My first S&W revolver - humble but solid

[ldhunter1959]

Finally brought home my first S&W revolver, or actually my first S&W product of any kind. It is a Model 13-2 that I found at a local gun stop. It is not pretty. Was not looking for vault piece. It will be traveling with me and probably not always carried in the best of fashion. But new grips are probably in order
I have found three sets of numbers on the revolver. Under the grips was a 4 digit number flanked by a "G" and a "L".
Also under the grips was a 5 digit number at the base of the butt. That same number was found under the cylinder preceded by A21.
Had been loading up a bunch of .38 special ammo and look forward to getting to the range, hopefully this weekend. My only other revolver is not much of a range gun, a Colt Agent.

 

[Bob D]

Good find, you will probably like the way it shoots and there is no reason to ever get rid of it.

 

[Shamrock]

Congratulations on your recent purchase ldhunter1959. Good luck with your13-2, hope it serves you well.

 

[fyimo]

Congratulations on the purchase

 

[Continental Op]

The 13 is a great gun. What's the barrel length? Is it round butt or square butt?

 

[Ashlander]

Hunter: Get us a photo. My first revolver was a Model 65 (the stainless sister to your 13) and it's superb!

 

[jhde69]

13-1

Took the 13-1 to the range today. You will enjoy that revolver. Take a lot of shells when you go to the range it will be hard to stop shooting.

 

[M3Stuart]

Good for you!

 

[ldhunter1959]

Reloaded a lot of rounds last month, so I anticipate putting a few through it this weekend.
I am not familiar with what the differences are between the 13 series, but I will learn.

 

[Continental Op]

Idhunter1959,
That's a four-inch, round butt. The grips you have are my personal favorite. I have the same ones on my three-inch model 65. That's identical to yours, but in stainless and with a shorter barrel.
Great choice!

 

[opaul]

A four inch with a round butt.........that's a nice looking revolver.

 

[rags]

Nice buy! Remember your first S&W. Keep it, if for no other reason than that! Welcome to the "Finest Forum on the Planet!" We like pictures!

 

[murphydog]

Nice gun. If you can give the letters (like ABC) from the bottom of the grip frame, we can tell you when the gun shipped. It is probably a 1982-83 one if it is a 13-2.

 

[gregC.]

I bought a 3" a little over a year ago at the urging of these guys on this forum ; I

 

[roaddog28]

Nice model 13. I have a 13-2 4 inch which I love. There is something about the S&W M&P series that I have always liked. It started with the original M&P in 1899 then transition to the model 10 then S&W took the model 10 and chambered in 357 magnum and the model 13 was born. Lots of history.
Good luck with yours.

 

[Lobster Picnic]

That looks like a keeper. You don't want your first S&W to be too fancy to shoot! My first one was a cheap re-blued Victory model with broken grips...but it shoots like a dream!

 

[ldhunter1959]

plus serial does not match receipt

Nice gun. If you can give the letters (like ABC) from the bottom of the grip frame, we can tell you when the gun shipped. It is probably a 1982-83 one if it is a 13-2.

Don't have my notes in front of me, seems like it was G and C.
I am probably going to get flamed on this, but after looking over the gun and reviewing my receipt, I can't find a set up numbers matching the serial number they put on the receipt.
Where is the serial number on a 13-2? I was told under the grips, but that was about it. The dealer is a reputable local company, but I know I should have verified serial number personally on the revolver with receipt prior to taking delivery.
My mistake.
The store is on vacation for a few days, so I won't be able to go over with them just yet.

 

[getoff]

love the 13. still looking for the right one myself. my first was an old model 10. built like a brick you know what, and accurate!

 

[squidsix]

I love it. One would be well armed with a 4" K-frame magnum gun. My favorite!

 

[M29since14]

Where is the serial number on a 13-2? I was told under the grips, but that was about it.

You should see it on the bottom strap of the grip area of the frame. If it is not there, someone has removed it. You can open the gun and look in the yoke-cut of the frame just below the barrel, but the best place to check is on the bottom of the frame.

Edit - after thought If you plan to shoot .38s in your .357, be sure to keep your chambers reasonably clean. Bad things can happen when too many .38s are fired and there is no cleaning. It's something you should do anyway, regardless of which cartridge you are shooting, but with .38s, and particularly with lead bullets - stay after it.