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| pzlehr | 06-08-2012 02:04 PM |
How to date a S&W model 15
Hi,
I looked around some and could not find how I can get the date of my S&W 15..NO dash. I just bought what I think is an older model 15 38spl, there is no dash, just says Mod-15. I went to the S&W site and it it said it costs $50.00 to find the history of your gun...I assume that just meant when and where it was made. Any chance of finding the date for free somewhere?
Thanks,
Chuck
| LAS&W4me | 06-08-2012 02:05 PM |
Provide the serial number, you can use an XX for the last two digits
| pzlehr | 06-08-2012 02:15 PM |
k 4151xx
I assume the k if for K-Frame. The gunstore where I got this 15(which is in like new condition) also had an old 38spl made in 1905 so the Blue Book said...the barrel had an iron cross before and after where it says "38 s and w. special ctg".
| scha | 06-08-2012 02:20 PM |
That serial number is from 1960.
Hope this helps.
Steve
| pzlehr | 06-08-2012 02:26 PM |
Sure does! Thank you. The blue book said something about them having been produced starting in 1958. When there is a dash...does that mean that number after the dash refers to what generation they are?
| DCWilson | 06-08-2012 02:40 PM |
Sort of. Dash numbers represent design or engineering changes to the basic model, or sometimes a separate variety of the basic model (alternative caliber, for example).
The Combat Masterpiece was actually introduced in the 1950/51 timeframe, but it was not designated the Model 15 until 1957 when S&W introduced model numbers for its entire product line. Before that the models just had names. A Combat Masterpiece produced before the Model 15 designation was applied can be called a Pre-15.
| pzlehr | 06-08-2012 02:44 PM |
OH,OK! I just learned something new here then! Thanks for responding!
| FRAN357 | 06-08-2012 02:57 PM |
The K Serial Number K1-K999999 Dates 1946 to 1969
| Engine49guy | 06-10-2012 01:48 AM |
Your gun could be a late 15 no dash or actually a 15-1 , Its kind of early to be a dash 2 revision,
If you post some pics including one showing the ejector rod tip we can figure it out.
Oh yeah those "Iron crosses" you mentioned are called "Finnials" and are found on older Smiths.
BTW,
I just checked my 15-1 which is close in serial at K430xxx but slightly higher ,
Post some pics if you get a chance.
| fyimo | 06-10-2012 06:30 AM |
The dash -1 came out in 1959 so if yours doesn't have a dash number after the Model number on the crane then it could have been made in 1959 right before the engineering change or they couls have used a crane that was still avaible from the earlier model and built it in 1960. S&W used all of their parts in inventory after they implemented an engineering change.
| Russell44 | 06-10-2012 04:46 PM |
WOW!! this forum is incredible!...too much information, but I love it. Can you help me track a date of manufacture? It is a K frame 15-3, number K926xxx. My dad was put in an assisted living facility and had to get it out of his sock drawer ;-)...unfortunately, he doesn't remember anything about where/when he got this Combat Masterpiece. Any information would be a blessing. Thanks...love the site!
| ar15ed | 06-10-2012 05:25 PM |
1969.
welcome to the forum!
| Russell44 | 06-10-2012 08:07 PM |
sweet pistol
Thanks so much...I'm sure I'm going to enjoy this site.
| Iggy | 06-10-2012 09:32 PM |
Quote:
Originally Posted by Russell44(Post 136558805)
Thanks so much...I'm sure I'm going to enjoy this site.
Welcome to the forum. As far as learning and enjoying a site, you ain't seen nuthin' yet.:)
A bit of a warning. This place will cost you money.
These fellers will show pictures and whet your appetite like nuthin you can believe.
Don't ask me how I know this....;)
| Yurko | 06-12-2012 10:34 AM |
Several diseases, detrimental to the wallet, are caused by reviewing this site.
Revolveritis - characterized by a compelling passion to purchase beautiful revolvers.
