S&W 315 NightGuard

[OlongJohnson]

I have seen that S&W made a run of the 315 NightGuard (or 315NG) back in 2008 or 2009. Very short run. Kind of a modern Model 12. Barrel length 2.5 inches. Scandium frame, blackened stainless cylinder, big dot front and Cylinder and Slide rear sights. ~24 oz. all up. Chambered for .38 SPL +P and no blast shield on the underside of the top strap.

Seems like the cat's meow for a carry six gun, if you could find one.

Typical S&W approach - don't make enough, put them into normal distribution channels where nobody can find them, don't advertise them. They take forever to sell, so you never do it again. Oh, and try to sell a carry revolver right when everybody is buying ARs like crazy because we've just elected an anti-gun POTUS.

Anyone here have one? How much do you love it? What holsters work? Anyone hear of problems with them?

[willie]

I handled one of these but was put off by its larger size. From memory I think it was a 7 or 8 short revolver with a fat girth. Also, 24 oz is heavy for a .38 alloy or scandium frame revolver. These revolvers were about as popular as ants at a picnic.

[TC215]

I handled one of these but was put off by its larger size. From memory I think it was a 7 or 8 short revolver with a fat girth. Also, 24 oz is heavy for a .38 alloy or scandium frame revolver. These revolvers were about as popular as ants at a picnic.

The 315 is a 6-shot K-frame, and the Nightguards were actually pretty desirable.

I had a 386 NG for several years. Great gun.

[willie]

Then I'm thinking about another model.

[OlongJohnson]

I handled one of these but was put off by its larger size. From memory I think it was a 7 or 8 short revolver with a fat girth. Also, 24 oz is heavy for a .38 alloy or scandium frame revolver. These revolvers were about as popular as ants at a picnic.

They did a whole NightGuard program across the line.

http://www.gunblast.com/SW-Nightguards.htm

6-shot was the 315, K-frame
7-shot was the 386, L-frame
8-shot was the 327, N-frame

L- and N-frames are significantly larger. The 315NG weighs about the same as those two because of the steel, not Ti, cylinder, which also eliminates a long-term durability worry when actually shooting a limited-production S&W. Quick googling says they've never made a Ti K-frame cylinder, although I didn't exactly go down the rabbit hole on that.

The 315NG was listed at 23.8 oz vs. 33.5 oz for the current 2.75-in all-steel Model 66 Combat Magnum.

A 640 Pro J-frame is listed at 22.4 oz, so a 315NG is basically the same weight as the most shootable J-frame, but with a big step up in shootability and an extra round. Just not as pocket-friendly.

[scott]

I didn't know they did a 315, now I want one bad. But I bought a blaser the other day so I'm officially out of gun money for a while. I'll have to put a pin in it for this time next year.

[OlongJohnson]

Typical S&W approach - don't make enough, put them into normal distribution channels where nobody can find them, don't advertise them. They take forever to sell, so you never do it again. Oh, and try to sell a carry revolver right when everybody is buying ARs like crazy because we've just elected an anti-gun POTUS.

Continuing to mull this over, to be fair, 2008-2009 was one of the worst times in the last 35 years to be trying to sell high-content, high-cost, non-essential goods. Just sayin', maybe they could try again now that the economy is back to working.

[Poconnor]

Of all the night guards the 315 is the one I want the most

[deputyG23]

If Smith does the 315 again, I would be very interested. Might even forgive the presence of the lock.

[SeriousStudent]

If Smith does the 315 again, I would be very interested. Might even forgive the presence of the lock.

Indeed, that cursed lock is like a boil on the face of a cute lass.

And if they do remake it, please include a full length ejector rod.

[Lon]

Of all the night guards the 315 is the one I want the most

This. I've seen a few on GB that went for STUPID money. If I ever find one for less than $700 I'll buy it without a second thought. If nothing else just to make some money on it. But if they ever make another run I hope they go the 3" or even 2.75" for the full length ejector rod.

[Willard]

Indeed, that cursed lock is like a boil on the face of a cute lass.

S&W, IMHO, is depriving themselves from a sizable segment of the revolver market by presenting a firearm that resonates with some segments of the market as a sellout, Clinton-era ban gun and with other segments as less reliable, but with virtually no one as "better." Does anyone really demand the lock? My guess is no. But maybe it is working for them.

