Hey guys Ben here.

You have seen my 3 inch Model 13-2 round butt. Recessed but not pinned. I acquired it year ago for $850 at my LGS. I love everything about the revolver. The balance and craftsmanship is amazing. Fun time at the range as well but I feel like I am missing out on the latest and greatest technology. Because the prices of these 3 inchers have gone up so much I’ve been thinking of trading it for a 3 inch model 627 or 327, something about the S&W 8 shot revolvers really intrigues me.

Any pros and cons would be appreciated. As well as fair trade value of my model 13-2 round butt with recessed cylinders.

The wealth of knowledge here makes for some fantastic reading. Thanks! (More pictures in my first model 13 post)

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I won’t go into the pros/cons of an older K-frame relative to a new N-frame.

What I will say is that—based on my personal experience and the way you describe this revolver—you will almost certainly regret it if you sell or trade it. And the chances are pretty good that you won’t see another like it.

I would strongly recommend that if you want a new gun…save your pennies for it.

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Mark Lathem

More pictures

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Definitely keep the 13, just save some money for the new one. I myself many times have traded away something for a different one and as often as not regretted it.

Thanks I believe you’re right. Hard to take a gun to the range all the time because it’s in such good condition. I’d like one of the newer 357s from smith to be a dedicated range gun. I used to have a 4 inch 686 and I would have loved to have 8 cartridges in the cylinder.

All these guys are wrong! You should get rid of it. In fact I’m willing to help you out and will give you the 850 for it…

All kidding aside, a 3” 13-2 is a buy on sight gun for me I just haven’t come across one. Once I get one it will quickly be on the “do not sell” list.

Unlike the comment above mine, there's no sarcasm. My opinion is to sell it off and get a 627 performance center. You'll be happier with your choice.

A 13 is entirely different from the N frames you would replace it with. You can’t begin to compare them to the 13. As snubbie N frames they are entirely different beasts. Your question should be, do I sell a gun to buy another gun? And of course we all know the answer to that, never sell a gun for you will always regret that decision. As others have suggested simply save up for the N frame, though I think those current models are ugly as sin. And if I wanted an N frame short barrel I am partial to a .44 special.

My 13s in nickel and blue and my 624 and 24
.

ben If you have to ask here what you should do better keep your 13-2 .

This is just my own opinion of course, but the new 327/627 can't hold a candle to the older true classic M13! The M13 quality, fit and finish, no I/L, lighter, smaller, and IMHO better looking is hands down the better gun.

About the only thing the 327/627 has over the older 6 shooter is the capacity. In today's world, I would not be carrying a revolver any longer as I do prefer the higher capacity, smaller size, lighter weight, easier reloads, better sights and easier to shoot accurately and rapidly Micro 9's for SD.

While I still own a plethora of S&W revolvers, they are all older models. I believe the newest S&W I own is a M60-7 which I believe is from 1994-5 - or maybe my M65 - don't quite remember when I bought it.

My suggestion would be is if you are still hellbent on the new 327 or 627 just buy one, test it thoroughly BEFORE selling the M13. Then you can decide wether or not to sell the M13, the 327/627 or keep both.

The 3" 13 has eluded me over time. I do have the L frame 3" 686+ TALO but it is a little too heavy for me to carry, so it resides in the kitchen for emergencies. If Bianchi made a #9 shoulder holster for the 3" 686 I would probably carry it during winter months. Good luck with an informed decision.

There’s just something special about smaller framed 3” .357s, IMO. A personal note: I had a 3” Kimber KS6 that I decided to trade off. Regretted it almost immediately. Filled that void shortly after w/ a cherry 3” 65-5 (stainless version of the 13, pictured). Cost me $1000 to do that, and I’ve now learned to never get rid of it. And guess what? I’m out shopping for another 3” Kimber. Unless it’s purely trade fodder or a ***, I almost always regret selling/trading guns. My advice is save your pennies.

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there are many pros and cons mentioned here that I won't contradict. my biggest pro for the M13 is: balance. with the proper technique and some practice you can put 6 of 6 into center mass, one handed, double action, from the hip after strong side quick draw, at 10 meters. Done this, it's amazing

regards from Germany
Ulrich

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Life is too short to own a bad gun

I've sold a lot of guns over the years for a lot of reasons. Selling a three inch 13 for an N frame two and a half inch is just no. The three inch K frame is the best carry revolver ever made. The N frame is just to bulky. On top of which you don't have a lot of cushion with the 13. $850 is average to high average price. Depending on local market you might not break even.

Coming from someone who has been hunting for a 3” Model 13 for years, keep it.

Don’t do it !!!!!!!!

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213th FBINA

If I had a nice rb 13-2 and sold it I know I’d definitely regret it, maybe you will too

If you trade that model 13 you will assuredly loose money. If you sell it outright, I’m still not sure you’ll break even. Not with those grips anyway. I’d keep it for that reason alone.

Ditto!! While I've got 3" 65 and 66s I've wanted and have looked for a 3" 13 for over 20 years...... never seen one locally!!

IMHO if you sell it, you will soon want one again, and you won't be able to find one!!!!!!!

It's a lot easier carrying a 3"K frame than an L-frame let alone a N-frame.

I have two 4" 27/28s and had a 3" 586....... never carry the N-frames and traded the L-frame cus if I wanted to carry a .357 it was always the K-frame.

