Smith & Wesson Model 15

The Smith & Wesson (S & W) Model 15 is a six-shot double action revolver, with adjustable open sights. It is chambered for the .38 Special cartridge and came with either a 2-inch or, more commonly, a 4-inch barrel. It was built on the medium-size "K-frame" and is essentially an adjustable-sight version of the seminal Smith & Wesson Model 10 (or "Military and Police") revolver.

The Model 15 was the standard issue sidearm of the United States Air Force, the DoD version of the "Combat Masterpiece" using M41 .38 Special 130-grain FMJ RN Ball ammunition, until the adoption of the Beretta M9 pistol in 9x19mm caliber in the 1980s. It was a a very comfortable handgun to fire, and "Expert" marksmanship qualification was easily accomplished.

These M15 revolvers were mostly replaced by the Beretta M9 pistol in 9x19mm caliber in the 1980's, and it remains a formidable weapon for basic U.S. troops.

In addition, the Model 15 was issued by many police departments across the United States as well as various federal law enforcement agencies. [Source: Supica and Nahas "The Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson. 3rd Edition". (2006)] Agencies once using the Model 15 include:

*Los Angeles Police Department
*Federal Bureau of Investigation
*United States Department of the Treasury
*Nassau County Police Department
*Royal Malaysian Police
*Tennessee Highway Patrol
*Sacramento County Sheriff's Department
*Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia
*Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department