Picked this up today, don't think I've ever had a 357 before. I don't see many posts on these and was wondering how you guys liked them. Its dash 2 sq butt. Anybody have an idea when these where made, just looking for a ballpark date.
what do you guys think of model 13's
- Thread starter CWH44300
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My 13-2 has been my traveling companion for about 25 yrs now, and will be the last gun I own when all the others are gone. Ballpark guess for mfr. would be about 1981 or 82.
You've made an excellent choice.
Larry
You've made an excellent choice.
Larry
75Vette
Member
Nice snag ironworker. Never shot .357? It's a whole different little beast compared to your favorite, the .44. You should be in your backyard shooting that right now!!
Enjoy that one!
Tin Knocker
Enjoy that one!Tin Knocker
I purchased several of what were new production K frame guns back in the very late 70's and early 80's. The Mod 13 was produced alongside its stainless counterpart, the Mod 65. They were 357/38 caliber, fixed sighted, heavy barreled and magna gripped guns intended for law enforcement and those who preferred fixed sights. From my recollection they are the first .357 K frame handguns to follow both the Mod 19 and its brother the Mod 66.....
Another revolver that was introduced in about the same time frame was the Mod. 67. These K frame guns, especially those in stainless, indicated an exciting new trend toward stainless handguns that continues to exist today.
The 13 and the 65 were well made, economically priced (I recall paying $128 for a NIB 13) and certainly a very important addition to the S&W lineup for law enforcement needs......
Another revolver that was introduced in about the same time frame was the Mod. 67. These K frame guns, especially those in stainless, indicated an exciting new trend toward stainless handguns that continues to exist today.
The 13 and the 65 were well made, economically priced (I recall paying $128 for a NIB 13) and certainly a very important addition to the S&W lineup for law enforcement needs......
Love the 13. Why wouldn't I? Hope you enjoy yours, and the next few .357s you buy.
629shooter
Member
I haven't bought a M13 yet... But, I do have a 65-3 3" that I'm quite fond of.
Snapping Twig
Member
13's are great!
Love the quality blue!
Mine is a -3.
Love the quality blue!
Mine is a -3.
ibewbull
US Veteran
I haven't had a 13 yet and wouldn't turn down a good deal on one.
Just gotta love a K frame.
I do have a fancy pants one with adj sights , the 19 inn 2 1/2 inch blue.
I don't fancy good years though. I am hooked on Grasshorn Stags.
Nice 13 by the way.
Just gotta love a K frame.
I do have a fancy pants one with adj sights , the 19 inn 2 1/2 inch blue.
I don't fancy good years though. I am hooked on Grasshorn Stags.
Nice 13 by the way.
Double-O-Dave
US Veteran
Model 13s - I love them! I'm lucky enough to own a Model 13-3 that is a round butted, 3.0 inch barrel K-frame. As you may know, this was the last officially issued revolver by the FBI. The Model 13, in that configuration, was on top of my grail gun list for over 20 years. I could never find one, so I eventually bought a Model 64-3 in the round butt, 3.0 inch barrel configuration, and figured this would be as close as I could get. Within the next 2 years, I was lucky enough to find the Model 13-3, as well as a Model 65-3. I really like that K-frame sized revolver in this configuration.
I think you made a good selection.
Best of luck,
Dave
I think you made a good selection.
Best of luck,
Dave
Attachments
Shorty 45 MK2
Member
Congrats! 
That's a really nice looking one.
That's a really nice looking one.
Boogsawaste
Member
What do I think of them? I've not had the pleasure of owning one yet, but I love fixed sight k frames, and one in .357 sounds just about right!
I had one in my hand at a gun show a year ago and stupidly put it down so I could check out the rest of the show before I committed to buying it. When I came back to make an offer it was already gone. Same thing happened again when I found a really nice shape security six snub in stainless. Came back and someone was filling out the 4473 on it. Needless to say, now if I see something I like, I pick it up right then and there. I'd love to have either of those 2 sitting in my safe at the moment. Sigh, what's a couple more revolvers to add to the must have short list at this point?
I had one in my hand at a gun show a year ago and stupidly put it down so I could check out the rest of the show before I committed to buying it. When I came back to make an offer it was already gone. Same thing happened again when I found a really nice shape security six snub in stainless. Came back and someone was filling out the 4473 on it. Needless to say, now if I see something I like, I pick it up right then and there. I'd love to have either of those 2 sitting in my safe at the moment. Sigh, what's a couple more revolvers to add to the must have short list at this point?
DFrame
Member
The model 13 is a superb revolver. Near perfect in size and weight for 36 calibre, lacking ONLY good stocks. There are many quality stock makers out there, My preference is Kim Ahrends.
bamacisa
Member
Well, I agree with you. I have two model 13's ....both have Ahrends stocks. Great guns.
Kernel Crittenden
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
According to the SCSW the -2 was made from 1977 to 1982. Since I'm not seeing a pin barrel on your M13, I'd say it was made in 1982 (that's when S&W discontinued that feature across all model lines).
I can't be certain, but it looks like you do have what's called a "recessed cylinder" (another feature deleted on newer Smiths). Which would, again, support it being made during that 1982-ish transition era.
If you like, post the first six of the s/n and we can better fine tune the ship date.
Nice snag ironworker. Never shot .357? It's a whole different little beast compared to your favorite, the .44. You should be in your backyard shooting that right now!!
Tin Knocker
He is letting it cool down......Has to still be a little hot as he stole it
Nice snag ironworker. Never shot .357? It's a whole different little beast compared to your favorite, the .44. You should be in your backyard shooting that right now!!
Tin Knocker
Yes,
Since I posted this, I can't remember ever owning a 357.
I've shot a bunch of them though, its one of my friends favorite caliber's and I've burned up a bunch through his guns. I've got it all cleaned up and I'll shoot it this weekend, not sure yet what I'm going to do with it. I will be honest with you boys, this cute little thing is growing on me like a new puppy.
