I was only able to go to the Wanenmacher show on Saturday, so as usual I got in line at 6:50, so that when the doors opened at 8:00 I wouldn't be at the end of a mile-long line. It wasn't quite as crowded as it has been the last couple of times though, so I was able to make it all the way through by only 4:30.

While still on the lower level, I came across a Model 13-2 with a three-inch barrel, and a round butt with Pachmayers on it. The price tag had initially been marked at $375, which was crossed out and remarked at $350. As I looked the gun over I could see that it had a rusted spot on the sideplate, but other than that looked very nice. I was really looking for a 2-1/2" M-19 but I asked the seller if he'd take $325, and he agreed.

However he was from out of state, and so we'd have to make the transaction through a dealer. Since it was still early in the show, I didn't want to take the time for that and decided to leave it and walk on and look for that M-19 instead.

I finished out the lower level and went up topside and went through a dozen rows or so. But the M-13 preyed on my thoughts and I wasn't seeing any M-19s. So, I went back to it, paid the man $325, and had him hold it for me until I finished the show that afternoon. Then we made the transaction through my regular dealer who was also at the show, and was completely unsurprised when I showed up with a S&W (you know it's bad when your dealer thinks you have "a problem.")










Anyone have any suggestions about what to do with this rust spot, if anything?

I never did find an M-19 2-1/2" to buy - they were half again to double what I felt like paying. Ahh well, perhaps at another show.

Interesting story / gun show report. Sounds like a good way to spend a day.

That M13 looks like and excellent carry piece (better than a 2.5" M19 IMHO) and indeed that rust spot is probably from the previous owner's perspiration. I would just take that as part of the gun's personality and carry it as is.

__________________
You're shy a few manners.

At one time the 3" 13 was a FBI issue. I always loved the feel of it.
Russell

Nice looking model 13. Looks like you got a real deal
on yours. You don't find many model 13's for sale. I
bought a model 13 about two weeks ago and really like
it. Here it is. Don

S&W 13-1

__________________
"Don't worry be happy"

Nice looking 13. As for the rust spot, brush it gently using an old toothbrush dipped in kerosene. This will kill the existing rust and ensure it doesn't rust any further. Dry the kerosene. Then wipe off the entire gun with an oily rag. Wipe a little extra oil on the rust spot to protect the metal since the finsh is thin there. This will keep it at bay. It's barely noticeable and showed up only on your close-up. You also need to replace those rubbers with a nice set of factory checkered round butt magnas. BTW, that red insert front sight is interesting and very nice-looking. I don't recall the 13 ever being offered with one at the factory. If that is after-market, it's certainly a neat job!
Here's my 13-4, along with it's stainless twin, my model 65-3. The 13-4 is shown with the factory Uncle Mike's grips. I don't usually like rubber, but I left these as they are factory.

Nice find. Got to love the fixed sight K Frames with 3 inch barrels.

I still kick myself for missing out on a 4" 13-2 marked Arizona Highway Patrol or something similar. This was at a Pasadena Texas gun show a couple months ago. A man was walking around with it in a holster with a sign for $325. At the time I had never heard of m13 and by the time I did some research, another guy had bought it for $300. As I recall, it had a heavy barrel marked 357 Magnum.

i was there at the show too, and i was looking for a model 13, i found a 4in model 29 i just had to have, i did see a model 19 2 1/2in i think it was nickel finish, the same guy whom i bought the 29 from was selling it, he also had a 6in model 57 for $575 and i'm sure he would have came down from that

Nice find, great carry gun, I have it's nickle cousin.

Great find! I had a similar problem with a sideplate. I replaced it. As a matter of fact, one of the folks has a slew of them for sale in the accessory area. You could also take the rust off with flitz, then wipe it down with lighter fluid and hit it with some cold blue on a q-tip.

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Rough waters ahead.

NframeisNo1 brought up something I was interested in hearing about.
I have a 13-2 3" and it doesn't have a red ramp. I've never seen one on that model either.
Aftermarket installation?

A colleague mentioned he wanted to sell a revolver he purchased in the 80s and hadn't used in over 15 years. He moved to an east coast location and left the revolver stored with a friend. I told him I'd buy it, not knowing what model other than it was a S&W .357 mag with a 2.5-3 inch barrel. Yesterday he called, gave me info and I offered him $400 to which he said I can't take more than $300 plus the cost of the transfer/shipping to me. Got the photos this morning. I hope I keep having this sort of luck.

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Gotta love those 3-inch, K-frames!

Here's my 13-3. Also has the box and tools. It is my favorite revolver of all time.

3" K frames seem to attract a lot of people, me included.

I think you did well on your purchase.

I am currently looking for a S&W model 13 or 65 in 3 inch round butt.

Count me in on the 3" K frames, I've got the 64-3 and 65-3 in 3" version. Also have a J 3" Mod 60 and a L 3" Mod 686 so I guess it is not just 3" K frames I like. Surprisingly I don't have any blue 3" revolvers, I may have to work on that after seeing the Mod 13s in this thread.

You guys had me scared. I thought I had missed it, then I read the OP's post date.

Talk about resurrecting old threads.