Model 13-2 possible crack?

[Benjamin9]

Trying to rule out this blemish on my new model 13. Picked it up from an estate sale in original holster. Seemed to have very few rounds through it. I understand these K Frames have problems with hot 357 Mags and should mainly be used with 38 special. Thing shoots like a dream. But after cleaning discovered this vertical gash and am hoping it’s not a crack. It is just under the forcing cone but is not very deep and does not extend underneath where the yoke meets the barrel as seen in photos. Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[HeloMt]

It's hard to tell in the photo, but since it is running at an angle and not vertically, I believe it's just a scratch. That's my guess.

 

[Benjamin9]

Thanks for the quick reply. That’s what I’m hoping as well. Here’s another photo.

 

[Benjamin9]

Also any info on this old girl would be appreciated. Thoughts? tips? tricks? I payed 800 for her what do you guys think?

 

[Buzzzer]

Looks to me to be just a small blemish from the manufacturing process. My older Smith's have more than one "blemish" on them from machining and whatnot. I agree, doesn't look like a crack to me...

 

[CH4]

Looks to me to be just a small blemish from the manufacturing process. My older Smith's have more than one "blemish" on them from machining and whatnot. I agree, doesn't look like a crack to me...

^^^^^^^^
This

 

[schutz5]

Yep looks like a benign ding.
Forcing cone looks intact.

 

[Alk8944]

That is not a crack. If it were it would be the end of a crack that would extend under the lunette and be obvious on the bottom of the lunette. The K Frame cracks that get so much attention occur at the bottom of the barrel shank that extends inside the frame, not the frame itself. The mark you are concerned about is superficial and been caused by someone trying to remove lead deposits from the area around the barrel using an improper tool that scratched the frame.

The "lunette" is the cylindrical portion of a revolver frame that the barrel screws into.

 

[John Patrick]

I agree that it looks like a ding or blemish and not a crack.

Nice looking 3” M13. I think the price was good for a 3” M13 in that condition.

IMO, needs some wood stocks though!

 

[Benjamin9]

That is not a crack. If it were it would be the end of a crack that would extend under the lunette and be obvious on the bottom of the lunette. The K Frame cracks that get so much attention occur at the bottom of the barrel shank that extends inside the frame, not the frame itself. The mark you are concerned about is superficial and been caused by someone trying to remove lead deposits from the area around the barrel using an improper tool that scratched the frame.

The "lunette" is the cylindrical portion of a revolver frame that the barrel screws into.

Thank you and thank you to everyone who has responded. You guys have eased my mind greatly.
Also good to know what the proper term for the piece the barrel screws into

 

[swagmeister]

Another vote for nothing to be concerned about. Fine looking weapon.

 

[Pisgah]

1. That is not a crack.
2. While such cracks have been known to happen in a few guns, it is extremely rare compared to the number of times the phenomenon gets talked about...

 

[steelslaver]

If you suspect a crack one thing you can do is use a dye penetrate available at most welding supplies. Probably about $25-35 for a kit. You clean the area well then spray a bit of the die on, wait a minute, then wipe it off the surface, then spray on the developer, which will show a red line where it causes the dye to seep back out of any crack. I have some with florescent dye. We use it all the time for inspection of piping

I suspect you could do it with some dye in turpentine and then use some chalk. That is how they first did it back in the early 1900

 

[dsk]

That is not a crack. If it were it would be the end of a crack that would extend under the lunette and be obvious on the bottom of the lunette. The K Frame cracks that get so much attention occur at the bottom of the barrel shank that extends inside the frame, not the frame itself. The mark you are concerned about is superficial and been caused by someone trying to remove lead deposits from the area around the barrel using an improper tool that scratched the frame.

The "lunette" is the cylindrical portion of a revolver frame that the barrel screws into.

Just learned a new word today. "Lunette".

 

[DWalt]

Having seen several cracks in that area on other guns, I do not believe you have one. But your pictures do not provide a very good view of where such a crack would be. Those cracks I have seen were unmistakable.

 

[A10]

Just learned a new word today. "Lunette".

Me too....woulda thought it was a female loon....

 

[AC Man]

I don't see anything. I have owned a 13-2 since 1975 brand new and have only fired 357 magnum. Still looks like the day I bought it. No problemo.

 

[Geeorge]

IMO not a crack