[SeriousStudent]

S&W, IMHO, is depriving themselves from a sizable segment of the revolver market by presenting a firearm that resonates with some segments of the market as a sellout, Clinton-era ban gun and with other segments as less reliable, but with virtually no one as "better." Does anyone really demand the lock? My guess is no. But maybe it is working for them.

I think you ask a very good question. Do the laws in such states as New Jersey, Massachusetts, Washington or California require such a lock? Or does it count as points on some system that allows their sale or ownership?

I honestly do not know, but think you make a great point.

If for no other reason, it would seem to simplify design and manufacture of their products - on that reason alone, I'd dump it if not required.

I am unaware of any police contracts that specified they wanted the silly thing.

[Hizzie]

I tried to find one when they came out. None of the LE dealers could get them.

[KevH]

I looked and looked for one when they were being manufactured and couldn't find one. I really can't find one now.

I have had Model 12-2 for years (phenomenal gun). I'd love a 315 NG if they actually exist somewhere.

[Dagga Boy]

I have a 386 NG in a fanny pack that I grab going out the door to walk the dog. Love the gun. I would love to find a 315 NG for a good deal.

[Hizzie]

I wish Ruger would make a full sized LCR. A nice lightweight security/speed six sized 6 shot 38.

[taadski]

I wish Ruger would make a full sized LCR. A nice lightweight security/speed six sized 6 shot 38.

Isn't the 5431 pretty much that? Albeit 5 shot instead of 6?

[Hizzie]

Isn't the 5431 pretty much that? Albeit 5 shot instead of 6?

Equivalent of a J frame kit gun. I'm thinking of something K frame sized and lightweight. Like a modern Model 12.

[taadski]

Copy. It looked like a larger frame than the standard LCR. I've admittedly only looked at photos though.

[Polecat]

I would love to a K frame with original "337PD" treatment. Capitilize on the controllability and trigger combined with super light carryability.

[serialsolver]

A 3" 313 with a steel cylinder and dove tail front sight.

That would have my credit card and wife saying "what did you do?"


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[fatdog]

Just saw one go for $1,335.00 on gunbroker:eek:

[scott]

Someone save me from myself. I shouldn't buy this right now, but I'm only so strong.
http://shop.williamsgunsight.com/moreinfo.aspx?pid=086391&cs=/sproducts.aspx&ai=M

[SeriousStudent]

Someone save me from myself. I shouldn't buy this right now, but I'm only so strong.
http://shop.williamsgunsight.com/moreinfo.aspx?pid=086391&cs=/sproducts.aspx&ai=M

Do it. If you do not like it, you can likely flip it on Gunbroker for more than the asking price before the CC bill comes due.

[scott]

Problem is, I know I'll like it, and I just sold all the guns I don't want to fund an r93 and some glass.

[SeriousStudent]

Worry not. Dagga Boy will be along shortly to relieve you of this burden. :cool:

[Hizzie]

Someone save me from myself. I shouldn't buy this right now, but I'm only so strong.
http://shop.williamsgunsight.com/moreinfo.aspx?pid=086391&cs=/sproducts.aspx&ai=M

Amazing price. Buy it now!!!

[SeriousStudent]

Amazing price. Buy it now!!!

If he does not, I certainly will. It would make for a sweet off-side AIWB backup piece.

[OlongJohnson]

As the OP of the thread, can I get dibs? I'm on that like a fat kid on cake, like white on rice, like a politician on campaign donations, etc.

[scott]

Well, they open back up at 9EST, and I suspect my resolve will hold for about 4 hours from the time I start thinking about it over coffee, so by all means, have at; that's why I posted it instead of buying it on the spot.

[SeriousStudent]

As the OP of the thread, can I get dibs? I'm on that like a fat kid on cake, like white on rice, like a politician on campaign donations, etc.

Of course, you should get dibs.

But we do need a pic of the new shooting iron with the holster you pick for it, of course.

[Lon]

If it's still there after lunch I'm calling. I'll give you dibs though. But I think you should sell it here on PF if you decide you don't like it.

[OlongJohnson]

Had a meeting I couldn't get out of. By the time it was over and I could call, the 315 was already gone.

[SeriousStudent]

I hope Lon got it, because I sure didn't.

