While the model 10 is very popular, I don't read much regarding the model 14 or the model 15. I am familiar with the difference of the two. I am considering picking up one of each for shooters. Just wonder how they compare to the S&W model 10. Seems to me, there should be very little mechanical difference between the model 10 and 15, with exception of the sights. I would be pleased to hear your experiences.
Opinions of the Model 14 and Model 15
- Thread starter Haycreek
- Start date
The Model 10 is the basic K-Frame wheelgun and all other K-Frame revolvers stem from this "grand-daddy" of S&W's.
Mechanically, they're identical frames and internal lockworks. There are differences in the width of the hammer spur and triggers on some models. The basic difference is that the M-10 is fixed sighted while the other two are adjustable sight models.
If you were to take a Model 14 and 15 and swap barrels, you'd have a hard time telling the difference. The Model 15 is essentially the same gun as the Model 14, but with a shorter 4" barrel.*
If you have your choice of equally nice models, do yourself a favor and buy both. You'll regret not buying one of 'em later on!
* You can actually swap barrels within each frame size of S&W's pretty easily on the older pinned barrels. Special attention needs to be paid to the alignment and flash gap however.
Mechanically, they're identical frames and internal lockworks. There are differences in the width of the hammer spur and triggers on some models. The basic difference is that the M-10 is fixed sighted while the other two are adjustable sight models.
If you were to take a Model 14 and 15 and swap barrels, you'd have a hard time telling the difference. The Model 15 is essentially the same gun as the Model 14, but with a shorter 4" barrel.*
If you have your choice of equally nice models, do yourself a favor and buy both. You'll regret not buying one of 'em later on!
* You can actually swap barrels within each frame size of S&W's pretty easily on the older pinned barrels. Special attention needs to be paid to the alignment and flash gap however.
Sir William
New member
I have been debating with myself, should I seek another M15? I have a fantastic 4". I would like a M18 in 22 rf to pair with it. I would like a 2" M15 and a 6" M14 as well. The M15 in 4" is probably the finest duty weapon in 38 Special bar none.
Sir William, the bigger question is "do I want to collect S&W revolvers?". I'm guessig from some of your other posts that you have unconsciously started down that road. If you commit, you need to a) prioritize your collection goals/limitations and b) THEN justify each purchase based on "a". Otherwise you'll end up with 6 of one model and none of another. Ask me how I know.
Since I have already "Been there-Done that", I will tell you that the mod 18 is THE perfect companion to to you 4" 15. Once there, you'll need a nice 6" 14 AND a matching 6" mod 17. Oh yea, the 2" 15 is sweet. I was only able to "justify" my 2" 15 because I have a branch collection of S&W K frame snubbies
Since I have already "Been there-Done that", I will tell you that the mod 18 is THE perfect companion to to you 4" 15. Once there, you'll need a nice 6" 14 AND a matching 6" mod 17. Oh yea, the 2" 15 is sweet. I was only able to "justify" my 2" 15 because I have a branch collection of S&W K frame snubbies
Good discussion here.
Once I got most of the N frames I've been searching for I again started looking at K frames and snubs in particlular.
I have a M-10 and M-15 in two inch and recently a M-66 in 2 1/2 inch that I shot for the first time today.
What more can be said about these excellent guns other than all the bells and whistles or lack of that make them great shooters and very reliable guns.
One of these or my 686 plus in 2 1/2 inch will soon take the place of my Colt Detective as my carry gun.
Why might you ask? The Dick Special is fine but since I'm so inclined to S&W revolvers I figure it best I carry what I'm most familar with.
I'm thinking S&W and others make so many different variations so as to get some of us to spend more money buying them all. It may have backfired as I mostly look for older models and other than my 325PD, I haven't bought a new one in years.
Once I got most of the N frames I've been searching for I again started looking at K frames and snubs in particlular.
I have a M-10 and M-15 in two inch and recently a M-66 in 2 1/2 inch that I shot for the first time today.
What more can be said about these excellent guns other than all the bells and whistles or lack of that make them great shooters and very reliable guns.
One of these or my 686 plus in 2 1/2 inch will soon take the place of my Colt Detective as my carry gun.
Why might you ask? The Dick Special is fine but since I'm so inclined to S&W revolvers I figure it best I carry what I'm most familar with.
I'm thinking S&W and others make so many different variations so as to get some of us to spend more money buying them all. It may have backfired as I mostly look for older models and other than my 325PD, I haven't bought a new one in years.
Person of Interest
New member
The K frame Smith is the classic revolver. Every shooter should have least one of each variation given their low cost. I have 2 Model 10s and 2 M&Ps (Pre-10s), a Model 15 and a Combat Masterpiece (Pre-15), and a Model 18 and a .22 Combat Masterpeice (Pre-18). So far I haven't found good deals on a .22 and a .38 Target Masterpiece to go with my Model 14 and 17, but the day ain't over yet.
Seriously, I can't imagine anyone being disappointed with a target-sighted K frame.
Seriously, I can't imagine anyone being disappointed with a target-sighted K frame.
The model 14 K-38 in my exsperience is one of the most accurate 38s in the world. I have never shot a bad 14 and their actions are normaly very good.
I own a 15 and won't sell it as it shoots too straight and works so well. I got it for $195 two years ago as a police trade in. It had been used to fire plastic training ammo so there was very little wear on it.
25
I own a 15 and won't sell it as it shoots too straight and works so well. I got it for $195 two years ago as a police trade in. It had been used to fire plastic training ammo so there was very little wear on it.
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Person of Interest
New member
I bought two M14s in 80% (good shooters) off auction sites within the past year for $100 and $165. I sold the latter for $225. I think $395 is a little high unless 100% in the box. For a shooter grade gun I would pay no more than $250-$275 tops. Just me.
Average Joe
New member
I've got 2 model 15's. I bought them new in 1977, both are like new, and my favorite revolvers.
Blue Heeler
Moderator
I have a few Smith's including a Model 16 (.32 H&R Magnum) it is basically a Model 14 with smaller holes so it's a little heavier. I've done the trigger (from Target to Combat) and put a Millet Sight on it. Improved the front sight too, from flat to Patridge. It is a super shooter and very easy to handle. I can't make up my mind about the grips though. Usually I fit Bill Davis BD 3's to my Smiths but with this one the factory wooden grip is great and since there's not much kick I use it most of the time.
Apart from all that, it is the gun I shoot most, by a long way. It's the smoothness I think and not much bang. It just seems a liitle more civilised and sophisticated than the gruntier versions.
Apart from all that, it is the gun I shoot most, by a long way. It's the smoothness I think and not much bang. It just seems a liitle more civilised and sophisticated than the gruntier versions.
