S&W 15-3
Morning people, my wife has inherited a S&W 15-3 from her grandfather dont care to know the value because its pricless to us. My question is in learning more about this type of weapon I keep hearing about I J K L Frames any one have photos of the differances and which one do we have . I also hear about +p and +p+ ammo, would it be safe to shoot with this weapon. the serial # is 5K67509
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I am looking for another, nice, short barreled revolver. I now have a 66-2, 2" barrel, nickel and like it a lot. I am trying to buy one for the wife. Presently looking at a very nice 15-3, K frame in .38 special with a 2" barrel, blued, and adj rear sight. Does anyone know anything negative about this model gun and how does it compare to the 66-2, other than the 66 will shoot 357 ammo? Priced about $600.00. Help appreciated...thanks! 0 -
I really like the model 15. I do prefer them with a four inch barrel though. 600 sounds a little high. Last one I got was like new in the box, for 475. 0 -
Your 66 is stainless steel. I like my model 60. Never saw the need for adjustable sights on a belly gun. On a good day gallon milk jugs at 100 yards. 0 -
pday,
Your model 66 is a 2 1/2" not 2". With the 2 1/2" you get a little longer ejection rod for more positive ejection. I have a 3" model 66 for a little more positive ejection.0 -
When that gun was made, I don't think there was ever anything negative that could be said about any Smith. But because of that, Smiths were sold in very large numbers, so I think the price is very high. The last M15 that I bought, about a year ago, mechanically in excellent shape but with minor finish wear, had an asking price of $375, and I negotiated it to $300.
I believe that a 2-inch gun has no real need for adjustable sights, and that an M10 round-butt fills the bill admirably for alley use, but that's just me.0 -
quote:Originally posted by pday
I am looking for another, nice, short barreled revolver. I now have a 66-2, 2" barrel, nickel and like it a lot.
As mentioned, all models 66 were manufactured in stainless steel; never nickel. If yours truly is nickel its a model 19.
Also, yours probably has a 2.5" barrel. In addition to increasing the sight radius, and giving you a full-length ejector rod (to toss the empty shells all the way out of the cylinder, rather than half-way), this also gives you a decent boost in velocity with .357 magnum. That particular round does poorly in short barrels, and even an extra half inch helps a great deal.
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I am trying to buy one for the wife. Presently looking at a very nice 15-3, K frame in .38 special with a 2" barrel, blued, and adj rear sight. Does anyone know anything negative about this model gun and how does it compare to the 66-2, other than the 66 will shoot 357 ammo?
15-3 is an excellent gun in its own right. All models 15 (by definition) have adjustable sights. Its basically the same gun as the model 66, only in blued steel (not stainless) and it won't take .357 magnum ammo. Frame size is the same, grips are the same, sights are the same, and there is probably some internal parts similarity too.
On adjustable sights, no you don't "need" them for a short-range snubnose revolver, but I can tell you the rear adjustable sight is a LOT easier to see than the streamlined "gutter" notch sight on the model 10 and J-frame fixed sight guns. So even though the adjustable sights are more more snag-prone, and even though you're probably not shooting for accuracy here, I still prefer them.
My question is, what is this gun really "for"? Most people find the medium ("K" frame) Smith revolvers too bulky for concealed carry. If she's not going to carry it concealed, or it doesn't have to fit in some small tight place, you might consider going for one with a 4" barrel. That makes it much easier to aim, and increases effectiveness of the round. Also as a matter of practice the 4" guns are generally cheaper than the 2" versions.
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Priced about $600.00. Help appreciated...thanks!
Well, looking at the auction site, I'm a bit surprised to see that people are actually asking that much for these now.
Still, unless the gun in question is in like-new condition with original box and papers, I think that's a bit on the high side. (And if it is in collectible condition like that, you might not want to shoot it!).
4" versions can be had for $400 (or less, depending on condition), and I think $500 is probably a more reasonable price for a snubnose version right now.0 -
For a woman's house gun, it's difficult to beat a Model 10 4" Heavy Barrel; the weight up front reduces recoil & muzzle flip. 
Neal0
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