[Lon]

Nope. Not me.

[SeriousStudent]

DAMMIT.

You mean some wretched pretender slithered past us all, and grabbed it??

I am appalled.

[Willard]

I wouldn't be too upset. The lock was plugged, but as 972 pointed out previously, the wrong "fix" on this can lock up the gun. It also appeared to at minimum had hammer/trigger work. Since this entailed popping the side plate and getting into the action, and potentially "improving" a lot of things, it might not have been that great of a deal. Bubba can do a lot of damage in a short space of time. But then it might have been magnificent work by a well known smith. You just never know.

[OlongJohnson]

The $1335 one on GB also showed evidence of being stoned on the ratchet, but the seller never answered my question about it. Didn't need to, apparently.

A "professional" can also do a lot of damage in a short space of time.

I've seen a video on YT where the well-known YT gun show channeler takes his 638 to a well-known gun retailer and the smith goes over it. There are at least four pieces of the action that he fails to address in any meaningful way, and he fails to properly clean the swarf off the parts or out of the action before reassembling everything. He just wipes it down, no solvent wash. AAAANNNDD... he blows right through the anodizing on the frame, allowing the moving gubbinses (that's Top Gear talk, there) to slide around on bare aluminum. Apparently no concern for how long the trigger job (or the firearm itself) is supposed to last. I've seen a lot of re-anodizing attempts. It's very expensive, the best result is never indistinguishable from the original, and there will always be some dimensional change... if they don't scrap the part.

Dang. Here I am back at, "Never put money on a revolver (new or used) without inspecting it in person first."

[Poconnor]

It was me. I waited until 9:15 until I called. I was surprised it was still available. It has a little wear on the edges from carry. The Hillary hole has been plugged. The hammer bobbed. The trigger and hammer polished bright. The action is DAO. In short; everything I would have done for carry. The action is disappointing. Not bad but not good considering the work that was put in already. Makes me question the skill of who ever did it. Maybe a previous owner thought the action was good enough. I am reserving judgement until I shoot it.

[Dagga Boy]

Don't know if this is the same one, but....

http://smith-wessonforum.com/guns-sale-trade/532773-wts-s-w-315-night-guard.html

[OlongJohnson]

There's one on GB right now.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/779742994

The last few I've seen sell have gone for ~$1300, so the BIN is pretty right on the market. This might end up being an even better deal if it doesn't end up in a bidding war.

I really want one of these, but can't really justify it even at $1100. Good luck to anyone who jumps on it.

[SD]

I have always kicked myself hard for not purchasing one of these when in production, that said I don't think the Seller is off the price point from what the NG315 is bringing in todays market. To avoid this level of regret again I ordered a Performance Center 640.
There's one on GB right now.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/779742994

The last few I've seen sell have gone for ~$1300, so the BIN is pretty right on the market. This might end up being an even better deal if it doesn't end up in a bidding war.

I really want one of these, but can't really justify it even at $1100. Good luck to anyone who jumps on it.

[Sherman A. House DDS]

I like these guns, but always thought the trigger pull felt like a staple gun, and sounded and felt like one too.


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[MolonLabe416]

Is there anything that a good ‘smith can do to improve the trigger, or is there some oddness to this model?

[OlongJohnson]

Only reason I can see for it to be different than any other K frame is the surface texture of the anodizing. Anodizing has very low coefficient of friction inherently, but if it's on a rough surface, all that roughness is preserved with extreme hardness, so it can be rough. Same applies to any anodized guns, of course.

[03RN]

I'm not sure if it's the same on scandium but you can wear down the rough texture and still have the hardness. Anodizing does harden a little into the metal.

[jbark303]

Hello, I am looking for some help. In 2009, I purchased a 315NG to use for competitive shooting. However, I had only put about 200 rounds through it and didn't use it as it was intended. It went into the safe and was essentially forgotten, until recently. After doing some research, I see that it is kind of collectors item. Do you have any suggestions on selling the firearm? I would like to have it on Gunbroker by the end of the week.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

[Lon]

Hello, I am looking for some help. In 2009, I purchased a 315NG to use for competitive shooting. However, I had only put about 200 rounds through it and didn't use it as it was intended. It went into the safe and was essentially forgotten, until recently. After doing some research, I see that it is kind of collectors item. Do you have any suggestions on selling the firearm? I would like to have it on Gunbroker by the end of the week.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

I think you could save yourself the hassle and sell it here if you’re a member. Lotsa guys here would be interested.

