S & W .357 Magnum, Mod. 13 -3

Question
I owned this gun 15 years, recently when asking about a laser sight for it, I was told that it has a history of the frame cracking where the barrel is screwed in, due to the high pressures and light frame. Can you tell me if this true. or direct me to where I can find out?  

Answer
Kenneth,

In all the reading and research I have done, I have heard nothing about cracking in the barrel on Model 13 Smith & Wesson revolvers.  In fact, the Model 13 is constructed in a heavy duty fashion to take the higher pressures of the .357 round.

This gun has been around a long time.  It was first manufactured in 1973 and was discontinued in 1999.  It is a favorite revolver for many.  It was the last revolver issued to the FBI prior to the issuance of Glock .40s.  The FBI shot lots of 158 gr. +P loads in these guns with no apparent ill effects.  I have also seen an 'urban rumor' of frames loosening in these guns from shooting +P loads.  I have seen no evidence either factual or anecdotal to make me think this is true.

Find out what the 'source' of the cracking rumor is.  If there is one, you should be able to 'google' it and see if there is any truth to it.  In many cases, the source of such things is not about personal experience but 'someone told me this was the case'.

Please understand, I am not saying that there has never been any cracking of barrels in the .357 Model 13-3.  I am only saying that I can't find any factual evidence of it anywhere as being a 'documented problem' of the guns.  All I have found is rave reviews of how well the guns stand up to the punishment of the .357 pressures and what a joy they are to shoot.

If you are really super concerned, you can always limit the number of .357 rounds you shoot and practice with .38 special...If it were my gun, I honestly wouldn't worry about it.

Hope this helps,

Doug