Is anybody familiar with the Smith and Wesson 15 Series .38 revolver?

M

MikeinNJ

Inactive
I am considering buying a used S&W .38, 15-2 or 15-4. I want a gun that is accurate, well balanced, and that has an even trigger pull. Does anybody have any opinions?

Thanks.

Mike
 
I have a model 13-3 and it seems that the 15 is very similar except it has adjustable sights, which mine does not. That being said, my model 13 is my favorite wheel gun. Accurate, easy handling, comfortable to shoot with either 38 spl or 357 mag. The model 15 is just for 38 spl but I'm sure it's a darn fine weapon.
 
The Combat Masterpiece is an excellent medium frame .38 spl revolver. It is everything you asked and then some. It was made from S&W's medium frame target revolver and was modified (barrel shortened and sights changed) to be a holster gun for the LEOs. If it is in good condition you should be quite happy with one.
 
I've owned 4 Model 15's over the years. I keep making the mistake of selling them for something else that catches my eye! If you get one...keep it...I think it's the best pistol S&W ever made.
By the way, I am hanging on to my last 4" 15......
 
I want a gun that is accurate, well balanced, and that has an even trigger pull. Does anybody have any opinions?
Click to expand...
Chances are, assuming you do the J.March revolver check out, you'll find in an average S&W 15, an accurate, well balanced revolver that has an even trigger pull. Add grips that fit your paws (maybe) and plan on going through a bunch of .38 spl ammunition over the years.

Shooting either a S&W Model 14 or 15 is about as much fun as you can possibly have with a .38 caliber gun and your clothes on. :D
 
MikeinNJ, the Model 15 is my favorite revolver. I have owned, sold, and traded away a bunch of Model 15s; I feel naked without one. This is my current M15. Regards, Richard:D

SWModel15-6.jpg
 
S&W Model 15 "Combat Masterpiece"

IMHO, one of the finest revolvers ever made; and also one of Smith
& Wessons most popular, of all time. It, along with its counterpart
the S&W model 19 "Combat Magnum" in .357 magnum served many
law enforcement types, and private civilians well for many years.
 
Also the USAF. The Model 15 was the issued sidearm for many years for USAF SPs (now SF), officers, pilots and others authorized to carry sidearms.
 
My entire USAF career I carried a Model 15 and these guns are built to last! They are accurate, dependable and IMO the best .38 revolver S&W ever made! The USAF ones switched hands so many times and were abused over and over but they never failed. They should have kept them vs going with the 9mm.
 
I have two model 15-3's. Both are in like new condition. I would not part with either. They are great , well balanced shooters. Mine are very accurate.
 
I own a m15-3, Great pistol. Its my altime favorite revolver. I prefere to carry it over my 1911(Gasp!!). Its been a great, and accurate shooter for me. Easy to carry and dependable.

Some things i can reccomend are find some aftermarket wooden grips that are relieved for speed loaders. The stock grips make using a speed loader dificult. Second, if it suites your fancy, have the cylnders chamfered. It will help somewhat with the loading process, especialy when using SWC bullets. Tho, I dont think it would be seen as a necessity. My m15-3 4" is at the gunsmith right now, getting chamfered. Tho, youll have to have the cylnder reblued, so that is a consideration.

For a good holster, check out the Bianchi Blackwidow. Great OWB holster for it.
 
I have owned many over the years and consider it to be the best .38 revolver ever. I stay with my Model 19 Combat Magnum because of the .357 magnum option but the Model 15 was my first love.
 
Had one and absolutely loved it. Outstanding accuracy. I eventually traded in on a Model 19 .357. Every since I have regretted giving up the Model 15.
 
Just got mine back. The chamfering has definately improved loading with the LSWC bullets, and makes using jacketed HPs even easier. Definately something to think about. My next peice of advice is, do not get the rubber houge grips. The rubber is very course, and sticks to my shirt. So if my shirt rides, up i cant just pull it down, i have to pull it out then down. As i said before, get the stock grips dremeled down, or have some custom made.
 
When I first started to read seriously about firearms 40 years ago or so,
the Combat Masterpiece became one of my "must have" guns. Curiously enough when I finally got mine it was a 5 screw made in 1953.
 
I had a nice factory refurbished one, which I modified with a top quality action job and even a front night sight, drilled into the front blade. It was gorgeous, the trigger pull was wonderful, it was extremely accurate, I was an idiot to sell it.


The Model 15 fits all your criteria. If you don't like the trigger a good gunsmith can make it very smooth, moreso maybe with the Smith K-frames (the 15 is one) than any other type of revolver.
 
I have a model 15-4 that I bought used; it looks like it was carried a lot and shot very little. It has a lot of holster wear but the bore looks new. I was actually looking for a .357 at the time, but this gun just called to me from the case. I'm very glad I got it.

The single-action trigger is perfect, and the gun is scary accurate -- at 50 feet it will put all the bullets in one ragged hole if I do my part (which I am very seldom capable of but have done a couple of times on very good days)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top