Help with info for a M13-1

[mejetski2000]

Hi folks I just picked up a very nice 13-1 3 inch .357 round butt ser#80341xx. It has a pinned barrel and recessed type cylinder. It has aftermarket grips, no box or extras (well 1 speedloader). I rate at 95+%, no edge wear, one small blem on 1 cylinder flat. Perfect case color, very very faint line on cylinder. I know it's collectable and that's a bit of a problem. It's almost too pretty to shoot. A buddy hit on hard times and he named his price and I paid it without question. I like to shoot however, thats where the problem is. If somebody can tell when it was built and crack a blue book I'd appreciate it greatly. Looked at a few online that were worse than this by far...

 

[MajorD]

I am guessing your serial number info is incorrect. Likely 8 D I am guessing.
They are made to shoot, and you won't hurt it by doing so.

Guns accumulate wear and tear mostly by carrying ( for example the M9 I carried in Iraq for over a year was so worn it looked stainless, but was only shot about 100 rounds ) and cleaning. People try to get super fussy about white glove inspection clean and generate a lot of finish wear doing so.

 

[Mike in Reedley]

A Smith that has visible signs of being carried/shot, without the original box, cleaning tools or stocks, isn't necessarily collectible. It is very desirable though and about the best midsize defensive revolver. Get a quality holster and get out to the range. I'm envious.

 

[mejetski2000]

If I keep her she'll get some gentle-ish handloads and live on as a safequeen for the kids ! Thanks guys !

 

[JP@AK]

13-1 3 inch .357 round butt ser#80341xx.

Too many digits in that serial number (they did not go over 6). 8D would be too late (1981) for a Model 13-1. 1981 puts you in the Model 13-2 range.

Is it possibly D80341x? If so, it is from 1976, which would fit the Model 13-1 designation.

 

[mejetski2000]

Turned 60 last week, forgot glasses lol. Lets try 8D34134. I believe the location of the minor wear steers me more in a drawer for quite a while scenario rather than a holster.

 

[JP@AK]

Turned 60 last week, forgot glasses lol. Lets try 8D34134.

Interesting. Are you certain that it is marked MOD 13-1 in the yoke area? By 1981, it should be a late 13-2. Of course, anything is possible.

 

[mejetski2000]

Hi Jack she IS marked 13-2. I really need to get my glasses checked ! Sorry for the wrong info. She will now be used as intended lol.