Model 13 .357 Compensated

[Vancouver8541]

I recently picked up a well-used Model 13 that, based on the serial number, appears to have been manufactured around 1980. I've spent quite a bit of time searching online but haven't been able to find another example configured like this.

My assumption is that it has been customized at some point, but I haven't even been able to find photos of similar modifications. If anyone recognizes these features, knows who may have performed the work, or has any information about this particular configuration, I would greatly appreciate your insight. Thanks in advance for any information you can share!

 

[bananaman]

I have not one that before! It appears that the barrel had been shortened. The S&W logo and 357 Magnum are close to the end of the barrel. The finish has issues. I have seen Magna Port barrels but do not look like that. If everything functions you have a shooter, truck gun woods gun etc. Bob

 

[kraynky]

Kitchen Table Gunsmithing work at it's finest. I'm pretty sure that's "one of one".

 

[Vancouver8541]

I figured it was a kitchen table special. It will follow me around on hikes and fishing trips.

 

[Retired W4]

Considering that the barrel was cut from 4 inches and that most 4" 13's were square butt (not all), whoever did that work likely round butted it while they did the barrel. Any indication that the grip frame back strap was modified?

 

[Retired W4]

It also looks like they modified the trigger guard as well.

 

[Hawg Rider]

It also looks like they modified the trigger guard as well.

Agreed- looks like the trigger guard was shaved similar to those on the Texas Ranger Model 19-3s. IMO, it's actually not a bad job of shade tree gunsmithing, and would have been much less noticeable if the "kitchen smithy" had re-blued the revolver! If you look carefully, it's almost a prototype for the current Performance Center Model 19 Carry Comp (except for fixed rear sight)! Enjoy!

 

[Retired W4]

Agreed- looks like the trigger guard was shaved similar to those on the Texas Ranger Model 19-3s. IMO, it's actually not a bad job of shade tree gunsmithing, and would have been much less noticeable if the "kitchen smithy" had re-blued the revolver! If you look carefully, it's almost a prototype for the current Performance Center Model 19 Carry Comp (except for fixed rear sight)! Enjoy!
View attachment 891753

Yep, moved the front sight back behind the port and pinned the front sight blade.

 

[Bald1]

How long is the barrel ! I’d take the final step and bob the hammer.

 

[Dana L Haynes]

Boogered up shooter

 

[stansdds]

Definitely a modified Model 13. I'm sure it started life with a 4 inch barrel. Someone lopped off about 1 inch of barrel, milled a port into the end of the barrel, ballistically making it a 2 1/2" barrel, and moved the front sight. Trigger guard has also been modified and I'd guess the round butt frame was originally square butt. Looks like the factory bluing was partially removed and maybe there was quite a bit of pitting, but I'm not really sure what is going on with the surface of the side plate and adjacent portion of the frame.

If it's mechanically sound and the price was right, as in dirt cheap, it might be a good carry revolver. Really needs a refinish, maybe bead blast and phosphate finish, cerakote, or blued.

 

[The Kid]

One doesn’t get an oblong port and a properly cut and pinned in front sight at the kitchen table. Deride it all you want but this was done by someone with a milling machine and some skill and knowledge.
I would guess judging by the wear that it may have been a serious carry gun put together for or by someone who knew what they wanted who then used it heavily.
I like it and I’d bob the hammer and carry it myself.

 

[BillBro]

Now is the barrel muzzel end enlarged inside to create a expansion chamber of sorts or does it simply have the "port" cut out of it? Without some sort of enlarged chamber (enlarged over bore diameter) under that port Im not sure how effective the hole will be as a compensator.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the creativity, and the bravery. Maybe the gun was a basket case before the mods and the owner made the best of a bad situation, IDK. Though with the obvious amount of effort put into it they could also have put it back to a stock, functional state.

 

[Rollkits]

It's almost certainly an aftermarket custom job, S&W didn't offer a factory compensated Model 13 in 1980.

 

[David Sinko]

If the port is milled and no further action taken will there be burrs on the surface of the bore? I think nowadays most ports are cut with EDM to eliminate this possibility. I have a spare 4" barrel for my 625 that has been done in similar fashion. A port was "installed" by the muzzle and a new front sight dovetailed in the rib. It retains the 4" overall length without being shortened. I'll have to check and see if there is some kind of expansion chamber. I never noticed any reduction in muzzle rise when I tried this barrel.

 

[BillBro]

Im not versed on the dynamics of the gas expansion of compensator but I do know that in any production comp there is always a chamber for the gas to expand in.
Again, Im not ragging on you or the gun, I love the concept of those plwerport models smith made. If there weren't so many other models I'd love to own I'd buy one of theirs. The 586 and 19's are really sweet, at least in concept.