S&W Model 13

The 3" barreled, round-butted model is especially sweet,

Click to expand...

Thats one I want.

When I first started out in law enforcement (when almost all cops carried revolvers) .38 were usualyy seen with fixed sights and .357s had adjustable. Never could figure out a logical reason. When allowed to carry my own gun I carried a M-65. M13s, 65s and 681 just weren't as popular as 19s, 66s and the 686s. Still pretty much the same I guess.

mdl. 13

Well they're plenty popular in THIS house, I love my 3 incher

Is the only difference between the model 10 & 13 heavy barreled models just the cylinder length?

I drooled over a 3" Md 13 at the Indianapolis show this weekend. It had some finish wear for $500 and I passed. If condition had been better, I would have bought it.

S&W 13-1 cira 1974(?) K frame Bomar sights.

I bought one NIB back in the early 70's~! Like other's, I sold it or traded it to
fund another "gun project"~! :banghead:

rayman said:

Is the only difference between the model 10 & 13 heavy barreled models just the cylinder length?

Click to expand...

There MAY also be some difference in the heat treatment of the frame and cylinder. This is why it is inadvisable to convert a M10 into a .357.

#13 was the first gun i bought for myself...my only regrete was not doing a #14 with the adjustable rear sight....at the time i think it was an extra $50...gary

gpr said:

#13 was the first gun i bought for myself...my only regrete was not doing a #14 with the adjustable rear sight....at the time i think it was an extra $50...gary

Click to expand...

A M13 is a 3" or 4" heavy barrel fixed sight .357 Magnum service/CCW revolver.
a M14 is a 6" (usually although some 4" so exist) adjustable sight .38 Special target revolver.
The adjustable sight equivilent to a M13 is a M19. M19's come in 2.5", 3", 4", 6".

The clerk was right that the M13 was not as popular as the adjustable sight counterpart, the M19, especially during the times that both were produced. In recent years I think the M13 is gaining ground, especially the 3" versions.

The M-13 is becoming somewhat of a cult revolver with the 3" round butt leading in collectors value.
I've never owned one but from everything I understand they were/are great no nonsense revolvers.

The FBI issued the Model 13 just before they went to semi autos. IIRC the Agent that ended the Miami shootout did it with a Model 13.

I was told that S&W Model 13 wasn’t very popular. Why is that? I got this one and I don’t see anything wrong with it.

Click to expand...

The simple answer is: The fixed sight versions of the K-Frames (and later L-Frames) were the economy models of their time (1970s), designed for ease on the wallet at a time when most police agencies carried revolvers. They were considerably less expensive than the flagship models with adjustable sights, target grips, and other cosmetic improvements.

The target market was the cash poor new patrol officer looking for a duty revolver at a time when many cops were required / allowed to purchase their own revolver. They were also attractive to departments looking for economical fleet purchase for department-wide issue. Pricewise, Model 13s were the Glocks of their day.

Colt, Smith & Wesson, and Ruger all offered plain-jane fixed sighted versions of their .38 Special and .357 revolvers. These sold at a much lower price point than their higher end versions (Models 19, 66, 686, 586, 27, Python, Security Six, etc.).

There is nothing whatsoever wrong with the Model 13 (or any of the rest of Smith & Wessons fixed sighted revolvers). My very first new-purchase revolver was a Model 65, the stainless counterpart to the Model 13. I dearly wish I still owned that handgun. :banghead:

The bull barreled, fixed sight K-Frames are now recognized as the some of the best gunfighting revolvers Smith ever produced. Snag free clean lines, excellent size and weight for carry, great ergonomics, and hard hitting accuracy at combat distance. Everything you need and nothing you don't.

Your Model 13 a fine revolver and worth more today than what it cost brand-new.

GRIZ22 said:

The FBI issued the Model 13 just before they went to semi autos. IIRC the Agent that ended the fight did it with a Model 13.

Click to expand...

While correct that the 3" M13 was the issue gun at the time, and a .38 was the fight ending shot, Special Agent Edmundo Mireles fired them from his personally owned 4" S&W M686.

The FBI was carrying the 3 inch M13 back then as issue. Ammo was 158 gr LSWCHP +P with 357 Magnum ammo as backup. They were also allowed to carry an approved personally owned gun if desired.

I think the M13 is a fine gun. Just the right size for a 357 Magnum IMHO. I think they werent popular due to the number of available loads for the 38 Spl/357 Mag. Easier to adjust the POI with adjustable sights. The Police guns were often set up with an appropriate height front sight for the dept issue ammo.

I was told that S&W Model 13 wasn’t very popular.

Click to expand...

I didn't get the word. I have two 4" and one 3" M13. They're outstanding.

My very first new-purchase revolver was a Model 65, the stainless counterpart to the Model 13. I dearly wish I still owned that handgun.

Click to expand...

I wish I could find either one locally!

You must be thinking about Colt 'Trooper' as these S&W service revolvers with fixed sights are very highly regarded. I had nickeled one with 4" barrel. It was very accurate gun with Winchester .38spl target loads. Traded mine for 1958 vintage Model 17 with 8" barrel.

One of my first handguns was a Model 19 2 1/2", but when I saw a Model 13
3" heavy barrel I swapped and have never regretted it. Great feel and balance and for what it is designed for, I see no need for adjustable sights.

Hi,
I hope people keep thinking that the model 13 is not too popular. That leaves more for me.
Regards,
Howard

I have a nickle modle 13...I would buy one of those old blue models that you can see ten feet into the bluing in a heartbeat...

I have one of each. I bought both about two years ago - 3" was $275 and the 4" was $325. Seemed kind of backwards to me, but what the heck.