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S&W M15-3 (cont.)

cussedemgun
http://v4.beta.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=131850508

The gun pictured appears to be a parts gun. Note there is no top sideplate screw. This was deleted from the pre Model 10 in 1955. Also note the round front sight blade. The pre Model 10 changed to ramp front sight in 1952.

SOOO! we have a post '55 frame with a pre '52 barrel.

Jim
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Comments

6 comments

Date Votes
  • beantownshootah
    So you're saying its not a Smith model 15? [;)]

    Seriously, good eye there.
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  • LaserLemon
    In light of those comments, I think I am going to back out of the auction. hopefully, my standing will not be damaged too badly, but I simply do not think I should have to pay for a parts gun.
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  • nmyers
    I think you should, at the least, wait until the seller responds to your questions. Jim may be right IF it is a Model 10. The seller says it is a Model 15-3, which could not have been made before 1967.

    The most important question is, "Is the frame stamped MODEL 15-3?" If not, the gun was improperly listed, & you have every right to refuse to complete the auction. But, if the frame is stamped MODEL 15-3, it is was it was alleged to be, even if it is a parts gun, & even if the adjustable rear sight was removed & the frame cut filled with Bondo.

    At least, that's the way I see it.

    Neal
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  • beantownshootah
    quote:Originally posted by nmyers
    I think you should, at the least, wait until the seller responds to your questions. Jim may be right IF it is a Model 10. The seller says it is a Model 15-3, which could not have been made before 1967.

    The most important question is, "Is the frame stamped MODEL 15-3?" If not, the gun was improperly listed, & you have every right to refuse to complete the auction. But, if the frame is stamped MODEL 15-3, it is was it was alleged to be, even if it is a parts gun, & even if the adjustable rear sight was removed & the frame cut filled with Bondo.

    At least, that's the way I see it.

    Neal


    I agree entirely with the first part and disagree a bit with the second part.

    First see what the seller has to say about this. This might be as simple as her (and I think the seller is a woman) posting the wrong pictures. Perhaps she DOES have a (separate) Smith model 15-3 for sale which she could provide instead. If so, that could close this sale and make both parties happy.

    I suspect that this was just a simple mislabeling error on the part of the seller or auction lister, and that the seller will be happy to cancel the auction because of the misrepresentation.

    In terms of what the frame is stamped with, there is basically no way a 50's era Smith model 10 even COULD be stamped "model 15-3". So realistically I don't even think that's an option here.

    In theory, sure, if this actually were a model 15-3 that has had the rear sight removed, then filled in, then OK. . .I suppose in that case there MIGHT be something to talk about. (Though even then, personally I still wouldn't expect the buyer to feel obligated to complete this auction, since a gun that has had that sort of drastic work done to it should have the work at least MENTIONED by any honest seller. You don't knowingly sell someone a car that was in a wreck and has had the engine replaced and not even mention it. . .that's not right).

    Being Devil's advocate, if this were a factory model 10 that somehow got mislabelled as a model 15-3, I again don't see why the buyer should feel obligated to complete this auction. Simply put, the gun is advertised as a model 15-3, but isn't one.

    Whether the seller mislabeled the gun or the factory did, either way, the buyer isn't going to be getting what's advertised. An innocent mistake on the part of the seller doesn't change that, and again, no reputable seller would hold a buyer to a purchase like this.

    Lastly, and relevant here, the seller doesn't seem to be some total greenhorn who knows nothing about guns. He (or she) is listing and has previously sold a number of guns and gun accessories, including an ACTUAL Smith model 10-5.

    One of this seller's other CURRENT auctions describes the following, direct quote:

    quote:1950 Target Mdl. Light barrel revolver-Pre model 26.Introduced in 1950. 5 screw in target frame,6.5" barrel, ribbed w/pin. Partridge front sight w/S&W micrometer rear target hammer. Grooved trig. Shrouded extractor rod. Checkered Maga-type diamond walnut stocks. Early modles had 6 serrations on back strap with later models going to 10 serr. Ser.# range: S76212-S211000. 2,768 mage from 1950-1961.Has 2 1/2 moon clips.

    So without reading too much into this, it seems that the seller either knows something about guns, knows someone who does, or at least has access to info about guns. Anyone who could write the above should be able to tell a Smith 15 from a Smith 10, or at the very least understand why the difference is important.

    Edit: In response to below bit, my notes say the Smith and Wesson model 15 "Combat masterpiece" was introduced in 1949. The "Combat masterpiece" (gotta love that hype) became the model 15 in 1957, when Smith introduced the gun model numbering system it still uses.

    The third "dash" change occurred in 1967, with re-location of the rear sight leaf screw.

    So, while its certainly possible to have a 1950s era Smith model 15, its not possible to have a 50s era 15-3.

    Note that the Combat Masterpiece/model 15 was always issued with a ramp (ie COMBAT) type front sight. It never had the half-moon front sight seen on the gun in this auction, and common to Smith models 10.
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  • garyman
    It IS a model 15-3 ! S&W started making them in 1957, I have one that appears Identical to the one picture in front of me. I believe Mine was a police service revolver. I have owned it since 1979, and my X-father-in-law for a dozen or so years before that.
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  • garyman
    oooops [:I] I was looking at a different picture than the one in the auction
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