S & W lightweight M13

lucius 7 · #1 12-16-2011, 10:34 PM

I'm trying to get some information. I obtained a S&W light weight, 40914 on the crane and frame. The frame and cylinder are aluminium. Blued with wooden grips. Two inch barrel. I've been trying to find any information I can.

7

oldafsp · #2 12-16-2011, 11:37 PM

Please post pics.

It's the only way for me to be able to tell you exactly.

Take good quality pics of all the markings(stampings) and the serial number.

If it truly is a USAF M13 with the aluminum cylinder, it would have been built in 1952-53. They were all recalled by Smith and the cylinders replaced with steel ones.

pawncop · #3 12-21-2011, 07:53 PM

Welcome from Texas lucius 7. Great forum for all things S&W, have fun, learn lots, share what you know.

opoefc · #4 12-21-2011, 11:08 PM

The 40914 is the work/assembly number,not the serial number. It was used to keep parts together during manufacture and has no bearing on the gun's identification. The serial number is on the grip butt, on the back of the cylinder and on the barrel. The letter "C" on the butt and is part of the serial number. If the gun is an original US Airforce M-13, it will say " Revolver Lightweight M 13" on the top strap and "Property of US Air Force" on the back strap. S&W logo on the side plate. "P' stamp on the left side of the frame above the front of the trigger guard. Can you post some pictures? Ed

Big Lou · #5 12-21-2011, 11:10 PM

Welcome to the forum.

Are the numbers "40914" on the butt of the frame? Is there a "C" in front of the number?

Any other markings on the gun?

opoefc · #6 12-21-2011, 11:27 PM

Big Lou, etc. M13 Air Force guns have 6 digit serial numbers, plus the "C" in front. Maybe lucius7 missed a digit in post his number as 40914. Ed

lucius 7 · #7 12-30-2011, 04:41 PM

These are some pics. The # on the cylinder is 3709.

JSR III · #8 12-30-2011, 06:26 PM

Do the stocks number to the gun? There should be a number on the inside of the right stock panel. IIRC, the medallions on the Aircrewmen are supposed to be Air Force emblems and not S&W standard medallions.

Do you have a photo of the top and back straps?

hsguy · #9 12-30-2011, 06:45 PM

Here is a photo of another Aircrewman. I believe that most of the guns came with standard SW stock medallions rather than Air Force ones. I also included a photo of the holster that was used with the gun.

lucius 7 · #10 12-31-2011, 12:46 AM

Ok, there is a "G"on the frame of the grip ( left side). The numbers on the right wooden grip is 367
240.
On the top is "revolver, lightweight,m13"

kwill1911 · #11 12-31-2011, 11:53 AM

Is there a number on the butt of the gun? If so, can you show a picture of it? It is probably a good idea to report all the numbers you can find on the gun, with their location, so we can determine what you really have. It looks nice in the photos you've posted but based on the information you've posted so far it may be a parts gun. Also, the "Property of U.S. Air Force" marking on the back strap appears to have been removed.

Thanks,
Kevin Williams

Sebago Son · #12 12-31-2011, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwill1911

... It looks nice in the photos you've posted but based on the information you've posted so far it may be a parts gun....

... Or worse.

Not long ago there was a blatant fraud going around making these guns up and pawning them off on the unsuspecting...

It would appear that one of his guns may have surfaced again.

lucius 7 · #13 01-01-2012, 11:07 AM

I will post all of the numbers soon in one post. Does anyone know where I could find a steel cylinder for this weapon? I called Smith and Wesson and their representative stated that they didn't didn't have them.
Thanks to all for your input.