My favorite Christmas present: Model 15-3

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DMK

New member
For Christmas I got a wonderful present: a 1974 vintage K-frame and in almost perfect condition.

I took it to the range as soon as I could along with a bunch of HKS speedloaders. It was a blast shooting steel and paper from 15 to 25 yards. It shoots beautifully, has great balance and has such a smooth trigger. I put about 300 rds through it with only 5 shots in single action. These guns are a lot of fun.

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1974 S&W Model 15-3 Combat Masterpiece

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My S&W Revolver Collection: J, K and N frames.
 
It's pretty hard to beat a Combat Masterpiece. If I could only have one Smith & Wesson, that's what it would be.

Nice example you got there OP.

Mine is a -2, from 1966, with Target hammer, Target trigger, and grips. I do like to shoot it single action, but D/A isn't much different.

 
Thanks guys.

That's a beautiful 15-2 CajunBass. Those target grips look great on there. I have a set similar to that on my Model 28, but I don't think they are original.

I agree about it being the last revolver I'd part with. Everything is "just right" on these guns.
 
Agree

That's a great looking revolver you have... I also have a model 15-3 K-frame (a '69) and like yours, I think it's well balanced and has a smooth trigger.

I was surprised how easy and smooth the DA was on this revolver though I have only put about 150 rounds through mine so far. Enjoy your new revolver!

McKenna
 
Great looking Model 15! Congrats! As you already know, you are really going to enjoy that! I have a 1956 Combat Masterpiece (pre 15) and it is a great shooting revolver. Great balance and fun to shoot! Enjoy that K frame! :)
 
Very nice revolver, just the perfect gun to carry all day in the woods. I too have a pre-15 CM, an opportunity came along to pick up a very clean -2, both with a 4" barrel. Lately I have not seen very many older Smith wheel guns, it's what I grew up with and prefer over semi's.
 
Wow, you guys have some nice older classics. Mine's just a relative youngster.

Lately I have not seen very many older Smith wheel guns
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I see nice ones around here now and then, but they are always expensive when I do. Around here, where it's rural a lot of guys still appreciate them.
 
Prices on all the smiths with hammer mounted firing pins and no locks hold their value very well where i live. Pinned barreled guns even more so. However that seems to be the trend elsewhere as well. When i see one in excellent condition i buy it. Prices will never get any lower and they sell so fast, taking a day to "think it over" has let more than few get away. :mad:
 
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Congratulations on your Combat Masterpiece. I have a near uncontrollable habit of buying older Smith and Wessons. Over the years I have managed to acquire three CM's the oldest of which is this 1954 vintage one:

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And the newest is this 1973 15-3:
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Around here it is not just the pinned barrel models that have become scarce, just about any pre lock S&W has risen in price. I remember when they went for a song because everyone wanted a new wonder nine and the old Smiths would often languish on the bottom shelves of gun store for months at a time. Those days seem to be long gone although I did manage to find a nice early 4" 586 for $450 a couple of weeks ago.
 
Is a Model 67 still considered a Combat Masterpiece? I have one of those. Great gun.
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I don't think Smith & Wesson ever called it a "Combat Masterpiece" but I always thought of it as one. The only difference is the 67 is stainless steel.
 
The model 15 4" IMHO is the most beautiful revolver ever made. It's at the top of my list and I want one so bad. I want to purchase locally but am tired of waiting and may just have to get one on line. Although I have to admit a nice 4" model 27 would be a dead tie, but for now out of my price range. I suppose I should also add an M57 4" no dash would round out my life as well. Once I get these three i would be in revolver heaven.
 
Great gun OP. I have to say the whole K - Frame series from day one has a credible contribution to the handgun world.
 
I bought a used, reblued Model 15-3 about five years ago, at a gunshow, for $175.
What a great revolver.
I've mainly shot Remington +P SWCHP, which it shoots very well. I may change to the Speer 135gn +P short barrel load for house duty.
As for grips, I go a few ways. PC Magnas with T-grip is my favorite. Then I have a set of nice target grips. Finally, a set of Uncle Mike K-frame boot grips, for those times I decide to IWB the Combat Masterpiece.
 
All the guns pictured look great. I will never say this out loud but" I really don't need another gun". I just think some older Smiths would be fun. Don't tell my wife I was even here.:)
 
This thread made me get my Model 15 out and fondle it.

Here's my $175 15-3, and a Bianchi holster courtesy of eBay.
Pic doesn't show well, but it has red insert, white outline sights, and the trigger overtravel stop is present.





By the way, Allan's Armory has several nice used Model 15's available for around $300.
 
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