S&W experts- maybe simple question

[Dusty Stevens]

First off id like to buy every s&w that has the firing pin on the hammer and lots know this, so how rare is a model 15-3 with a 2” barrel and nickel finish?
I know i dont see too many 2” k frames. Seems kinda weird having a 2” barrel and adjustable sights and especially a k frame with 2” barrel

 

[msinc]

Well, they didn't make as many 2" barreled ones as they did 6 1/2" models, but the 2" barrel is not considered rare. The 3" barrel is definitely rare.

Edit: sorry Dusty, the 15-3 was not offered with a 3" barrel. It was the 5" barrel that is considered rare on that model. Also, it was offered in a single action only mode as a special order.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

One thing i cant figure out is it looks very much stainless compared to others i have that are nickel. They all have N stamps under the grips and this one does not have N anywhere on it. It also has a very weird serial number as compared to others and definitely does not fall in the range every other 15-3 does

 

[AccelR8]

One thing i cant figure out is it looks very much stainless compared to others i have that are nickel. They all have N stamps under the grips and this one does not have N anywhere on it. It also has a very weird serial number as compared to others and definitely does not fall in the range every other 15-3 does

No N stamp and a different appearance, I wonder if it left the factory as blued and it later got an electroless nickel job. That was quite the thing for a while there, lots of shop did electroless nickel. Every factory nickel Smith I've seen had a shiny appearance (no appeal for me). Electroless nickles as you probably know has a more matte, softer appearance.

 

[shoot4fun]

The 15-3 production began in 1967 and, basically, the only change from 15-2 was relocation of the rear sight leaf screw. The 2" version of the 15 began in 1964 so the one in question was made between 1967 and 1977 when the 15-4 started production. The Model 15 was most common in 4' barrels with blue finish but there were some in 8 3/8 and 6" barrel length. The 8 3/8 was only offered 1986-88 (also the same year the 2" was discontinued).
There were a number of nickel plated factory M15's built but I have no idea how many nor exactly how many 2" guns were built. You really should put a Hawkeye inspection on the gun to make sure it is true factory nickel as many were done after they left the factory. You will be able to see where the lines and corners have lost their straightness or sharpness and that the lettering is not as deep and sharp as it should be if less than a factory hand buffed it for refinish. I can find no information to lead me to believe the 2" and/or nickel versions command any greater dollars and it really should come along with the factory paperwork, box, cleaning rod and screwdriver to be a top dollar piece.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

The 15-3 production began in 1967 and, basically, the only change from 15-2 was relocation of the rear sight leaf screw. The 2" version of the 15 began in 1964 so the one in question was made between 1967 and 1977 when the 15-4 started production. The Model 15 was most common in 4' barrels with blue finish but there were some in 8 3/8 and 6" barrel length. The 8 3/8 was only offered 1986-88 (also the same year the 2" was discontinued).
There were a number of nickel plated factory M15's built but I have no idea how many nor exactly how many 2" guns were built. You really should put a Hawkeye inspection on the gun to make sure it is true factory nickel as many were done after they left the factory. You will be able to see where the lines and corners have lost their straightness or sharpness and that the lettering is not as deep and sharp as it should be if less than a factory hand buffed it for refinish. I can find no information to lead me to believe the 2" and/or nickel versions command any greater dollars and it really should come along with the factory paperwork, box, cleaning rod and screwdriver to be a top dollar piece.

Oh its not a top dollar piece for sure. It has led a rough (in my opinion) life.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

No N stamp and a different appearance, I wonder if it left the factory as blued and it later got an electroless nickel job. That was quite the thing for a while there, lots of shop did electroless nickel. Every factory nickel Smith I've seen had a shiny appearance (no appeal for me). Electroless nickles as you probably know has a more matte, softer appearance.

No N stamp and a different appearance, I wonder if it left the factory as blued and it later got an electroless nickel job. That was quite the thing for a while there, lots of shop did electroless nickel. Every factory nickel Smith I've seen had a shiny appearance (no appeal for me). Electroless nickles as you probably know has a more matte, softer appearance.

Yea ive got nickel ones. They all look like shiny mirrors. This one looks like brushed stainless

 

[ebb]

I am not up on the smith model numbers and had to look this one up, I just happen to have one in the safe. It is my wifes, bought it used at a sporting goods store in the 70s. Its a 4inch and the wife used to be deadly with it. I haven't seen her shoot it in years, but when the SO says a convict is lose that is the one she goes for.

 

[ebb]

Armaloy?

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I know the guy that bought it new and i cant see him doing anything but putting it in the holster and laying it on his dash. I cant see him spending any money on it past ammo and he says he bought it because it was “stainless” and wouldnt rust

 

[dave@aDave]

Maybe Bill Cross on the S&W forum could help.

A letter of authenticity from Roy Jinks would tell you a lot

 

[Dusty Stevens]

only marks on this side is a K and an S. The other side has the same weird number stamped under the model number on the crane. Serial number is only stamped on the bottom of the frame. The original markings have not been polished at all like to get plated.

 

[shoot4fun]

@Dusty Stevens that may very well be markings from where it was issued as a departmental piece.
The Model 15 was big with a lot of PD's during the period this one came from. I assume it's marked 38 Special?
Supposedly a scant few were made in stainless and even in 357 Magnum! That would be a true find.
I like the ones that no one cringes when I carry or shoot them too.
I had my hands on a $15,000 Registered Magnum once (courtesy of my friend Roy Jinks) and he said there were a few out there worth more.
I also knew a guy in TN that owned five of them and carried one every day.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

@Dusty Stevens that may very well be markings from where it was issued as a departmental piece.
The Model 15 was big with a lot of PD's during the period this one came from. I assume it's marked 38 Special?
Supposedly a scant few were made in stainless and even in 357 Magnum! That would be a true find.
I like the ones that no one cringes when I carry or shoot them too.
I had my hands on a $15,000 Registered Magnum once (courtesy of my friend Roy Jinks) and he said there were a few out there worth more.
I also knew a guy in TN that owned five of them and carried one every day.

Yea man i appreciate all the info. I carry them all. I cant, nor want to afford a collector revolver like that. I carry a few 1911 worth more but theyre not collector items just higher end stuff. Makes people cringe but thats what i do. Id hate to get caught needing a pistol and have a $350 one when a $20k one is hanging in a display. This one is marked 38 special and has a few other markings stamped in there. I know it was bought new when the guy came back from vietnam at a western auto. Thats about all he remembers on it. I appreciate all the info. I love the knowledge just a few numbers tell.

 

[Cecil S.]

I own a K Frame 38 Special mine is missing the K Frame stamp in your photo. Tracing the Frames on Smiths can be tricky.

 

[JMayo]

I have a pre war 357 my Pop carried as ncis, cid & police.
It looks good. It's a shame I don't dare to display.