This article caught my eye and I learned a couple of things. I did not know the Model 13 was chosen by the FBI as their last revolver before the switch to semi-autos.

Smith & Wesson Model 13: The FBI’s 357 Magnum Revolver

Just to expand. The genesis of the Model 13
was the Model 10-6 in .357 produced for the
NY State Police. That piqued the interest by
the FBI or so I've read.

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Ubi Est Mea

Good info but poorly-written. "Heroin"? Really? And one use of 'alas' flirts with pretentiousness. Using it twice takes pretentiousness home for a dinner date with the parents.

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Psalm 27:2

Check out Guns of the F.B.I. : A History of the Bureau's Firearms and Training Bill Vanderpool. Published in 2018.

Bill Vanderpool is a retired Special Agent with the FBI, former SWAT sniper and member of the Bureau’s Firearms Training Unit. He is a thirty-one-year law enforcement veteran. He spent eleven years as a State Beverage Agent (chasing "moonshiners" and enforcing liquor laws) in his home state of Florida. He joined the FBI in 1973. In 1979 he was transferred to the FBI Academy at Quantico, Virginia as a member of the Firearms Training Unit. He started a program of evaluating ammunition before purchase which led to the establishment of the Ballistic Research Facility. He retired in the mid-90s and now writes for various gun publications.

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I type. Therefore I am.

Careful using heroin and Jodie foster in the same sentence. You might start a rumor.

I've always like the Model 13. I currently have 2. One blue and one nickel.

I went through the FBINA in 1981. Vanderpool was one of the range instructors. Very good guy (as they all were). Range time was pure fun, and a nice break from the rigorous academic environment.

One of the pre-shooting lectures we had to attend was on how to clean a revolver. This was put on by the FBI armorers. Since we were just practicing what we already knew how to do, there was plenty of time for various discussions, which were very interesting. This was a period when S&W was infamous for the low quality of the revolvers being shipped. The armorers had to completely strip down each new revolver, and do the fitting and finishing work to make them reliable, before they went into the field. This led the FBI to propose to S&W to purchase all the parts for the revolvers and allow the FBI armorers to do all the assembly, at of course a reduced cost. S&W were having none of that so the idea ended there.

I have been told that field agents were strictly prohibited from tearing down their revolvers beyond removal of the yoke and cylinder for cleaning. If the armorers determined that the side plate had been removed by a field agent, there were serious consequences. It was better to comply and stay off the radar.

As to the .357 K frame size short barrel concept I agreed (and agree). For a time I carried a 2 1/2" S&W 66. Despite our department's problems with the 66s, I became convinced of the value of the concept. That led me to purchase my 2 3/4" Ruger Security Six.

I have long since drank the compact Glock kool-aid (model 26) but I still have that Security Six. If I want .357 horsepower to carry in our local mountains, that is my preference. The concept still applies.

I have a 13-4 in a 3” RB. One of the few shipped with serrated blackstrap and forestrap hidden under Uncle Mike’s rubber grip as mentioned in SCSW. These were produced for about 6 months according to “the book”. Have always enjoyed shooting it!

Just pulled my 13-4 out of the safe.
Same w/ serrated backstrap/forestrap.
Never noticed it until your post.

I think the 3" k-frame is just about the perfect carry revolver. Small enough to conceal and carry well, but big enough to shoot accurately. When I choose to carry a revolver, I often reach for my 13-4.

Saves some writing! My choice back in 1986 was a 3" stainless 65. Qualified with it for a number of years out to 25yds.... never less than 95%

Was on the lookout for a 3" 13 but got sidetracked in 1988 by a 3" 66-3.

Haven't seen a 3" 13 locally in all those years; but have managed to add another 3" 65 and 66.