Smith & Wesson Model 15: Difference between revisions

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Smith & Wesson Model 15 .38 Special

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Smith & Wesson Model 15-4 Combat Masterpiece with Hogue Grips - .38 Special

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Smith & Wesson Model 15 with a 2 inch barrel

Characteristics

The Model 15 Combat Masterpiece was in common use with police and private security officers from the 1950's to the 80's. The four inch barrel configuration was manufactured throughout it's production history (1949-1999).

At various times it was also available with a two inch barrel (1964-1988), six inch barrel (1986-1992)and the eight and three eights inch barrel (1986-1988). The last two longer barrel lengths were issued after Smith and Wesson ceased production of the Model 15's target version the Model 14 Target Masterpiece in 1982.

The Model 15, and later the Model 67, was issued to officers of the L.A.P.D. for many years. It was, at the same time, a standard issue to pilots in the United States Air Force as well as the Air Force Security Police.

It was a counterpart of the Smith & Wesson Model 10 with adjustable sights and a "target" action. It is also the "duty" version of the Smith & Wesson Model 14 Target Masterpice. The biggest difference between the Model 15 and Model 14 was the Model 15 had a four inch barrel and the Baughman Quck Draw front sight while the Model 14 was initially only available with a six inch barrel and the Patridge front sight. The Patridge was not conducive to a "snag-free" quick draw while the Baughman was.

It was discontinued in 1999, but a stainless version,Smith & Wesson Model 67 is still in production. Chambered in .38 Special only, it has only 25% power of the modern .357 Magnums. This gun is the ancestor of the Smith & Wesson Model 19.

The Smith & Wesson Model 15 Combat Masterpiece Revolver was a K Frame revolver chambered for .38 Special. The Model 16 was a target model chambered for .32 S&W Long (and is not a common revolver). The Model 17 Target Masterpiece was a .22LR Model based on the same frame but for most of its production was made only with a six inch barrel. The Model 18 Combat Masterpiece (.22 LR) is a duplicate of the Model 15 with a four inch barrel.