Wow! What a find!(family thing)

J

jonathon

New member
Right, I was cleaning out my dad's old shed for him, and I found the box for his first handgun, A Smith and Wesson M15-3 Combat Masterpiece!

Opening it up, I found EVERYTHING in it that came with the gun, the cleaning stuff, the paperwork, etc. Even the original reciept for a gun shop in California where he bought it from! He paid $140 for it when he got it.

Well, while we are on it, is this model worth anything? When was it made? Its been shot exactly 6 times, and the finish is in 99% condition. I don't think its a "pre-15", but it still has the leaf spring in it, and the action is smooth as silk *drools* SN 6k95xxx
 
All of the Smith revolvers except for the small J frame have leaf springs for the mainspring. Not sure about the 50 cals.

In the condition you describe, I'd say between $300 and $400 depending on what part of the country. Could be more in some places.
 
Cool. I was hoping for something that was more of a shooter ;)

I won't have any qualms about shootin it then, since I don't ever plan to sell it. Whats funny is, I found the old box of ammo that he bought with it, exactly 12 shots missing out of it(6 were shot, 6 were in the gun).

This ammo is 31 years old(he bought the box in June of '75), Winchester .38 Specs. Is it safe to shoot? Or should I have a friend dismantle and dispose of it for me?
 
If the physical condition is deterioted or it was in the weather, probably wouldn't shoot it myself. If the case and primer look good, no corosion, then try it out. If bad, it probably just won't fire, or maybe squib. Any unusual report make sure to check the barrel for obstructions. I have 40+ yr old military ammo I shoot in 45acp, never had a problem.
 
I had a friend remove the bullets from them(all 44 rounds left!) and dispose of the powder for me, and I took the primed rounds out and shot them with my Henry(most accurate .22 I have). Boy, the flash was a hoot! Found I could take out the primer dead on from about 40 yards. Still got a few left for next weekend :D
 
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