An unusual Model 13-2

[Maj0rt0m]

Ive had this model 13 for a while, its one I inherited. Supposedly it was bought at a gun show in the 80s, but thats all I know. Ive never seen another one set up quite like it. I have the original wood grips somewhere, they were factory. The houges I put on when I started carrying it for security guard work.

I figured this was the best place to ask about something like this. Its a bobbed hammer, but a very nicely done one. I don't believe this was a factory option for these. It is also DAO. If it is some kind of custom job, its well done. The trigger does not load up and Ive never had any kind of issue with failed primer strikes or timing. You cannot cock the hammer back for single action I've tried. Ive only had the side plate off for oiling, but Im not sure what should be or should not be factory on something like this.

It did, at one point, start locking up the cylinder after firing, and surprisingly around 20 years ago I sent it back to Smith and they fixed it free of charge. Which lends me some questions. Is this a factory optioned gun, and if not is there any way to see who was using this by serial number? Is it some kind of modified gun from an agency that was perhaps used for undercover operations? I know these were popular police and FBI guns so I guess its possible. Any info helps. Thanks.

 

[mchom]

Not an expert. A few thoughts, it sure is beautiful and many used agency guns show wear. The hammer looks to be flash chrome. Not color case hardened. I would “think and maybe incorrectly” if factory it would be CCH even if bobbed. You could request a letter but I have found agencies sometimes used a distributor to procure guns and the trail will end there …usually. But you never know. I have a 13-1 shipped to Sacto Cty but it’s marked on left side. Hopefully someone will know more.

 

[SLT223]

That’s a bobbed hammer for sure. Regardless that’s a high condition, useful, enjoyable piece right there. Congrats!

 

[Rodan]

It was not uncommon for S&W revolvers that were carried to have the hammer bobbed and be converted to D/A only. Some LE agencies required it.

S&W did sell factory bobbed hammers, but that looks like one that was cut from the visible grinding/sanding marks. It's likely a case hardened hammer that was polished after bobbing, which was also common. It does not look plated to me.

Factory bobbed hammers had a 'notch', and were case hardened after cutting so retained the colors, or were hard chromed on stainless guns. Like these:

 

[Bald1]

As mentioned I think the lack of a “notch” on hammer suggests a non factory job. Beautiful gun none the less

 

[ken158]

Agree with all above and note that your gun does not appear to be a LEO trade in as your condition is excellent without a noticeable turn line. Your hammer is either a polished and de-horned gunsmith job or perhaps a “stainless steel- flash chromed” hammer that was de-horned.

 

[Baxter6551]

Welcome to the forum. Lots of knowledgeable friendly people here. A great revolver you have there.
Check your PM I sent you a message about a holster.

 

[Wyatt Burp]

Not an expert. A few thoughts, it sure is beautiful and many used agency guns show wear. The hammer looks to be flash chrome. Not color case hardened. I would “think and maybe incorrectly” if factory it would be CCH even if bobbed. You could request a letter but I have found agencies sometimes used a distributor to procure guns and the trail will end there …usually. But you never know. I have a 13-1 shipped to Sacto Cty but it’s marked on left side. Hopefully someone will know more.

I live just outside of Sacramento city limits and never saw one of those guns you have. Rather than ask you to post a picture I found this earlier thread here about them.
A couple years ago I was looking at a used Model 36 in a local shop and the owner said it cannot be used for concealed carry because the hammer spur was removed was not factory. Never heard that before.
SACTO Sheriff 13-3 impulse buy

 

[Muley Gil]

That's a nice looking M13.

At one time, the FBI issued 3" round butt M13s.

 

[Maj0rt0m]

It was not uncommon for S&W revolvers that were carried to have the hammer bobbed and be converted to D/A only. Some LE agencies required it.

S&W did sell factory bobbed hammers, but that looks like one that was cut from the visible grinding/sanding marks. It's likely a case hardened hammer that was polished after bobbing, which was also common. It does not look plated to me.

Factory bobbed hammers had a 'notch', and were case hardened after cutting so retained the colors, or were hard chromed on stainless guns. Like these:

Thats actually really neat, I had no idea. I never ran into another DAO only gun, and ive seen alot of model 13s. This one also has B3 stamped on it, which led me to beleive those are some kind of rack numbers since theres never a stamp their on other similar guns ive seen.

 

[bananaman]

Welcome to the FORUM from Michigan! Certainly a useful piece. Had a bone stock 13-2, but it needed to be sold to fund another! Bob

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I never ran into another DAO only gun...

Welcome aboard from ol' Wyo.

Here are two factory DAO Chiefs from 1989. You can see how the
factory bobbed the hammers. These are J-frames, but the factory
K-frame bobbed hammers have the same appearance.

 

[otis24]

The Model 64 NY-1 was factory bobbed and didn’t have a notch for single action shots.

 

[Doug M.]

From my memory, which is subject to correction on the details: The tendency toward DAO in service revolvers was already going on by then, but the malicious prosecution of the Miami-Dade cop by Janet Reno, reported on in a few articles by Ayoob, seems to have accelerated the trend. The prosecution was based on a suspect claim that the officer had cocked his revolver and that in essence the shooting was negligent not conscious lawful use of force.