Model 13-2

[jframe]

Just picked this up today; traded away a 15-2 that just really didn't fit my collection for this 13-2 that appears unfired in the box with unopened cleaning kit and all the papers. Also appears to be a transition gun, as there is no pinned barrel like most 13-2's, but the cylinder is recessed. Serial number 9D01xxx dates to 1981, which would probably be appropriate. Might have a little too much in it, but three inch 13-2's seem to be even more rare than the equivalent 13-3 that I have in the safe next to it. One other difference I noticed between the -2 and the -3 is that the -2 has a grooved service trigger, where my -3 has a smooth face trigger. Just couldn't pass it up; I'm a sucker for short barreled S&W's. I pictured it with the old favorite FBI load, the Remington 158gr +P LHP. Now I'm not sure whether to carry it, or safe it!

 

[SAFireman]

That is one of the finest combat revolvers ever made. Yours looks to be in very nice shape. I let one get away a number of years ago.....I did replace it with a 3" model 65 however.

Nice find!

 

[shawn mccarver]

Shoot it! Carry it! That is what it was made for. Put it under very bright light and see if the front sight is affixed by the hidden cross pin used in the FBI Model 13s. The pin is polished so well that it is invisible unless under bright light and you turn it just right. I doubt if yours has it, and I am sure it is not an FBI gun by shipment, but commercial ones at the time got that same arrangement. It allows for a GUNSMITH (which the FBI has at their disposal at Quantico) to make elevation adjustments tailored to the specific agent to whom the revolver is issued. A test target showing a group is provided, the amount by which the group needs to be raised or lowered is precisely measured, and then a new front sight is fitted using the hidden pin. Impossible to see unless turned just so in the right light, and never needs adjustment thereafter. Very rugged. Later Model 13s had front sights forged integral with the barrel in the usual manner.

 

[chud333]

Congrats on a fine magnum.
I found this -3 this Spring for 450.00 but without the
extras like yours.


I love mine. I suggest shooting yours as well. But.....That's your call.

Chuck

 

[KLYDE]

JFrame,
Beautiful find. Seems like you see fewer of the dash 2 variants then the newer ones. The 3" K market is hot and not many to be had.

 

[jframe]

KLYDE, I agree. You just don't find -2's in this neck of the woods, and I snapped it up pretty fast.

 

[bamabiker]

If that's the one that was on Armslist I think you did just fine. Considered calling about it myself.
Congrats on getting a nice one.

 

[jframe]

I know this thread is getting older, and I apologize for reviving it, but do y'all think that I should letter this gun? Just been thinking about it, and you don't see many three inch 13's in my neck of the woods period, much less a transition model with recess but no barrel pin.