S&W 357 Magnum

[joelsr]

Our house was broken into in 1987 and a 357 Magnum was taken. I was pleasantly surprised when our local Police called and told us that they had located our pistol (30 years later). It has the S/N AAV9140. Anyone have any infor on this. Incidentally it was returned in pristine condition, never fired.

 

[Bubba2014]

You are very fortunate that you got it back.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Amazing. 30 years!

 

[Hapworth]

Greetings and welcome to the forum, joelsr -- congrats on the return of your lost revolver.

I'm curious, though -- since it's your gun, what information about it are you asking for?

 

[marinevet]

Buy a power ball ticket……you may be on a roll.

Semper Fi!

 

[jmace57]

Probably between October and December 1982 for the manufacture date.

Can you tell up what the model number is? It should be stamped on the frame when you open up the yoke.

 

[H Richard]

Could that possibly have been an early 686 or 586 form around 1982?

 

[Retired W4]

You are lucky indeed! Usually guns that go through any evidence locker look like an elephant stomped on it. Sounds like an early 58x/68x. I'd be hoping for a 581 to replace the one I sold last weekend.

 

[joelsr]

What year it was manufactured etc. S&W told me that they don't keep records that far back; huh.

 

[Black Knight]

Returned after 30 years, you are fortunate.
Returned after 30 years unfired and in pristine condition, you are blessed.

 

[OldGyrene]

I've got an old .357 Magnum from before 1980, and the model number is stamped in the frame when the cylinder swings out. It is a Model 13-2, with a 4" bull barrel, plain non-adjustable sights, an an "unshrouded" ejector rod. A friend of mine told me it was known as the "FBI model", because that was what their agents were issued back in the 1970s or 1980s, before they went to semi-automatics.

Bought mine used in 1980. Do not know who owned it before because I got it in a pawn shop. Also don't know when it was manufactured , but pinned bull barrel might be a clue to the general date. I wasn't really concerned with it's age, as long as it worked well. It more than met my expectations and still is in my safe.

Have you contacted anyone in the NRA or GOA about your inquiry? They may have an expert on old revolvers who could help you, or direct you to an organization which might have your answer.

 

[tomthacker]

That's amazing!
My 3 1/2" 27-2 was stolen from a friends house where I was staying, in West Palm Beach, back in 1978. A few months later I got it back from the police.
Sure wish I hadn't sold it a few years ago.

 

[joelsr]

Greetings and welcome to the forum, joelsr -- congrats on the return of your lost revolver.

I'm curious, though -- since it's your gun, what information about it are you asking for?

I contacted S&W and asked for any info on recalls etc. and they told me that they don't keep records on the s/n that fr back. To be honest I felt the pistol was forever gone. Sorry for delay in answering but have been ill.

 

[joelsr]

Probably between October and December 1982 for the manufacture date.

Can you tell up what the model number is? It should be stamped on the frame when you open up the yoke.

Sorry for long delay, been stabled for awhile due to health. Stamp says Mod. 13-3.

 

[theoneff]

Great story Joelsr. Did they say how they found it. Hope your feelin better. Theo

 

[DWalt]

Model 13s are a little unusual, but they do show up. Basically the Model 10 but in .357.

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

"I contacted S&W and asked for any info on recalls etc. and they told me that they don't keep records on the s/n that fr back."

I don't know who you talked to, but the factory historian, Roy Jinks, has records that go back into the 1800s.

I've never heard of a recall on the M13. There were recalls on the L frame .357s and on some of the M624 .44 Specials.

Also, do a search on this forum for "model 13". You'll be reading for quite a while.

"It is a Model 13-2, with a 4" bull barrel, plain non-adjustable sights, an an "unshrouded" ejector rod. A friend of mine told me it was known as the "FBI model", because that was what their agents were issued back in the 1970s or 1980s, before they went to semi-automatics."

The FBI once issued 3" round butt M13s, not the 4" square butt versions.

 

[03clyde]

Returned after 30 years, you are fortunate.
Returned after 30 years unfired and in pristine condition, you are blessed.

Added:
Returned after 30 years and not electro-penned by some evidence clerk, you're indeed very lucky.

 

[one eye joe]

WELCOME TO THE FORUM. YOU ARE INDEED A FORTUNATE MAN. GETTING A FIREARM BACK AFTER 30 YEARS IS EXCEEDINGLY RARE. HAVING IT RETURNED IN PRISTINE CONDITION IS NOTHING SHORT OF A MIRACLE….

 

[joelsr]

Thanks to everyone for their replies. Finally ended up in Debakey Heart Center in Houston and spent quite a bit of time there before heart surgery, made a lot of friends with the nurses. Finally had heart artery graph and replacement of aortic valve. Seems like the Man renewed my contract. In excellent health now but do not recommend doing this the hard way like I did. Something about grungy old Marines that makes them think they are immortal! Semper Fi and Laus Deo