I got an old cop Model 15 trade-in for $200. It had a lot of holster wear but had a great bore and a super trigger that had probably been slicked up by some police armorer. It was/is an accurate 50-yard gun, way more accurate than I was. As Nut'n Fancy says, these were guns that were made by craftsmen who took pride in their work. They built them not to a price-point, but till it was right. These are superb revolvers; I am lucky to own three. --Old Guy
Yes, I have 2 four-inchers and a snubbie. They are all deadly accurate. As the fellow on the Nut'n Fancy videos says, "If you see a half-decent Model 15, just buy it. Your grandchildren will thank you." Truer words were never spoken. --Old Guy
@@Ed-ig7fj Yesterday I purchased a S&W 38 Special K 15-3. It was manufactured in 1972. It's robust, reliable and accurate. You're correct! It will outlast me and whomever I leave it to.
I bought a used 14-3 that has Combat Model 15 conversions. The frame butt has been rounded allowing rubber grips for great double action performance (Two handed or single) and the front sight has been replaced with a Model 15 ramp sight for no snag holster withdraws . The 6 Inch barrel gives me stopping power using lighter loads while still providing expansion meaning I enjoy less recoil and deliver better accuracy. For me, it's perfect for nightstand, in-home self protection. Some may call it a Frankenstein..... but I sure love it.
The Model 14 you speak of are one of the smoothest .38 special revolvers I’ve ever shot right out of the factory box. The Model 14 is often either looked over or forgotten about in quality, as it’s not a model that was found in law enforcement holsters, yet was marketed towards competition shooters.
As a brand new recruit in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in 1988, I was issued my Model 15. LAPD also issued the model 15 to their officers. When we were issued our new Beretta M9’s, we were given the option to buy our revolvers for $115. I still have it, it looks brand new, and it is accurate as a rifle. I happened upon an unfired 1964-Vintage model 15 last year and had to have it. I found a stainless version, the model 67 as well. Such fantastic firearms.
Thanks for the great comment! I’ve come to find that model 15, in 4”, at least for me, to be the almost perfect balance for a revolver in .38 SPL. Great that you were able to purchase your service revolver and have th 1964 model as well.
A great quality revolver! The Model 67, the stainless steel version of the Model 15, is also a fine example of S&Ws craftsmanship during that 60’s-early/mid 90’s timeframe.
From 1968 to 1972, I served in the USAF security police career field. As per your video, our issue sidearm was the model 15. They were beautiful weapons & well taken care of by the carriers & armorers. I believe the AFOSI and our investigators carried the 2 inch bbl. model 15.
I also have a Model 15-3, the finish on mine is no where near as nice as yours but it locks up really tight and is a tack driver. Easily my favourite of the S&W line up. I put a set of the coke bottle grips with the speed loader cut out on it, the standard grips don't suit my large hands. I've been looking for a late Model 19-2 or an early -3. I want to find one with a pinned front sight, the rear sight screw moved forward, the gas ring on the cylinder and a forcing cone before the cut out was done.
I had a Model 15 issued to me when I was a young police officer. It was a police department buy, direct from the factory. It was stamped MPD inside the frame. When we switched to autos, the department allowed officers to buy their service side arm. I bought mine. Best gun purchase I ever made. Beautiful gun. Still an excellent shooter.
I have a model 15-3 I bought a few years ago, I replaced the stocks with some a little bigger factory ones , the smaller ones would rock in my hands . I also have a 19-3 , six inch and a 19-4 2 1/2 in nickel
Well it’s funny you say that because after I did the video I thought about putting a set of target stocks on it to,give it an even more aggressive stance or look & which would help protect the original stocks from any further wear but then also liked the originality of the current stocks…….
Yep and not to take anything away from their earlier guns but that mid 50s to mid 80s was the sweet spot and to your point that 1970 to say mid 80s seemed to be their heyday. I was just talking to someone about highway patrol and state trooper guns and I even forget that in that 1970 to 85 range most troopers had a 65, 66 or perhaps a 686 in a holster on their hip.
Thanks , it even surprised me a bit when I got it back and was able to clean it up. This shop is known for some pretty good stuff, including collector grade, you just have to bring your wallet……
I owned one of these beautiful 4" 38 spcl S&W revolvers for many years. I never could shoot it worth a darn but it was too pretty to get rid of. I tried several different stocks on it but it always hurt the web of my hand and even ripped the skin off of my thumb after several shots. No problem, I had plenty of other S&W revolvers that were a joy to shoot as well as to look at and I shot them plenty.
