowledge, however, the M15 was never an issued firearm. It may have been o the POW list, though.
Gonzo

 

[oldafsp]

One of my neighbors was assigned to the San Antonio office back in the
1970's while I was stationed at Lackland.

He had a 2 inch 15 as a privately owned weapon. The city was issued Model 58's at the time.

We lived in a very nice upscale aparment complex off base that gave generous discounts to civilian and military law enforcement.

The buildings were setup in a quad arrangement, 4 units per building all with private patios. All single story. It looked like a police convention in the mornings with all the cops going to work....

Just in my quad were 2 city cops and a Texas Ranger and his wife.The next building over was the FBI agent,a Sheriffs deputy,US Marshall and a Trooper.

Funny how we never had one bit of trouble in the three years we lived there.

 

[tac803]

One of my neighbors was assigned to the San Antonio office back in the
1970's while I was stationed at Lackland.

He had a 2 inch 15 as a privately owned weapon. The city was issued Model 58's at the time.

We lived in a very nice upscale aparment complex off base that gave generous discounts to civilian and military law enforcement.

The buildings were setup in a quad arrangement, 4 units per building all with private patios. All single story. It looked like a police convention in the mornings with all the cops going to work....

Just in my quad were 2 city cops and a Texas Ranger and his wife.The next building over was the FBI agent,a Sheriffs deputy,US Marshall and a Trooper.

Funny how we never had one bit of trouble in the three years we lived there.

Neighborhood watch on steroids!

If I recall correctly, the NYSP BCI went to the 3" model 13 for awhile in the 80's, about the same time the FBI did. The 3" K frame .357 is hard to beat for being the all around revolver IMHO.