Smith and wesson model 15-3 .38 spcl?

[DssG19]

I was at my parents house today and my old man gave me his old S&W model 15-3 in .38 spcl, 4",bluesteel. This is a gun that was given to him by an old LAPD buddy of his 20+ years ago. It is a double action only, probably cause it's was an LAPD gun. I want to convert it back to double action. Does anyone know what parts I need to get this done. Some instruction would be nice too, i'm no gunsmith, but i'm pretty good at figuring things out. If it's a real PITA I'll have a gunsmith do it. Any imput?I'll post some pics soon....

[MullahElRon]

I'd call S&W an' see if somebody would jaw with you about it. I always like the horses mouth option when available. I'm sure the details are out on the web or via forum too. Sorry, never done it. Yet. :cool:

[Slim Chance]

Most likely, the single action sear notch was simply ground off the hammer. The cure is a new hammer. Still, a call to Smith is well worth your time.

[nitesite]

Wanna know it's build date? I have The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson.

Use two letter "x" for the last two digits to protect your privacy.

[CZ93X62]

LAPD standard practice was to deactivate the single action step on the hammer for any personally-owned revolver authorized for carry, on or off duty. DAO, or it wasn't on the street with ya. Model 15s were LAPD standard-issue for quite some time.

They are some of the best 38 Specials ever assembled, but like you I would prefer to have the single-action option restored--even if 90%+ of my revolver shooting is done D/A.

[DssG19]

Wanna know it's build date? I have The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson.

Use two letter "x" for the last two digits to protect your privacy.

Yeah that would be awesome serial #6k839XX, thanks alot. So it looks like I need a new hammer. Anyone know what kinda job that is? Easy/hard

[BigSlick]

Not too hard to swap out, only takes a few minutes.

Fitting is where the time/expertise comes in. You *might* get lucky and find a used one at a show sometime, but if it were me I would still have it fitted by someone familiar with Smith triggers.

Smith can do a great job of course, turn around time isn't too bad, and they'll probably give it a thorough once over while it's there.

I've read many accounts of Smith replacing a hammer or trigger mangled up by a kitchen table wannabe and returning the gun with a nice smooth trigger without any additional charge for the trigger job.

Of course, they don't advertise that, and you may not experience the same thing, but, I bet if ya real nice an call the custom shop they can tell ya what ya lookin at and I a bet you a be happy with the work

[CZ93X62]

S&W repair quality and their relative cost are among the best bargains available to firearms hobbyists. Not even a question for me--in your position, I would send it to Springfield.

[nitesite]

Your fine revolver shows to have a build date of 1975.

[gwalchmai]

The M-15, like all the K38s, is a thing of true beauty. A pinnacle of its class.