New to me S&W Model 13

[dcphoto]

Just adopted a S&W Model 13. It was a trade in from the Tarrent County Sheriff's Department. I got this gun because I need a revolver to shoot for the Texas CHL Instructor course next year, but I also want to learn more about revolvers since I've recently begun a love affair with them.

The gun looks like it's been out of service for a while now. It's somewhat neglected, and VERY dirty. The dealer gave it a pretty good wipe down, but the barrel and cylinder are filthy. I haven't removed the side plate yet, so I don't know the condition of the internals. The lockup isn't very tight, but is consistent on all chambers, and the timing seems ok. The cylinder gap is tiny, but I suspect will be around .003 or .004 once I get all the carbon off the forcing cone. There is very little end shake, but I won't have a measurement until I get the gun cleaned up. There is some gas cutting on the top strap, but it isn't too bad. The barrel is in remarkably good condition, considering how much surface rust there is. I can only see one spot of pitting, and it might just be a chunk of carbon fouling. We'll see how it looks after some JB Bore Cleaner. The top strap and forcing cone are caked with carbon build-up, so it's going to take a bunch of elbow grease, and hoppes, to clean this baby up.

My plans for this gun start with cleaning up all the carbon fouling, and inspecting the internals. Once I have a good idea of the condition of everything I'll replace any parts that might need it.

Next step will be tightening the lockup and end shake if needed. I don't have any idea how this is done, but I expect I'll be replacing some parts. After that I'll refinish it with Duracoat. I'm thinking about a glossy black with a little deep blue mixed in. Hopefully I can get the glossy blued look I'm going for.

If anybody is knowledgeable about tightening lockup I would sure appreciate any insight you can offer. I'd like to do the work myself, in order to learn more about the gun.

[eddieconcarne]

Congratulations on your new addiction. You may not realize it yet, but you have just exposed yourself to an incurable disease: Wessonitis. Common symptoms include increased ammo bills, learning about photography for the exclusive purpose of photographing your guns, and of course, adding more S&W six-shooters to the family. Before you know it, you'll be pining for a Model 27, putting aside money for a 586, and eyeballing Model 29-2s like they are a model in a skimpy bikini.

Call up S&W and they'll probably fix up the lock-up for free.

[Grog]

There are a few S&W experts at the Smith and Wesson forum.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/forum.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[BobCat]

Model 13 is a superb revolver.

Jerry Kuhnhausen's S&W Revolver shop manual (check Midway or Amazon) is authoritative and will tell you all you need to know about making it as close to new as you wish to. My bet is that once you clean it and shoot it, you will be very happy and may go not farther (at least for a while).

Congratulations! You are in for a great experience.

Regards,
Andrew

[MoJo]

Oh I envy you! I had a Model 13 years ago it was stolen from my apartment along with some other stuff. It was the best revolver I've ever owned. Shoot lots of .38s and .38+P and go light on the .357s it will last you a long long time.

[A-R]

I like those Pachmayer grips. Is that a square butt or round butt? I might have to steal those grips when you're not looking and put the big ol' bell-bottom Pachmayers from my Model 64 on your 13

[dcphoto]

Square butt, and you can have the grips. I'm going to find a nice set of wood grips once I duracoat it. Until then I ordered a pair of used grips from Numrich since I don't care for the Pachmayers.

Edit: You just have to get the sticky goop off. It's from the duct tape that was holding them on because it had no grip screw.

[A-R]

Square butt, and you can have the grips. I'm going to find a nice set of wood grips once I duracoat it. Until then I ordered a pair of used grips from Numrich since I don't care for the Pachmayers.

Sweet!

Let me know when you get ready to Duracoat it .... would like to put same treatment on my S&W 49.

[wheelgun1958]

Spend a little extra money and buy the Kuhnhausen book HERE.

[dcphoto]

Spend a little extra money and buy the Kuhnhausen book HERE.

Actually, that was the first thing I did. Even before I took some quick photos and posted here.

The second thing I got was the tool to remove the rebound spring. There is so much carbon built up around the cylinder lock that it's restricting the locks movement. I tried to get it out, but there is no avoiding it. I'm going to have to completely disassemble this thing to get it cleaned up.

At least to get it cleaned to my standards.

[wheelgun1958]

Here's some Midway videos to watch too.

Videos