K frame buyer's remorse

[JeepinSoldier]

Ill be the lone detractor here.

A gun is only new in the box condition once and the few that remain this way are pretty valuable - especially with the way Smith revolvers are climbing in value overall.

Like most here - I will not own a gun I cannot shoot. I would sell the NIB Model 13 to a collector or sit on it and find a used but nice worn in 13 or better yet a 65. The 65 will not show holster wear as much as the blued gun. Several nice 65's have been for sale on this forum recently at resonable prices. If I decided to keep the 13 I would shoot it, but certianly would not bob the hammer or carry it in a holster.

For reference, I own both a 13 and a 65 3". Both were aquired gently used and no worry of loss of value by shooting them or carrying the 65. The 13 was found and traded for on this forum: http://smith-wessonforum.com/guns-sale-trade/259523-traded-its-goner-wtt-s-w-md-13-3-3-a.html

Its your gun, but you asked for opinions.

 

[ladyT]

First, let me say I have been lurking around this site for several months and you guys have some beautiful revolvers. Some of the collections and your knowledge base are pretty amazing! Now to my remorse of sorts. I picked up a 13-3,3" RB NIB with all the goodies including the original purchase receipt from 1986. I have been looking for a 3" RB for the last year or so. I was always hesitant to buy a 13 or a 65 used because they always look so beat up and the ones I would find in good shape commanded a premium. Now that I have a new one I am having trouble talking myself into shooting it. I want to send it off to the PC for a master trigger job and a bobbed hammer for CCW. Am I better off letting the PC work their magic with a used service 3" K frame and leaving this one in the safe? I already have a model 10-6 OSP anniversary unfired in my safe, but at some point I would like to enjoy a k frame.

Noooooooooooooooooooo!

If you want to butcher a gun (bobing the hammer) do it on some of this new **** not old S&W's. Please.

 

[JeepinSoldier]

Noooooooooooooooooooo!

If you want to butcher a gun (bobing the hammer) do it on some of this new **** not old S&W's. Please.

x2. If you are going to send it off for the hammer bob and trigger job anyway - why not find a holster worn gun and have it refinished.

We have an absolutely wonderful 3" Model 10 Victoria Australia Police trade in from Bud's gunshop. It was very holster worn but excellent mechanical condition overall.

Its at the Performance center right now getting a standard finish reblue and master trigger job. When it returns it gets Craig Spegel rosewood extended boot grips and will be my wife's home protection gun. She loves it!

 

[jaaeatax]

I don't have a 357 yet. I want one in a 4". I think a 686 is going to be my next purchase. You're right about the Smith revolvers going up in price. Love those Smith's.

 

[C.S.63]

Shoot it!! enjoy it!! and care for it!! It will break in. Just don't butcher it up. Enjoy the fact you found such a sweet model 13 it will last a lifetime and if ya ding it wear the finish thin or get it dirty the real fact is you did it and the history of it will be yours and only yours. Maybe also get it lettered just to add to all the extra goodies you got with it.

 

[dcopper]

13-3 3in

Agree with all of the above. I too have 2 65-5s' and a 13-3 3in. Also a 4in 65 with a 4in 13-1. I shoot all of them and love it. However, I only carry the 65-5 w/factory bobbed hammer in a holster. KEEP SHOOTING THOSE SMITHS'.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I would just avoid the red hot thunder magnums like the 125 and some 110 grain stuff that is known to be the flame cutting culprit. If you want to go even easier on it then stick with lead bullet only ammo and that will help save the forcing cone area that much more wear and tear. If you want to go even easier then I think your M13 will digest a lifetime of .38's and never so much as burp on you.

 

[ohiojerry]

Shoot it and bob the hammer yourself with a bench grinder.

 

[Snapping Twig]

For @ $20 shipped, you can get a Wolf spring kit for it and lighten up the trigger, have total reliability, and switch back to stock any time you choose.

Shoot and enjoy!

Find or make a load 140g or above and use it - often.

 

[ltxi]

Noooooooooooooooooooo!

If you want to butcher a gun (bobing the hammer) do it on some of this new **** not old S&W's. Please.

Problem with that is the bit about having to dumb down to a new Smith.

 

[chief38]

MVP:

You have purchased one of the most sought after carry guns Smith has ever made! I would not do anything to this gun - especially bob the hammer! This gun (if carried) would most likely be carried in an OWB holster and the hammer would not be an issue in this method of carry. You certainly would not be carrying this gun in your pocket. Not only is this one of the best carry guns they ever made, but parts for the older K frames are getting hard to find and expensive when you can. If you can not bring yourself to "pop the cherry" on this gun, you might be better off parting with it and buying a gun you will shoot.

This gun is just about perfect out of the box and before you do anything you really might regret, shoot it a lot, wear it in, get use to it & enjoy it. If after 1000 rounds you still feel you want to smooth it out (although by then it most likely will be perfect), then by all means there are springs that can be swapped out, but just remember once you cut the hammer you can't put it back together. There are a lot of guys that did the bobbing thing when it was all the rage and now have come to regret it.

I don't own a M13, but I do own it's Stainless Steel Twin the model 65. They are two of the most versatile and best self defense guns Smith ever made - everything you want and nothing you don't. Enjoy it!

Chief38

 

[dcopper]

Model 13-1,-2,and-3in3in

+1 to what all these Good and Knowlegeable people said! Some very Good advice.

 

[Avery11]

Take it to the range and put a hundred rounds through it.

If you don't have any fun, THEN you can leave it unfired.

Bang that drum, my good man!

 

[JayHutch]

congrats on the gun i was standing next to you at the medina show, waiting for you to put it down so i could grab it. shoot it in good health and enjoy.

Me too. There was a line!