New to me S&W Model 13
Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2010 6:04 pm
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.
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.
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. 
