Critch
Member
I have a S&W Model 13-3, 4 inch barrel. Is it feasible to have the barrel shortened to 3 inches, put the front sight back on and blue it? I live here in Southern Missouri. Where would I find a gunsmith fairly near me to do it?
Just something I'm contemplating
- Thread starter Critch
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Doug M.
Member
Anything is possible with enough money. I think you could do as well to save up for a 3", or sell this and buy a 3".
I'd just buy a 3", unless you specifically want a square butt 3"; I think all the factory 3" are round butt and the 4" are square butt, yes?
Redoing a fixed front sight is a bigger deal than redoing a pinned or dovetailed front sight.
Redoing a fixed front sight is a bigger deal than redoing a pinned or dovetailed front sight.
The other option is to locate a barrel and have a gunsmith install it. 3" M13 barrels have become scarce and spendy, but they are out there. Watch eBay and GB...
The cost, however, will likely be similar to just selling your 4" and buying a 3".
The cost, however, will likely be similar to just selling your 4" and buying a 3".
Short answer: yes.
Long answer: probably not worth the money. It would likely be less expensive to sell/trade the 4" Model 13 and buy a 3" Model 13 or find a 3" Model 13 barrel and have a qualified gunsmith perform a swap.
Long answer: probably not worth the money. It would likely be less expensive to sell/trade the 4" Model 13 and buy a 3" Model 13 or find a 3" Model 13 barrel and have a qualified gunsmith perform a swap.
Doug M.
Member
Side issue that I should have noted: The round butt of a 3" M13 will be a lot easier conceal than the square butt, and frankly, the barrel should be less of a factor with a good holster.
S&WshooterFIN
Member
Buy a 3" 13 RB to go with that 4" big brother, I'm sure they'll have a great time together
I bought this 3" 13-4 in middle of 1990.
The gunsmith made four compensator holes in it and drilled the barrel a little too big for them.
The barrel was ruined, the .38 spl bullets flew sideways.
The .357 mag works with a heavy load.
A few years ago I wanted to try an IDPA revolver and started looking for an intact barrel. Finally, an unused barrel was found in a gun shop and the gunsmith replaced it
The same gunsmith helped me when I wanted to shorten the mod 586 ND's overlong barrel to IDPA fit and the grip SB -> RB
I bought this 3" 13-4 in middle of 1990.
The gunsmith made four compensator holes in it and drilled the barrel a little too big for them.
The barrel was ruined, the .38 spl bullets flew sideways.
The .357 mag works with a heavy load.
A few years ago I wanted to try an IDPA revolver and started looking for an intact barrel. Finally, an unused barrel was found in a gun shop and the gunsmith replaced it
The same gunsmith helped me when I wanted to shorten the mod 586 ND's overlong barrel to IDPA fit and the grip SB -> RB
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Birdhunter6
Member
About 10 years ago, after years of searching, I found a 3" M13. Soon after, I foolishly sold my 4". Last year I replaced it. Believe me, the one I sold long ago brought less than the one I bought last year.
There's no rule against having two.
There's no rule against having two.
This may or may not be an issue to you, but the roll markings on the shortened barrel won't be centered. That said, a square butt can be converted to a round butt. And you're right, it's the back end of the gun that's the challenge to concealment.
S&WshooterFIN
Member
My 586 SB -> RB conversion
The original S/N fit on the bottom. I had permission from the Finnish National Police Board to remove the markings. If the markings had to be removed, the Police Headquarters gunsmith would have made new ones.
The original S/N fit on the bottom. I had permission from the Finnish National Police Board to remove the markings. If the markings had to be removed, the Police Headquarters gunsmith would have made new ones.
bananaman
Member
The original 4" will be worth more than the altered 3" down the road. BUT.... if it's something you have to do go for it! Bob
gwpercle
Member
Keep the original 4" with square butt ... S&W no longer makes ANY square butt revolvers ... Collectors will pay a premium for a original square butt ...
Buy a 3" round butt ... Now you have two good revolvers !
Advice from my Daddy ... "Never pass up a good excuse to buy another gun "... and This is a good excuse !
The cost of a good conversion will just floor you ... good Gunsmith don't come Cheap !
Call Clark Custom Guns in Louisiana and get a quote on everything you want done .
Gary
Buy a 3" round butt ... Now you have two good revolvers !
Advice from my Daddy ... "Never pass up a good excuse to buy another gun "... and This is a good excuse !
The cost of a good conversion will just floor you ... good Gunsmith don't come Cheap !
Call Clark Custom Guns in Louisiana and get a quote on everything you want done .
Gary
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Jim PHL
Member
Definitely get a quote from a good gunsmith for everything you want done. Or find 2 good gunsmiths and compare. 3" Model 13's are not easy to find and not cheap when you do. Same with finding a 3" barrel and then you're paying a gunsmith on top of the cost of the barrel to do the swap anyway.
Some years ago I had a 4" Model 681 I wanted to cut down and round butt. I allowed myself to be talked out of it and ended up trading it towards something completely different. To this day I still wish I had gone ahead, found a good gunsmith and stuck to my original plan. Not doing it ranks right up there with any of the guns I sold or traded and wish I had back.
Some years ago I had a 4" Model 681 I wanted to cut down and round butt. I allowed myself to be talked out of it and ended up trading it towards something completely different. To this day I still wish I had gone ahead, found a good gunsmith and stuck to my original plan. Not doing it ranks right up there with any of the guns I sold or traded and wish I had back.
Doug M.
Member
FYI, there is an M65 3" RB for sale on the forum. Smith&Wesson model 65 plus an L framed 357
3" XS front sight (big improvement as far as I am concerned) and DAO. For a self defense/duty revolver, DAO makes a lot of sense.
3" XS front sight (big improvement as far as I am concerned) and DAO. For a self defense/duty revolver, DAO makes a lot of sense.
