38 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG.
There was a recent thread (Subject: S&W Model 15-3), but the topic now appears to be locked. Because I have a similar gun, I thought that I'd share some of my info, and maybe get some thoughts on my thoughts in return. First though, my gun's specifics.
The exact Subject text, including punctuation, is stamped on the right side of the barrel.
The number (K978***) is stamped on the left side of the frame and can be seen when the cylinder is swung open. Directly under that number is stamped the following: Mod. 15-3. I took off the wooden grips to see what number was stamped on the butt, and it is the same number as the number stamped on the left side of the frame. I read elsewhere that this, therefore, is the gun's serial number.
My gun looks similar, but not identical, to the first image presented in the other thread. The only differences are that my grips are larger (actually covering a small portion of the lower left quadrant of the SW trademark seal) and appears older, that both halves of the grips fit flush together on two sides (i.e., inside the grips and on the bottom...which is why the grips had to be removed to get the serial #), and that the top of my grips extend to slightly below the top of the trigger guard. Other than those things, my gun looks exactly like the image posted.
Now, I believe that the gun in the image does have an adjustable rear sight because there is clearly a screw there. And if that gun is like mine, then there are two more screws on top of the rear sight, which you can't see from that angle of the picture.
Anyway, I think it's entirely possible that the gun in the picture is a Model 15-3, and if that gun from the original poster has the same rear sight, then I believe it's also possible that the guy at the gunsmith was mistaken.
Oh, if anyone can tell me how old (and any other details) my gun might be from the serial# above, it would be really appreciated.
The exact Subject text, including punctuation, is stamped on the right side of the barrel.
The number (K978***) is stamped on the left side of the frame and can be seen when the cylinder is swung open. Directly under that number is stamped the following: Mod. 15-3. I took off the wooden grips to see what number was stamped on the butt, and it is the same number as the number stamped on the left side of the frame. I read elsewhere that this, therefore, is the gun's serial number.
My gun looks similar, but not identical, to the first image presented in the other thread. The only differences are that my grips are larger (actually covering a small portion of the lower left quadrant of the SW trademark seal) and appears older, that both halves of the grips fit flush together on two sides (i.e., inside the grips and on the bottom...which is why the grips had to be removed to get the serial #), and that the top of my grips extend to slightly below the top of the trigger guard. Other than those things, my gun looks exactly like the image posted.
Now, I believe that the gun in the image does have an adjustable rear sight because there is clearly a screw there. And if that gun is like mine, then there are two more screws on top of the rear sight, which you can't see from that angle of the picture.
Anyway, I think it's entirely possible that the gun in the picture is a Model 15-3, and if that gun from the original poster has the same rear sight, then I believe it's also possible that the guy at the gunsmith was mistaken.
Oh, if anyone can tell me how old (and any other details) my gun might be from the serial# above, it would be really appreciated.
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Your gun was made in 1970 according to the serial number. The model 15-3's were made from 1967 to 1977.
Model 15's came from the factory with the smaller grips. Your grips are what are referred to as Magnum grips as they are standard on Magnum guns like the models 19, 66 and other "K" frame magnums.
Model 15's are chambered for .38 special only, but are built on the same frame as the .357 Mag model 19's and 66's. Someone appearently had bigger hands and needed the larger grips.
The forward screw on the rear sight holds the sight on the frame. The rear (larger) screw is for adjusting elevation on the rear sight.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Laredo Lefty
Your gun was made in 1970 according to the serial number. The model 15-3's were made from 1967 to 1977.
Model 15's came from the factory with the smaller grips. Your grips are what are referred to as Magnum grips as they are standard on Magnum guns like the models 19, 66 and other "K" frame magnums.
Model 15's are chambered for .38 special only, but are built on the same frame as the .357 Mag model 19's and 66's. Someone appearently had bigger hands and needed the larger grips.
