Model 13-1 - A Little History with Photo's

[jackvs1]

So I worked for the New York State Police for 25 years and retired in 2008. When I retired I got the Smith & Wesson bug and began collecting NYSP/NYST revolvers.

One of the revolvers we carried was the Model 13-1, note there were no straight up Model 13's manufactured. The Model 13-1 was built for the NYSP, basically from 1974 - 1978. It was derived from the Model 10-6, which most people believe is a 38 caliber. Smith & Wesson had a very good working relationship with the NYSP so they built a prototype Model 10-6, barreled for a 357 magnum. Because of the success of that revolver the Model 13-1 was built on a K frame with 3 screws, pinned barrel, fixed sight, square but. Only 1200 were built. A big shout out to 03clyde for getting me going, fraternally.

Here is my Model 13-1, original box, shipped in April 1976.

PS: This forum is so addicting.

 

[Tmnguuyen]

13-1

Interesting info, thanks for your post. Does it mean my 13-1 shown in picture was slated for the NYSP?
Thanks

 

[03clyde]

RE Post #2 -
I had a 10-6 and 13-1, both in .357 mag. I lettered both, hoping one or the other (or both) were NYSP guns. The 10-6 lettered to the S&W distributor who sold to that agency and I'm virtually certain it spent time in a NY trooper's holster. I kept it and dressed it with a pair of Culina's with the PC magna grips kept in reserve - sweet looking pistola.

The 13-1 lettered to a mid west distributor (if I remember correctly) and so I sold it. There are searchable references regarding the 13-1 history and what serial numbers bracketed the ones sold to the NYSP. Don't have it handy but it's been referenced on this forum in the past.

 

[roaddog28]

One of my regrets was selling my 13-2 4 inch. Original grips, used very little. This was at a time I needed to reduce my handgun inventory do to financial concerns. I will never forget the revolver. Congrats on yours.

 

[bananaman]

That thing is a beauty! What more can you ask for? I picked up a super nice 13-2, but got gun only, no extras. It performs great at the range. Bob

 

[jackvs1]

Interesting info, thanks for your post. Does it mean my 13-1 shown in picture was slated for the NYSP?
Thanks

Very nice - it does not mean it was shipped for the NYSP; a letter will verify that.

 

[Targets Guy]

Beautiful revolver, OP.

 

[gkitch]

When did the 13-2 come along? When did they begin making the 3" RB version?

 

[jackvs1]

When did the 13-2 come along? When did they begin making the 3" RB version?

The Model 13-2 was introduced in 1977. I believe the 3 inch barrel was manufactured right at the beginning of this model in 1974 andwas discontinued in 1997. That's whar the standardcatalogue states.

 

[Toyman]

I have a 13-1 I bought from a retired Iowa State Patrol pilot that letters to I.S.P. shipped November 1975. I.S.P. did not keep the 13-1 in service long they were replaced with model 66s in October 1976

 

[shotgun693]

I went through the Police Academy in '77 and a second one in '78. I passed both times, it's a long story. Anyway while I carried a 1911, I had to have a gun to shoot .38 Spl for the Academy. I bought a M13, I don't recall the dash number. I sold it in late '78. It was a handy gun and I later had a M65 to carry off duty. I liked that bull barrel.