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Smith & Wesson 1969 Model 15 3, K 38 Combat Masterpiece, Pre Lock, Pinned Barrel
Guns International #: 103691160 Seller's Inventory #: 510-2
Category: Smith & Wesson Revolvers - Model 15 - .38 Special Revolvers
Seller's Information
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Seller: TexasDan
Member Since: 9/12/25
First Name: Danny
Last Name: Mayer
State: Texas
Zip: 76262
Country: United States
Phone: (817) 995-5408
Premium Seller
Number of Active Listings: 4
Total Number of Listings: 5
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
ALL FIREARMS ARE SOLD AS IS. NO RETURNS
Payment Types Accepted: Cashier's Check, Money Order
About Us: Legendary Guns of Texas is a veteran owned business and also owns and also operates Texas Estate Firearms. We primarily liquidate private collections and estate settlements. We are new to Guns International but have a long and PERFECT feedback history with Gun-Br0ker.
Description:
TAKE THE TIME TO READ THE FULL DESCRIPTION & VIEW ALL OF THE PHOTOS
I am new to GunsInternational, but not to the gun trade or to selling firearms online. Legendary Guns of Texas was founded in 2013, and since then we’ve sold hundreds of firearms on the other well?known gun site, without ever receiving a single negative comment. We joined GunsInternational to showcase some of our higher?end and specialty pieces, and we invite you to browse our listings and contact us with any questions.
Offered for your consideration is a Smith & Wesson Model 15?3, the classic K?38 Combat Masterpiece, built during what many collectors consider the finest era of S&W craftsmanship. Manufactured between 1967–1977, the 15?3 represents the last decade of the pre?cost?cutting era, pinned barrels, forged internals, deep polished bluing, and the unmistakable smooth S&W action that made these revolvers legendary among law enforcement and marksmen.
This model is widely regarded as one of the most accurate and best?balanced .38 Special revolvers ever produced.
This pistol came from the estate of an elderly gentleman along with several other firearms. He obviously took very good care of his collection. The action is excellent and the bore is bright with crisp rifling. The overall finish excellent with normal handling marks and some scratches on the cylinder. View the photos because as they say, “a picture is worth a thousand words.”
History & Background
Introduced in 1949 as the K?38 Combat Masterpiece, the revolver that would become the Model 15 quickly earned a reputation for accuracy, reliability, and superb handling. In 1957, Smith & Wesson transitioned to numerical designations, officially naming it the Model 15.
The 15?3 engineering change, introduced in 1967, is especially desirable among collectors. This revision retained all the classic features, pinned barrel, adjustable sights, forged lockwork, while refining internal geometry and cylinder stop screw placement. These revolvers served with distinction:
- U.S. Air Force issue (M15) for aircrews and security police
- Widespread adoption by police departments nationwide
- Favored in PPC competition and qualification courses
The 15?3 era is considered the “sweet spot” for shooters and collectors alike.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
- Model: 15?3 (K?38 Combat Masterpiece)
- Caliber: .38 Special
- Action: Double?Action / Single?Action
- Frame: K?Frame, carbon steel
- Capacity: 6 rounds
- Manufactured: 1969
- Serial Number: K970294
Barrel & Sights
- Pinned barrel 4” (pre?1982 hallmark)
- Front Sight: Ramped, serrated blade
- Rear Sight: Fully adjustable micrometer?style target sight
Cylinder
- Cylinder has some scratches (see photos)
- Six?shot fluted cylinder
- Standard S&W left?side release
Finish & Grips
- Factory blued
- Rubber target stocks
- Square?butt
Dimensions (4" barrel)
- Overall Length: 9.25"
- Weight: 34 oz
- Sight Radius: 5.75"
Notable Features
- Classic pre?lock, pre?MIM S&W craftsmanship
- Renowned smooth double?action pull and crisp single?action break
- Excellent balance and recoil control
- One of the most accurate .38 Special service revolvers ever produced
- Highly collectible due to its military and law?enforcement legacy
Collector’s Note
The Smith & Wesson Model 15?3 stands as one of the finest examples of mid?century American revolver craftsmanship. Whether you’re a collector, a shooter who appreciates classic steel, or someone seeking a historically significant service revolver, the 15?3 remains a benchmark of quality.
Veteran?owned, collector?focused, and committed to preserving the craftsmanship and history of America’s finest firearms. We ship nationwide where legal and package every item with care.
NOTICE- Please read before buying!
- ALL FIREARMS ARE SOLD AS IS. Returns are ONLY accepted in cases of gross misrepresentation. Legendary Guns of Texas (LGT) inspects basic functionality but does not test fire any firearm. Buyers are strongly encouraged to have all firearms inspected by a licensed gunsmith before use.
- WE DO NOT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA.
- VERIFY IN ADVANCE THAT THIS FIREARM AND/OR MAGAZINE IS LEGAL IN YOUR STATE PRIOR TO . IF YOUR STATE RESTRICTS MAGAZINE SIZE THAT RESTRICTS THE MAGAZINE(S) THAT COME WITH THIS FIREARM WE WILL SHIP WITHOUT THE MAGAZINE(S). NO REFUNDS FOR ON A FIREARM/MAGAZINE THAT IS ILLEGAL IN YOUR STATE!
Price: $575.00
Handgun Caliber: .38 Special