Picked up my model 15 S&W

[slips73]

I picked up my model 15-1 circa 1961 S&W today with my father for a graduation present, went up to the range with a box of PMC 132gr and federal 130gr fmj.


Shot some targets at 15 yards and had a blast, i found i shoot incredibly better in double action, i was getting holes on top of each other at 10 15 and sometimes 20 yards with it, but with single action i noticed i anticipate the shot and flinch too much, will have to work on that. Other than that i really love this gun, enough so i just placed an order with simply rugged for a pancake sourdough holster for open carry since i cannot conceal obviously being 18.


Me shooting, i shot 100 rounds through it and it functioned flawlessy. I do love revolvers and this one is really clean for its age, only one notch on the cylinder that is kinda peened noticeably. The rest show wear and ALL of them lock up like a vault when tested for full lock up. Some holster wear, a few blemishes and scratches/nicks but for 53 years someone took good care of this one.


https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2897/14413542651_03c8478401_o.jpg


it shot really well, this was faster double action at 20 yards.


https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2940/14413539791_eebc939636_o.jpg


https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2939/14393771396_6a84fd60bc_o.jpg


https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5277/14230453057_0f4ab349d6_o.jpg


I had some original tyler T grips laying around from an N frame they came on, but the grips were marked K and clearly didnt fit the frame, so i attached them to m15 and while i havent had a chance to shoot it with them on, it looks ready for Arizona to me.


https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5151/14415753044_03e868f5ab_o.jpg




thanks for looking,


-Adam

[dubber123]

Excellent choice in a firearm. You'll love it more as you shoot it more. I won't part with my Model 15 any time soon.

[rking22]

Adam, congrats on graduation and a fine revolver. They don't make them like that anymore. Thats some good shooting and photography too, I feel your pain on anticipating the shot :) I picked up a neat twin to yours recently, a M18 dash nuthin. Good thing I had some 22s or I would have gone nuts wanting to shoot it. Shoot yours lots and take care of it , you can pass it on to your son one day.

[osteodoc08]

Very nice choice in a fine weapon.

Congratulations on graduation.

[hardy]

Well done you,here,s a tip for shooting single action.Use your left thumb to cock the hammer ,then you won,t have to "reset"your grip for each shot.Good luck for your future life and keep learning....Cheers Mike

[historicfirearms]

That's a true classic. I've been on the look out for a nice one for a while. Used ones don't show up much around here, usually a good indication that the owners know what a good gun they have.

[bedbugbilly]

Congrats on your graduation and your new Model 15! I have a pre-15 Combat Masterpiece that was made in 1956 (4 years newer than I am!) and it is a great shooter. You are really going to love that new handgun and it will last you a lifetime. It's a great "all around handgun" and as you already know, it will "put 'em" where you point it! Have fun!

[OBXPilgrim]

Such a fine handgun. I kept a 4 screw M15 from a couple police trade-ins I got 20 yrs ago after selling one to my SIL (with my brother's blessing). I little more wear (or character) than yours, but it is so much fun to shoot. Congrats on graduation.

[buckwheatpaul]

I was issued one and carried it some.....before I got the magnum bug....wonderful revolver....enjoy......

[rintinglen]

There was a good reason why guns such as yours were U.S. Police Standard for most of the 20th century. They were the most accurate, powerful, dependable handguns available to the average shooter. Oh, I know there were registered Magnums, and 45 New Century's and the like, but such guns were expensive--in 1951 a .357 Magnum (the pre-Model 27) cost an even hundred bucks, while a Combat masterpiece such as yours could be had for 65 dollars. Sounds cheap, but my Uncle was a cop in those days and made a buck and a half an hour. Still sound cheap? And back in the days when a box of shells ran two hours take home, the ability to dry fire to keep one's hand in was not to be sneezed at. And the other great thing was that they were reliable. That S&W would go bang dependably when needed, even if it had sat in the holster for months. We take reliable function for granted in our autos today, but the first Colt 1911 I had was not to be trusted until I had replaced the Magazine and given it a trip to the gun smithy. The FBI was not alone in denying its agents the use of Autos--most police agencies did the same, and for the same reason: the pistols of the day were not reliable.
The K-frame S&W is a great gun that will give you years and years of shooting pleasure. Enjoy.

[Lloyd Smale]

everyone needs to own at least one 15. Probably not a more fun gun made.

[StrawHat]

Graduation-congratulations! The Model 15 is a sweet revolver. I have one and it would be one of the last to go. After using the M15 for a couple of years, I got rid of all my 357s as the 38 Special does all I need to do in a 36 caliber revolver.

Mine likes 158 grain boolits but there are other weights out there. Enjoy it!