My Dads Revolver
 

I am very proud of My Dad. And Miss him alot.
My Dad was US Marine for 6 years and Korean War veteran.
He was a Los Angeles Police officer for 33 years
Lieutenant Homicide Detective for 12 years

My Brother Just Gave me his Revolver that he carried 40 years ago.
I am very Happy to have it. and Had to show it off
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h5...ken/mydads.jpg

Gonna Try it out here in a bit :biggrin:

Re: My Dads Revolver
 

Hey that's great! The best guns are the ones handed down from father to son. Hopefully, one day you'll have a son of your own and you can pass down the history of that revolver. It looks great btw! Let us know how it shoots.

Re: My Dads Revolver
 

AWESOME GUN!!!!!! :emotions16: :36_1_11:

Re: My Dads Revolver
 

Your Dad had good taste in firearms. Keep her cleaned and oiled and your great grandkids will pass it down.

Re: My Dads Revolver
 

Is this the 700 mile gun?

That has to be one of my favorite revolvers. Love mine, she should shoot great!

Keep it clean and it will last forever.

Very nice piece!

GRP

Re: My Dads Revolver
 

Ken, keep in mind that you should not shoot +P ammo through this gun. It was not designed for the higher chamber pressure created with +P ammo.

Beautiful piece and a great heirloom.

Re: My Dads Revolver
 

Very Nice! Not to mention a family heirloom to boot!
There is just something about old S&W's. Keep her oiled and enjoy.

Re: My Dads Revolver
 

Ken,

I don't remember if that is your little girl in your Avatar.....guns arn't just for sons!

Also - I 2nd the NON +P loads.....just 38 Specials.

What is the model number? I like the adjustable sights!!!!

Did you get any of your dad's carry leather as well? Cuffs, Etc.....the more the better! Your brother may have that stuff as well.

Re: My Dads Revolver
 

Rick, Thats My Granddaughter in the Pic with me:biggrin:
I have no sons. 3 daughters, 5 Granddaughters, 2 grandsons,
I'll keep it in good shape for one of em :ok:

Im sure My brother has all of my dads leather and cuffs, sam brown and all.
I want him to have that stuff. My brother kinda followed in my dads footsteps. Marine, Cop, Now a PI.

He also has Some Morgans that were my Dads.
Now, those I wouldn't mind havin a few...lol
He didn't offer, so I didn't ask
But Maybe I will.

Im not sure of the model number.
I don't see it on the gun. ?

Re: My Dads Revolver
 

Thanks for the info.
My Brother told me it shoots 38 special :ok:
just happen to have some.
Gonna get more today though.:biggrin:
If wally world has it.

Re: My Dads Revolver
 

StackerKen, your dad's revolver is a Smith & Wesson model 15 Combat Masterpiece, possibly THE quintessential double action revolver. Given that it appears to be a three screw model it was made some time after 1961. If you post the serial number (be sure to XX out the last two digits, i.e. K4153xx) I can tell you approximately what year the gun was made. The serial number can be found on the butt of the grip frame and also by opening the cylinder and looking on the frame under the yoke. It should begin with a K.

By the way, all model numbered S&W revolvers (those made after 1955) chambered in .38 Special are safe to shoot with +p ammo. Due to the changes in SAAMI specs over the years, today's +p ammo is often milder than the standard .38 special loads of yesteryear. Having said that, I see no reason to shoot +p loads in this gun unless you plan on using if for self-defense. It should be a tack driver with wadcutter target loads.

Re: My Dads Revolver
 

First 6 rounds at 30 ft I didn't do so well
Second 6 rounds at 25 ft I think didn't pretty well :biggrin:
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h5...ken/target.jpg


Love it!
I am very happy with how she shoots.

What distance should I be practicing from?

Re: My Dads Revolver
 

Thanks
Your right it is a model 15-3
The hammer does not stay back on my gun like it does on my wifes
the SN is k9956xx

What's the double action mean?
thanks for the info.

I just looked at the ammo that we have here (wifes dads)
and we Do have a couple boxes of +P.
Hollow points?
Of course we would not use those for Target practice
only for protection
are those ok in My wifes gun?

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h5...en/debsgun.jpg

I don't think I really need to have mine loaded with hollow points for home protection. But it would be nice to know if I could.

Re: My Dads Revolver
 

Hey StackerKen... what a small world!!! :emotions16:

I've got my dad's old S&W 38 model 15-3 also!!!

He bought it about 30 years or so ago from the local town chief of police, so I'm the third owner!

My serial number is: 3K770XX... seems kinda wierd to have a number before the letter "K"... don't know if that means anything.

As for ammo, the "+P" refers to the load of gunpowder in the bullet, and how much "bang" and "power" it has. They make 38 ammo that's regular and +P... so keep an eye out for that. I don't know if it's OK to use the +P ammo in my gun so I'm sticking with the regular 38 stuff.

