Model 13-2 info

[ge_traveler]

Hey guys, my wife was given another nice S&W revolver from her father. He used it while he was a sheriff many years ago. It is a model 13-2. It has two sets of grips, as you can see in the photos. The serial number is 3D446XX and it has a 4" barrel.

What date would this have been shipped? Would the smaller grips be the actual grips for this revolver?

The large grips actually enclose the bottom of the butt. They have the S&W emblem in the grips as well. Which set is better for the originality of the gun?

Thanks

 

[Hapworth]

Your 13-2 dates to approximately 1978. It likely shipped with the smaller magna service grips -- most 13s did. The larger target grips usually shipped with adjustable sight revolvers.

Is the finish original or has it been reblued?

The 13s are superb, no-frills fighting guns.

 

[ge_traveler]

Thanks for the info Hap,

The bluing is original, just wiped it down before the photos. It has some minor rubbing from holster wear, mostly around the end of the barrel and a little on the cylinder. However, it is in great condition overall.

The grips are not in the best of shape, could use a new set.

 

[824tsv]

One of the finest K fames ever produced by S&W.

 

[Hapworth]

Thanks for the info Hap,

The bluing is original, just wiped it down before the photos. It has some minor rubbing from holster wear, mostly around the end of the barrel and a little on the cylinder. However, it is in great condition overall.

The grips are not in the best of shape, could use a new set.

Happy to help, and welcome to the Forum.

If you especially like the magnas or targets, you can find well-preserved replacements here on the Accessories For Sale subforum; alternately, Numrich has both available at present, and eBay usually has sets for sale, too.

There are also many aftermarket gripmakers with excellent products to consider, if the ones you have don't work especially well for you. I find magnas too small, and target stocks too big, but every hand is a little different.

 

[flagman1776]

Don't get rid of the original grips... they should stay with the gun. You can put other grips on for shooting.

 

[Brandon0413]

Check to see if there is a number on the back of one of the grip panels. If it is original it will match the serial number you posted, 3D446XX. I can't remember if the full serial or just the numbers after the D are stamped on the back of one of the grip panels.

I love my model 13-2s. They're keepers.

 

[ge_traveler]

Yep, will definitely keep the grips in the safe. They help tell the story for generations to come.

 

[greevestim]

model 67-1 pinned barrel

found a 67-1 new in box with all paperwork, screw driver and cleaning swab and rod still in plastic bag unopened

had identical firearm when I was a Rockford City Mi. PD officer

as I recall, my original was one of the sweetest shooting firearms I every owned.

this weapon was fired in 3 chamber as was the custom for proofing the weapon in its day.

 

[Nframe_is_no1]

Very nice looking model 13! I'm sorry to tell you that your model 13 has been reblued at some point in it's life. The hammer and trigger should not be blued. They were color-casehardened from the factory. However, whoever did the work did a really nice job.

 

[824tsv]

^
Better pic's are needed to determine that. My aging eyes seem to see some case colouring on the hammer in the first pic....

 

[ge_traveler]

Looking at the hammer and trigger a bit closer, it is hard to say but you may be right. Both have a somewhat bluish look to the sides, but the back and top of the hammer are definitely a metal finish, with almost a brown weathered look. I'll open the safe and take a few pictures.

 

[Hapworth]

Looking at the hammer and trigger a bit closer, it is hard to say but you may be right. Both have a somewhat bluish look to the sides, but the back and top of the hammer are definitely a metal finish, with almost a brown weathered look. I'll open the safe and take a few pictures.

Some more pictures would help; I can't tell if I'm seeing blued hammer and trigger, or just the darkening that sometimes comes from use and age mixed with shadows from the pics.

I had originally asked about a reblue because the sideplate seems to have a washed out stamp and dished screw holes -- often signs of a reblue -- but again, could just be the angle and lighting from the pic.

 

[ge_traveler]

Added pictures

I took a few more pictures....I believe the trigger and hammer both are blued. Also noticed there is a crack in the hammer.

Pictures of hammer attached

 

[ge_traveler]

close up of trigger

Photos of trigger....blued

 

[ge_traveler]

Close-up of the stamp.


Also, the barrel and cylinder might have a slight "purple" tint compared to the frame. Have to get it in the proper light.

 

[824tsv]

Yup, sharper eyes than mine called it earlier. It's definitely a reblue. The middle pic in post #15 tells the tale about the frame. Still a nice revolver that will serve you well and they are very robust.

 

[ge_traveler]

New Grips

Installed a new set of Rosewood Target grips....what do ya'll think?

 

[BAM-BAM]

ge.......
A story .....

When my Dad retired after 39 years as a Capt. in the local Police Dept...... he had 3 guns that were his work guns.... a 1939 Colt New Service in .357magnum; a Colt Detective Special ( early long butt model) and a S&W 4inch M&P .38 dated to 1948(shipped date/as lettered) which started life as his off duty and later became his duty gun as a Lt and Capt.

By the time he retired in 1978 the bluing was well worn (80-85%) on the S&W but no metal wear or pitting...... I snuck it away.... had it re-blued (except the hammer and trigger) and gave it back to him the following Christmas..... it went on to serve him well for another 28 years as his house gun ( his Detective Special and later a S&W 640 became his primary CCWs)

The purists here will tell you re-bluing should almost never be done on a collectable....... true........ but your gun and my Dad's are not collectable's they are family heirlooms.......with their own stories to tell both before and after their mid-life make overs.

So congrats and enjoy

Edit; As to the grips; a suggestion........ find out how your father-in-law carried it (most) and keep those on it. My Dad's still wears the diamond grips that it came with in 48 ( though I had to replace the Paychmeyer T-grip that got lost/broke somewhere along the way). Feels good to get it out of the safe and hold it....... a connection never broken!