The great Model 13, 357 Magnum

[gkitch]

The Model 13. Great 357 Magnum overshadowed by the Model 19. I have found the 4" Model 13 to point just a little better and hit a little faster than my 4" Model 19.

The 3" 13, however, shoots much better than a 2.5" model 19. The bull barrel and low profile front sight just seems to find the target better. Not near as beautiful as the classic 19, but there are reasons that the 19s are safe queens in this house.

The top is a 13-1 made in 1978 sporting Ahrends grips. The other is among my preferred carry guns: a 13-2 made in 1981 with bobbed hammer and Craig Spegel grips.

Checking the Book, found it surprising that there were no Model 13 no-dash guns. They went from a 357 Magnum version of the Model 10 to the 13-1 in 1974. Odd. I always assumed that ALL S&W model numbered guns began life as a no-dash.

 

[oddshooter]

I have a gorgeous nicholed model 13 with sweet target grips. Like yours, it shoots beautifully as well.

Good prices can still be had when buying.
I'm at a loss as to why they aren't more appreciated.

Prescut

 

[Daimler1989]

Hi,

what a coincidence: I own a 13-2 3", Ahrends Retro Bananas on it. Just used it today on a range trip for about 120 .38 Special handloads with 158 gr SWC coated bullets (standard pressure, about 740 ft/s). It is very accurate on the distances it was intended to be used, you just have to be careful with the sights as it shoots much higher with only a few too much front sight protruding. Superbly balanced and thus pointing perfectly - I could keep 20 rounds double action single handed on 12 yards within a 3" circle, rapid fire 5 shots in 6-7 seconds.

Not too much fun with full house 357 Magnums...

regards from Germany
Ulrich

 

[sw44spl]

they are great guns. here is my 3inch model 13.

 

[sodacan]

My 13-2. Has an extremely ugly import mark below the cylinder release, but it was very well taken care of before coming home.

 

[JP@AK]

Checking the Book, found it surprising that there were no Model 13 no-dash guns. They went from a 357 Magnum version of the Model 10 to the 13-1 in 1974. Odd. I always assumed that ALL S&W model numbered guns began life as a no-dash.

The "official" reason given is that the .357 M&P (formerly the special order only 10-6) already incorporated engineering changes that precluded the use of "Model 13" with no dash number.

BUT, I've always suspected that it had more to do with avoiding any possible confusion with the now-rare, aluminum frame Model 13 Aircrewman, made for the Air Force in the 1950s.

 

[Targets Guy]

My Model 13-2


upload picture with link


My Model 19-2

 

[Igiveup]

sw44spl, those are beautiful grips. Who made them? What type of wood?

 

[Glashaus]

I will agree, the M13 is a fine shooting revolver.

I really like my nickel, 3" M13-3

 

[41 Roadmaster]

I love the M13. I can shoot better than my ability with the M13 and the M17 that I have for some reason. My father wanted my 13, I offered him several others but he wanted that 13 so bad. So I bought a shoulder holster for it and I let him have it. When he was diagnosed with Lung cancer he passed the guns back to me and the 13 was still pristine.

 

[WCCPHD]

The Model 13 was my last issued revolver. It replaced a four inch 66-2 which replaced a 2.5 inch 66-1. The 13 was a much better carry gun than either of the model 66's. The three inch barrel was the sweet spot. The only negative was having to remember to wipe it down every day since it was not stainless.

We ordered them with the round butt target (banana) grips, which were very comfortable to shoot.

 

[geoff40]

I picked up a 13-1 4” a few years back at a great price, what I’d call an excellent-condition shooter. It quickly won me over and became my favorite carry .357. I’d love to find a 3”.

 

[sw44spl]

Igiveup they are kingwood well that is what the shop said I got them from.but I cant say who made them.

 

[The Gila Bender]

My 13-2 isn't pretty but it is a smooth and accurate shooter.

 

[needsmostuff]

Igiveup they are kingwood well that is what the shop said I got them from.but I cant say who made them.

I'd be willing to bet they are J. Scott , zebra wood grips.
Generally pretty nice replacement grips from back in the day.
HUGE variety.

 

[Old Corp]

I am limited to the SS cousins of those great revolvers - M65's in 4" and 3".
And - both came used, more than likely prior LE duty pieces.
The 4" is sort of a freak. It shoots groups with most hotter .38's and .357's like a match revolver.
Either are hard to beat for what they were designed for.

 

[Muley Gil]

When I went through the po-leese academy, the firearms instructor stated that the 4" M13 was the ideal police sidearm. His was equipped with a Tyler T grip. He liked that set-up, as he felt that most grips were too big for the hand. He also preferred round butt revolvers and narrow (.265") smooth triggers.

At that point in time, only revolvers were allowed at the academy. My range gun was a 4" blue M19, that I had round butted myself. It was wearing compact Pachmayrs and a smooth .400" trigger. It must have been a decent combo; I shot NRA Expert with it.

Over the years, I have had two 4" blue M13s, a 3" blue M13 and a 3" M65. The 4"ers I had bought as barreled frames. I had enough parts to rebuild them. Unfortunately, they got sold over the years. My ex wound up with the 3" M13. My present (and last ) wife now has the 3" M65. She likes stainless revolvers. She did give me back my 4" nickel M19!

 

[Sistema1927]

Only thing better is a 65.

 

[BAM-BAM]

The 3" barrel is a sweet spot for a carry revolver........ but the 3" 13 was overshadowed by it's stainless twin the model 65.

Only thing better IMO is the 3" 66 for the COooool factor.........

All three deserve Craig Spegel Boot Grips to bring out their very best!!!!!!!!

 

[Glashaus]

The 3" barrel is a sweet spot for a carry revolver........ but the 3" 13 was overshadowed by it's stainless twin the model 65.

Only thing better IMO is the 3" 66 for the COooool factor.........

All three deserve Craig Spegel Boot Grips to bring out their very best!!!!!!!!

It is kind of a toss up, I really like my 3” M13, it’s nickel, then there is my 3” M66-3, a really fine revolver, S&W at its best



But as a shooter I really tend to favor my 3” CS-1, choices are good!