Should I Make a 3" Round Butt 13-2 out of a Four Inch

[Vtgw938]

I have a decent 4 inch square butt 13-2. Now I just found a 3" model 13 barrel. I can switch the barrel myself and round the grip frame. I'm leaning toward doing it, if for nothing else for the fun of it. Besides the 3" guns are just nice. I think a 3 inch modified model 13 is better than an original 4 inch. Agreed??

 

[alwslate]

I would agree. I have a 3" model 10-8 RB. The balance and handling of the RB and 3" barrel is great.

 

[sigp220.45]

I think that is an outstanding idea.

 

[Ruger 13]

Why not …….if i wanted to I’d do it in a heartbeat!

 

[Suburbanite]

If you want a project to be proud of go ahead and do as you please.

But for carrying, I have found that for me a 4 inch K frame in a Don Hume IWB holster carries better than a 3 inch K frame in a Don Hume or Bianchi #3S IWB holster. The longer barrel in a vertical holster with the cylinder behind the belt line helps to keep the gun and holster stable. And you have the advantage of longer sight radius and a little more velocity and a little less muzzle blast. For square butt K frames plain clothes magna grips or Uncle Mikes rubber grips are excellent options for concealed carry.

For carrying OWB I like the Bianchi 111 cyclone or 5B for either 3 or 4 inch K frames. I especially like a fixed sight 3 inch gun in the 111 as an unobtrusive combination for a walk in the woods. For a revolver with target sights I like the 5B for the rear sight protection (or protecting a jacket lining from the rear sight).

 

[80sgyrene]

Definitely!
A 3” 13 is a great revolver, I think you will be happy with the results.

 

[stansdds]

Is the serial number on the butt of the grip frame in a position that will allow you to make it a RB and not damage the serial number?

 

[Baxter6551]

Three inch K is a great carry gun. The prices have gone way up on them and you will be gaining one much cheaper I imagine. It’s your gun - I would do what you want.
I don’t carry IWB but Suburbanite is right on choice of Uncle Mikes grips and I know OP is very experienced in the grip department.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Is the serial number on the butt of the grip frame in a position that will allow you to make it a RB and not damage the serial number?

I've round butted two guns over the years..... finding one with the serial # in the right place has always been the hardest part of the project!

Been looking for a 4" 66 to round butt for several years!

My carry revolvers are 3" round butt 65s and 66..... great guns!

 

[chief38]

As long as you are capable of removing and replacing the barrels without twisting the frame, have at it. Just make sure to fully support and keep the frame stiff. Hopefully the new barrel will line up properly when tightened.

If you have not done this before, and you are the type that needs to be self sufficient, has the desire to learn, has the skills (or want to develop them) and have the tools, I see no reason you shouldn't.

To be afraid to do something = never to learn.

 

[Vtgw938]

Is the serial number on the butt of the grip frame in a position that will allow you to make it a RB and not damage the serial number?

Yes it is. I have cut frames for Farrant style stocks before and am well aware not to mess with the serial #. Thanks.

 

[Vtgw938]

Three inch K is a great carry gun. The prices have gone way up on them and you will be gaining one much cheaper I imagine. It’s your gun - I would do what you want.
I don’t carry IWB but Suburbanite is right on choice of Uncle Mikes grips and I know OP is very experienced in the grip department.

I have a few ideas for grips, will likely go wood for looks. When I carry it I will likely just slip it in my front pocket. It is more for nostalgia and to protect my dog in the field. If I was serious about it I would have to fall back to my Glock 23, my last duty weapon.

 

[ruger 22]

You are only going through once so have fun and do it!!

 

[JimKeene]

I'd round butt it 1st and see if you like it as a 4" RB before you do the barrel swap. Personally I like the balance of a 4" heavy barrel.

 

[oddshooter]

This topic is one I don't understand. I see it quite often in firearm circles.

Modifying a sixgun that works just fine now.
At least this gentleman, the OP, already has the barrel and so doesn't have to spend cash or a huge amount of time.

My life is just too busy with items that need to get done. Inventing a need doesn't occur to me.

But one of the greatest things about this country is that a person can almost do whatever they want with the items they own and the spare time they have. Nothing has to make sense to any other person.


Prescut

 

[Vtgw938]

This topic is one I don't understand. I see it quite often in firearm circles.

Modifying a sixgun that works just fine now.
At least this gentleman, the OP, already has the barrel and so doesn't have to spend cash or a huge amount of time.

My life is just too busy with items that need to get done. Inventing a need doesn't occur to me.

But one of the greatest things about this country is that a person can almost do whatever they want with the items they own and the spare time they have. Nothing has to make sense to any other person.


Prescut

Fortunately I'm not soo busy I guess.

 

[jaguargolf]

If it’s in good shape as a 4 inch, just leave it alone, sell it. They’re not making any more of them. Find a 3 inch gun you like instead.

But it’s your. Do as you wish.

 

[Doug M.]

I had my M66 converted to RB by BMCM. Well worth it, as I got my mom's hands. It carries and shoots well like that. When I do my LEOSA quals, I usually use that M66 for a revolver (I qual with multiple platforms).

 

[Jebus35745]

Go for it, a somewhat easy job. I doubt if a 4” model 13 will be a high demand collectible. If you do it, carry it and enjoy it. Have a model 15 that is now a 3” full lug in .327. Here’s pics with different grips, Larry

 

[murphydog]

Personally, I would do the barrel swap first, you may want to stop there with the way a 3" square butt handles.