S&W Model 13?

[sidearm]

woops forgot the pic! here ya go-

 

[P95Carry]

sidearm ... pic link??? Can't see it!

Congrats tho on the find - and even if a tad pricey - I can't see that being a loss maker at all ... way too desirable!

Aha ... see you just posted the link! Doncha just lurv that barrel!!!!

 

[DHart]

Sidearm... nice model 13's (especially with 3" barrels) are not easy to find... what you paid (no shipping either!) ain't bad for a gun like that which you really want. That's a very fine defense gun that both you and your wife will love. Now you need a 65 with 3" barrel as a companion gun for yourself.

 

[sidearm]

Thanks guys! Only thing though, it doesn't have the 3" barrel, it's 4". There is also no indication that the barrel was changed. From what I can tell. The gun however is marked 13-3. Did they make a 4" 13-3? I'm assuming the -3 indicates barrel length.

 

[P95Carry]

I'm assuming the -3 indicates barrel length.

No - that is just the ''dash'' number - which is to show the ''version'' ... like 13-1, 13-2, 13-3 etc .. each ''dash'' change is usually with a small change in gun spec'.

13-1 is down as 1974
13-2 as 1977
13-3 1982 ... when cyl counterbore stopped and barrel no longer pinned.
13-4 takes us to 1988

4" barrel was IIRC always an option.

 

[Cosmoline]

What I can't figure is why I can find many Model 13's for under $350, but the big, bulky Model 27's with their enormous Coke bottle grips go for $550 or more. My current combo of Model 13 and Model 36, both pinned barrels, cost me less TOGETHER than some Model 27's I've seen.

The used gun market is a weird place.

 

[thatguy]

I hbought this 4 inch 13-2 (1979) in nickel off GunsAmerica two years ago for $190. Lost the Pachs and put on these older Magnas I had laying around. It became ny nightstand gun.

 

[rWt]

I saw a model 60 with fixed sights and a 2 1/8 barrel at a local gun shop. How does this model compare to the 13? It's a fixed sight, medium frame(?) 6-shot in .357 mag with a round butt?

The salesguy thought they also made it in a 3" version at some time.

I have been looking for a 13 or 65 in the 3"round butt version without success.

Any advice on how to find one?

Thanks, Dick

 

[DHart]

The model 60 is a small frame (J-frame) 5-shot. The 13 / 65 is a medium frame (K-frame) 6-shot. Big difference in the pleasure of shooting! The J's are nice to slip in a pocket. The very best J in my view is the 642 with 1 7/8" barrel and completely internal hammer - you can pull this gun without any hangups and even shoot it through a coat pocket if you HAD to. Sealed hammer prevents any lint or gunk from collecting in the mechanism and no hanging up on clothing. These type of guns are designed for close range double action type shooting. They also require a lot of practice to shoot well! More than you might think!!! Lastly, they're not much fun to shoot. BUT... small enough to slip in your front jeans pocket or hold in your hand inside a coat pocket while you walk through dangerous places. And reliable.

For a gun which you will shoot more (and enjoy shooting!) go with the K-frame, 13, 19, 65, 66. The fixed sight versions (13, 65) are best for concealed carry... you don't need, nor want adjustable sights on a concealed carry defense gun.

Check pawn shops!!! And internet gun sales. Good luck.

 

[DHart]

rdnzl... how'd you get rid of the Lady Smith insignia? Was it on the side plate and you replaced that part, or a refinish of the gun? I like the looks as it is now much better than the Lady Smith logo. Sharp guns!

 

[DHart]

Your gun looks great. I agree on the bead blast finish... it is easily marred and the mars are fairly noticible. The refinish you gave the gun will be much easier to maintain and won't show the effects of daily life nearly as much. Good job on that 65... that's the way S&W should have made it in the first place!

Nice, though, that at least for a short time, one can still buy a 3" Model 65, even if it is branded as a Lady Smith... you showed that the branding can be dealt with.