Smith & Wesson Model 1913

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".

Smith & Wesson Model 1913
Smith & Wesson Model 1913
TypeSemi-automatic pistol[1]
Place of originBelgium[2]
Production history
DesignerCharles Philibert Clement[2]
ManufacturerSmith & Wesson[1]
Unit cost$16.50
Produced1913-1921[1]
No. built8,350[1]
Specifications
Mass22 oz (620 g)
Length6.5 in (170 mm)
Barrel length3.5 in (89 mm)

Caliber.35 S&W Auto[1]
ActionBlowback-operated autoloader
Feed system7-round magazine
SightsRound blade front; groove in barrel assembly rear

Design

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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

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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."

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g Supica, Jim S&W .35-cal. Semi-Auto on page 21 of February 2002 American Rifleman magazine
  2. ^ a b c Boorman, Dean K "The History of Smith & Wesson Firearms" page 56

Boorman, Dean K "The History of Smith & Wesson Firearms" page 56