S&W Combat Masterpiece Model 15-3 USAF Contract

[crotter]

Wanted to share what has now become the most prized piece in my C&R collection...

Been patiently waiting almost 3 months for the letter to come in from S&W on my recently acquired 38 special.

Being an Air Force Pilot myself, I have been wanting one of these USAF contract 38's for quite some time. They are fairly rare as most where de-milled (destroyed) in the 1980's once the M-9 started rolling out.

It is my understanding the only ones out in the public hands now are ones that were either "lost" from inventory, or those that went to retiring General Officers as they were allowed to purchase their personal side arm from the Gov't upon retirement.

These 38's were issued to USAF security police and USAF aircrews.

Heres a great picture of Col Robin Olds flying a sortie in Vietnam with one of these pistols strapped to his web belt.



My pistol:








According to the letter my .38 was delivered to Robins AFB, GA on July 25th 1969 as part of a 1250 pistol contract. Robins AFB was the procurement base at the time so likely the pistol went on from there to its eventual owner at some other base. The U.S.A.F. stamping on the lower part of the frame was done at the factory to mark it as part of the Air Force Contract.

The letter I received from the S&W historical foundation:




I have also procured a period correct web belt, holster (1968), and ammunition pouch (1965).

[sigstroker]

I had one that was a Sheriff Deputy turn-in. I was at a gun show way back when. J&G had their typical setup where they bring about 6 different kinds of guns, and about 500 copies of each. They would have 1 of each type of gun on display, and then pick one off the huge pile behind them when you buy one. I was about to buy a Makarov for $150 when I saw a Model 15 at the end of the table. I just wanted a cheap throw-around gun. The Mak would do, but they feel horrible, and the .38 special is probably actually more power than the .380 Mak. At least I knew what I was getting with a K frame, so I decided to spend the extra 18 bucks. The J&G guy looked through the pile and found a pretty nice one in the 4th box, and it came home with me.

[sfe187]

Very nice, congrats. Side note, Jinks doesn't do letters anymore?

[highpower]

Very nice. I have a special fondness for pinned barrel Smiths and have a few, but I have yet to get my hands on a USAF Model 15. I also want to find one of the Model 13 Aircrewman revolvers, but they are even more rare than the Air force M15's.

[crotter]

Very nice, congrats. Side note, Jinks doesn't do letters anymore?

Had to look this up... I'm not sure this is my first S&W and first letter I have ever requested.

Very nice. I have a special fondness for pinned barrel Smiths and have a few, but I have yet to get my hands on a USAF Model 15. I also want to find one of the Model 13 Aircrewman revolvers, but they are even more rare than the Air force M15's.

Thanks! Yes I was initially really after the model 13 and missed out on an opportunity to acquire one last year. When this M15 was available I was sure to jump right on it!

[Spyder]

Verrrryyyyy cool!!!

[dfletcher]

I carried one when I was in some +45 years ago. Don't recall that it was well polished though. I do recall trading the PJs some plywood to get it and a highly sought after survival vest with holster. Then pencil whipping the training qualification for it and the M-113 too. Which ended up on the base golf course due to my rather casual acquaintance with the sticks and a liberal ration of liquor.

[dfletcher]

Very nice. I have a special fondness for pinned barrel Smiths and have a few, but I have yet to get my hands on a USAF Model 15. I also want to find one of the Model 13 Aircrewman revolvers, but they are even more rare than the Air force M15's.

Rock Island Auctions usually has an offering of the Model 13 Aircrewman. But, that might be something a person would want to be "hands on" with.

[denpython]

There is a guy on the S&W blue forum,luvsmiths ,that is selling his USAF revolver.

[highpower]

There is a guy on the S&W blue forum,luvsmiths ,that is selling his USAF revolver.

Why does this stuff always come up when I am out of money???

I can't complain too hard though, as in the last month I have picked up a CZ Scorpion EVO, a early gen1 Glock17 and a Colt First Model Dragoon.

[leman77]

Wow, that’s a great looking gun. Thanks for sharing it’s history.

[bergmen]

Very sad that the USAF Model 15s were demilled (destroyed) when the M-9 came out. I wonder why they didn't just surplus these to the private market?

Dan

[DanGunner]

I acquired a 1964-vintage Model 15 a few years ago for $250. Finish a little rough but perfect shooter. These are truly classics. Congratulations.

[smle-man]

Very nice!

[crotter]

Very sad that the USAF Model 15s were demilled (destroyed) when the M-9 came out. I wonder why they didn't just surplus these to the private market?

Dan

I have wondered that as well. Seems like they should have been made available to the CMP. I am sure the M9 will likely have the same fate as I know in the Air Force we are beginning to transition to the new Sig Sauer 9mm.

It would be great if I could get my hands on an M9 as that is the sidearm I have carried on deployments throughout my Air Force career.