S&W Model 13-1

[Vblackwell]

Came across a blued, 4" barrel S&W model 13-1 in the local pawn shop today. He's asking $400 out the door. The grips are not the prettest Ive ever seen but the gun is in nice shape. The action is tight but the finish has some holster wear. I haven't found alot of info on this model and was wondering if I should go ahead and pick it up for that price and put it in the safe? What do you guys think?

 

[dscampbell]

I don't think it should be locked away in a safe. That was and is a great self defense gun. In the 3" round butt version it was carried by FBI. Agents. Get and shoot it.

 

[nipster]

You wont find many that are in good shape without holster wear. Most produced were used by law enforcement I would gather.

 

[Vblackwell]

Oh no. I don't mean to lock it way. All my S&Ws are shooters. I just keep them there until the next range visit! The thing is, Ive looked the internet over and cant find anything to really compare it to. Theres just not that may 13s out there for sale or either I can't find them.

 

[nipster]

Oh no. I don't mean to lock it way. All my S&Ws are shooters. I just keep them there until the next range visit! The thing is, Ive looked the internet over and cant find anything to really compare it to. Theres just not that may 13s out there for sale or either I can't find them.

The few that I see are really beaten up. There are 2 model 65's I have been eyeing, but the shops that have them are asking more than I want to spend. Also, one of them has the real skinny hammer spur, which I hate.

 

[vytoland]

V,

if the revolver is in decent shape without any flame cutting or rust freckles or pitting, then $400 otd is a very good price for a P&R model 13.

BUY IT... you will be glad your did.

post some pictures when you have it.

 

[BCDWYO]

V,

if the revolver is in decent shape without any flame cutting or rust freckles or pitting, then $400 otd is a very good price for a P&R model 13.

BUY IT... you will be glad your did.

post some pictures when you have it.

...AGREED!!!

 

[gkitch]

I would not find $400 tempting at all for a 4" 13-1 in that condition. These are fairly common and utilitarian. A maximum FAIR price would be $350.

 

[Martya]

My 4" 13-1 has a bit of flame cutting and holster wear, not very photogenic, but shoots like you won't believe. Sweetest DA trigger I have ever tried. Shoots 38+P like a pop-gun. Lots of fun at the range, easy to shoot, good sight picture. I even carried it for a while in a genuine Roy Baker pancake. I was fairly good with it in SD gun drills.

Examine for the usual things on a K frame - flame cut just above the forcing cone (some is normal) and cracked forcing cone are the two things I know of.

A 13-1 with holster wear but tight action at $400 might be a skosh high today, but in a few years you will be happy to have it. I'd wave $325 at him, see what the reaction is. I would not be upset if I had to go $350 with tax and transfer. As gkitch said, it is somewhat utilitarian, without adjustable sights.

 

[Lenny_D]

I paid 350 for my 13-1 about a year ago. Mine is about the same condition you descibed but it has the best trigger of all my Smiths and I can shoot it everybit as well as any of my adjustable sighted revolvers.It's P&R'd as yours should be. If you buy it , even for 400 you will not regret it.

 

[Vblackwell]

Thanks for your help guys. The $400 sounded alittle steep to me also. I will go back this afternoon and see if he'll come off that price. If not, then it wasn't meant for me to own it. I'll keep ya posted!

 

[00Buck2]

$400 in my neck of the woods is a good price. $350 is a great price. I picked this one up a few weeks ago. its not a -1 but -3, I wouldn't part with it for $400. It fits right in with my 19,14,15.

I shoot 38 through mine, puts the same size hole in the paper, but its nice to know you can put 357 in it if needed

 

[shooter37]

Same deal here. Bought a very worn looking, but, tight and mechanically sound 13-1 from the LPS for 350 OTD.
Shoots just fine and it's still pretty even if the blue is faint.
The 13's are just fine machines.

 

[Hapworth]

I'm often surprised at the variance in prices based on geography, seller and circumstance. Most especially, I'm consistently puzzled by some people's seemingly quite low assessment of what's a reasonable, market-based price for a given firearm.

$400 for a Model 13 that's in very good or better cosmetic shape and (most importantly) mechanical shape is a great price by my research.

The 4" heavy barrel Model 13s, while not rare -- like, say, its 3" round butt brother -- aren't particularly common, either.

Older Smith & Wessons in good shooting shape are becoming rarer and increasingly sought after; even the prices that applied a year ago don't seem to stand now, and not everyone appears to be following the trends or, if they are, are willing to accept them.

To the OP: if the Model 13 you're looking at is excellent to very good (by NRA modern condition standards) cosmetically, timing, function and specs-wise, $400 is a steal. If it also happens to be the gun that feels right in your hand and will suit your needs, buy it.

 

[ACES & EIGHT'S]

well stated hapworth

 

[ACES & EIGHT'S]

S&W model 13-1 here and I love it

that was a great post and sums it up very good the 13 in good working condition is a good investment

 

[bananaman]

That is a good price for a shooter. I bought my 13-2 OTD at Sept. gun show for $475, and was very happy. Very nice gun! I would do the 1 you are talking about. Bob

 

[Jack Flash]

In my area, that price would be considered low. You could sell one like that around here for $500.

Of course if you want a collector-quality M13, keep looking and keep saving 'cause it's gonna cost more.

 

[opaul]

not pinned but here is my 13 nickel 3 inch.

 

[BC38]

Ummm, guys, this thread is nearly 4 years old. $400 may not have been a bargain in April 2012, but it looks a lot better today.

On the other hand there are a few on the Allan's Arms site that look like pretty good shooter's for $325 - $345 + $55 shipping.