Interesting, most of the stocks on the smith and Wesson were magna or target , but many people didn’t like them that’s why there are so many after market versions and the rubber pachmayr became so popular later on.
That's a beauty. With all the pistol choices out there today, why can't we still get something like that? I have a K frame with those grips. I can shoot it double-action, but it's not really comfortable. Still accurate though. It's nearly impossible for me to shoot it single-action with a good grip, because my hands are too big.
I was surprised that smith discontinued the model 15…they still make the 10 and actually just saw one, had a heavy or similar style barrel set up. I had to learn double action on a revolver so pretty comfortable with that , in fact more so than single action.
@@alterego6935 I went to Pachmyer presentation grips for mine. I've used them on Colts in the past, but this was my first time on a K frame. They work great for me.
I agree that a .38 Special revolver (mine is a S&W Model 10-8) is a fine gun. Fun to shoot and accurate; love that trigger. My other revolvers are a 19-3 and a 29-2, all in 4" barrels. Great guns, all.
Thanks I’d love to but you see very few of the TSW pistols on the market. I think people like to hold on to them….id love to come across a 5906 TSW but I’ve never seen one.
I still carry it or a J frame from time to time, when I was a kid my grandfather would make wax bullets for his revolvers so us boys could target practice in the alley behind his house in the north end of Kansas city, to this day outta all the auto loaders I own I often carry a wheel gun, I just like them.
@@jasonashley4579 wow great story. I do too from time to time, had a j frame in my pocket the other day in the evening….,,could be an age thing and / or what people have been exposed to but it’s a other skill level or trait to,shoot a revolver well. I certainly didn’t early on , surprised I qualified at the academy back in the day LOL…..
Very nice, love the pre models. Wa looking at a combat magnum today from 55’ but unfortunately had been reblued and then had some new nicks and scratches so had to pass on it.
I bought a sw combat masterpiece back in the early 80's.. It had a chrome or nickel plate. Not sure, wasn't shiny. Anyway, I wound up selling it. I really wish I hadn't.
Excellent Revolver! I bought two Model 19-3 revolvers in 4” and 6” around 4 months ago, and they are awesome. I also bought a perfect 2.5” barrel, and will likely make the 6” into a snubnose. When Adam 12 came out, I was a kid, but loved the show. After the LAPD switched to a 4” M14, Martin Milner used his own personal 4” M15. Great video! 👍👍👍👍
Good information and well presented video. Just an amazing model as a standard, the quality and workmanship is top tier. I find myself gazing at mine more than I probably should, it’s a pre model 15 in nickel, 5 screw, it has a pinned front sight.
I bought one new in 1977. It was $140 out the door with a 50 round box of wadcutters. Those were the days!
That’s amazing, hard to believe now, but to your point those were the days.
I got an old cop Model 15 trade-in for $200. It had a lot of holster wear but had a great bore and a super trigger that had probably been slicked up by some police armorer. It was/is an accurate 50-yard gun, way more accurate than I was. As Nut'n Fancy says, these were guns that were made by craftsmen who took pride in their work. They built them not to a price-point, but till it was right. These are superb revolvers; I am lucky to own three. --Old Guy
Yes, but $140 in 1977 is $725 in 2024 money. And you guys didn't have flying cars either.
I have two of these, both made in 1970. Finest .38 special revolver ever made.
Completely agree, just a fantastic revolver.
Yes, I have 2 four-inchers and a snubbie. They are all deadly accurate. As the fellow on the Nut'n Fancy videos says, "If you see a half-decent Model 15, just buy it. Your grandchildren will thank you." Truer words were never spoken. --Old Guy
Great comment , and love those words of advice! @@Ed-ig7fj
@@Ed-ig7fj Yesterday I purchased a S&W 38 Special K 15-3. It was manufactured in 1972. It's robust, reliable and accurate. You're correct! It will outlast me and whomever I leave it to.
Absolutely.
I bought a used 14-3 that has Combat Model 15 conversions. The frame butt has been rounded allowing rubber grips for great double action performance (Two handed or single) and the front sight has been replaced with a Model 15 ramp sight for no snag holster withdraws . The 6 Inch barrel gives me stopping power using lighter loads while still providing expansion meaning I enjoy less recoil and deliver better accuracy. For me, it's perfect for nightstand, in-home self protection. Some may call it a Frankenstein..... but I sure love it.
Thanks for sharing , very unique.
