Smith & Wesson Model 15-3 K-38 Combat Masterpiece .38 Special Revolver, 4" Pinned Barrel (1969)
Built in 1969, this Model 15-3 embodies the features that made Smith & Wesson’s K-38 Combat Masterpiece a mainstay with law enforcement and the U.S. Air Force Security Forces. A pinned, tapered 4-inch barrel, micrometer-click adjustable rear sight, and color-case-hardened hammer and trigger give this square-butt K-frame revolver the classic pre-1980 S&W character collectors look for.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair – Shows extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair – Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Rifling Condition: Fair Rifling – Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
Specific Condition Notes: Widespread rust and scratches are present across the metal surfaces, with noticeable finish loss. The left side of the frame bears a hand-done Dremel engraving. Mechanical function remains solid.
What’s Included
- Smith & Wesson Model 15-3 revolver
The Model 15-3 retains the desirable pinned-barrel construction that Smith & Wesson discontinued in the early 1980s, locking the 4-inch carbon-steel tube securely to the frame for consistent accuracy.
Its 1/8" Baughman ramp front sight pairs with a fully adjustable rear sight, allowing precise windage and elevation changes without tools—one of the reasons this pattern served as a training and duty revolver for USAF personnel.
The wide-spur, color-case-hardened hammer houses a frame-mounted firing pin and works with the color-case-hardened trigger to deliver smooth double-action pulls and crisp single-action breaks.
Checkered walnut Magna grips with factory S&W medallions provide secure purchase while maintaining the classic K-frame profile collectors expect.
A matching yoke stamp and K-prefix serial number confirm factory original configuration, underscoring its appeal to anyone seeking an authentic late-1960s S&W service revolver.