difference in value/prices between the Model 13 and Model 15 4 inch versions?

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WheelGunnerRealGunner

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I'm contemplating trading a 13-1 4'' for a 15-3 4'' and am wondering how much cash is needed on either end to make the trade "fair"

let's say the conditions are similar and both come with boxes and original grips, is there any notable differences in the market prices of these two models?

i never shoot 357 and prefer adjustable sights, but i feel like the 357 potential of the model 13 should be more valuable? It also seems like Model 13s are more rare or at least come up less on auction sites.

I'm still new to revolvers so would appreciates some insights from more the knowledgeable collectors on this forum
 
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I see a lot more 15-3s than 13-1s. I'm not really up on current prices for either. Not that it will be very helpful information but I traded a 4 inch 13-2 for a 14-1 in similar condition last year. I'd value the 13-1 a couple hundred higher but that's because I don't see them and don't have one. A 3 inch 13-1 would be worth quite a bit more. I had one, until my son decided he needed a house gun. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457
 
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A model 13-1 was the first version after the Model 13 was numbered separately from a Model 10 .357 Magnum. It was made for a relatively short three years before it became a -2. With a numbered box and stocks, it might be worth a few hundred more than a Model 15-3, which was made in greater numbers and for more years.
 
The market seems to favor the Model 13.
As to .357 vs. .38 models, the market will
always favor the .357 even if the gun never
sees a .357.

As much as I love the Model 15, I'd stay with
the Model 13.

At typical "combat" distances of 15 yards and
under, you'd never really notice the difference
by not having adj. sights. On my Model 15s
I never even bother with the rear sight, just
aiming over the front at the targets.

No doubt though the Model 15 has to be one of
the most beautifully proportioned revolvers ever
designed.
 
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Comparing a fixed sight "service" revolver with a target sight model an odd comparison IMHO. With a fixed sight, like a 22, you have to find what ammunition it likes and hope the windage isn't too far off, target sights let you adjust it to where you want, allow for aging eyes, different presciption, etc.
 
WheelGunnerRealGunner said:
I'm contemplating trading a 13-1 4'' for a 15-3 4'' and am wondering how much cash is needed on either end to make the trade "fair"

I'm still new to revolvers so would appreciates some insights from more the knowledgeable collectors on this forum
Click to expand...
I look at Guns International for pricing.

The 13-1 is worth at least $100 more than the 15-3. JMHO ...
 
Admittedly I don’t spend much time in LGS anymore but I’ve never seen a Model 13.
 
thanks for all the responses. i tend to agree that a straight trade is not a great deal. maybe it's better to buy a 15 outright

No doubt though the Model 15 has to be one of
the most beautifully proportioned revolvers ever
designed.
Click to expand...

I agree with you completely. When i started collecting s&w, I overlooked the model 15 first cuz i was caught up on having 357 capability. But now i realize i never shoot magnums anyways so it was a silly exclusion

pantannojack said:
I "feel" that any blue steel S&W from the QUALITY era in prime condition is worth 800 clams regardless of caliber. It is the fit and finish which bespokes value rather than the applied usefulness.
Click to expand...

curious why you qualified "blue steel", are nickel guns less valued?
 
I've found nickel guns to look really ugly
after they start getting some use; their
scars and scratches seem to be amplified.

As a alternative, in this case the Model 15,
also look at the Model 67, the stainless steel
cousin to the Model 15.
 
UncleEd said:
I've found nickel guns to look really ugly
after they start getting some use; their
scars and scratches seem to be amplified.

As a alternative, in this case the Model 15,
also look at the Model 67, the stainless steel
cousin to the Model 15.
Click to expand...


i see. i had always thought nickel was more durable than blue. im very vigilante about wiping down and oiling my blued revolvers and 1911s, with nickel guns i'm more relaxed. thats why im leaning towards a nickel 15 so i can use it without worrying about bluing getting worn every time it's out of its wraps
 
WheelGunnerRealGunner said:
thats why im leaning towards a nickel 15 so i can use it without worrying about bluing getting worn every time it's out of its wraps
Click to expand...

If you want a gun to carry and use a lot and want the finish to look good for a long time, a lot longer than you and I will most likely, find one refinished in hard chrome.

Here's a 25-5 in hard chrome, no telling how many miles in holster wear and rounds down the tube it has. And still looks great.

Jeff
SWCA #1457


https://flic.kr/p/2oewPej https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/
 
15 vs 13

I have Multiples of M-15s and 19s. Don't own a 13 or heavy barrel 10. Not a fan of the heavy barrel.
SWCA 982
 
The M13 while more rare, it's MHO not the preferred gun if only shooting 38 specials. I have never heard of a M15 being cracked due to over use of 357 ammo because you can't use them in a M15. The M13 will obviously chamber magnums and can crack if using lighter weight magnum bullets. Check for cracks under forcing cone if you do the deal! As you also state you would be giving up the adjustable sight feature.

Instead of giving up your M15, I'd just buy the M13 if you want one that bad and can afford to do so. IMHO a M15 is one of the the best K Frames ever made!

I have both and quite honestly for every time I've shot my M65 (same gun in stainless) I've shot my M15 100 times more - not kidding!
 
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Adjustable sights are so much better than fixed sights I wouldn’t think of buying a fixed sight unless it’s an older J frame not built on the magnum frame.

A M15 is so much faster and quicker than any K frame with fixed sights that it is infinitely superior.

As far as any benefit to 357 v 38: there isn’t any. The effective difference in velocity is trivial: certainly not enough to make a difference in practice.
 
Model19man said:
Instead of either of those you want a Model 19.
Click to expand...

For what it is worth, I have 2 M15's, 2 M19's a M65 and I have to say the M15's are more accurate than the .357 magnum revolvers are with 38 spl's in them. This is not something I've read, but something I've noticed over many years of shooting. Probably something related to the length of the cylinder's charge holes. Not to say the M19's are inaccurate but not quite as accurate as the 38 spl's are. Just saying.......
 
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