Model 13-2 question

[robertrwalsh]

I have been eyeballing a used-consignment 13-2 at my LGS. It hasn't been priced yet so....

It has a very nicely done front sight insert. The insert is either a very pale yellow or even a cream color. I have never seen one with a factory front sight insert but then again my exposure to Mod 13 is limited.

How likely is this to be original? Any idea what these things are going for now? I am pretty sure I am not going to be able to snatch it for $700.

 

[Baxter6551]

The factory used to do inserts on fixed sights years ago (I’m talking the last time they did it for me was the early 80s) but not now. I’ve had a gunsmith do a couple for me on 65s

 

[Retired W4]

I have a very early 5 screw 44 mag with a cream color insert. The letter suggests it was done after leaving the factory but it looks really good. Others have raised the possibility that some solvent washed it out.

I do like fixed sight magnums.

 

[ken158]

Highly unlikely the front sight insert on a fixed sight gun is factory. One thing to look for is the factory dovetail cut and a solid piece of plastic insert that was pressed into the cut.

 

[Uraldriver]

I bought a 13-3 for $800 last year. It had a very slight bit of bluing wear on the muzzle from a holster and came with the original 80's era box.

 

[robertrwalsh]

This one is a very neat cut in the front sight and a plastic insert, rather than some goop being pressed into the cut.

 

[just plain joe]

Don't want to derail this thread, but regarding front sight work done by the factory, about three years ago they installed a red insert in the front sight of my 3 inch model 13. Quality work.

JPJ

 

[CH4]

$700 is about right for a 4” a great deal for a 3”.

 

[robertrwalsh]

The store called me back today. They want $1100 for it. I bit. That may be a tad high but is not unreasonable and I really would like a Model 13 JUST BECAUSE I WANT ONE. I will post photos when available.

Also next week I will be picking up the Nov 1916 M&P in 4" 32-20 and will post some photos of that as well.

 

[Ameshawki]

Ouch! $1100 is pretty steep. I picked up a like new nickel less than a year ago for $625. Though I will say Model 13 pricing is all over the board, no rhyme or reason to it. I've seen them as low as $425 and also well into four figures.

I've never seen an insert on a fixed sight.

 

[WFR]

3" or 4" barrel?

 

[AC Man]

FWIW I have a 13-2 and bought it new in 1975. The downside for me is the back of the grip frame is smooth and tends to have corrosion as opposed to the serrated models like the vast majority have. Mine is still like new otherwise. I would think $700 is about right from what I have seen.

It is my first gun purchase, so for me not for sale. Good Luck!

 

[bigmtnman]

The 13's are all over the place on price recently on GB .. I wouldn't feel as if I overpaid much at $1100 for an very nice condition piece.

Just a moment...
Just a moment...
Just a moment...
Just a moment...
Just a moment...

The pics are my 13-2 with a red insert front sight (surely aftermarket) .. I snagged it last year for $700 OTD (With Pachmayers NOT the current combats)

 

[Retired W4]

I do like the M-13. I've never had the opportunity to buy a 3" but I'm always on the lookout for one. I currently have two 4" -2s, one nickel and one blue. The nickel -2 does not have a pinned barrel with a recessed cylinder, which I thought was odd. The blue version is P&R.

I paid $700 each for them, all within the last year or so, and I was happy with that.