Tommy Shimoda Custom Smith & Wesson S&W 15-3 .38 Spl 3″ Revolver MFD 1977
SOLD FOR: $1525.99
LSB#: 211118RP01
Make: Smith & Wesson. The revolver was customized by Tommy Shimoda.
Model: Custom Model 15-3
Serial Number: 10K4525
Year of Manufacture: 1977. The revolver was customized in 1979.
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot Fluted Swing-Out Cylinder Hand Ejector Revolver. This is a traditional double/single action revolver but the hammer has been bobbed and it now functions as a double action only
Markings: The right of the frame is marked with the four line Marcas Registradas address and the sideplate has the S&W monogram logo. The crane cut is marked “MOD. 15-3”, the butt is marked with the serial number. The crane and the sides of the grip frame have inspection marks. The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON” and the right side is marked “S.&W. .357 MAGNUM” (this revolver is chambered for .38 Special, not .357). The interior of the right grip is marked ‘9 1987″ and has “102” hand written in marker.
Barrel Length: Aftermarket 3″ Barrel. The barrel has been cut to 3″.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade integral to a serrated ramp on the barrel rib. The rear sight is an S&W square notch micrometer click sight. The rear sight leaf has been dehorned.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are twp piece goncalo alves combat stocks. There are some little marks through the finish and some areas of finish loss, they are most noticeable along the front and on the bottom. There are some scattered light handling marks. The medallion on the right panel is not flush with the wood. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip is in about Fine condition as not original.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original to Custom Build
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 93% of its metal finish. There are a few little scattered spots of frost on the backstrap. There are a few little nicks, the most noticeable are on the trigger guard and left side of the barrel. There are a few scuffs that have caused finish loss, most noticeable on the left side of the rib. There is some finish loss on the edges, the most noticeable is on the edges. There are some scattered light handling marks. There is a light turn line on the cylinder. Three are a few spots of oxidation, most noticeable on the left side of the trigger. The barrel is an aftermarket barrel that has been cut. The hammer has been bobbed. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition as customized.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has been bobbed and the revolver now functions as a Double Action Only. The hammer has a pause and a distinct wall before breaking making it easy to attain a good sight picture. An action job has been performed. Cylinder lockup is good on all chambers with light side-to-side play. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: A written letter from our consignor with information on the revolver is included.
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 15, also called the K-38 Combat Masterpiece, is another classic from Smith. Though firearms development has progressed since the ’60s, the name “Combat Masterpiece” was well earned by this revolver. Often issued by law enforcement agencies in the mid-20th century, this revolver embodies the reliability for which Smith & Wesson is famous. In the 1970s Tommy Shimoda was a master gunsmith and the armorer for the Honolulu Police Department. With this revolver carry was clearly the purpose, he installed a shorter barrel, bobbed the hammer, and gave the trigger pull a very distinct wall/pause so that the shooter can get a good sight picture before taking the shot. The trigger pull is so nice that it when paused at the rear and pressure applied it almost feels like a single action. The action also received his action job and was masterfully done. This would make a great addition to any revolver collection and would be an excellent carry revolver. Please see our photos and good luck!