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Old 08-05-2010, 11:50 PM
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1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto  
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Default 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto

Well, I will list just a few reason why, I think the 3914 is the best 9mm auto there is, first of all, I am a large bore shooter and consider the 9mm as an OK caliber, as a result of that, I sold the few 9's that I had with the exception of one, my smith 3914, it was love at first sight when I held the pistol at a local gun show and I purchased it, the price was right too.
That was a few years back and I am here to tell you that this little pistol has digested just about every bullet configuration from the 115 FMJ to the 147 gr hydra shock without a single hick up, non, zip, nada.
The pistol is so flat that it's a great choice to carry concealed during the summer, I am from the old school and I believe that a pistol should fire without a malfunction for a minimum of 500 shots using the type of ammo you intend to carry, (The late geat pistolero Maj George Nonte was a firm believer of this test) not too many pistols can do this (and who can afford to blast away with premium quality ammo these days?) but my 3914 has passed this test numerous times. (I use 147gr hydra shock ammo, I own quite a few boxes of it..)
What surprises me is that you don't see any 3914's on the used market, non at the guns shows here in VA, if I were to find a used one I would buy it on the spot.
I own about a dozen pistols but my little smith 3914 will never be equaled when it comes to concealment and most important of all, reliability, this is what is all about in a pistol.

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Old 08-06-2010, 12:11 AM
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I'm sure they are great guns, personally it's a bit small for my liking, the grip is too thin, and I don't like the trigger pull of the 3rd gens. I have never owned and will never own a 9mm but if I did it would probably be some sort of 1911 or possibly an M&P.
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Old 08-06-2010, 01:56 AM
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I agree with f8 on the 3913/3914 series pistols. I'd owned quite a few single stack S&W 9MMs since about the mid '60s, but my first exposure to these little guns was a friend's 3914 a few years ago. It was totally reliable with everything we tried, and seemed too accurate at 25 yards for such a little gun. I found a NIB 3913 a couple years ago and bought it. Like my pal's 3914, it has been totally reliable with everything I've shot through it, different type hollow points, different weights,+P, +P+, NATO ball, etc,etc. My 3913 replaced a SIG P239 that was Not reliable with some ammo.

BTW f8, I used to live upwind of a smaller airport and saw f8 Crusaders flying over my house regularly. One of the operations at the airport apparently had goverenment contracts to do military equipment testing using the f8, f-104s and B-66s.
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Old 08-06-2010, 07:43 AM
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1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto  
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I agree with f8 on the 3913/3914 series pistols. I'd owned quite a few single stack S&W 9MMs since about the mid '60s, but my first exposure to these little guns was a friend's 3914 a few years ago. It was totally reliable with everything we tried, and seemed too accurate at 25 yards for such a little gun. I found a NIB 3913 a couple years ago and bought it. Like my pal's 3914, it has been totally reliable with everything I've shot through it, different type hollow points, different weights,+P, +P+, NATO ball, etc,etc. My 3913 replaced a SIG P239 that was Not reliable with some ammo.

BTW f8, I used to live upwind of a smaller airport and saw f8 Crusaders flying over my house regularly. One of the operations at the airport apparently had goverenment contracts to do military equipment testing using the f8, f-104s and B-66s.
I was stationed in Yuma years ago and we used to get Crusaders from a marine reserve squadron from Dallas, it was love at first sight (like my 3914) the last of the gunfighters.
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Old 08-06-2010, 08:49 AM
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Well said. The 3914/3913 is as good as it gets in a single stack, concealeable 9mm.

As I'm sure you are aware, George Nonte was also involved with the 3914's great grandfather, the ASP pistol. Regards 18DAI.
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Old 08-06-2010, 11:27 AM
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Regarding "thin" grips on single-stack 3900 pistols: Hogue grips will help those with large hands. Both my 3913 and 3914 wear these. Hard to beat these pistols for concealed carry.

Jerry
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Old 08-06-2010, 03:19 PM
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1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto  
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So let's hear the other 999 reasons
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Old 08-06-2010, 04:13 PM
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Will make you forget about the P7M8.
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Old 08-06-2010, 07:47 PM
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1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto  
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So let's hear the other 999 reasons
Sir, you are good, you got me on this one......
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Old 08-06-2010, 08:30 PM
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1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto  
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Originally Posted by 18DAI View Post
Well said. The 3914/3913 is as good as it gets in a single stack, concealeable 9mm.

As I'm sure you are aware, George Nonte was also involved with the 3914's great grandfather, the ASP pistol. Regards 18DAI.
No, I didn't know that fact, I good friend of mine that flew navy panther's during the Korean war and later claims that flew for air america, showed me one, his own personal ASP, a very interesting weapon.
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Old 08-06-2010, 10:40 PM
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Originally Posted by f8 crusader View Post
Well, I will list just a few reason why, I think the 3914 is the best 9mm auto there is, first of all, I am a large bore shooter and consider the 9mm as an OK caliber, as a result of that, I sold the few 9's that I had with the exception of one, my smith 3914, it was love at first sight when I held the pistol at a local gun show and I purchased it, the price was right too.
That was a few years back and I am here to tell you that this little pistol has digested just about every bullet configuration from the 115 FMJ to the 147 gr hydra shock without a single hick up, non, zip, nada.
The pistol is so flat that it's a great choice to carry concealed during the summer, I am from the old school and I believe that a pistol should fire without a malfunction for a minimum of 500 shots using the type of ammo you intend to carry, (The late geat pistolero Maj George Nonte was a firm believer of this test) not too many pistols can do this (and who can afford to blast away with premium quality ammo these days?) but my 3914 has passed this test numerous times. (I use 147gr hydra shock ammo, I own quite a few boxes of it..)
What surprises me is that you don't see any 3914's on the used market, non at the guns shows here in VA, if I were to find a used one I would buy it on the spot.
I own about a dozen pistols but my little smith 3914 will never be equaled when it comes to concealment and most important of all, reliability, this is what is all about in a pistol.


