Smith & Wesson Model 15-4 Combat Masterpiece .38 Special, 4-inch, Bright Nickel K-Frame DA/SA Revolver
This late-1970s Smith & Wesson Model 15-4 Combat Masterpiece is a K-frame, double-action/single-action .38 Special with the classic 4-inch, pinned steel barrel. It wears a bright nickel finish and features adjustable sights, color case-hardened hammer and trigger, and hallmark factory rollmarks. The bore is excellent, and this example includes an HKS speedloader, an extra set of S&W walnut grip panels, and the original blue hard plastic S&W case.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The firearm is in overall good shape. The metal shows scratching and blemishes throughout, with handling wear present.
What’s Included
- HKS speedloader
- Additional S&W checkered walnut grip panels with medallions (not installed)
- Original case (blue hard plastic pistol case with S&W sticker)
The Model 15-4 Combat Masterpiece is a United States-made K-frame revolver chambered in .38 Special, configured here with the standard 4-inch pinned steel barrel and a six-chamber fluted cylinder. It is a DA/SA design with an unshrouded ejector rod and knurled tip, consistent with period factory configuration.
This revolver carries a bright nickel finish on the frame, cylinder, and receiver, contrasted by color case-hardened hammer and trigger. A serrated topstrap and a serrated barrel rib reduce glare, while the checkered walnut stocks with S&W medallions provide a secure, period-correct grip.
Targeting features include a Baughman-style serrated ramp front sight paired with an S&W micrometer-adjustable square-notch rear sight. These adjustable iron sights are well-suited to the revolver’s duty-length 4-inch setup.
Correct factory markings are present: the yoke cut is marked MOD. 15-4; the barrel is rollmarked SMITH & WESSON and .38 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG.; the large S&W crest appears on the right sideplate; and the right-side frame carries the MADE IN U.S.A. ... SPRINGFIELD, MASS.
rollmark. As part of the 15-4 engineering change, the gas ring was relocated to the cylinder.