The Model 14 you speak of are one of the smoothest .38 special revolvers I’ve ever shot right out of the factory box. The Model 14 is often either looked over or forgotten about in quality, as it’s not a model that was found in law enforcement holsters, yet was marketed towards competition shooters.
As a brand new recruit in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in 1988, I was issued my Model 15. LAPD also issued the model 15 to their officers. When we were issued our new Beretta M9’s, we were given the option to buy our revolvers for $115. I still have it, it looks brand new, and it is accurate as a rifle.
I happened upon an unfired 1964-Vintage model 15 last year and had to have it. I found a stainless version, the model 67 as well. Such fantastic firearms.
Thanks for the great comment! I’ve come to find that model 15, in 4”, at least for me, to be the almost perfect balance for a revolver in .38 SPL. Great that you were able to purchase your service revolver and have th 1964 model as well.
Thanks for a great video on one of the best revolvers ever made: lovely, accurate, and deadly. --Old Guy
Thanks for the comment and kind words!
A great quality revolver! The Model 67, the stainless steel version of the Model 15, is also a fine example of S&Ws craftsmanship during that 60’s-early/mid 90’s timeframe.
Great Videos
Thanks!
Carried this from 73. to 93 every time I was overseas with the Air Force (along with the M16) and enjoyed range time every year!
Hey thanks for the comment!
I think the Model 67 is the Stainless version of the model 15.
Nice review on a classic - Just Subbed 😎
From 1968 to 1972, I served in the USAF security police career field. As per your video, our issue sidearm was the model 15. They were beautiful weapons & well taken care of by the carriers & armorers. I believe the AFOSI and our investigators carried the 2 inch bbl. model 15.
Wow thanks for a great comment and for your service. I’m really enjoying the m15 , turning into one of my all time favorite revolvers.
Great video for information.Thanks
Great thanks
I also have a Model 15-3, the finish on mine is no where near as nice as yours but it locks up really tight and is a tack driver. Easily my favourite of the S&W line up. I put a set of the coke bottle grips with the speed loader cut out on it, the standard grips don't suit my large hands.
I've been looking for a late Model 19-2 or an early -3. I want to find one with a pinned front sight, the rear sight screw moved forward, the gas ring on the cylinder and a forcing cone before the cut out was done.
Very nice
I had a Model 15 issued to me when I was a young police officer. It was a police department buy, direct from the factory. It was stamped MPD inside the frame. When we switched to autos, the department allowed officers to buy their service side arm. I bought mine. Best gun purchase I ever made. Beautiful gun. Still an excellent shooter.
Hey thanks for a great comment and the service to your community.
Welcome.
I have a model 15-3 I bought a few years ago, I replaced the stocks with some a little bigger factory ones , the smaller ones would rock in my hands . I also have a 19-3 , six inch and a 19-4 2 1/2 in nickel
Well it’s funny you say that because after I did the video I thought about putting a set of target stocks on it to,give it an even more aggressive stance or look & which would help protect the original stocks from any further wear but then also liked the originality of the current stocks…….
My late father left me his 15-4, he bought it when he was a senior in high school in 1978 and kept it ever since. It’s one of my favorite possessions
Smith & Wesson was putting out some great revolvers in the late 70s era.
Yep and not to take anything away from their earlier guns but that mid 50s to mid 80s was the sweet spot and to your point that 1970 to say mid 80s seemed to be their heyday. I was just talking to someone about highway patrol and state trooper guns and I even forget that in that 1970 to 85 range most troopers had a 65, 66 or perhaps a 686 in a holster on their hip.
I just picked one up, I absolutly love it
Thanks for the comment, it really is some of smith and Wesson’s best work.
Looks nearly perfect!
Thanks , it even surprised me a bit when I got it back and was able to clean it up. This shop is known for some pretty good stuff, including collector grade, you just have to bring your wallet……
I owned one of these beautiful 4" 38 spcl S&W revolvers for many years. I never could shoot it worth a darn but it was too pretty to get rid of. I tried several different stocks on it but it always hurt the web of my hand and even ripped the skin off of my thumb after several shots. No problem, I had plenty of other S&W revolvers that were a joy to shoot as well as to look at and I shot them plenty.
Interesting, most of the stocks on the smith and Wesson were magna or target , but many people didn’t like them that’s why there are so many after market versions and the rubber pachmayr became so popular later on.
That's a beauty. With all the pistol choices out there today, why can't we still get something like that? I have a K frame with those grips. I can shoot it double-action, but it's not really comfortable. Still accurate though. It's nearly impossible for me to shoot it single-action with a good grip, because my hands are too big.
