S & W 15-3

C

ccl127

Inactive
I recently purchased a S & W model 15-3 snubbie at a gun show. I had a few questions as I am a newbie with handguns. The gun has about 85% of the blueing left with some slight pitting, nothing bad at all. I paid $225.00 for it and was wondering if I got a good deal? Also, I was wondering about how old the gun is. The serial # is 1K24908. One last thing, what is the best way to remove/clean up the rust/pitting? Thanks alot
Carl
 
i can't tell you if you got a good deal or not. however i do know how to get rid of the rust and pitting altogether. a teflon job, while the gun is being prepared the rust will be removed, when the gun is coated with teflon the pits will be filled and the gun will not rust.
 
Your S&W model 15-3 was made in 1970; as the S/N range ran from
1K1 thru 1K39500. Modification -3 begin in 1967 with the relocation
of the rear sight leaf screw. The 2" barrel was introduced in 1964,
and it was discontinued in 1988. Values range from a high of $400
for NIB (unfired), to $275 for EXC, to $200 for VG. I think you would
be safe to add $25 for a snubby model 15 with a factory nickel finish.

Removing rust (and pitting) from guns is a very touchy subject, with
a lot of varibles. I will refer that part of the question to the experts.

FootNote: Source- The Standard Catalog Of Smith & Wesson
2nd edition, by Supica & Nahas


Best Wishes,
 
I think you overpaid for a 85% gun with pitting and rust. To just clean it up take some OOOO fine steel wool and oil then carefully scrub the rust out with a circular motion. Take care not to rub too hard to remover any more finish. Unless you want to have the entire revolver refinished you will have to learn to live with the pits. The easiest method to remove the pits is to have it bead blasted and reblued. You will end up with a matte finish.
 
What Majic said, but substitute the steel wool for bronze wool, It's a bit more forgiving than the steel stuff. On blued guns it rarely disturbs the blueing.
 
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