Model 13-3 Oddity Help

[robertwhite]

So, I have had this Model 13-3 for some time.

According to the serial number, it dates to around 1982 (17D1xxx)

It is fitted with a 3" barrel.

It appears to be nickel, but not quite sure. Did they make a S.S.? I would imagine the giant N in the butt frame means Nickel.

Need some help deciphering the mess of different numbers on it.

Also need help with the bobbed hammer as there are no P.D. markings on it. Not quite sure if its a factory bobbed hammer that was fitted, or if it was a gunsmith job.

The hammer CAN be staged at single action, so it is not DAO.

It appears that it was fitted with Pachmyr's in the past as there is that giant curved line when examined closely.

As for all the numbers, I just can't tell which are assembly numbers, if any were applied outside the original build, or what.

Hopefully, you guy's can explain.

full

left frame

right frame

model

crane

 

[ContinentalOp]

Can't help with the markings, but 13s did come in nickel, as far as I know, and that doesn't look like a factory bobbed hammer to me. Is it DAO? Can you cock it for SA?

 

[RGNewell]

That's not a factory hammer and gun is nickel.
Nice gun

Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk

 

[RevolverJim]

Model 13 =nickel.

 

[murphydog]

I don't see anything odd besides the hammer. You have the date and finish correct. A stainless gun would have a less polished finish, and satin chromed hammer and trigger.

If you can post a photo of the hammer in the area where the spur was removed we can probably tell if it is factory, but usually an original DAO gun will really be DAO (and not have SA capability). My guess is it was modified from a standard part.

37X2X is an assembly number; that means the yoke and frame are original to the gun. The other marks are assembler/fitter/inspector's marks. I'm not sure anyone knows which are which.

 

[robertrwalsh]

I am hardly the expert but does not that large N on the butt indicate a factory nickel job?

 

[murphydog]

I am hardly the expert but does not that large N on the butt indicate a factory nickel job?

Yes. It appeared you were pretty certain about that at least.

Edit to add: Sorry, you are robertwalsh and the OP is robertwhite. Are there that many people named Robert in the world?

 

[Sistema1927]

It appears to be nickel, but not quite sure. Did they make a S.S.? I would imagine the giant N in the butt frame means Nickel.

A stainless steel Model 13 would be a Model 65.

 

[LtBob]

My 13-3/nickel is in the same SN generation as yours (17D1xxx), 1982 manuf. “N” on frame under grip is for factory nickel. Other markings are assembly/proof/inspection - some will match other parts (inside of side-plate, etc.) The numbers on my yoke are different: B23, and 35179 (no x’s in my no.) Mine has orig. hammer (not bobbed/filed down). Think the hammer and trigger were color case hardened, not nickel – if yours was filed down, you should be able to determine from marks. Check Numrich site: Smith & Wesson 13-3 Revolver Parts, Schematics | Numrich Gun Parts - no. 46 in schematic has pics of bobbed hammers.

 

[robertwhite]

I am hardly the expert but does not that large N on the butt indicate a factory nickel job?

Yes. It appeared you were pretty certain about that at least.

Edit to add: Sorry, you are robertwalsh and the OP is robertwhite. Are there that many people named Robert in the world?

Once in a while I get something right.

 

[robertwhite]

My 13-3/nickel is in the same SN generation as yours (17D1xxx), 1982 manuf. “N” on frame under grip is for factory nickel. Other markings are assembly/proof/inspection - some will match other parts (inside of side-plate, etc.) The numbers on my yoke are different: B23, and 35179 (no x’s in my no.) Mine has orig. hammer (not bobbed/filed down). Think the hammer and trigger were color case hardened, not nickel – if yours was filed down, you should be able to determine from marks. Check Numrich site: Smith & Wesson 13-3 Revolver Parts, Schematics | Numrich Gun Parts - no. 46 in schematic has pics of bobbed hammers.

Thanks.

The hammer and trigger are color case hardened.

 

[robertwhite]

So overall, an original firearm with a cut down hammer.

It’s in pretty nice shape, and fun to shoot. If memory serves, I paid $300 about 10 years ago.

Thanks folks. I knew I could count on y’all.

 

[wbraswell]

My 13-3 in Nickel also has an N on the rear face of the cylinder. A great combat revolver.

 

[robertwhite]

My 13-3 in Nickel also has an N on the rear face of the cylinder. A great combat revolver.

I’ll have to look at mine. Never noticed one.

 

[stansdds]

That is a Model 13-3, it is nickel plated carbon steel. See the big letter "N" stamped on the grip frame? That is how S&W marked their nickel plated revolvers, at least those with model numbers. "RN" would indicate S&W refinished one of their revolvers in nickel. Someone has cut the cocking spur from the hammer, that is not a factory version of the bobbed hammer. I see something like that revolver as a great CCW piece, evidently a previous owner saw it the same way.