S&W Model 15-3
I have a S&W model 15-3 serial is 5k841xx...what i am wondering is it anyone could tell me round about when this gun was made and also..it has oversized grip but they are S&W and have the S&W on them also has an attachment to the trigger making it wider it is also either chrome or stainless steel..any guess and the value of this gun.
any help is appreciated
thanks
Ben
any help is appreciated
thanks
Ben
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when did smith make this revolver and what would it be worth in 90% NRA? adjustable rear sight, heavy barrel
Its really hard to soar with the Eagles, when you are stuck with turkeys!0 -
http://v4.beta.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=131850508
Doesn't appear to have a adjustable rear sight.
Below is a photo of a Model 15
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Looking at that image, I have to agree with your gunshop owner.
The gun pictured appears to be a fixed sight Smith model 10, rather than the Smith model 15.
Its not an insignificant difference. The Smith model 15 is rarer and worth more (maybe $50-75 more for a similar condition one).
Apart from being adjustable the sights on the model 15 tend to be easier to see/read than the small fixed ones on the Smith 10. Personally, given the choice, I'd rather have a model 15. (Or even better, a Smith model 19, which is like the 15, but in .357 magnum).
I'd contact the seller and just make sure that the gun in the PICTURE is the same gun as the one on sale. Sometimes people make mistakes and post the wrong pictures or description. Perhaps this seller has another gun for sale (or already sold it). Why did he label it a model 15-3? It seems unlikely that the gun itself could be mislabelled as a model 15 when its a model 10, but sometimes that happens.
In terms of the absolute price, $300 is a fair price for a good condition Smith model 10 (though a much better price for a model 15). So if you otherwise like the gun, I don't think this is so bad.
His price of $50 shipping, IMO, is too high.
Also, if you figure in the cost of shipping plus your likely transfer fee from an FFL to get the gun, now you're pushing $375 to get the gun. For that price, you may well be able to find an as-good or maybe better Smith model 10 (or better model) locally in your area, as they are fairly common revolvers.0 -
Thanks so much for the quick replies and for the useful information. I am going to wait to hear back from the seller and hopefully he will have some type of explanation I will share here. I'm with you on the shipping cost. I did not even see that so that's my bad, but maybe the seller will consider reducing in light of the potential inaccurate photo/description. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by beantownshootah
His price of $50 shipping, IMO, is too high.
Shipping a handgun through a common carrier, ( FedEX, UPS ), is exorbitant nowadays. $50 isn't at all out of line, considering it has to be shipped overnight priority, plus the cost of insurance.0 -
I agree that the pictured gun is a Model 10. Of interest is the 5" barrel. There were a few Model 10's with 5" barrels, and even fewer Model 15's with 5" barrels. So, regardless if it is a 10 or 15, $300 is a pretty good price, if indeed it has a 5" barrel.
Also of note is the caliber, 38 S&W, not 38 Special. This brings to mind a pre model 10, made for the British lend lease program for WWII. 5" barrels are common in these. The pictured gun is not one of these either.
AC0 -
The "light pitting on frame and cylinder", would be a deal killer for me. Over and above, it being misrepresented as being a Model 15 when it's a much more common Model 10. It's your call though.
Check on the two large net Gun Auctions, what are the actual selling prices of Model 10's in comparable condition, "light pitting on frame and cylinder". Make him a offer based on these prices, if you still want this particular revolver. If he won't go for, tell him to take a hike.0 -
I am inclined to agree with Rufe-snow, the condition, misrepresentation of a model 10 as a 15-3, presuming that was not a photo editing mistake, would be deal breakers for me. I would look for a good, unpitted, used model 19 or a model 66.
While I agree one makes some mistakes in learning, and probably never quite gets completely past that phase, I would still contact the seller about an adjustment or or to void the contract. Indeed you are probably not getting too badly overcharged on the gun, I think you are on the shipping. Most FFL's can ship to your tranfer FFL via mail for $25-$30. I think in this case you are paying for his FFL to ship, thus price relfects a transfer and shipping fee. We can all hope this was a mistake and not an intentional misrepresentation (and it seems unlikely any buyer of a model 15 would not scream bloody murder on receiving a revolver marked model 10, and any seller could anticipate that).
Maybe you really like the looks of this gun and can live with the price, that is certainly your decision, but I think you have options here, and personally I would chose those.0 -
Sorry, I don't see where you have much of a complaint; &, I see no reason for the seller to adjust the price.
Your mistakes:
1. You bid on a gun you weren't familiar with.
2. You ignored the scant description. (No mention of bore condition.)
3. You ignored the lack of photos close enough to read the markings.
4. You ignored the seller's lack of a return policy.
5. You ignored the shipping charge.
6. It may or may not be import marked.
But, we all make mistakes; make enough, & you become
an expert.
Worst case scenario, you may have overpaid a little, but it doesn't appear that you got "burned". Live & learn.
Neal0 -
I am with you Neal. As a neophytee, I am willing to suffer the consequences and better educate myself prior to bidding the next time. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by rufe-snow
quote:Originally posted by beantownshootah
His price of $50 shipping, IMO, is too high.
Shipping a handgun through a common carrier, ( FedEX, UPS ), is exorbitant nowadays. $50 isn't at all out of line, considering it has to be shipped overnight priority, plus the cost of insurance.
No, its not completely insane, but in fairness, most sellers on the auction site are asking either $25-30 or "actual costs" for shipping handguns.
AirCommando raises a few good additional points to consider.
Is the gun in .38SW or .38 Special (ie .38 SW special)? BIG difference.
If the gun is in the older 38SW (aka .38/200) caliber, then finding factory loaded ammo isn't going to be so easy (or cheap).
The older "Victory" lend/lease guns sent over to England during WWII were chambered in this caliber, and 5" bbls were common, but those guns had lanyard loops and IIRC came in a parkerized (not blued) finish.
If this is/was a Victory gun, its likely been refinished or otherwise worked on (meaning its not got much collectors value). Again at $300, you can't really be burned TOO badly, but IMO that's probably too high for a refinished "Victory" and if you want a "shooter" this would NOT be the gun for you.
For Nmyers, the Smith model 15 was never made in 38SW. Though I agree, in general its "caveat emptor", in my opinion, irrespective of the purchasers lack of attention or knowledge about the type of gun in question, the gun is just being misrepresented in the auction.
You don't post a picture of thing "A" and label it as thing "B" especially when there are considerable differences between the two that may not be obvious to the casual observer. The fact that a knowledgeable person would have quickly caught this mistake doesn't excuse it.
At best this was an accident, and at worst its fraud. In either case, I also don't see a good reason why this buyer should feel committed to this auction at this point, especially BEFORE money has changed hands. A responsible SELLER would admit they made a mistake, then rectify it, if necessary.
Its far better for both parties to come to an understanding NOW, rather than after shipping and other fees have been spent and can't be recovered. Then feelings will be more hurt, bad feedback left, etc, etc.
I do agree with you that the seller shouldn't feel obligated to change his price. If he wants $300 for this gun, he should be able to hold out for it. But given the mislabelling, I also can't see a seller getting angry in good faith if the buyer here doesn't want to complete this auction.0 -
If you could get the serial number of the gun, LaserLemon, that would be a big help.
AC0
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