Smith & Wesson Model 13


The Smith & Wesson Model 13 is a .357 Magnum revolver designed for military and police use. It is based on Smith & Wesson's K-frame—specifically, it is a.357 Magnum version of the heavy-barrel variant of the .38 Special Model 10.

Design

The Model 13 is a double-action revolver with a capacity of six rounds. Barrel lengths are 3-inch and 4-inch with fixed sights. Both round-butt and square-butt versions were produced. The Model 19 is essentially the same gun with adjustable sights and a partial underlug. The Model 13 has a blued finish; the Model 65 is a variant in matte finish stainless steel.
The Model 13 was manufactured from 1974 to 1999. The Model 65 was manufactured from 1972 to 2004. The Model 13 should not be confused with the M13, which was a lightweight alloy revolver produced from 1954 to 1956 for the U.S. Air Force, known as the Colt Aircrewman.

Model variations

Engineering and production changes of the Model 13, indicated as a dash after the model number stamped on the frame:
ModelYearModifications
13-11974Introduced for the NYSP with model # stamping
13-21977Changed from gas ring on yoke to cylinder
13-31982Eliminated cylinder counterbore and pinned barrel/small change in cylinder length to 1.62"
13-41988New yoke retention system/radius stud package/floating hand/hammer nose busing
13-41994Synthetic grips, change extractor
13-41995–1996Delete square butt features
13-41996Begin shipment in foam lined blue plastic case, Begin serrated backstrap and fore strap on a round butt frame for 18 months, then discontinued
13-41997Discontinued 3" barrel / change to MIM thumb piece and trigger, ship with Master trigger lock
13-51997Changes to frame design, cylinder stop stud eliminated, changed to MIM hammer with floating firing pin, changes to internal lock works
13-51997Discontinued Model 13 with few produced

Service

Both models were issued by police agencies and federal law enforcement agencies in the United States.
The Model 13 was requested by the New York State Police in order to have a.357 Magnum revolver to replace their Model 10.38 Special. The Model 65 in stainless steel came about at the request of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
The FBI issued the Model 13 with round butt and 3" heavy barrel shortly before switching to semi-automatic pistols.
The Model 13 was the last revolver issued by the FBI. It was an unqualified success with Special Agents. The round-butt K-frame with 3" barrel in.357 Magnum proved to be an ideal sidearm for an investigative agency.
The Model 65 is used by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Users