The forward screw on the rear sight holds the sight on the frame. The rear (larger) screw is for adjusting elevation on the rear sight.
Interesting, I had hoped the gun was older, but, hey, 1970 was a decent year, so thanks.
And thanks for the extra info, Laredo Lefty, but I see now that I've made a mistake. The picture of the gun in the first response (from rufe-snow...of that other thread) was of a Model 15, just like it had been stated.
http://tinyurl.com/mkpeny
Apparently, the first responder was only referring to the picture of the auction gun, which doesn't have an adjustable rear sight, and so [it] isn't a Model 15.
So, my mistake [B)]0 -
Also, the sub-model (the number that appears to the right of the dash - symbol [yours is 15-3] usually (but not always) involves internal changes/improvements. Thus a 15-2, or perhaps, a 15-4 may outwardly appear identical to your 15-3. Hope I helped, Joe 0 -
quote:Originally posted by givette
Also, the sub-model (the number that appears to the right of the dash - symbol [yours is 15-3] usually (but not always) involves internal changes/improvements. Thus a 15-2, or perhaps, a 15-4 may outwardly appear identical to your 15-3. Hope I helped, Joe
Yes, this was very helpful. I bought the gun from my brother-in-law, and he got it from a gentleman at a garage sale or yard sale, so I don't know much about the gun's actual history. Just by its looks and heft alone, I had thought it an old service revolver used by the police. Had even entertained some thoughts of using it if I ever decided to get back into security as an armed-guard.
I know one thing, when I hold it, it looks like and feels like it means business. Never shot it though. I have two other S&W's, another 38 (a 5-shot snub-nose), and a 32, but it's the Model 15 that I'd use first for home protection.0 -
Electro..... That model 15 would be a very good gun for home protection, but practice with it before you do that. Also select a good round for home protection.
The model 15 being an all steel medium frame gun and will handle whats called +P 38 ammo which is hotter than standard .38 spl and has higher velocity.
I would recommend buying maybe 200 rds of good hollow point ammo and shooting at least 100 for practice in that gun. If you can consistantly put bullets into a torso size target at about 10 yds or 30 ft then its good to go for home protection.
Gotta love the model 15's
[img][/img]
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quote:Originally posted by Laredo Lefty
Electro..... That model 15 would be a very good gun for home protection, but practice with it before you do that. Also select a good round for home protection.
The model 15 being an all steel medium frame gun and will handle whats called +P 38 ammo which is hotter than standard .38 spl and has higher velocity.
I would recommend buying maybe 200 rds of good hollow point ammo and shooting at least 100 for practice in that gun. If you can consistantly put bullets into a torso size target at about 10 yds or 30 ft then its good to go for home protection.
Gotta love the model 15's
[img][/img]
Thanks for the tips (and the additional photo). I'll bear this in mind, but I do have a question. I have extra rounds for the gun, PMC 38 SPL, as stamped on the bottom of each cartridge. Is this particular ammo adequate and safe enough for my gun? They came with the gun.0 -
Yes, PMC is good ammo and safe to shoot in your model 15. For home protection I would suggest a hollow point bullet for 2 reasons.
1. It will expand in your target doing more tissue damage and stopping the threat faster.
2. Hollow points are less prone to going through walls and hitting friendlies.
Full metal jacket or lead round nose bullets do not expand like HP bullets and therefore dont perform as well.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Laredo Lefty
Yes, PMC is good ammo and safe to shoot in your model 15. For home protection I would suggest a hollow point bullet for 2 reasons.
1. It will expand in your target doing more tissue damage and stopping the threat faster.
2. Hollow points are less prone to going through walls and hitting friendlies.
Full metal jacket or lead round nose bullets do not expand like HP bullets and therefore dont perform as well.
I keep .38 hollow-points in my other S&W (the five-shot, snubby) and have almost a full box of them, so this is good info. I wasn't really sure about the PMC rounds. Thanks, Laredo Lefty.0
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