Model 13-3. 3”, 357/38

[Trooper Joe]

I have known about these 13-3 models (the last of the FBI issued revolvers) for quite some time. I also noticed that when one became available, the price was going up and up. After watching the Hickock 45 video about the 13-3 being about the best S&W in it's class available, I maxed out my home equity loan and picked this up.

I fellow forum member gave me these correct grips since my gun came with some aftermarket ones. When I do carry this (rarely) I use the "FBI" load (158 grn HP +P, .38 Special). With the grip adaptor, the gun shoots .357 Mag and .38 +P quite comfortably.

The gun looks better without the grip adaptor but is a lot more comfortable to shoot with one installed.

This would have been a perfect detective gun when I was on the job. However, I never saw anyone carrying one except FBI agents we worked with (in the 80's). The 3" barrel prints groups the size of a quarter at "combat" ranges (about 10 to 15 yards).



The photo of the FBI badge (inserted) is probably not correct since I grabbed it off the web.



Trooper Joe

 

[ImDrRich]

I've owned a number of guns over the years, but accquiring my 13-3 last year was the real prize - for me.

It shoots dead on, as you said, and with the black grip adaptor it is my favorite carry gun. I tend to love the "vintage," all-steel revolvers like the 13-3, the 19, 66, and the 10.

You've got a nice one there. Enjoy it. Here's mine.

[/IMG]

 

[sigp220.45]

The photo of the FBI badge (inserted) is probably not correct since I grabbed it off the web.



Trooper Joe

The badge is pretty close!

 

[LPD256]

They are great guns. Yours is very nice. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

 

[woodsltc]

After watching the Hickock 45 video about the 13-3 being about the best S&W in it's class available, I maxed out my home equity loan and picked this up.
Trooper Joe

Trooper, that's a beautiful Model 13 you found.....Congrats.

I recently watched that Hickock 45 video also. I was fortunate several years ago to find a couple of 3-inch Model 13's before the prices rocketed upward. Below are my two: Top is a 13-3 and bottom is a 13-4. I have the original stocks for the 13-3 but I like the look and feel of the Ahrends on them.

Don

 

[DR505]

Nice acquisition! I have a 13-4 on which someone installed a target trigger and hammer. Kept the hammer but got rid of the trigger and swapped in a smooth non-mim trigger. I have the original magnas, but put on a set of VZ G-10's that work great.

As for the badge...as Sig said, pretty close. When working with locals on task forces they used to laugh at the small size of the FBI badge. I would tell them that the size of various badges is inversely proportional to the size of the jurisdiction.

 

[Old cop]

I have known about these 13-3 models (the last of the FBI issued revolvers) for quite some time. I also noticed that when one became available, the price was going up and up. After watching the Hickock 45 video about the 13-3 being about the best S&W in it's class available, I maxed out my home equity loan and picked this up.

I fellow forum member gave me these correct grips since my gun came with some aftermarket ones. When I do carry this (rarely) I use the "FBI" load (158 grn HP +P, .38 Special). With the grip adaptor, the gun shoots .357 Mag and .38 +P quite comfortably.

The gun looks better without the grip adaptor but is a lot more comfortable to shoot with one installed.

This would have been a perfect detective gun when I was on the job. However, I never saw anyone carrying one except FBI agents we worked with (in the 80's). The 3" barrel prints groups the size of a quarter at "combat" ranges (about 10 to 15 yards).



The photo of the FBI badge (inserted) is probably not correct since I grabbed it off the web.



Trooper Joe

I was issued a Model 10 square butt snub when I was a Robbery Squad detective in the '70s. I bought it when we transitioned to the stainless guns and it now does duty in my night stand. It's the only gun I shot a perfect qual score with.

 

[ericherte]

13-3 with hard chrome finish

 

[Zarr]

One of my favorites:

 

[chief38]

I've got it's brother- the model 65 with a 3" bbl and RB grips. I opted for the stainless version because it's my "woods gun" but I actually do prefer the M13's blued finish. IMHO the M13 & M65 are about the best in its class! While a 2.5" M19/66 might be a "sexier" gun, the M13/65 is better for ccw because of its fixed sights and slightly longer bbl. Another great gun from yesteryear!!

 

[S&WshooterFIN]

I've got it's brother- the model 65 with a 3" bbl and RB grips. I opted for the stainless version because it's my "woods gun" but I actually do prefer the M13's blued finish. IMHO the M13 & M65 are about the best in its class! While a 2.5" M19/66 might be a "sexier" gun, the M13/65 is better for ccw because of its fixed sights and slightly longer bbl. Another great gun from yesteryear!!

13-4 & 66-2

S&W 13 is my favorite revolver

 

[Blueinterceptor]

I truly regret selling mine��

 

[Grayfox]

JMHO: I think the 3" K-frame is the ideal carry revolver. I acquired my 13-4 about 20 years ago. Yes, I do carry it from time to time.

 

[jtcarm]

I carry my 3" M-64 daily stoked with Federal GMM wadcutters.

The current Remington version of the FBI load is my reload. Per trusted sources, Remington is the best performer outside of Buffalo Bore.

 

[103]

Getting rid of my 13-3 is one of the dumber things I have ever done. I loved carrying that thing. I even carried it one of my carry guns as a prosecutor, haha.

 

[S&WshooterFIN]

JMHO: I think the 3" K-frame is the ideal carry revolver. I acquired my 13-4 about 20 years ago. Yes, I do carry it from time to time.

If we could carry CCW in Finland, my choice would be my 13-4

It's my favorite revolver.