S&Witis - characterized by a compelling passion to purchase Smith & Wesson guns of all manner.
Hi, my name is Yurko & I'm an addict.
My diagnosis is revolveritis.
I hope to gain one more today!
| SixGunHunter | 06-12-2012 04:28 PM |
+1 on costing you money to look here!
I bought my first S&W, a 686-1. Joined the forum to learn more about my 686 and in 1 month a 28-2 and a 60 joined the ranks. I have since, traded the 686 and just over the weekend picked up a Nickel 15-4.
Will it ever stop? I hope not!
| DGNY | 06-12-2012 06:57 PM |
With your Model 15 you have one of the quintessential S&W configurations - midsize K frame, streamlined barrel/ejector rod retainer, target sights, classic .38 Special Caliber.
A great choice - and they most often shoot extremely well!
Best,
Dyson
| DWalt | 06-13-2012 12:41 PM |
Reading this brought to mind something I had long forgotten. Many years ago (over 40) I had a good friend, now deceased, who had a Pre-15 Combat Masterpiece that he had as a personal weapon when he was a soldier during the Korean Conflict. He had to use it several times, so he said. In any event he was shot up pretty badly there. Back when, he still had the S&W and we took it out a few times to shoot. I wish I could remember more details, but I don't, other than it was a Combat Masterpiece. He also had brought back a Mauser Schnellfeuer he had picked up in Korea, which, of course, was highly illegal. Apparently those were fairly common among the Chinese troops. I wonder what happened to it?
| rbrewer | 01-10-2013 08:42 PM |
new to forum/ would like help w/ ser #
Hi- just joined and am enjoying all the info.
I 'm new here and to S&W's.
Would appreciate if anyone could assist with
a Model 15
serial # K9772xx
From what I've been able to tell, its a 1970?
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
| JP@AK | 01-10-2013 09:29 PM |
Quote:
Originally Posted by rbrewer(Post 136922174)
Model 15
serial # K9772xx
From what I've been able to tell, its a 1970?
Yes probably 1970, and it should be a Model 15-3.
Welcome to the Forum!
Jack
| JP@AK | 01-10-2013 09:31 PM |
Quote:
Originally Posted by pzlehr(Post 136555506)
I assume the k if for K-Frame.
Yes, but a K frame with target sights. The fixed sight K frame revolvers during this period were numbered in a different series.
Jack
And welcome to the Forum and to the world of Smith & Wesson!
| JP@AK | 01-10-2013 09:36 PM |
Quote:
Originally Posted by DWalt(Post 136562623)
Many years ago (over 40) I had a good friend, now deceased, who had a Pre-15 Combat Masterpiece that he had as a personal weapon when he was a soldier during the Korean Conflict.
Cool. Your friend's Combat Masterpiece would have been pretty darn new on the market when he went over there. My dad was the Officer in Charge of the Post Office at Kunsan AB during that conflict. He had been a P-38 pilot during the Second World War. Shot down over France on D-Day plus 10 and spent 9 months as a POW.
When they called him back up for Korea, he wanted to fly again, but they told him he was "too old" to fly jets. He was 29. How things have changed.
Today is the first anniversary of his passing. I miss him. But I have a couple of his Smiths!
Jack
| Lo0nyt0on | 07-12-2013 07:01 PM |
I just traded a 5943 for a revolver (oppertunity at the right time i couldnt pass on)
I traded for a model 15 SW
Its nickle plated but was told it probably isnt original nickle plated.
Aswell idk if it is a 15-somthing or what year it was made
Anyways the serial number is K3293xx
Any help would be appriciated
The gun is very very clean and looks good..and looks barley shot
Good trade?
I always try to trade up in value (i do have a goal)
Started with a ruger p95, trafed for the 5943 and traded that for the 15
Anyways all info would be helpful on finding out what year and generation it is
| BADSBSNF811 | 07-12-2013 07:31 PM |
That sn dates to 1958.
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