3" 13-3 Factory Bobbed FBI/Secret Service ?

[4dguns]

I have an interesting piece. A 13-3 Product code 100304. Special order 3025 with a 007 sub number that presents itself with a factory bobbed hammer and what appears to be an extra set of smooth combat grips. Smooth trigger as well. Is there any knowledge of any special orders for the FBI or Secret Service. There is some bluing on the frame by the hammer that has a rub that would be consistent with a shoulder rig. Any help identifying this one is appreciated.
Thanks

 

[one eye joe]

IF THIS INTERESTING REVOLVER WAS MINE WAS, I WOULD INVEST IN A LETTER FROM THE S&W HISTORIAN, ROY JINKS......

 

[Ashlander]

The smooth grips are aftermarket grips made by Ahrends.

 

[4dguns]

It is my understanding that Roy Jinks has retired. I would have gone that route had I not heard that. I am hearing that things may be a little crazy right no

 

[4dguns]

Thanks. Appreciate the info. Would Smith have distributed them say like Uncle Mikes?

 

[326MOD10]

I have never known S&W to use Ahrends grips on their products out of the factory.

His grip work is top notch and the ones I have purchased I have picked up from a dealer on EBAY that specializes in his grips.

You can also get them direct from him and I know that a couple retailers like Brownells and Top Gun Supply have sold his products.

 

[murphydog]

It is my understanding that Roy Jinks has retired. I would have gone that route had I not heard that. I am hearing that things may be a little crazy right no

Mr. Jinks does the same letters as he did, but now works with the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation (SWHF). Here is the form to request one:

http://www.swhistoricalfoundation.com/Letter_request_form.pdf

 

[murphydog]

I suspect the Special Order Code indicates it was ready to ship the 25th day of 1993, or January 25. Also, I think by this date the Federal law enforcement agencies had stopped buying the model 13 and did not use DAO revolvers, but the letter would tell you for certain. Cool gun in any case.

 

[Ashlander]

I own a 3" 65-3 and am thrilled that it was the kind used by the DEA, even though mine came from other law enforcement sources. Your 13-3 looks to be a great gun.

 

[hardcase60]

Interesting article from a 2011 issues of the American Rifleman magazine that talks about FBI gun history. While the article does not provide specific dates for the agency use of the Model 13's the time frame would appear to be from the middle to late '70's thru the early to middle 80's with some exceptions noted for older retiring agents. I'm sure there are those on this forum more knowledgeable than myself who can provide a more accurate date range. hardcase60 Here is the link:
American Rifleman | A History of FBI Handguns

 

[sigp220.45]

No FBI guns had bobbed hammers.

(I was an agent for 25 years, and a firearms instructor as an additional duty for 20 of those years).

 

[4dguns]

Thanks for that information. DAO, out for the FBI. I will remember that tidbit.

 

[4dguns]

Thanks for the info on Mr. Jinks. I will be dropping a check in the mail tomorrow!

 

[one eye joe]

It is my understanding that Roy Jinks has retired. I would have gone that route had I not heard that. I am hearing that things may be a little crazy right no

I DID NOT KNOW THAT, 4dguns. THANKS FOR THAT INFO. ITS THE END OF AN ERA, FOR SURE ! ! !

 

[murphydog]

I DID NOT KNOW THAT, 4dguns. THANKS FOR THAT INFO. ITS THE END OF AN ERA, FOR SURE ! ! !

See post #7 please .

 

[Bosquebass]

The only guns I've ever seen with factory spur-less hammers were double action only. If this gun is DA/SA the spur-less hammer may be the work of a good gunsmith after it left the factory.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

The Product Code 100304 was a plain jane standard production SA/DA 3-inch Model 13. It was not a factory DAO bobbed hammer gun. That must of been done after market.

 

[murphydog]

I have never known S&W to use Ahrends grips on their products out of the factory.

His grip work is top notch and the ones I have purchased I have picked up from a dealer on EBAY that specializes in his grips.

You can also get them direct from him and I know that a couple retailers like Brownells and Top Gun Supply have sold his products.

There is exactly one factory S & W revolver that had Ahrend's grips - the model 520 of 2005, a 7-shot L frame .357, usually in the plainest wood imaginable .

Edit to add - Charlie699 reminded me the 329 AirLite also has Ahrend's grips . Thanks!

 

[JMV366]

USSS issued Model 19 2.5 " revolvers with Tyler T-grip. No bobbed hammers. The Model 19 snubby was the issue gun when I started as an agent in 1982. Eventually USSS transitioned to SIG 228 9mm in 1992 or 1993.

 

[BAM-BAM]

USSS issued Model 19 2.5 " revolvers with Tyler T-grip. No bobbed hammers. The Model 19 snubby was the issue gun when I started as an agent in 1982. Eventually USSS transitioned to SIG 228 9mm in 1992 or 1993.

I thought I'd read somewhere that USSS went to the .357 Sig and 229s....??????