Smith & Wesson Model 1913
| Smith & Wesson Model 1913 | |
|---|---|
| File:Smith & Wesson Model 1913 0274.jpg Smith & Wesson Model 1913 | |
| Type | Semi-automatic pistol[1] |
| Place of origin | Belgium[2] |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Charles Philibert Clement[2] |
| Manufacturer | Smith & Wesson[1] |
| Unit cost | $16.50 |
| Produced | 1913-1921[1] |
| No. built | 8,350[1] |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 22 oz (620 g) |
| Length | 6.5 in (170 mm) |
| Barrel length | 3.5 in (89 mm) |
| Caliber | .35 S&W Auto[1] |
| Action | Blowback-operated autoloader |
| Feed system | 7-round magazine |
| Sights | Round blade front; groove in barrel assembly rear |
The Smith & Wesson Model 1913 is a center fire semi-automatic pistol introduced by Smith & Wesson in 1913. This pistol was also known as the "Model 35".
Design
[edit | edit source]The Model 1913 was produced from 1913 to 1921, and approximately 8,350 were built. The Model 1913 was chambered in the now obsolete .35 S&W Auto cartridge.[1] It featured smooth wooden grip panels, a fully grooved slide with crossbolt lock stud, and an ambidextrous safety that was operated with the middle finger of the shooting hand.
History and engineering changes
[edit | edit source]The Model 1913 was the first semi-automatic produced by Smith & Wesson. It generally followed a design introduced by Charles Philibert Clement[2] in 1903 initially chambered for the 5mm Clement and after 1906 for the .25 ACP.[1]
- First Type—The grip safety was operated by pressing it to the rear.
- Second Type—The grip safety was redesigned so that it had to be pushed to the left and rearward.
- Third Type—The grip safety was changed back to the original style of operation.
- Fourth Type—The magazine catch was redesigned.
- Fifth Type—Used a heavier recoil spring and wider slide cross bolt lock.
- Sixth Type—The shape of the recoil spring channel was changed, and the sides of the slide were extended so they overlapped the sides of the frame.
- Seventh Type—The S&W stamp on the frame flat behind the grip was discontinued.
- Eighth Type—The caliber markings were moved from the left side of the barrel to the right, and the left was marked "Smith & Wesson."
Model 1913s were used by agents of the Bureau of Investigation, the forerunner to the FBI. According to retired agent Roy McHenry, he was unofficially issued a “.35 Smith and Wesson automatic” by Bureau of Investigation Assistant Chief Albert Pike in 1917.[3]
References
[edit | edit source]Boorman, Dean K "The History of Smith & Wesson Firearms" page 56