K frame 357 help

[pharris]

I am looking at two k frame 357s and don't know much about either one, the first is a model 13-3, 5" or 6", didn't measure, it has red ramp front site and adj. rear, from what I have read the 13 was supposed to have fixed sights. It appears to be in very good shape. I was told it is a combat masterpiece?? how would I know if it is?
The other is a 66-2 4", also with same sights, some minor scratches but in good shape.
What do I need to look for on these guns and what is a good price range for them. No boxes for either gun. Gun will be carried and used. Thanks

 

[diamonback68]

It can't be a model 13 if it has adjustable sights, they were all fixed sight guns. If he said it was a Combat Masterpiece, that would be a model 15, which is a .38SPL. Since it is a .357 it would probably be a Combat Magnum or the model 19. Maybe he read the model number wrong. It's counterpart would be the same gun in stainless or the model 66 you are looking at. Either gun would be in the $450-550 range depending on condition. HTH

 

[roaddog28]

Hi and Welcome,

The model 13 is a fixed sight 357 non shouded revolver. I have only seen the 3 inch barrel and the 4 inch barrel. Very popular in LE and FBI back in the 1980s. Depending on condition they will run $350 to $450. I have a 13-2 4 inch and paid $445. There is no holster wear and it has the original grips.

The model 66 is the stainless version of the model 19. Adjustable rear sight and again was carried quite a bit in LE circles. I have a 66-4 4 inch and its a great revolver. Price again is between $350 to $450.

Both of the 13 and 66 are just great all around revolvers. If I had to pick between the two I would pick the model 13. In my area they are harder to find.

Good luck,
Howard

Model 13-2 4 inch

Model 66-4 4 inch

 

[pharris]

Thank you for your quick replys. I opened the cylinder and looked at the model # it is a 13-3, and I am pretty sure it was shrouded also. I did not write down the serial # but will go look at it again this afternoon. He is asking $550 each but I have not dickered yet. This is curious.

 

[ENGINE18]

S&W did some strange things at times! I recall someting about a blue, shrouded, 3-inch barrel K-frame someone posted on the Forum, and I think it was a M13. Someone here, Lee, or others will know more. Sounds interesting.

 

[handgunner356]

If it has factory adjustables then I'd say it's a mis-marked frame. Barrels can be changed out fairly easy but the adjustable sights require quite a bit of machine work. The 13 was just fixed sights/.357/3" & 4" barrels where the 19 had the shrouded barrels 4" & 6"/.357/adjustable sights.

 

[pharris]

ok, I went back to the store and took photos, but the flash wasn't working and they are too blurry to post, It is a model 13-3 as described above, serial # 2K87788 if that helps. It is pinned and recessed, and shrouded with adj sights. Is this odd enough to take a chance on?

 

[epj]

From your description that's almost got to be a M19-3. Perhaps the stamping punch was worn or cocked and the "9" looks like a "3". I don't think mismarked guns bring much of a premium in price as there are lots of examples.

 

[bountyhunter]

Thank you for your quick replys. I opened the cylinder and looked at the model # it is a 13-3, and I am pretty sure it was shrouded also. I did not write down the serial # but will go look at it again this afternoon. He is asking $550 each but I have not dickered yet. This is curious.

$550 seems a shade high for a used 66 but the condition dictates price. If it was super clean and tight, I'd buy it. Since the 66-2 is pre lock with forged parts, that makes it more desirable. The 66 is my favorite revolver and you can't go wrong with them.