Model 13-1 questions

[Goat67]

I just purchased a Model 13-1 in nickel unfired and cannot find any information on it. I have the book History of Smith & Wesson Firearms but it does not mention the Model 13. The serial number is D817540. I would like to know:

1. What year it was made?

2. What the original grips were? On the box under stock it has an "S". The grips are factory grips but it does not fit in the box so they are not original.

3. Approximate value? I paid $450 +shipping

4. On the yoke and the butt it has stamped 3X716, any idea what that means?
Here is a photo of the gun. I appreciate all your knowledge and help.

 

[Andy Taylor]

1.Made in the late 70s or early 80s. Someone with a Standard Catolog of Smith & Wesson will come along with a more exact date.
2.Those are Target stocks. A M13 would have come with the smaller Magna stocks.
3.In todays market you did good at that price.
4.The alpha numeric code in the yoke was to keep parts together at the factory. It means nothing after the gun left S&W.

Congrats. Thats a nice revolver.

 

[lebomm]

The "S" under Stock stands for "Service", also called PC Magnas.

Larry

 

[Muss Muggins]

Standard Catalog puts it at 1975-76, and the 13-2 came out in 1977, so it's one of the last 13-1's. Even at the 2006 Standard Catalog price, with the premium for nickel, you got a steal. And thanks, lebomm, you answered my question on another thread with your answer above.

 

[Goat67]

Thank you everyone!!! Great information!

 

[Martya]

Hey great find!

Do some research here there are some concerns about shooting "hot" 357 loads and cracking forcing cones.

ETA: Welcome to the forum!
Just some other info for you - note the close clearance of the back of the cylinder to the recoil shield, the cylinder holes are cut to allow the bullets to sit flush with the cylinder face - "recessed." Also note the pin below the top strap above the barrel, the newer barrels do not have these pins. The term for this gun is "pinned and recessed", or "P&R" for short. Adds value to the gun.
The most desirable M-13 has the 3" barrel, originally issues to the FBI. Yours looks to be a 4". Story has it that the thousands of 3" M13's issued to the FBI were destroyed when they went to semi's.

I am unaware of the added value of the nickel version - my guesstimate to its value starts at $600-700, and I wouldn't argue if someone went another $100 or more. My blue 13-1 4" has a much carried appearance, but has only a few hundred rounds through it, tight lockup, crisp trigger some guns only dream about. If I was to sell it I would start at $450-ish. Mine comes with a genuine Roy Baker original pancake holster, which would add a couple of $$ to the sale. (Not for sale, however)

If you want to sell those target grips contact me!