[jad0110]

I found a 3" barrel S&W 13-3 (I assume made between '82 and '99 when production ceased) .357 mag with a round butt in excellent condition (finish is about 99%), except it does have a considerable amount of endshake. Otherwise, the gun is in good condition with a good DA trigger.

The original blue box is included. Not sure about the original paperwork.

Asking price is $500.

So, what would be a fair cash price to offer for a gun with a lot of end shake, assuming he still has it?

My eye and hands judge the play to be roughly .003-.006" or so (per Jim March's check procedures).

[cyclopsshooter]

about the end shake- sometimes the screw retaining the crane can come loose; resulting in excessive endshake. it is also possible that the screw is too short... check the crane for excessive fore/aft motion, if it moves, the problem could be corrected.

if the top strap is stretched it aint worth no 500, 400, 300...

[madcratebuilder]

You can get end shake bearing washers in .002, .004 and .006. If you need more than a .006 bearing you need to stretch the yoke barrel. You want to end up with .001 end shake.
If you buy it, call S&W, be nice, and they may fix it for free.

[The Lone Haranguer]

IMO half a grand is too high if it needs that kind of repair.

[Shear_stress]

IMO half a grand is too high if it needs that kind of repair.

I love 3" barrel K-frames, but half a grand is too much for one in good shape, unless its a rare Model 66.

[Brian Williams]

It would be worth $300 at the most with the required work that it needs.

[Phydeaux642]

I paid $275 for one last year that needs no work (I know, I got a smokin' deal), so, I would not pay $500 for one that needs work.

[jad0110]

about the end shake- sometimes the screw retaining the crane can come loose; resulting in excessive endshake. it is also possible that the screw is too short... check the crane for excessive fore/aft motion, if it moves, the problem could be corrected.

cyclopsshooter had it right, thank you!

I tested the yolk and that is where all the movement was occuring. I forgot to perform that specific test in my haste the other day. And the screw did prove to be a little loose, so I tightened it. Took care of all but maybe .001 or .002" of end play, which wasn't even as bad as I recalled on my first visit. . And friend/gunsmith of mine has a few of the larger screws laying around that I can have free of charge, so it was just a matter of haggling the price down some.

$450 got me the gun, plus the original blue box containing the wax paper, instruction manual, safety manual and cleaning rod and brush (still in their original plastic wrapping :cool: ).

So the box and accessories were probably worth $30 or so, which makes the gun roughly $420. Not great, but a fair price I feel. Especially when considering a 3" Model 19 (w/ adjustable sights and a square butt) costs at least $125 or more on average and 3" heavy barrel .38 special Model 10s are fetching mid $300s.

This will make yet another excellent carry gun. The round butt in particular makes this my second most concealable handgun, the first being my 642. The DA trigger, while having a bit of creep initially, is superbly smooth and polished feeling. Probably in the top 2 or 3 of all my S&Ws. I did chech the strain screw to be sure it was tight, as I have found from time to time dealers that loosen the screw to lighten the pull. Kinda like some car dealers letting a bit of air out of a truck or SUVs tires so that it has a cushier ride on a test drive.

I've been itching for a 3" revolver, particular one in .357 Magnum, for years. I probably could have waited longer for a better deal, but by then the fair price I paid today may well have been that better deal of tomorrow. I remember several years ago passing on a $399 S&W Model 28-2 4" for that "better deal" that has yet to come :banghead: .

I did post the s/n for a DOB request in the sticky at the top of the revolver forum, but the s/n is 9D983xx if anyone here can tell me a DOB.

Anyway, here are some pics of my new 13-3 3" .357:


http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q139/jad0110/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20Model%2013%20357%20Magnum/DSC01078.jpg


http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q139/jad0110/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20Model%2013%20357%20Magnum/DSC01095.jpg


http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q139/jad0110/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20Model%2013%20357%20Magnum/DSC01083.jpg


http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q139/jad0110/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20Model%2013%20357%20Magnum/DSC01091.jpg

[ferretray]

Very nice revolver!

[Archie]

The way you describe the conditions of the accessories, and the pictures indicate this revolver is nearly new in box.

$450 would be a little high (not rapacious) for me, but I wouldn't scorn such a deal either.

Nice revolver. They work very well as a person defense gun.

[PzGren]

I think that the revolver is worth what you paid for it! It is rare to find one in that condition - and in Southern Florida they are elusive for under $500.

That is a great gun.

[saltydog452]

Its good stuff.

Slightly behind a .22rf, a M13 in 3" HB, RB, .357 would be next up in my choice of a 'One, and only one, sidearm'.

salty