REVOLVER Lightweight M13 Aircrewman

[snpr41]

Good afternoon,

I am looking for some information on a revolver and holster that i have had since i was younger. Its marked REVOLVER Lightweight M13 on the top strap, Property of US Air Force and has a small "P" on the left side of the frame. The holster is a smaller black, flap style holster marked USAF on the flap and 55D3513. The revolver itself is in very good condition as is the holster. serial C293847. BTW my father spent 26 years in the AF retirering in the mid 70's

Thanks in advance

John

 

[ContinentalOp]

Not an expert by any means, but I know the US Air Force had some revolvers made with aluminum alloy frames AND cylinders, and this might be one of them. If so, they're very rare. Also, I don't believe they're safe to shoot. So, unless someone can provide a more definitive answer, I'd avoid shooting it.

 

[pawngal]

Lots of information in this old thread

Aircrewman Revolvers

 

[DeathGrip]

Scrol down to the bottom and look at similar threads.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[HardToHandle]

Sounds like a cool revolver with an associated tale that may never be told. You are fortunate to have such a momento.

 

[Seven High]

What revolver was obtained by the USAF to replace the defective Smiths and Colts?

 

[kwill1911]

John,
Welcome to the forum. With that serial number I'm going to speculate that your revolver shipped in mid-1954, probably to Norton AFB. Only a letter will provide the definitive ship date and destination, however. Can you post some pictures of the gun?

 

[JP@AK]

What revolver was obtained by the USAF to replace the defective Smiths and Colts?

By the early 1960s they were buying the Model 15 by the bushel.

We used them in 'Nam during my years of service over there.

 

[Scharfschuetzer]

My uncle, a bomber pilot with SAC, had one of the lightweight Aircrewman revolvers. Cool little guns. I guess he must have turned it in when he retired as I don't think that it ever showed up in his estate.

 

[firemanhank]

You need to post pictures...You are certainly describing the highly desireable S&W Aircrewman and there is plenty of info here on this site.
Based on the serial number, your revolver probably shipped in June or July 1954 to Norton Air Base in San Bernadino, Ca. A factory letter would tell you for sure as I am basing this off of factory letters from close known serial numbers.
Hank

 

[snpr41]

SW M-13 Aircrewman

Thanks you for the information. I will post some pictures of both ASAP.

 

[lonegunman762x51]

I got mine from a retired USAF pilot who took his home, much like yours. He then carried it for many years in a small commercial hip holster so mine has a lot of where on exposed areas and has never been fired.

First, do not fire it for any reason with any ammo if it has an aluminum cylinder. Once you crack the cylinder it's good and broke. There are some particular features of a military gun, the backstrap markings, punch marks and things that prove it is real in a world of fakes.

Get a letter from the S&W historian( Roy Jinks) that shows it was shipped to a military depot to verify it.

You dad was around during the time they were cutting them up. Weirdly enough, I have a full can of GI ammo for this gun.

 

[opoefc]

John, I have added your serial number to the Aircrewman data base. There are many fakes out there, howeverI have no doubt the gun is original based on the history you describe. Close serial numbers are all listed as torched or crushed when the AF destoyed their inventory of Aircrewman revolvers. Apparently your father had the foresight to "liberate" his issued sidearm ( assuming he is the source of rhe gun) ! The "P" stamp is the proof stamp applied at the factory when the gun was made. The 55D3515 is the Gov't code for the contract, under which the holster was made. Ed

 

[snpr41]

SW M-13 Aircrewman

Here go, as requested. More to follow

 

[snpr41]

Additional pics

 

[Beemerguy53]

With both the revolver and holster in that condition, I don't even want to guess what they might be worth!

 

[delcrossv]

With both the revolver and holster in that condition, I don't even want to guess what they might be worth!

With the matching holster:

https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/77/1476/usaf-smith-wesson-m13-aircrewman

 

[NavySCPO]

M13

To not only have an M13, but your Father’s M13, all I can say is WOW! These are the finds that make us all green with envy, Congratulations!

A wonderful family heirloom, you are Incredibly lucky, sincerely hope that stays in your family for many generations to come, enjoy!

 

[snpr41]

With regards to this revolver, before i moved out of the house in the late 70's my father gave me two guns, one was this M13 and the other was a 1911 that he wanted me to use for protection, both of which i still have to this day and then some. I have shot both guns in the past with the M13 very sparingly since it kicked like a mule, besides i have always been a 1911 person even to this day. I never asked him about either gun nor did he ever volunteer any information about them. In actuality he was never really a "gun" person and passed away in 1993. the "two" guns never came up as to how they came to be. As an avid gun collector, i always wondered about the M13 and how it came into his possession, but I never really gave the gun much thought other than it was marked USAF and i ended up spending 30 yrs both active and reserve in the USAF. My father spent time in Vietnam in electronic warfare in the early 60's and before that, he spent time in Europe. Throughout his career we moved around all over the world and US. Maybe he did "liberate" the revolver but i cant say. In either case, it a good piece of Air Force history. GO BLUE!