The saddest Model 13-3 you will ever see.

I'd've bought it, too. And if you add in what it would've cost to have that spur professionally nubbed, it was that much more a deal. ;)

Now, you didn't solicit advice, but you know that's what we do around here, so here goes...

Other than the thorough cleaning and inspection you're already doing, and after confirming specs and function are sufficient, I'd do practically nothing to that revolver cosmetically or mechanically.

It's got history, mystery and character and -- by today's standards -- at a dirt cheap price. If there's any temptation in you to go down the rabbit hole of a restoration, small or large, I advise resisting it.

A little thing here or there -- some new springs, perhaps a small part needs replacement or fit, sure. But a big comeback I think defeats the value you've found and often becomes a bigger and less satisfying endeavor than if you'd either left it be and enjoy it for what it is or instead move it along and search for a better condition one at a higher price.

Same if you get 'er going and find something significant is off. Obviously it's a case-by-case call, but I'd again steer clear of the big fix if you should discover there's something out of whack you missed initially or couldn't have known until you really got into it.

You noted that the bore and charge holes are good to go, and that's both excellent and a little surprising given the extensive corrosion otherwise. A pitted bore provided it's not extreme can continue to work well and be accurate, but I'd double-check each charge hole closely -- pitting or damage at the shoulder or behind it can be a death knell for proper function, especially in a magnum gun.

Bottom line, buys like this I think are great finds if with just a little TLC they'll run, but can get away from you quickly if you chase gremlins or get ambitious.

No matter what, good job, have fun, and let us know how goes. ;)
 
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After 3 days in the bath, I took it out for a look and a rub down.

So far, so good.

ziQE4um.jpg


The other side is still rough looking, but getting better.

Yet04J7.jpg


The worst area is cleaning up ok. Looks to be a little pitting under there. The screw on the thumb piece won't budge yet.

mDd2s78.jpg


Back into the dunk for a while.

I plan to keep this a low-buck project. I may replace the hammer if I find one cheap, but the little bit missing doesn't bother me. Gives it kind of a 547ish look.

I don't know how this gun got this way, but I don't think it was submerged. The bore and chambers are perfect. I haven't had the sideplate off but the action feels great, too.

I appreciate the interest and I'll keep the thread going as long as I'm making progress.
 
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I'm amazed and in disbelief. This must be the 1st thread re reviving an externally beat-up revolver where no one has mentioned the word "character" and suggested to leave it in its present state...




...Other than the thorough cleaning and inspection you're already doing, and after confirming specs and function are sufficient, I'd do practically nothing to that revolver cosmetically or mechanically.

It's got history, mystery and character and -- by today's standards -- at a dirt cheap price. If there's any temptation in you to go down the rabbit hole of a restoration, small or large, I advise resisting it...


'Twas bound to happen eventually.... :D


Awesome project, I'm subscribed !
 
Nice project gun. Like someone said,Put a good polish on it,a cold blue,just to see how it looks. Might be pleasently surprised
 
Possible clues as to origin - in the bottom of the box was this Century Arms flyer, and the price sticker has the word "phaseout".

No import marks on it anywhere, so if it did come from CAI it was acquired in the US.

Edited to add:

The CAI website has a Colt DS that looks exactly (condition-wise) like one at Sportsmans, and the part number format is the same as on my box.
 

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I would stick a screw driver blade in the thumb latch screw and heat it cherry red to try to loosen up the rust holding it together.
 
Old trick for that thumbpiece nut. Place gun on a solid surface left side up, insert screwdriver vertically and apply a twist. Using a light hammer, smack the end of the handle of the screwdriver. Take your time and be patient. Do this as much as necessary until the screw comes loose. It may take a while, but it will work. ;)
 
Looking good so far! Was this the SW in Colorado Springs? I stopped there when I had to go to Carson to retire. I was shocked at what they had in the case, but I would've bought a Model 13 at that price too. Can't wait to see how yours turns out!
 
Old trick for that thumbpiece nut. Place gun on a solid surface left side up, insert screwdriver vertically and apply a twist. Using a light hammer, smack the end of the handle of the screwdriver. Take your time and be patient. Do this as much as necessary until the screw comes loose. It may take a while, but it will work. ;)

This works for stuck screws. Learned it from Aviation Metalsmiths that worked in the squadrons that I was in during my career.
 
Looking good so far! Was this the SW in Colorado Springs? I stopped there when I had to go to Carson to retire. I was shocked at what they had in the case, but I would've bought a Model 13 at that price too. Can't wait to see how yours turns out!

It was at the one in Parker.
 
OP, nice score on the 3" model 13. Your SW store REALLY worked with you at that price! So far I think the effort your putting into it is paying off. I'm on the fence regarding whether you should do some kind of refinish.

My local SW got a load of these guns in, too. My buddy first told me about them last weekend, we he went there to pick up a gun he ordered. He said most of them were pretty rough.
I went in this morning to check them out. The fellow behind the counter told me the guns came from a large police auction. Long story short, I decided to adopt a 12-3 snub they had in the "pile". It had most of its finish intact, with a few scratches and bluing loss on the edges. Generally, it was just dirty. It had the numbered to the gun grips on it (which I couldn't believe). It's stripped out and soaking for the week in a Hoppe's bath. The internals were incredibly clean but very dry. Likely one of those carried a lot but shot hardly at all guns.
 
Hey OP, are you actually going to carry that gun? Got a holster for it?
 

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I think the M13 has the look of it was taken to Hades and made it back home.
It won't be a safe queen for sure, but is one heck of a Tool Gun.
 
I don't know if it shoots yet, but if it does I will definitely carry it. I think it will fit a Bianchi IWB I have for a 2 1/2" Model 19.

The Safariland I circled is for a 2.5" K frame. A three inch barrel would protrude a bit but I don't think it would seriously affect the finish on your particular gun. Holler if you need it.
 
Yeah my local sportsman's warehouse got in a few dozen rusted beat up smiths too. More than owning one I'd love to know where they came from.

There were some uncommon models but they were high priced and in very poor condition

Probably came from nameless Municpal PD, that long ago went to Semi Auto pistols, and kept their old turn in revolvers in a leaky storage area. There is an outfit on GB that has been selling rusty Colts, and S&W Revolvers for several months now. Their asking price is over $500.
 
Since stainless revolvers were issued so frequently before the departments went auto, these blued guns could have been languishing (and gaining "patina") for an extra long time. But contrary to what everybody else seems to be saying, I might be a little more creative on details and finish. That poor old revolver has been through all the bad times, now it really deserves some good times.

Froggie
 
I think Robar is still in business and can do the work to check and fix everything and do a functional finish. There is something about a 3" K frame that seems "right", but with my eyes the fixed sight models are not the best choice without some mods.
 
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