Talk me out of selling my 3” Model 13-2

[Benjamin9]

Hey guys Ben here.

You have seen my 3 inch Model 13-2 round butt. Recessed but not pinned. I acquired it year ago for $850 at my LGS. I love everything about the revolver. The balance and craftsmanship is amazing. Fun time at the range as well but I feel like I am missing out on the latest and greatest technology. Because the prices of these 3 inchers have gone up so much I’ve been thinking of trading it for a 3 inch model 627 or 327, something about the S&W 8 shot revolvers really intrigues me.

Any pros and cons would be appreciated. As well as fair trade value of my model 13-2 round butt with recessed cylinders.

The wealth of knowledge here makes for some fantastic reading. Thanks! (More pictures in my first model 13 post)

 

[Frailer]

I won’t go into the pros/cons of an older K-frame relative to a new N-frame.

What I will say is that—based on my personal experience and the way you describe this revolver—you will almost certainly regret it if you sell or trade it. And the chances are pretty good that you won’t see another like it.

I would strongly recommend that if you want a new gun…save your pennies for it.

 

[Benjamin9]

More pictures

 

[MajorD]

Definitely keep the 13, just save some money for the new one. I myself many times have traded away something for a different one and as often as not regretted it.

 

[Benjamin9]

I won’t go into the pros/cons of an older K-frame relative to a new N-frame.

What I will say is that—based on my personal experience and the way you describe this revolver—you will almost certainly regret it if you sell or trade it. And the chances are pretty good that you won’t see another like it.

I would strongly recommend that if you want a new gun…save your pennies for it.

Thanks I believe you’re right. Hard to take a gun to the range all the time because it’s in such good condition. I’d like one of the newer 357s from smith to be a dedicated range gun. I used to have a 4 inch 686 and I would have loved to have 8 cartridges in the cylinder.

 

[Gunhohulk]

All these guys are wrong! You should get rid of it. In fact I’m willing to help you out and will give you the 850 for it…

All kidding aside, a 3” 13-2 is a buy on sight gun for me I just haven’t come across one. Once I get one it will quickly be on the “do not sell” list.

 

[Well Armed]

Unlike the comment above mine, there's no sarcasm. My opinion is to sell it off and get a 627 performance center. You'll be happier with your choice.

 

[moralem]

A 13 is entirely different from the N frames you would replace it with. You can’t begin to compare them to the 13. As snubbie N frames they are entirely different beasts. Your question should be, do I sell a gun to buy another gun? And of course we all know the answer to that, never sell a gun for you will always regret that decision. As others have suggested simply save up for the N frame, though I think those current models are ugly as sin. And if I wanted an N frame short barrel I am partial to a .44 special.

My 13s in nickel and blue and my 624 and 24
.

 

[hardluk1]

ben If you have to ask here what you should do better keep your 13-2 .

 

[chief38]

This is just my own opinion of course, but the new 327/627 can't hold a candle to the older true classic M13! The M13 quality, fit and finish, no I/L, lighter, smaller, and IMHO better looking is hands down the better gun.

About the only thing the 327/627 has over the older 6 shooter is the capacity. In today's world, I would not be carrying a revolver any longer as I do prefer the higher capacity, smaller size, lighter weight, easier reloads, better sights and easier to shoot accurately and rapidly Micro 9's for SD.

While I still own a plethora of S&W revolvers, they are all older models. I believe the newest S&W I own is a M60-7 which I believe is from 1994-5 - or maybe my M65 - don't quite remember when I bought it.

My suggestion would be is if you are still hellbent on the new 327 or 627 just buy one, test it thoroughly BEFORE selling the M13. Then you can decide wether or not to sell the M13, the 327/627 or keep both.

 

[Retired W4]

The 3" 13 has eluded me over time. I do have the L frame 3" 686+ TALO but it is a little too heavy for me to carry, so it resides in the kitchen for emergencies. If Bianchi made a #9 shoulder holster for the 3" 686 I would probably carry it during winter months. Good luck with an informed decision.

 

[ColumbusJBR]

There’s just something special about smaller framed 3” .357s, IMO. A personal note: I had a 3” Kimber KS6 that I decided to trade off. Regretted it almost immediately. Filled that void shortly after w/ a cherry 3” 65-5 (stainless version of the 13, pictured). Cost me $1000 to do that, and I’ve now learned to never get rid of it. And guess what? I’m out shopping for another 3” Kimber. Unless it’s purely trade fodder or a ***, I almost always regret selling/trading guns. My advice is save your pennies.

 

[Daimler1989]

there are many pros and cons mentioned here that I won't contradict. my biggest pro for the M13 is: balance. with the proper technique and some practice you can put 6 of 6 into center mass, one handed, double action, from the hip after strong side quick draw, at 10 meters. Done this, it's amazing

regards from Germany
Ulrich

 

[Ameshawki]

I've sold a lot of guns over the years for a lot of reasons. Selling a three inch 13 for an N frame two and a half inch is just no. The three inch K frame is the best carry revolver ever made. The N frame is just to bulky. On top of which you don't have a lot of cushion with the 13. $850 is average to high average price. Depending on local market you might not break even.

 

[margethatcher]

Looks FBI ish with those pachs.

 

[Enzo Rules]

Coming from someone who has been hunting for a 3” Model 13 for years, keep it.

 

[CH4]

Don’t do it !!!!!!!!

 

[notsofast]

If I had a nice rb 13-2 and sold it I know I’d definitely regret it, maybe you will too

 

[Bald1]

If you trade that model 13 you will assuredly loose money. If you sell it outright, I’m still not sure you’ll break even. Not with those grips anyway. I’d keep it for that reason alone.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Coming from someone who has been hunting for a 3” Model 13 for years, keep it.

Ditto!! While I've got 3" 65 and 66s I've wanted and have looked for a 3" 13 for over 20 years...... never seen one locally!!

IMHO if you sell it, you will soon want one again, and you won't be able to find one!!!!!!!

It's a lot easier carrying a 3"K frame than an L-frame let alone a N-frame.

I have two 4" 27/28s and had a 3" 586....... never carry the N-frames and traded the L-frame cus if I wanted to carry a .357 it was always the K-frame.