S&W Model 15 U.S.A.F.....Are they avail?

george1107 · 11-24-2012, 17:55

Feelin' all nostalgic and sh**......I wore a S&W Model 15 in the Air Force 1985-1989 when I was down in the missile silo. Not a great shooter compared to anything else I have carried, but would like to know what happened to the USAF issue types and can they still be had if they are available.

**pennlineman** · 11-24-2012, 18:04

You can still find used S&W model 15's out there. They are not all that hard to find. Some of the actual USAF marked guns have found their way out, but they are very rare. Probably those that belonged to retired general officers. I won the medal in my avatar with a model 15 back in 1989. For old times sake..........

willie_pete · 11-24-2012, 19:03

George, I'm right there with you. I earned an Expert Marksman ribbon with the Model 15. The crappy holsters kept hanging up on the armrests so I finally started using a non-issue shoulder holster. At that time, I'm assuming you were in Minuteman.

WP

Bruce M · 11-24-2012, 19:32

A Model 15 should be fairly easy to find however one with legitimate Air Force markings would be rare and I would guess would command a substantial premium.

Seven High · 11-24-2012, 19:40

I carried a Model 15 in a swivel holster in the USAF in the mid 60s. I have looked far and wide for a genuine USAF issued Model 15 without success. I have found a lot of fake ones with USAF markings. If you are interested in one, I suggest that you check with Smith & Wesson for authenticity.

chief63 · 11-24-2012, 20:33

Carried one if them myself in the USAF from 1986 to 1989. I believe SF and LE were carrying 9s by then but the rest if us that had a need to carry got the revolvers. I was working a comm site at Clark AB and we kept a locked rack of M16s on site so someone on shift had to be armed to control them.

Sgt127 · 11-24-2012, 20:46

Try asking on the Smith & Wesson forum. Do a search, tons of info They show up, but 100 people are looking for every one that shows up. Also, if it doesn't letter a's a genuine AF shipped model 15, it's not. It's well worth the letter. Good luck in the hunt.

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Glock26z · 11-24-2012, 23:45

Cabela's had 10 of them last 2 weeks that are parkerized and were going for 399+ tax.

george1107 · 11-25-2012, 09:21

MM III CDB out on Ronny's rocket ranch....

**pennlineman** · 11-25-2012, 09:38

I'm afraid this is what happened to most of them.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-rev...-f-marked.html

Bruce M · 11-25-2012, 09:43

That ought to bring at least a slight frown to your face. Sigh.

raven11 · 11-25-2012, 10:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by pennlineman

I'm afraid this is what happened to most of them.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-rev...-f-marked.html

Not all, there are still some in the Armory when I was in the AF the only difference is most of the SF when asked call them " old a** revolvers"

I didn't even know what model they were until I got out

**pennlineman** · 11-25-2012, 10:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by raven11

Not all, there are still some in the Armory when I was in the AF the only difference is most of the SF when asked call them " old a** revolvers"

I didn't even know what model they were until I got out

That's good to hear. Hopefully when they do get retired it'll be under a better political climate. It would be nice to see these hit the surplus market. I doubt this will ever happen though.

The AF did have a tendency to hang onto old weapons though. We still had a few racks of M-1 Garands and Winchester model 12's when I was in.

JBnTX · 11-25-2012, 11:16

I recently managed to find a NIB model 15, made in 1976.

It's identical to the one I carried in 1976 as a Security Policeman, except it doesn't have the U.S.A.F stamped on it.

They're out there, but getting harder and harder to find.