[1911Nut]

They did a whole NightGuard program across the line.

http://www.gunblast.com/SW-Nightguards.htm

6-shot was the 315, K-frame
7-shot was the 386, L-frame
8-shot was the 327, N-frame

L- and N-frames are significantly larger. The 315NG weighs about the same as those two because of the steel, not Ti, cylinder, which also eliminates a long-term durability worry when actually shooting a limited-production S&W. Quick googling says they've never made a Ti K-frame cylinder, although I didn't exactly go down the rabbit hole on that.

The 315NG was listed at 23.8 oz vs. 33.5 oz for the current 2.75-in all-steel Model 66 Combat Magnum.

A 640 Pro J-frame is listed at 22.4 oz, so a 315NG is basically the same weight as the most shootable J-frame, but with a big step up in shootability and an extra round. Just not as pocket-friendly.

Don't forget the Model 396. It was on an L frame, but was a 5-shot in caliber .44 Special.

I bought one as soon as they came on the market and was convinced it was going to be the perfect big bore, moderately sized carry revolver.

I have never been more disappointed in any gun in any caliber in my life. It shot FIVE (5) inches to the right at 15 YARDS. That was with several loads . . . . factory and hand loads, cast and jacketed bullets, and 180, 220, and 250 grain bullet weights.

It was also with three or four experienced shooters, both freestyle and from a braced position on a bench. At approximately round 90, it completely locked up and the action would not cycle. The rear sight is not adjustable, and the barrel appeared to be installed not properly clocked.

I sent the gun back to S&W three times and they only managed to get the action to cycle, but it felt like they had added about two pounds to both the DA and SA trigger pull. They never corrected the POA/POI problem, and indicated they did not plan to do so. A gun shop owner just HAD to have it and offered me a Glock G20 and some cash in exchange for the revolver, so the deal was completed.

The G20 was not my cup of tea, either. That was a bad 6 month period for me and trying new guns.

I don't intend to make this post a rant about S&W revolvers, but I have previously declared myself the residing world champion on owning more POS S&W revolvers (J,K,L, & N frames) than anyone. I have owned ONE (1) that was (and still is) a great gun . . . . a pre-lock N frame 629 Mountain Revolver in .44 Magnum caliber. That gun has been an absolute delight. But I guess even a blind squirrel finds a nut now and then.

[03RN]

When I installed a c&s rear sight on my m66 it shot to the right as well. The rear sight was also a bit narrow for my tastes. Perfect. I filed one side untill it shot poa and the rear sight had the perfect amount of light on each side.

[medmo]

I broke the budget picking up a 327NG years ago thinking I would not see another anytime soon. The factory action is quite sweet. It’s a great revolver but I would prefer a 3” bbl. The 315 version would be definitely more practically sized for EDC. I enjoy the 327NG and always get a kick out of opening the cylinder and seeing all of those chambers.

[Dave T]

I have the 7-shot 386 NG. I sent the cylinder to TK Custon so now it feeds on Moonclips. Also replaced the fixed rear sight, which didn't shoot to point of aim, to a standard S&W rear.

58224

58223

Since the picture was taken I rounded the corners of a new, plain black rear blade and added an Apex Tactical DAO hammer.

I think the 315 NG would be a dandy carry gun but the prices I see keep me stuck with the 386.

Dave

[TC215]

315 on Gunbroker, starting off at $2k...

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/874122316

[Dave T]

315 on Gunbroker, starting off at $2k...

See what I mean!

Dave

[Dave Williams]

I really like the "Chopper" guns that Tiger McKee has been building, but I have no interest in the expense. But I do have interest in a 3", LW frame, round butt, XS front sight, rust resistant finish, no stupid lock, K frame. So I sent S&W an email requesting one, hopefully they'll listen.

[NPV]

I really like the "Chopper" guns that Tiger McKee has been building, but I have no interest in the expense. But I do have interest in a 3", LW frame, round butt, XS front sight, rust resistant finish, no stupid lock, K frame. So I sent S&W an email requesting one, hopefully they'll listen.

