What is so unusual about this Smith?

[Allen-frame]

Found this on Gone broker.

It is unusual in more ways than one.

See if you can identify all the features that distinguish it from other
Smith M&P revolvers like it.

Do not read others responses ,just check out the auction pictures
and reply if you care to.


Smith & Wesson 13-4, 38 Special, Federal Contract : Revolvers at GunBroker.com


Good luck.
Allen Frame

 

[jeffrey]

Well, I've never seen a 4-inch round butt model 13 before, just 3-inch model 13's with a round butt. Or a model 13 in anything other than .357 magnum. But that's too easy! What am I missing?

 

[-db-]

Alright, my guess is going to be the grooved front and backstraps. Those are typically found only on adjustable sight models, yes?

 

[Tyrod]

Um, what would the difference be between this and a model 10? Also, I thought at least one of the serial numbers had to be stamped.

 

[410bore]

also looks like someone has the back two sideplate screws flip-flopped

 

[Allen-frame]

I guess it was easy enough.

The differences are apparent. This is one of the model 13-4s made
in 38 Special for an overseas contract.

It is a 4 in. round butt, with serrated gripframe.

For $400. shipped I couldn't resist. I've been watching it for a couple of
months and the price dropped to this final low.

Heck, if a clean model 10 is worth $300. why not $100. more for an
unusual variant like this one?

It is just begging for a caliber conversion to 357 magnum and
a 3 in. barrel though.

Tyrod ,,the serial number on the grip frame IS stamped. It is in dot-matrix.

Regards
Allen Frame

 

[stantheman86]

I have been checking that one out too. The advantage would be that it's heat-treated for .357 but chambered for .38, so it should be a lot more durable. As if a Model 10 won't last forever anyway

That was a good buy for that one, before the recent "flood" of trade in 10's and 64's, lots of buyers wouldn't blink at dropping $400 for a clean Model 10 4" HB, so paying that for an interesting 13 is a fair price.

Heck I paid $400 for one of my 10-8's, because it's my 1980 birth year gun, and it's a 4" RB, one of my favorite handguns of all time

 

[smokey04]

Did you all miss the wide trigger? Nick

 

[M3Stuart]

Oh man, I was singing the song "...one of these things is not like the other..." but got carried away and didn't figure it out before the song ended (in my head).

 

[Speedo2]

removed PC

 

[stantheman86]

That isn't a recessed gun, since it's a 13-4..........although that would be VERY unique. I wonder if any recessed .38 Special revolvers exist?