At $300 in that condition, it's a steal of a deal. If you don't snap it up, let me know where it is at so I can.
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The Model 13 with a round butt and 3" barrel was standard issue for FBI agents from 1980 to 1991.
The FBI adopted the 3" Model 13 as their initial effort in the mid 1970s to equip agents with a more portable K frame revolver in the form of the 2 1/2" heavy Model 10-6s and 10-8s in .38 Special wasn't a great success as the short ejector rod didn't allow for positive ejection of sticky cases using the FBI reload method. The 3" Model 13 had a full length ejector rod, and was also strong enough to use .357 Magnum when deemed necessary.
It was not universal however as the FBI adopted the S&W 459 for their SWAT teams and used it until 1988 when they replaced it with the Sig P226. In 1988 they also started issuing new agents the Sig P228 and began phasing out the Model 13. The Hostage Response Teams in the 1980s however used the Browning Hi Power, so in the late 1980s there were 4 different issued handguns, plus whatever was on the approved list for personal handguns.
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In S&W terms, the Model 65 is a stainless version of the Model 13 and the Model 13 was essentially a fixed sight version of the Model 19, although it can also be looked at as a successor to the heavy barrel 10-6 variant chambered in .357 that was ordered by the NY state police in 1972. The Model 13 and Model 65 are both K frame revolvers with fixed sights, chambered for .357 Magnum and developed primarily for law enforcement use.
The Model 64 is basically a Model 65 in .38 Special and the Model 66 is a Model 65 with adjustable sights.
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The Model 13, 19, 64, 65 and 66 are all great revolvers. My only caution with any of them is the thinner forcing cone (compared to an L frame revolver) and the clearance cut for the crane at the bottom of the forcing cone. This thin spot in the forcing cone combined with forcing cone erosion can lead to cracks in Model 13s, 19s, 65s and 66s that are fired extensively with full power .357 Magnum loads, although that's a whole other thread topic.
The newer L frame 686 has a slightly heaver frame as well as a thicker forcing cone and it's a better choice if you want to shoot .357 Magnum extensively or exclusively.
