My first revolver, a Model 13-3

[nmsang501]

My first revolver, and my first S&W. Was expecting a Model 19 or a Model 27, since all the seller told me was that it's a blued .357 revolver. It surprised me when he pulled this out of the box, since I wasn't aware what a Model 13 was at the time. Made the deal for the equivalent of $500. How did I do?

 

[Rocketmedic40]

I think you objectively got the best of all worlds. The 13 is an easier gun to carry with better balance and combat sights. I always found the -19 and -27 to be excessive for carry in comparison; the Model 10/13/64 just work better in 4” for IWB/OWB thanks to those low-profile sights.

I actually just did some horse trading myself and sent my Model 19-3 on its way for a Model 65-4 and $$&; if anyone’s looking for a nice Model 19-3, it’s at Livengoods in Lockhart, TX.

 

[Inkgardener]

I think you did good for your first S&W. That’s a good and clean gun. Now take it out and shoot it a lot!

Time to start looking over the next to buy…

 

[Baxter6551]

You did great !

 

[WCCPHD]

That's a great gun. I was issued and carried one for several years. It was the most comfortable carry revolver we had.

And as for the deal, you absolutely stole it. These guns are highly sought after and bring a premium.

 

[Gunhohulk]

I’ve been looking for one of those for years and still haven’t run across one yet. I did get its stainless twin in a 65-3 and wish I got it for your price!

 

[TaxPhd]

A 3” mdl 13 is a great gun, has a bit of a cult following, and can be difficult to come by. Especially at the price you got. I’m jealous!

 

[Bill In Texas]

Congratulations!

 

[YouveHadYour6]

A fantastic snag - had a 4" SB I foolishly traded away and been on the lookout for one again ever since! It's a superb duty gun, enjoy!

FWIW mine shot best to POA w/158 SWCs.

 

[Dino44]

Congratulations, you stole it at that price. I paid $765.68 for this nickel 13-3 back in early May of this year, and that is a decent price for any clean, pre-lock, 3" K frames. Great find!

 

[BC38]

I have a very similar one in stainless steel - a M65-5
FWIW, and IMO, the 3" fixed-sight 357s are the most versatile revolvers S&W ever sold.
I know that if I ever had to sell all my guns, the 3" 65-5 would be the last one to go.
Your M13-3 is a great revolver and you got it for a great price.

 

[CH4]

Score!
Beautiful, desirable piece for about 1/2 price.
I picked up its stainless cousin for $750. I thought I did good, but you did great.

 

[stansdds]

Welcome to the S&W Forums and you have made a grand entrance!

An excellent condition Model 13, blued, with the 3 inch barrel for $500 is a screaming hot deal today. The Model 13 was designed to be a 357 Magnum K-frame law enforcement service revolver, the most common barrel length is 4 inches, as intended for uniformed officers. The 3 inch barrel has the advantage of being shorter and more concealable, but retains the full length ejector rod of the 4 inch barrel. The 3 inch Model 13 was also the last revolver to be issued to FBI agents. It is the most desirable of the Model 13's and commands the highest sale prices.

 

[Alpo]

I'm surprised no one has said this.

You have learned, to my mind, a valuable lesson. When someone says they have a gun for sale, ask to see it. At the very least, ask for pictures.

If I was expecting a Model 27 and the gun that arrived was Model 13, I would be bent. Heck, if I was expecting a three and a half inch Model 27 and an 8 and 3/8 Model 27 showed up I would be bent. Because what arrived was not what I expected.

Don't buy on expectation. Find out.

As to your "how'd I do" - I think you did okay. I used to have a 3-inch 65 - gave it to my daughter. It's a good gun.

 

[MajorD]

I will echo comments here. The 3” K’s are something of a grail gun, and very hard to find, certainly you paid about 1/2 price as today, 3” 13 prices hover near a grand or so. It has been years since I have seen any 3” K available for sale for less than $750 and most of those are stainless ( which I only reluctantly buy, as I am a die hard traditional blue guy)

 

[Exchipy]

After you’ve shot it a bunch, and learned it well, if you’re willing to have it undergo a bit of alteration, installation of an XS Tritium Big Dot front sight can make it an even more useful carry revolver, even in low light environments:



This Model 65 is the stainless steel version of the Model 13.

If your Model 13 will regularly be exposed to sweat, humidity, bumps and bruises, Black Nitride treatment will make it corrosion and scratch resistant, and look good doing it too, like with this 2” Model 15 which CH4 had treated:

 

[Dhawk46]

You did great. You are going to love that revolver. I had a Model 13, 3", and gave it to a close friend, who was a retired Deputy Sheriff. He really was happy with it. I now have a Model 65, 3", and It is not going anywhere!

DVC

 

[Malkovich]

My first revolver, and my first S&W. Was expecting a Model 19 or a Model 27, since all the seller told me was that it's a blued .357 revolver. It surprised me when he pulled this out of the box, since I wasn't aware what a Model 13 was at the time. Made the deal for the equivalent of $500. How did I do? View attachment 773018View attachment 773019View attachment 773020

Absolutely a vintage classic in seemingly great condition. I’ll ask, how do you think you did for $500 ?

 

[Malkovich]

After you’ve shot it a bunch, and learned it well, if you’re willing to have it undergo a bit of alteration, installation of an XS Tritium Big Dot front sight can make it an even more useful carry revolver, even in low light environments:

View attachment 773244
View attachment 773245
This Model 65 is the stainless steel version of the Model 13.

If your Model 13 will regularly be exposed to sweat, humidity, bumps and bruises, Black Nitride treatment will make it corrosion and scratch resistant, and look good doing it too, like with this 2” Model 15 which CH4 had treated:

View attachment 773260

Both are really nice, the set up on your stainless 65 is perfect. The finish on your 15 is very clean. Nice work on both.

 

[Malkovich]

A fantastic snag - had a 4" SB I foolishly traded away and been on the lookout for one again ever since! It's a superb duty gun, enjoy!

FWIW mine shot best to POA w/158 SWCs.

I’m also a fan of the 4” barrels, but the shorter barrels always catch my attention too.
I have a rough 80’s NYPD model 10-8 4” HB Square Butt. It was left in a holster for a decade after being a service revolver for a few years, NYPD transitioned to the semi auto at that time. Locks up tight with a smooth trigger and spot on timing. My other classic is a 1980s model 60 38spl stainless RB 2”, carried a lot, occasionally fired at qualifiers.
I’m wondering what they’d sell for these days? I’m thinking of a change