I use two different kinds of rounds (already shot all the wadcutter ammo that my dad used to have... LOL!): for practice and plinking I use Winchester 130-grain Full Metal Jacket ammo; for serious home defense, I'm stocked up with Hornady 158-grain XTP/JHP jacketed hollow points.

(BTW... 41DAVE: if you can figure what year my S&W is also, I'd appreciate it... :15_1_70v:)

I put the Crimson Trace laser grips on it, and think it's a worthwhile investment.

As for distance/range to practice shooting, I'll occasionally go for 20 and 25 yards just for the fun (and hunting potential of it)... but that's also sitting in front of a bench and resting the gun (well, actually my ELBOWS on the tabletop...*grin*). For "practical" practice, 7 and 10 yards seems to make the most sense... with an occasional 5-yard and 15-yard session thrown in for the heck of it!

It's really accurate when I shoot it single-action (SA), but still need more practice to get good with DA (double-action) shooting, and doing double-taps (shooting twice in a row quickly).

Practice with it now and then, keep it clean (easy to do), and ENJOY IT!

:10_1_20:

P.S. PRACTICE HINT: definitely invest in some SNAP CAPS... they're dummy shells that allow you to dry fire the gun without hurting the firing pin. That way you can practice your trigger pull and keeping the gun steady while firing without actually using any live ammo

Re: My Dads Revolver
 

Reminds me of the song, From this day on , I own my fathers gun, Elton John

Re: My Dads Revolver
 

StackerKen, according to the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 3rd edition your father's revolver was made in 1970. double action means that you can fire the revolver by pulling the trigger without first cocking the hammer.

Something you said concerns me. You state that the hammer will not stay back when cocked. This is not normal. It is possible the gun has been modified to be double action only, or it could be malfunctioning. I suggest you have the gun inspected by a qualified gunsmith to be safe.

Your wife's revolver looks like a Smith & Wesson model 60 Stainless Chief's Special. Like all model numbered S&W models, it should be safe for +p ammunition, although standard loads will be more pleasant to shoot.

UncaScrooge, according to the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 3rd edition your father's 15-3 was made in 1972. Your gun is also safe with +p ammo.

Re: My Dads Revolver
 

I was wondering the same thing, but it didn't register deeply enough in my brain to mention it in my post to StackerKen: glad you caught it and brought it up!

Modified, or malfunctioning? Yea, guess that's worth having a gunsmith determine.

OH!!! Hope both of you guys and your families had a great Christmas and Happy New Year's!!! :23_30_104: :yippee: :553:

Re: My Dads Revolver
 

... I missed explaining the difference between SA (single action) and DA (double action)....

Single action is when you pull the hammer back, and then aim and pull the trigger... it takes very little effort to go BANG!

Double action is when you don't pull the hammer back first, but only use the trigger to move the hammer back and fire... it takes more effort.

As .41 Dave mentioned, your gun SHOULD be able to do SA as well as DA (just like my gun and your wife's gun does): you should definitely check it out.

Being accurate in SA is much easier, because you don't have to put in a lot of effort to pull the trigger, and so there's less chance of you "twisting" the gun off target as you squeeze the trigger. DA is more "challenging" and takes more practice... important and valuable practice.

LAST THOUGHT before I call it a night: for home defense, hollow point bullets are recommended as best. For one thing, they're less likely to penetrate whatever or whoever you shoot at... so the bullet it less likely to go through a wall and into an innocent bystander. There's more to it, and you can look it up on the Net.

BTW, I agree with Ruprick: your grandchild is a total cutie! :36_3_16:

Re: My Dads Revolver
 

thanks Unca :smile:
For some reason My gun is double action only. The hammer will not stay back.
And thats fine with me. I like it that way.
Kinda dangerous the other way.:biggrin:

and Im sure with some practice I will get pretty good with it.

Thanks for the Tips:ok:

Re: My Dads Revolver
 

thanks Dave.

well..hmmm
I guess I will have to have it checked out.
I think My brother knows guns. (he has several) I will ask him also.

what did you mean when you said,

" your dad's revolver is a Smith & Wesson model 15 Combat Masterpiece, possibly THE quintessential double action revolver."

?

Re: My Dads Revolver
 

Quite often the problem with S&W hammers that won't stay back is due to an improper (ie homemade) trigger job. Most of the time they barely catch but will release with thumb pressure, this dangerous condition is called push-off and should be checked for before purchasing a used S&W (or other brand revolver). Push-off is cause by people thinking they can perform a trigger job by filing the sear contact surface and they don't know what they are doing. They in fact ruin the sear area and create a danger as the weapon can fired when cocked by only being bumped in some cases. This condition can only be corrected by replacement of the trigger and/or hammer which have to be fit to the individual gun by a qualified gunsmith. The double action firing mode is not affected and is still safe to use.

