Model 13 vs. Model 10

ImDrRich · Jun 17, 2021

I'm thinking of buying a Model 13 (3" preferably).

I've held and fired a Model 10 but never have done so with the Model 13.

Is there a huge difference (beside caliber) between the two guns?

Thanks.

R

jimbo728 · Jun 17, 2021

stainless vs blue.
Jim

ImDrRich · Jun 17, 2021

Can't be. Model 10s I've shot have all been blue. Model 13s I've seen have been blue as well.

Eralph · Jun 17, 2021

The stainless version of a Mod. 13 would be a Mod 65.
The stainless version of a Mod 10 is a Mod 64

The 10 and 64 are chambered in .38 Spl
The 13 and 65 are .357 mag.

They are both K frame and are essentially the same. except for the chambering.

Wyatt Burp · Jun 17, 2021

A 3” round butt Model 10 would be identical to. A 3” Model 13 I would think except the 13 would have a longer cylinder making it slightly heavier. And perhaps heat treating of the steel, but not sure of that.

JWintergreen · Jun 17, 2021

They are both blue (or nickel) M&P K frame revolvers. The Model 10 Military and Police revolver is one of the most famous handguns of all time and has been in production since 1899 (with many revisions and the introduction of model numbers in 1957).

As someone that prefers to fire specials in specials and magnums in magnums, I have never been a big fan of the K frame magnums. For that reason, I would go with the plain jane Model 10.

There are also other fixed sight .357s out there, if you are looking to fire a lot of magnums. The fixed sight .357 L frames are the 581,681, and 619. There is also the fixed sight 520, which is on the full size N frame.

robertrwalsh · Jun 17, 2021

IN the same configuration both guns should handle exactly the same, except that the model 13 would be microscopically lighter than the model 10.

LPD256 · Jun 17, 2021

The biggest difference would be in purchase cost. The 13 will be substantially more.

The next question would be if you want .357 capability and are you willing to fork over the cash to buy it? Truthfully, I shoot .38special in my 13’s. The 10 will shoot identically.

jaguargolf · Jun 17, 2021

I had both. They seemed identical.

raygixxer89 · Jun 17, 2021

jaguargolf said:
I had both. They seemed identical.

Me too. I think the 13 has a slightly longer cylinder.

Scharfschuetzer · Jun 17, 2021

Keep in mind that most Model 10s were pencil barrels and thus much lighter than the Model 65 which is always, to my knowledge and experience, a heavy barrel. The NYPD used a lot of HB Model 10s.

As noted above, a heavy barrel Model 10 will handle like a Model 65, but the light barrel Model 10 will point the same, but perhaps not hold as steadily and it will have more muzzle flip if identical 38 Specials are fired in the pencil barrel v. the heavy barrel.

I used a Model 65 as a service weapon for several years and I can't think of a more usable duty or holster revolver. I still have mine; and I'll keep it as it's done well on the two way range.

Dieseltech56 · Jun 17, 2021

I converted a 10-8 round butt to a model 13 by switching the barrel and cylinder with one from a 13-3. Looks the same, shoots the same just don’t pay attention to the markings

stansdds · Jun 18, 2021

If you plan to never want to or need to use 357 Magnum ammo, then the Model 10. If you want more ammo options, then the Model 13.

Muley Gil · Jun 18, 2021

robertrwalsh said:
IN the same configuration both guns should handle exactly the same, except that the model 13 would be microscopically lighter than the model 10.

The M13 should be slightly heavier than a M10. K frame .357 cylinders are slightly longer than K frame .38 special cylinders and a recessed .357 cylinder will longer at the rear as well.

wbraswell · Jun 18, 2021

Model 13 weighs about an ounce more, because of the longer cylinder.

Donb10 · Jun 18, 2021

I have (2) Model 64-1 that are chambered for .357 Magnum. I purchased them from a Smith & Wesson Factory Rep years ago.

Grayfox · Jun 18, 2021

For all practical purposes, the two guns are identical. The .357 Model 13 will have a bit more thump to it with Magnum ammo, but its quite controllable.
I have both and see no real difference other than ammo.

SLCDW · Jun 18, 2021

If target shooting is your focus, all other things being equal, a Model 10 will be more accurate than a Model 13, when shooting .38 special. This is because, due to the shorter length of the .38 Special round/ longer .357 chamber, a .38 Special bullet shot out of a Model 13 has to travel a bit before it hits chamber throat.

StrawHat · Jun 19, 2021

SLCDW said:
If target shooting is your focus, all other things being equal, a Model 10 will be more accurate than a Model 13, when shooting .38 special. This is because, due to the shorter length of the .38 Special round/ longer .357 chamber, a .38 Special bullet shot out of a Model 13 has to travel a bit before it hits chamber throat.

Yet many top tier competitors used the Models 19, 686 and 27 to their advantage with 38 wad cutters.

Kevin

stansdds · Jun 19, 2021

SLCDW said:
If target shooting is your focus, all other things being equal, a Model 10 will be more accurate than a Model 13, when shooting .38 special. This is because, due to the shorter length of the .38 Special round/ longer .357 chamber, a .38 Special bullet shot out of a Model 13 has to travel a bit before it hits chamber throat.

Some revolvers, yes, with others, there is no difference in accuracy. Getting a 357 or 44 Magnum that is inaccurate with the shorter, Special ammo seems to be more of a case of bad luck than anything else.

Model 13 vs. Model 10

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