I was surprised that smith discontinued the model 15…they still make the 10 and actually just saw one, had a heavy or similar style barrel set up. I had to learn double action on a revolver so pretty comfortable with that , in fact more so than single action.
Check out Altamont for the "coke bottle" style grips, you will love them.
@@alterego6935 thanks I think I remember seeing those or hearing about them before.
@@alterego6935 I went to Pachmyer presentation grips for mine. I've used them on Colts in the past, but this was my first time on a K frame. They work great for me.
Do you know anything about the Model 15-5? I have one and it looks just like that one.
I agree that a .38 Special revolver (mine is a S&W Model 10-8) is a fine gun.
Fun to shoot and accurate; love that trigger.
My other revolvers are a 19-3 and a 29-2, all in 4" barrels.
Great guns, all.
Nice Smith
Thanks.
357 doesn’t require a recessed cylinder either , but they did it anyway. Later they stopped
Can you do a series on the different TSW pistols? Your video on the 4006tsw was excellent
Thanks I’d love to but you see very few of the TSW pistols on the market. I think people like to hold on to them….id love to come across a 5906 TSW but I’ve never seen one.
@@thedailydefender1408 I’ve seen a WV state police 4566tsw with a black melonite finish and rail….only online. Would be amazing to get my hands on one
My model 15-3 combat masterpiece stays in my nightstand stoked with FBI load.
I think model 15 is an excellent choice for a revolver home defense gun.
I still carry it or a J frame from time to time, when I was a kid my grandfather would make wax bullets for his revolvers so us boys could target practice in the alley behind his house in the north end of Kansas city, to this day outta all the auto loaders I own I often carry a wheel gun, I just like them.
@@jasonashley4579 wow great story. I do too from time to time, had a j frame in my pocket the other day in the evening….,,could be an age thing and / or what people have been exposed to but it’s a other skill level or trait to,shoot a revolver well. I certainly didn’t early on , surprised I qualified at the academy back in the day LOL…..
I have two 15's, mine have a stamp OR. CO. CA. Obviously for those states, but why? Love them by the way and my son's will each receive one.
Huh, interesting with the stampings….great firearm to hand down.
Also have a 4" model 12 in great condition.
@@michaeldyon4504 interesting I don’t see many 4” M12…… for whatever reason the 2” seems more prevalent.
Mine is a pre model 18 .22 lr. It is still in like new condition.
Very nice, love the pre models. Wa looking at a combat magnum today from 55’ but unfortunately had been reblued and then had some new nicks and scratches so had to pass on it.
I bought a sw combat masterpiece back in the early 80's.. It had a chrome or nickel plate. Not sure, wasn't shiny. Anyway, I wound up selling it. I really wish I hadn't.
They are out there if you want to replace it, but not cheap to do so.
I got my Dad's a couple of years before he passed away. Called and gave S&W the serial number and found out it was made in 1953.
Certainly sorry to hear of your dad’s passing but of course glad it’s still in your family and glad you have a date assigned to it.
Excellent Revolver! I bought two Model 19-3 revolvers in 4” and 6” around 4 months ago, and they are awesome. I also bought a perfect 2.5” barrel, and will likely make the 6” into a snubnose. When Adam 12 came out, I was a kid, but loved the show. After the LAPD switched to a 4” M14, Martin Milner used his own personal 4” M15. Great video! 👍👍👍👍
Thanks, your model 19-3 4” as a 375/38 and as an overall is probably the best revolver smith has made.
In 1974, LAPD issued me a Model 15 and when I retired 32 years later I purchased it at the price of $53.00. What a buy!
Fantastic ! @@larryminton2670
I heard that front right called a "Patridge Front Sight"..
Thanks.
19 is much better. Actually M19 is a masterpiece.
I do like my 19…..
@@thedailydefender1408 Is it vintage or new?
@@morriszachrisson8359 19-3 4” , great revolver.
@@thedailydefender1408 Congrats.
If someone wants a 3 to 5 minute video, it’s because their attention span is too damn short
Well I get it, everyone is looking for different information in different formats…..it’s all good.
Good information and well presented video. Just an amazing model as a standard, the quality and workmanship is top tier.
I find myself gazing at mine more than I probably should, it’s a pre model 15 in nickel, 5 screw, it has a pinned front sight.
There are a lot of great revolvers in the smith line up, this is one of the top ones I think, but a little like choosing between your kids.