S&W .38 Special M13

[tcmass]

Hey fellas,

So, I've done quite a bit of searching online and I feel like I'm beating a dead horse, but I need some resolution. I acquired this from my mother about a year ago. She bought it maybe 10-12 years ago from a local pawnshop. Can't say she ever shot it but I imagine she loaded it and tossed it in the dresser drawer.

I'm sure you guys know the scoop on the Aircrewman's so I'll just post the link to my photobucket and let ya'll tell me what you think.

Serials match from bottom of grip to cylinder, cylinder is aluminum, back strap doesn't have the markings, it has been refinished (clearly) and the hammer appears to have some garage made firing pin.

Smith and Wesson 38 Special pictures by tcmass - Photobucket

Thanks in advance guys

 

[Black_Sheep]

According to the SCSW few came without the backstrap marking so it's a pretty rare gun. Care to share a partial serial number?

 

[murphydog]

Welcome to the Forum.

It is also possible whomever did the refinish on your M13 Aircrewman removed the "Property of U.S. Air Force" from the backstrap, thinking it would prevent anyone from knowing it was "liberated" from the military (ha ha). Some military guns stayed in inventory long enough to be Parkerized (like model 15s), but I don't think the M13 did.

The hammer nose rivet is definitely an improvised part; the nose or firing pin looks factory.

 

[sheriffoconee]

seems like posting the serial number would be helpful to identify it further...there are a lot of folks here who know about the M13....

 

[tcmass]

According to the SCSW few came without the backstrap marking so it's a pretty rare gun. Care to share a partial serial number?

C285XXX

Thanks for the welcome and responses, I appreciate the feedback.

 

[hsguy]

interesting gun. I would not shoot it though, the Aluminum cylinder is prone to failing.

 

[tcmass]

interesting gun. I would not shoot it though, the Aluminum cylinder is prone to failing.

Yeah, no worries on that front. Frustrating having a firearm you can't enjoy though.