Price check S&W Model 13-2

[lee n. field]

Assuming it passes the March Test Suite, what's a Model 13-2 (blue, 3" barrel, fixed sight, good condition but not unfired) going for?

 

[Preacherman]

Down here in Louisiana, these guns are very much in demand. A good specimen will easily bring $325-$350, with a really good one topping that figure.

 

[dinosaur]

OOH, OOH, Mr. Field! Considering I haven't seen one since 1980 I'd say Preacherman nailed it.

 

[lee n. field]

Now that's not what I'm wanting to hear .

I won a pricy toy ($450-ish) at a vendor show earlier this week, one I'm not at all interested in, but a buddy of mine is. The only one of his toys that really moves me is the Model 13. We're in the back and forth, "what's it worth" phase.

It fits my hand, it points really well, the trigger is nice, and I don't have to get dies and brass for yet another cartridge. I want this gun.

 

[FPrice]

"I won a pricy toy ($450-ish) at a vendor show earlier this week, one I'm not at all interested in, but a buddy of mine is."

Well, since you won what you want to trade, you will still be ahead if you trade even.

How about $100 and his gun for yours?

 

[dinosaur]

If this guy is really a good buddy, a friend etc. then trading would be like sharing your good fortune and it won't hurt your wallet. Or how about a trade and he throws in 50 bucks? Just an idea.

 

[lee n. field]

Well, since you won what you want to trade, you will still be ahead if you trade even.

How about $100 and his gun for yours?

Something like that. I'm not going to screw him over. I was just trying to get an independant opinion on price range.

Standard Catalog of Firearms 2002 gives a range of $125 (poor) to $275 (excellent). A different book I checked at a bookstore today topped out a hundred bucks higher.

The only thing that concerns me: I have seen him flick it closed.

 

[g56]

The only thing that concerns me: I have seen him flick it closed.

I like model 13's, but that one just got a lot less valuable!

 

[lee n. field]

I like model 13's, but that one just got a lot less valuable!

I've seen him do that once.

Fair enough. How much less? If the crane is damaged, how do I tell, and what's it cost to fix?



Model 19 on left for comparison, Model 13 in question on the right. I'm guessing it needs work, right?

 

[Johnny Guest]

You already have the main resource I would have suggested - - -

- - To evaluate any damage to the piece. I note in your illustration you already have a printout of the Jim March "Revolver checkout: how to tell if a particular specimen is any good" article.

A single instance of the "TV detective demonstrating his firearms ignorance" maneuver will not necessarily ruin the revolver. Much depends on the force used and other variables. If the revolver meets all the check out criteria, carries up, indexes properly, shows proper tolerances, and so forth, it is most likely fine.

If OTOH, your pal has made a habit of this stunt, he may well have damaged the M13 to the point where it needs extensive attention by a good gunsmith, or, better yet, a trip to Springfield, either of which can be downright costly.

Perform the checkout, with a very critical eye. Be honest with yourself and with the other guy. If the revolver needs repair, you can tell him, honestly, that a crane rebuild/adjustment could easily run $150, and you'd need to deal with him on that basis. If he hasn't damaged it, though, and he IS indeed a friend, rather than a casual acquaintence, you surely want to be fair with HIM.

I empathize with your "I want this gun" condition. I just recently picked up its stainless cousin, an M65-3 agency trade-in, for a fairly decent trade, and I'm becoming more and more fond of it.

Best of luck to you - -
Johnny

 

[Preacherman]

EEEEEEK!!!

Just look at the gap between frame and crane on that Model 13!

Sorry, but the damage has been done. I'd give no more than $200 for that gun if it were in otherwise excellent condition - in fact, probably I'd try to go for $150. Then, I'd send it back to S&W for rebuilding, and budget a good $150 for that work. Alternatively, tell him you'll give him $325 for the gun, less the actual costs of sending it to S&W, having it fixed, and sending it back to you - he gets paid the balance once all actual costs are known.

I hate to see a good gun ruined that way...

 

[lee n. field]

Thanks. That's what I needed to know.

 

[lee n. field]

followup

FYI: I called S&W. The individual I spoke with said it's possible that it could be straightened, but if not, the cost would be on the order of $200.

 

[fastball]

Needs work??

"Model 19 on left for comparison, Model 13 in question on the right. I'm guessing it needs work, right?" Great photo. Will save that one. and needs work??? Like Dale Jr. would say---"No #%*#!!!" ---but being a Smith & Wesson, I'm betting it still shoots better than a lot of handguns with out abuse. If it still locks up and times out, get it as cheaply as possible and just use it for a knock about or truck gun. Just MHO??? You bet.---Tom

 

[jed]

Based on my readings here.

A friend is worth more than any SW manufactured product.

Based on facts, I can only conclude that you should just drop the
trade talk or purchasing and spend your money elsewhere where
hopefully a guarantee exists. I have bought a SW at Gander Mountain
and it needed considerable work. They did the work for free. I have
since sold the gun and it was good to go after the repairs.

I have a friend that loves SW products, I have bought some from him
and he has traded some to me. One of the revolvers traded to me appeared OK and I shot it some and then a problem developed. I was able to get if repaired locally for $50.00. The gunsmith thought the gun had been flick closed.

I hope all this helps.

 

[lee n. field]

Based on facts, I can only conclude that you should just drop the trade talk or purchasing and spend your money elsewhere where
hopefully a guarantee exists.

Already done.