Just wondering : would it be feasable >< ill advised to have adjustable sights installed on a S&W 13 ?
More specifically, the standard S&W set as found on mod. 14/15/17/19 etc.
Does the top strap permit this ? Would it be cost-efficient ?

Buy a used model 19, model 28 or model 27, use the model 13 as is. Any will be more valuable down the road in as sold condition, so you won't lose money and you'll enjoy them.

Just my 2 cents, take care,
Steve

It is possible, but would be expensive to have done by a skilled gunsmith.

Are the adjustable-sight K frames difficult to buy in Belgium? It would be much less costly to buy one of the guns you mentioned rather than modifying a fixed-sight gun.

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

chriske, a Model 13 with adjustable sights is, for all intents and purposes, a Model 19. Here in the US, it would not be cost effective to convert the former to the latter, although probably it could be done. I personally have made a similar conversion on the larger N-frame S&W, specifically a Model 1917 (45 ACP) and the only problem was the need to also change to a significantly higher front sight blade. I think that your Model 13 would be do-able also. I know there are craftsmen in Belgium and that there is a great history of gunmaking there, so it should work out well for you if you do go that way. The big question in this situation is whether the project would be economical to do the conversion in Belgium versus the cost of trading it for a Model 19 in Belgium, and unfortunately I can't give you any advice there, only that it can be done.

Regards,
Froggie

Thanks for the input, folks.
Actually in Belgium you'd sooner find near-mint condition 6" barreled 17's and 14's than fixed-sighted "utilitarian" revolvers. It's just that I spotted a brace of the latter (one 65-4 and one 13-2) both in excellent condition for a near-irresistable price (€ 200.00 each, about $ 260.00) and wondered what if ?? one "as is" one "modified" ?
Anyway, now I think I'd better try & find myself a decent 4" mod 15.

I can confirm that. In Holland too a fixed sight S&W is almost non-existent.
I recently bought a 67, witch is of course a SS 15. I was afraid it is to light to use as a target gun. But it's the nicest shooting revolver I shot! So i agree again, buy a 15. (or 67)
When you look for a nice fixed sight revolver, Povedijn has lying a real good 4" 547.

Jeroenw114, that Model 67 may be a little light to be used for all out bulls eye shooting, but as you have already discovered, it is accurate and easy to shoot at casual targets and for Police-type competitions such as the classic PPC matches held here. I'm not sure I would even think about converting a fixed sight K-frame gun to adjustable here because of the trade in vs gunsmithing ratio... it would probably be more economical to trade. The only reason fixed sighted (so called "service") revolvers are so commonly found here in the US is that they were the primary weapons issued to the various law enforcement agencies around the country for nearly a century.

Froggie

Criske:

Are you not familiar with a device known as the "Wondersight"? It is an aftermarket rear sight for fixed sighted revolvers:

Wondersight « Hollow Point Bullet Mold Service

The cost is nominal ($38.00), but it does require a small hole to be drilled and tapped in the receiver. I know this device has been around since the 1950s, but I cannot tell you if they are effective as I have never shot a revolver with a Wondersight added to it.

I hope this helps.

Regards,

Dave

I worked for a well known gunsmith, Austin Behlert, here in NJ many years ago- the shop did quite a few adj sight installations on fixed sighted S&W revolvers- there are 3 issues- first is drilling/tapping the top strap- second is raising/modifying the front sight- third is the finish, with s/s being the least problematic- cost was pretty high as I remember but the customer got what he wanted.