[camsdaddy]

Ok I have been wanting a 4" 357 for sometime. I was wanting a GP100 and missed one awhile back. I wandered into a pawnshop today and there it was among the used and worn items a S&W Model 13-1 $279.00 it had obvous holster wear on the blueing and some light rust but was mech. sound. I held it it pointed natural I also grabbed some hogue mono grips and some other stuff including ammo the man let me have the gun for $250.00 and away I went. Now I know I have bought a Model 13-1 which is a k frame S&W but I dont know much else. Anyone with expierence or advice on what I have, what I should shoot out of it anything to look for. The serial # starts with a 759** stamped in front of the cylinder the actual S/N is under the grip. Man I am excited about shooting it tomorrow!!!!

[dispatch]

Sounds like you have an original- Model 13-1 was introduced in 1974. It's basicly a beefed up Model 10 to handle .357 magnum. You got a good revolver and seems like a very fair price. An old Smith with wear on it is a beautiful revover, just keep it clean and oiled.
I would recommend shooting .38's mostly. It will do .357 mag's just fine- use 158 grains.

[Brian Williams]

Nice gun, I still like the 3" better, but I have a 65 with a 4" pencil barrel that is a great shooter.
I would love to find a nice shooter grade 13-1 or -2 with a 3" barrel.
I use 158 gr LSWC but it will handle most anything.

And here is the traditional 125 Gr warning for any K frame, don't shoot a lot of them, it tends to crack the frocing cone at the rear of the barrel.

[camsdaddy]

OK so I guess I will be shooting mostly 38s out of it which I guess I would have done probaly anyway. I will be using this as a house/truck/woods gun. I would like to be familiar enough with the 357's that I would be confident to tote in the woods but otherwise I guess I will stay with 38's and snake shot are 38+p ok it wont be a steady diet except just wwb 38 or the like.

[woodsltc]

(Quote) And here is the traditional 125 Gr warning for any K frame, don't shoot a lot of them, it tends to crack the frocing cone at the rear of the barrel.
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You can shoot the heavier 158 grn .357 mags in factory loads with no problems. Note: the above warning was for the 125 grn which is much harder on the forceing cone than the heavier bullets. I have a 3in M13-4 that eats the heavier loads all day with no problems. :)

Practice and plink with the .38's and carry with the .357's .

Don

[Brian Williams]

No, No, No, shoot all the 357s you want, it is just that shooting a lot of 125gr loads is supposed to be hard on the forcing cone. Get a good load with a 158 gr bullet and you can shoot them till your hand falls off.

[Old 112]

camsdaddy,

You made a very fair bargain IMO.
I have a 15 no dash and a service six(Rugers version of your 13),both with a few years of holster wear, but both sound as bell.
They still get shot a fair amount, and are just as prized by me as my "nicer ones".

Regards
Old 112

[colubrid]

A great fighting handgun

Here's mine w/ a few accessories:
Action job by Nelson Ford
Polished trigger
Over-travel screw on back of trigger
double action only
bobbed hammer (hammerless)

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[camsdaddy]

Well I went out today and got to shoot it I am well pleased. I goofed and only took the 357's that it was loaded with but had plenty of 38's in the truck it shot wonderful. I am glad to hear I can shoot 158's I may also look into a hunting load later as I get more comfortable. I can say this pistol did alot for my confidence as a whole. Also today I got to share an activity I love with two kids that I love. I took my 4 yr old over to a buddies house and while I was shooting my new gun I brought out my 22A it was the the first time either had shot a pistol and I was impressed with both. My little girl was estatic watching the fluid filled bottles lead water as she shot. Of course I too was holding on to the gun at all times and giving a little guidance. Anyway great day of shooting.

[camsdaddy]

another question I have plans to get some snap caps for practice. I am wondering if until I get them can I use spent casings or nothing until will this do any damage

[Brian Williams]

Just dryfire it, that is what I do with my S&Ws.