Property of US Air Force Pistol

[wcwarren]

My father had in his collection an M-13 Lightweight Pistol marked Property of US Air Force. I know my family has had this gun for at least 35 years if not longer. I would grade the pistol about 50 to 60%. It seems to have all matching numbers except for the grips, but the grips have a large A stamped on the inside of them. I read where most were destroyed due to them exploding due to their aluminum construction, and very few made it into the civilian market. I have attached several pictures. Any information on this pistol would be greatly appreciated.

[murphydog]

Although these have been faked, this appears to be an authentic original M13, especially if the numbers on the frame, rear cylinder face and barrel flat near the ejector rod all match. It would be a good idea to obtain an SWHF history letter for it:

Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation - Letter Process - Insuring that the rich history of Smith & Wesson will continue for generations to come

You have the story correct about frame and cylinder cracking with even light pressure .38 Specials, and the vast majority of them being "demilled" (cut, torched, shredded). The correct stocks for it look similar to those, except they will have an uncheckered diamond around the screw and will be thinner than a standard K frame stock set. Finding an appropriate set shouldn't be too difficult or expensive. Hope this is helpful.

[kwill1911]

William,
Your father left you a hell of a nice collection. This should help:
Aircrewman Revolvers
I suspect a letter, which I strongly recommend, will show shipment to Norton AFB in Sept, 1956.
Regards,

[wcwarren]

I have attached a few more photos. The number on the cylinder matches the number on the bottom of the gun. The number on the cylinder drop down arm is the same as the number located in the inside right behind the barrel. I did a magnet check and the cylinder is alloy not metal. In one of the photos you can see some damage inside where the cylinder sets. I was thinking the pistol could have been rebuild from parts from other M-13, but the numbers seem to match. Does anyone have any other ideas?

[murphydog]

Do you see the matching number on the barrel flat? See this post, just under the yellow arrow pointing at the yoke:

To IDENTIFY your Gun >

The photos demonstrate why they were withdrawn from service, and also that they should not be fired with standard ammunition.

[wcwarren]

The number on the yoke matches the number on the barrel flat. The number behind the bullet extractor located in the cylinder match the serial number on the pistol.

[kwill1911]

Someone has had the side plate off and it has a few dings but it is a nice example of an uncommon gun.

[wcwarren]

Do you think it's worth getting a S&W letter?

[kwill1911]

Yes. I would letter it.