IIRC some police departments did intentionally modify their duty weapons to shoot double action only for liability reasons. This might be the case with yours since the hammer doesn't catch at all. It doesn't have to be 'fixed' unless you want to restore the SA firing capability. You can try your wife's in SA mode to make up your mind. I too recommend taking it to a trained qualified gunsmith and not your local shade tree gun nut mechanic. Also be very careful of gun store repairmen - they often are referred to as gunsmith but can be some of the worst offenders.

If you attempt to remove the side plate DO NOT pry it off as there is a little lip at the top that will put a ding at the seam if not done properly (which appears to might already been done-that little ridge in the narrow side-plate seam radius, up by the hammer tip - this is a common result when unknowing users take a smith apart). To remove the side-plate, remove the grips, and all side screws and then with a wood or plastic mallet (ie wood hammer handle) rap the grip frame sharply (hold the gun in your palm sideways and rap at the grip side) a few times and the side-plate will pop off. A metal sliding hammer block will pop loose when the side plate is removed which is easy to put back in place. To reassemble, insert the little tab first, press in place with thumbs and use screws to seat it down. Be sure to put all screws back in their same holes - a couple look the same but are in fact different and you don't want to mix them up.

I wouldn't go any further if you don't have the special S&W spring tool and are not mechanically inclined.

Re: My Dads Revolver
 

I meant that your father's gun is an S&W model 15 Combat Masterpiece, and that the model 15 along with it's fixed sight counterpart the model 10 is considered by many (myself included) to be the quintessence (representing the perfect example of a class or quality) of the modern double action revolver. Although I use the word "modern" fairly loosely here, as the basic design is over 100 years old.

Your father left you a precious heirloom in that model 15. Take care of it, and your lovely granddaughter will pass it on to her own grandchild someday.

Re: My Dads Revolver
 

thanks again Dave and everyone,

I Just heard back from My brother, and he said it was Modified by LAPD
that was their policy

I don't mind a Bit

Re: My Dads Revolver
 

Nice

I would look at it for Lock Up.

You want the Cylinder to be in place--LOcked Up at the time of ignition.

What you could do is pull the hammer back while depressing the trigger. Then let the hammer down wile keeping the trigger depressed.

Your Revolver should be locked up. grab the Cylinder and move it forwards and backwards. there should be very little--No ----Forward backward movement.

If there is some you could use a feeler guage to see the Maximum gap.

This is important for used revolvers as they can be out of spec which will lead sometimes to other issues.

Timeing is an issue as well..(Be aware of it) This is the Cylinder aliegning with the barrel at lock up. This keeps the Bullets going down the Middle of the barrel.

You probebly do not have an issue its just me and old revolvers. They are Gods favorite :beer:

E-A

Re: My Dads Revolver
 

Man, that is so awsome. (mental note to ask my dad about the .45 (G.I) that his dad gave him) have not seen in 25 years, know it has not been shot in at least 40 and my dad's 74 now. Rember it being in an oily rag and very heavy. Now that I think about it, we also have a 30/30 lever action that has been passed down. Maybe I will just have to wait until their actually passed on to me. In that case, the longer the wait the better.

Re: My Dads Revolver
 

I believe most of the Police contract S&W revolvers were DAO. J&G sales has some model 15's and some police contract model 67's I've been eye balling. Some have bobbed hammers, some don't. I personally would prefer the hammer even if it is double action only.

Nice piece, let us know how she shoots :RockOn:

Re: My Dads Revolver
 

Hey Ken,

That's a nice looking .38. As you were asking about ammunition for home protection let me recommend these:

http://www.prestoimages.net/store/rd...d1949577_1.jpg

Federal Nyclad .38 They are the best non +P defensive round on the market. It's what I keep in my .38, good luck with those and have fun shooting.

Re: My Dads Revolver
 

Awesome Ken!
Good timing as I just posted on the other thread that I registered with my 14 year old son for our gun lessons> first step to getting our licences here in Ma.
We're probably getting a 38 revolver and a shotgun to start.

Re: My Dads Revolver
 

Thanks for this lingo:)
It reminds me of 15 months ago and being a newbie to PM and NOT having a clue.
I'm going to start to read this stuff to catch on BEFORE I make my first buys in April.

Re: My Dads Revolver
 

Right On Joe! Shooting Targets Is Great fun!
Good Clean Fun and a great sport. :ok:

Re: My Dads Revolver
 

are those Nylon bullets?

Re: My Dads Revolver
 

It's a Nylon jacket that pretty much eliminates bore leading and gun fouling.

The added bonus is that the Nyclads expand very well at low velocities making it ideal for any .38 shooters that don't want the +P for whatever reason and for older snub nose revolvers.

http://www.tactical-life.com/online/.../03/nyclad.jpg.