.....WHY?.....

I'm with most here. Hang onto the 13. I have older Smith's that I don't shoot often and want to keep. To hard to replace them. I do have newer models I use for my range guns. If you have something else you could trade at the LGS do that instead. Keep that old revolver. You won't regret it years down the road.

Yooouuuuu'll beeeeeee sooooorrrrryyyy!!!

"If you sell that Model 13, you'll regret it. Maybe not now, but soon and for the rest of your life."

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Can open, worms everywhere.

Keep that sucker!!!!!

I would much rather talk you INTO selling it...TO ME!

What MajorD said!!!

DON'T LET THE INTERNET RULE YOUR CHOICES............

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S&W Accumulator

Sell a 3 inch K-frame?

Blasphemy!

My next purchase is a new 629pc snub. My two best shooters are barrel sleeved HH guns. I believe they make them eh-hem “better” today. Lol. I like the ball detent lock ups too

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Three inch Model 13's were the hottest
selling Smith's last summer on GB.
Some pulling 2k +
Snagged this one a 13-4 NIB year or so ago
still have not shot it.

Your gun your choice...it would sell here in our classifieds
quick as a bunny.

Keep the 13, bring it with you the next time you're in the Fredericksburg area, and we meet and drool over you gun. Maybe even have some refreshments.

Thank you for the info, well said!

I want the S&W Comp Carry

I now carry high capacity 9's that I am more than happy with. Having said that, absolutely no handgun balances as well in my hand and points as naturally as a fixed sight K frame round butt revolver. And yes, I know what I am talking about. I have five 3'' 65's to prove it that are not going any where. Ever.
So I say keep it!

DON'T DO IT! You'll be sorry you did! Pinch your penny's, collect aluminum cans or deliver pizzas for a month or so to buy the one you're currently craving for! Experience speaking here. Sold guns are most often regretted and much more expensive to replace! Trust those "in the know". We've been there, done that, have the t-shirts and we are too embarrassed to wear them. Keep the 3" 13.........!

Absolutely agree with the others here - DO NOT sell it. If you absolutely have to, please sell it on the classifieds here and let it go to someone who has been seeking one for their collection.
Also - please make sure to take off the Pachmayr grips and wipe down the frame. If you aren’t aware they can trap moisture and cause rust.
And a belated welcome to the forum !

Not no, but HELL NO!
I consider the 3" K-frames to be the best carry revolvers ever made. I love my 3" 13-4 and will never part with it.

Its already been said,, DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wouldn't consider selling mine and it's a common 4". Perfect balance and just the right size.

Al

Sell it!

To me me me!!!

Honestly, if you paid $850, you might be hard-put to recoup it, especially on a quick sale.

You mentioned trading. DO NOT trade to a dealer. You WILL get screwed.

My best deals come from my range/LGS, where fools trade in fine revolvers or 1911s they inherited for gee-whiz 9mms or ARs. The LGS is high-volume and just looking for a quick flip, or the young pups working there don’t know what they have, or don’t do their homework.

After finding a Ted Yost Series 80 Commander and a pristine 66-2 with box/papers/tools for under $700 (each), I know whoever they got them from REALLY got screwed.

I sold my model 14-4 in order to get money to buy a model 69. Best decision ever, no regrets.

Having said that, absolutely do NOT sell the 3 inch Model 13-2 round butt. It's one of the best guns ever. and you will regret selling it. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow, but soon and for the rest of your life.

Hey Benjamin9

Have we convinced you not to sell?

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213th FBINA

As others have said, do not sell unless it is to me!! I regret selling my model 13 even though I have a model 65 and several 66's to comfort me. They don't come around for sale too often

Been there, done that, still regretting it.

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Two Handguns every day

In case we haven’t convinced you, bear this in mind:
Next year, or whenever you have the funds to buy that hole-in-the side N-frame, they’ll still be making new ones.

There won’t be any new 3” Model 13s.

In an earlier reply of mine I might have said keep your mdl 13 well I realize I was wrong so wrong that I would like you to sell it to me, cheap of course and you can then get that other gun you want. It’s normal operating procedure we all do it, it then won’t be long before you forget all about the model whats its name that you sold. I’ve done it and it will be just fine.

Your 3’’ 13 is in good hands!

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213th FBINA

My model 13-2 is definitely in my top 5 favorites and would be one of the last I would let go.

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How much do I shoot it vs. something else you buy

How easy will it be to replace should I miss it

How much money will I get hosed trading "up"

Will the newer "lock" version have the same or better level of craftsmanship

I really don't understand "latest & greatest tech..." it's a .357- they've been making them for the last 90 years. Okay, 2 more rounds....

Yes sir! It’s great to see how much of a reaction this post has gotten. You guys have straightenand me out (I knew you would) I appreciate all of you and this community. I’ll be holding onto it hopefully to pass it on to a son or grandson like my grandfather did with his pre model 10.

You guys rock there are so many amazing looking 3 inch k frames in this thread.

One final question. Is it common for a fixed front sight to be a little off center on a model 13 or center. There is no damage just looks machined slightly to the right. For this time period of Smith revolvers how did they go about point of aim from the factory? Almost looks like the rear sight is adjusted accordingly.

I have had no issues at 25 yards.