Quote:
Originally Posted by roaddog28
Hi,
According to the Smith & Wesson book by Jim Supica & Richard Nahas the M13 evolved from the M10-6. The 10-6 was a prototype of the later model 13 chambered in 357. FBI issued the model 13 in 1974 and 1986 to 1987. The 13-1 was introduced for the N.Y.S.P in 1974. I have a model 13-2 4 inch made in the 1977 era. One of my favorite K frame magnums.
Howard
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I don't think the FBI issued a Model 13 until very late 1980 or 1981. I came in in January 1980 and was issued a 2 1/2" model 10. When I graduated in May, they were still issuing the model 10's. I don't remember seeing any issue model 13's until 1981. They were all 3". This was the issue revolver until the Bureau began issuing semi automatic pistols.
Understand, I'm not saying that no FBI agent carried a model 13 before 1980 or 1981. Almost any steel frame 2" to 4"S&W revolver in .38 or .357 was authorized for purchase and carry by FBI agents as a Bureau Approved, Personally Owned Weapon (POW). It is entirely possible that there were many agents carrying Model 13's before they were actually issued by the FBI