I have been looking for a model 13 or 65 on the on-line auctions. What puzzles me is there are quite a few model 13 and 65's in 38 cal. They all seem to be various government contracts. Why would the government contract to have a 357 chambered in 38 when model 10 & 64 were available? If you wanted a 13 or 65 why not do what most police departments did and just issue 38 ammo?

Many law enforcement agencies are run by administrators infected with Terminal Political Correctness.

Can I ask where you've seen these? I just took a quick look at Gunbroker.com and didn't see any .38spl Model 65's.

The lack of the word "magnum" on the side of the barrel kept certain officials from charges of use of excessive force. Problem is many of these ".38 Specials" chamber and fire .357s anyhow by report .

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I have a 13, it says on the bbl .357 Magnum. I wondered when I read of the few 13's reported as marked for .38 Special if they were the same actual gun, same cylinder, same bbl, just marked 38 Spl on the barrel, or were they really 38 Special only and not able to shoot 357?

Did they ever do that to other 357/38 models, or 44 Mag / 44 Special models, for example?

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Marty 4513TSW 13-1 642 60-10

I have looked also, please give us a link, I am very curious.

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Doesn't hasta call me Johnson

the standard catalog of smith and wesson lists a number of 357 cal models chambered in 38 special only which I agree makes little sense. They did chamber some 581/681/686/586 revolvers in 38 special only, and this makes a little sense as the action is a little heavier and rugged than the k frames, while retianing the non magnum chambering that some le agencies demanded for a time. The SCSW also lists some limited production of k and l frames in 32 calibers for various overseas contracts.

OK That's fine. But I would just like to see one of these auctions.

Here you go:

Smith & Wesson 13-4 38spl, Federal Contract : Revolvers at GunBroker.com

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Pray for Gridlock

A couple months ago I saw a used Model 620 at a Cabellas with the barrel marked for 38 Special (it may have had a plus P on there as well -- I forget). I had thought that was a .357 Magnum model -- very confusing.

This example that ohiojerry found does have "38 S. & W. SPECIAL CTG."

I have a 13-1, so I am a little more curious when 13's come up. Anyone care to chime in and offer two opinions?

1. Is this "38 special" Model 13-4 really a Model 13, meaning it is chambered for and would shoot 357, and it is just marked for 38, or does the -4 mean it is specifically made for 38? Difference would be a shorter cylinder, correct?

2. Is it worth much more than a .357 marked M13, or less?

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Marty 4513TSW 13-1 642 60-10

There was a state law in FL restricting security guards, private eyes and repos to .38 special. It is only slightly more permissive now. Cross reference Florida Firearms - Seventh Edition, especially before you enter Florida.
Geoff
Who notes what a tangled web is weaved when lawyers are allowed in the legislature and fools are elected on lies and looks.

An example of government procurment at work. It could have went something like this:

The FBI had model 13's, so they must have model 13's. Since they don't want them to be able to shoot .357's they buy them in .38 special. They didn't want a model 10. They wanted a model 13 because that's what the FBI had. They just want it in .38.

Heck, the linked gun is a Federal court gun, so it could have even been bought under the same contract as the FBI 13's. The Fed courts could have just tacked on a purchase order and specified ".38 special". S&W wouldn't even bat an eye, or really ask questions.

A good S&W sales rep would have offered the model 13 to any agency under the "it's what the FBI is now using" sales pitch. "We can even offer it in .38 special only if that's what you want." Being the FBI gun is a strong sales angle.

Many states will allow local agencies to tack onto their contracts so both state and local agency get the benifit of volume pricing. For example, if the state buys Fords, then alot of agencies will buy them as well on the same contract. Lower price, no need to go through a complete testing, competition, etc to satisfy laws, regulations and bean counters. I know the Federal gov can be the same with it's agencies.

The customer is always right.

In response to an avalanche of question, restrictions on security guard weapons and ammo are covered in this STATE OF FLORIDA handbook, and apply in FL ONLY with exceptions for Federal hired guns.
http://licgweb.doacs.state.fl.us/FOR...00092_0209.pdf
Apropos of interest, many LEOrgs in FL have gone to the .40 S&W.
Geoff
Who is too old gray and cynical to ever be a security guard.