US Air Force S&W M13 Survival Revolver

Published on July 23, 2020
Duration: 11:37

The US Air Force S&W M13 Survival Revolver, produced from 1953-1957, was designed for aircrews but suffered from significant safety issues due to its aluminum frame and cylinder. Despite its lightweight design, it offered minimal weight savings over later steel-cylinder revolvers and was prone to failure with standard ammunition, necessitating a special low-pressure cartridge.

Quick Summary

The US Air Force S&W M13 Survival Revolver, produced from 1953-1957, featured an aluminum frame and cylinder for weight savings. However, this design led to frequent failures, making it unsafe for standard .38 Special ammunition and requiring a special low-pressure load.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: S&W M13 Air Force Survival Revolver
  2. 01:31History & Production: Colt & S&W M13
  3. 03:27Markings & Identification: USAF M13
  4. 05:00Design Flaws: Aluminum Frame & Cylinder Issues
  5. 07:24Weight Comparison: M13 vs. Colt Cobra
  6. 09:24Other Survival Weapons Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the S&W M13 Survival Revolver designed for?

The S&W M13 Survival Revolver was designed in the early 1950s for US Air Force bomber and fighter crews. It was intended as a lightweight personal defense weapon for pilots who might find themselves in survival situations.

What were the main design flaws of the S&W M13?

The M13's primary flaw was its construction using an aluminum alloy frame and cylinder to meet weight requirements. This made the revolver prone to frequent failures, especially when used with standard pressure .38 Special ammunition.

How can you identify a US Air Force S&W M13?

Key identifiers include 'PROPERTY OF U.S. AIR FORCE' stamped on the backstrap, 'REVOLVER, LIGHT WEIGHT, M 13' on the top strap, and a 'P' proof mark indicating military acceptance. Specific serial number ranges also apply.

Was the S&W M13 considered safe?

No, the M13 was generally considered unsafe for standard ammunition due to its aluminum cylinder. A special low-pressure .38 Special cartridge (M41 load) was developed, but even then, the revolver was prone to failure and had a very limited service life.

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