US Airforce Smith & Wesson M13 Survival Revolver

Published on December 13, 2023
Duration: 0:48

The Smith & Wesson M13 was a lightweight .38 Special revolver designed for US Air Force aircrews. Its aluminum frame made it prone to cracking, leading to the destruction of most units. Surviving examples, identifiable by 'PROPERTY OF U.S. AIR FORCE' markings, are rare and highly collectible.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson M13 was a lightweight .38 Special revolver for US Air Force aircrews. Its aluminum frame often cracked, leading to the destruction of most units. Surviving examples, marked 'PROPERTY OF U.S. AIR FORCE', are rare collectibles.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Survival Weapons
  2. 00:20Smith & Wesson M13 Overview
  3. 00:29M13 Safety Issues & Rarity
  4. 00:38US Air Force Markings

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Smith & Wesson M13 revolver designed for?

The Smith & Wesson M13 was designed as a lightweight survival revolver for US Air Force aircrews. Its aluminum frame aimed to reduce weight for carry, making it a compact .38 Special handgun.

Why are Smith & Wesson M13 revolvers rare?

Most Smith & Wesson M13 revolvers were destroyed due to a design flaw causing the aluminum frame to crack during use. This high attrition rate makes surviving examples exceptionally rare and valuable to collectors.

How can I identify an authentic US Air Force M13?

Authentic US Air Force-issued Smith & Wesson M13 revolvers are identifiable by the specific 'PROPERTY OF U.S. AIR FORCE' marking engraved on the backstrap of the grip.

What were the main issues with the Smith & Wesson M13?

The primary issue with the Smith & Wesson M13 was its aluminum frame, which was prone to cracking under stress during use. This significantly limited its operational lifespan and contributed to its rarity.

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