Smith & Wesson Model 15
Smith & Wesson · Revolver · Discontinued · 1949
Also known as: K-38 Combat Masterpiece, M15 General Officer's Model
Overview
The Smith & Wesson Model 15 is a six-shot double-action revolver chambered in .38 Special, built on the medium-size K-frame. Introduced in 1949 as the K-38 Combat Masterpiece and redesignated the Model 15 in 1957, it pairs an adjustable micrometer rear sight with a Baughman Quick Draw front sight on a 4-inch barrel for target-grade accuracy in a service-size package. It served extensively with American police forces and the U.S. Air Force, the latter adopting it as the M15 General Officer's Model.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 964 g (34.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Barrel Length | 102 mm (4.02") |
| Height | 145 mm (5.71") |
| Width | 39 mm (1.54") |
| Action Type | Revolving |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Trigger Pull | 49 N (11.0 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Rotary |
| Muzzle Velocity | 290 m/s (951 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 341 J (252 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 45 m (49 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 476 mm (18.74") |
| Number of Grooves | 5 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .38 Special · primary — also known as .38 Spl, .38 S&W Special, 9x29mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Hammer Block, Rebound Slide
- Features: Adjustable Rear Sight, Baughman Quick Draw Front Sight, Swing Out Cylinder, Medium K Frame
Variants
- Smith & Wesson Model 15-2 - Production Revision
Service history
Operators
- United States Air Force · adopted 1962 · as M15 General Officer's Model
- United States law enforcement agencies
Production
Estimated total produced: 1,000,000 · Production years: 1949-1999
Over one million units produced across its run; briefly reissued 2011-2013 in the Classics line.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Smith & Wesson
Discontinued: 1999
Notes
Most commonly produced with a 4-inch barrel; a 2-inch variant was offered from 1964 to 1988. Production ran for roughly 50 years before ending in 1999, with a brief revival in the S&W Classics line from 2011 to 2013.
Background
Developed from the pre-war K-38 Target Masterpiece, the Combat Masterpiece was conceived alongside the .357 Combat Magnum as a fast-handling, fixed-grip target revolver suited to duty carry, becoming a favored sidearm of police marksmen and military officers.