Out of curiosity what is the ballpark on one of those McKee builds? They look interesting for sure.

[Dave Williams]

Out of curiosity what is the ballpark on one of those McKee builds? They look interesting for sure.

$1K on your gun. I’m more interested in a ~$7-800 factory gun.

[Half Moon]

I really like the "Chopper" guns that Tiger McKee has been building, but I have no interest in the expense. But I do have interest in a 3", LW frame, round butt, XS front sight, rust resistant finish, no stupid lock, K frame. So I sent S&W an email requesting one, hopefully they'll listen.

12-5!

[deputyG23]

I really like the "Chopper" guns that Tiger McKee has been building, but I have no interest in the expense. But I do have interest in a 3", LW frame, round butt, XS front sight, rust resistant finish, no stupid lock, K frame. So I sent S&W an email requesting one, hopefully they'll listen.

I would be happy with a 3” K sized six shot Centennial type enclosed hammer if S&W is still too skeered to produce a hammer gun sans ILS...

[jtcarm]

Even better: concealed hammer and no hole like the 340.

[OlongJohnson]

They should just tool up a spurless ("bobbed") DAO MIM K frame hammer and sell it as an accessory in addition to including it in factory builds. One of those things that just leaves me shaking my head that they don't figure it out.

[Dave T]

But I do have interest in a 3", LW frame, round butt, XS front sight, rust resistant finish, no stupid lock, K frame. So I sent S&W an email requesting one, hopefully they'll listen.

I can dang near guarantee ya, if S&W did come out with a new model like you wished for it is going to cost a whole lot more than 7-8 hundred. I bet upwards of 1K, and they'll insist on the idiot lock anyway.

Just me being grumpy,
Dave

[deputyG23]

I can dang near guarantee ya, if S&W did come out with a new model like you wished for it is going to cost a whole lot more than 7-8 hundred. I bet upwards of 1K, and they'll insist on the idiot lock anyway.

Just me being grumpy,
Dave

Probably at least $1200 if they chose to do it considering the PC M19 3” Carry Comp is at a large LGS about 20 minutes from me for about $1100.

[Dave T]

NightGuard revolvers of most any caliber seem to be selling for original list price or in some cases quite a bit more. They appear to be popular and in demand. How much of S&W's pride would they have to swallow to admit they should have kept them in production and...brace yourselves...bring them back, including the 315 NG? I'd buy a 325, a 327, and the topic here a 315 if they did so. Hopefully before they dis-continued them again. (lol)

Dave

[OlongJohnson]

Continuing to mull this over, to be fair, 2008-2009 was one of the worst times in the last 35 years to be trying to sell high-content, high-cost, non-essential goods. Just sayin', maybe they could try again now that the economy is back to working.

Well, this seemed logical one year and one day ago when I wrote it. But maybe they should hold off a year or two, and focus on filling the M&P poly popper pipeline for now. I suspect that with the combination of demand and production challenges that are present at this time, many gun manufacturers are not doing their best work.

[Dave T]

OJ,

In the current climate and economy I don't expect any new releases from S&W or anyone else. Even if they did announce something new, we commoners will never see it. And if the current ammo and component shortages continue what good would some new model of anything be. No BBs, no shootie!

We are entering a period of - find your NightGuard used, pay up, or do without. And, I better stop there. I could launch into what I think of this whole shut down, virus business but that would get me thrown off the forum. With nothing else to do I better hang around and read what you young wipper-snappers think. (smile)

Dave

[revolvergeek]

I would be happy with a 3” K sized six shot Centennial type enclosed hammer if S&W is still too skeered to produce a hammer gun sans ILS...

I would need a four of those. Maybe they could make a 7 shot .32 mag version? Or they could bring the 242 back!

[OlongJohnson]

We are entering a period of - find your NightGuard used, pay up, or do without.

With any of the Night Guards, it's been that way since about 2011. There are a bunch of us doing without. Interestingly, the current high prices are bringing out a lot of rare hardware that people have been sitting on.

315 NGs have been in the 1300 range for the past few years when you see them. They're going for more than that now, but they seem to be coming up more frequently. Same for 327 PDs - typically $1300, I've seen high teens and I think even a mid-$2k sale in the past few months, and probably more volume than in the previous year or two.