S&W 1913

Published on October 24, 2025
Duration: 2:50

The Smith & Wesson 1913 was an early semi-automatic pistol design based on the Clement patent. It featured a unique folding takedown system and a spring-loaded breech block switch for easier manual loading. However, its commercial failure was largely attributed to the adoption of a proprietary .35 S&W caliber over the more standard .32 ACP.

Quick Summary

The S&W 1913 was an early semi-automatic pistol from Smith & Wesson, based on the Clement patent. It featured a unique folding takedown system and a spring-loaded breech block switch. Its commercial failure was largely due to the use of a proprietary .35 S&W caliber instead of the standard .32 ACP.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: S&W 1913 History
  2. 00:30Unique Takedown System Explained
  3. 01:05Breech Block Mechanism Details
  4. 01:50Controls and Safety Features
  5. 02:12Market Failure: Caliber Choice

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the S&W 1913 pistol?

The S&W 1913 was Smith & Wesson's early attempt at a semi-automatic pistol, developed from the Clement patent acquired in 1909. It featured a distinctive folding takedown system and was chambered in .35 S&W.

What was unique about the S&W 1913's takedown?

The S&W 1913 had a unique takedown system where the trigger bow could be flexed. This allowed the entire action of the pistol to fold open, facilitating easier cleaning and inspection by the user.

Why did the S&W 1913 pistol fail commercially?

The S&W 1913 largely failed commercially because Smith & Wesson decided to use their proprietary .35 S&W caliber. This was less desirable than the more common and standardized .32 ACP cartridge available at the time.

What were the safety features of the S&W 1913?

The S&W 1913 incorporated a heel-mounted magazine release, a grip safety, and a manual safety lever. However, the manual safety was noted for being particularly stiff and difficult to operate effectively.

Related News

All News →

More General Videos You Might Like

More from C&Rsenal

View all →