You are not even close!

Everybody knows that the BEST hand gun of ALL TIMES is the Smith and Wesson 3913.

If you ever decide to part with your 3914 NL, I will pay you a couple of hundred dollars to relieve your pain.
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Old 08-07-2010, 03:40 AM
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I purchased my then new 3914 from the LAPD department store, back in the early 90's, as I recall. The price was right, it felt good, so I purchased it along with an also new 625 3" Model of 1989. I have never been a 9mm fan, so I expected to use it rarely. I discovered that it was so reliable, accurate to point of aim, and easy to carry, it became my primary care piece and there is rarely a day that goes by it isn't with me. I believe reliability is formost in any gun you carry, and if it shoots well, and you shoot it well, caliber is not of primary concern. It is an amazing gun to shoot, and will undoubtedly remain my primary CCW gun indefinately.

Having purchased the gun in roughly 1993 (?), I have carried it considerable more than 1000 days so I have approximately 5500 plus reasons to believe the 3914 is the best CCW auto!
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Old 08-07-2010, 08:56 AM
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1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto  
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It's OK, but I like my sexy little 3913 better. Actually, I liked my 3913 so much I tracked down a 4040PD. The 4040PD is one sho-nuff sweet little blaster. Unfortunately, both of them have been "safed" in favor of less sexy but higher capacity carry pieces for me. My current compainon is a XDsc .40.
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Old 08-08-2010, 05:20 PM
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f8 Crusader - I think I would have to agree with you, but it would be regarding my 469! It's 20 something now and has also never malfunctioned. Ever. It also meets all the parameters you stated about your 3914 (for me at least). By the way I used to work with F8s back in the late 60s and thought they were just about the best thing in the sky - - next to the A4s I also worked with - - HaHa. Happy shooting my friend!
You just can't beat a S&W.

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Old 08-09-2010, 01:04 AM
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It's OK, but I like my sexy little 3913 better. Actually, I liked my 3913 so much I tracked down a 4040PD. The 4040PD is one sho-nuff sweet little blaster. Unfortunately, both of them have been "safed" in favor of less sexy but higher capacity carry pieces for me. My current compainon is a XDsc .40.
Yeah. Me too.......I bought a very new, maybe the first or earliest 4040, from a dealer in So Cal that was very close to Davidson's. Big deal, but regardless, I purchased a NIB 4040, which I still have......... because of the positive experience I had and still have with the 3914. Same frame, same single stack (yeah sub-caliber), and a great shooter. The 4040 remains new, but the 3914.... or 3913 (just a finish difference)....continues to be my favorite because of it's reliablity and accuracy. As for storing them because of magazine capacity? May I suggest you re-evaluate you priorities!
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Old 08-09-2010, 09:32 AM
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I have to agree with the OP. 3914 is at the top for me also. I own a 3913 and a 3914. Both digest anything I feed them. Never an issue. My 3914 shoots a tiny bit better than the 13. It has a lighter smoother trigger. Both wear Hogue grips.
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Old 08-09-2010, 02:41 PM
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I have both a 3913 and a 3913 TSW and love them both. Great summertime carry guns, now we will see how much I really like my Kimber's come winter. I may still be toting the 3913's come January.
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Old 08-09-2010, 03:15 PM
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As for storing them because of magazine capacity? May I suggest you re-evaluate you priorities!
It is a sickness tis true but I am continually re-evaluating my carry piece priorities. Sad to say (at least on the S&W board) that I have been considering carrying my Speed Six! Although, last night on my usual after-dark dog-walking expedition I was actually contemplating gearing up to tote the 645.
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Old 08-09-2010, 03:51 PM
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I agree, the 3914 is tops in my book and it's one of the few autos I own and use. I've got nothing against the 3913 but I just like the blued finish better - way better. My 3914 wears the Hogue grips and night sights and is a regular carry item.

One other plus is that my 337-3 (J frame 3" w/adj sights) also fits the same holster as my 3914 and it comes in at around 12 oz so sometimes it gets the nod. Not as many shots but what the heck?

Ward
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Old 08-09-2010, 05:16 PM
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Default 3914 fan

I also am a fan, I bought mine from Skeezix, still have it, no longer have any 3913, the 3914 shot tighter groups, very reliable. I love my 3906 with Birdsong Black Tee finish, and it probably looks better, but to my hand, it doesn't shoot quite as well, nor does my 5906. I would probably sell my 952 before I sold the 3914.
I am also a fan of F-8 Crusaders, I was an ordnanceman with a VMF unit for a while in the '60s, much cleaner to work on than the old Sea Furies. They had to cycle that adjustable wing occasionally while taxi-ing around, with the pilot buttoned up, looked like some kind of primordial shark. My hearing is a bit impaired from too much time in the arming area, where they would take off from.
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Old 08-09-2010, 07:48 PM
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I also am a fan, I bought mine from Skeezix, still have it, no longer have any 3913, the 3914 shot tighter groups, very reliable. I love my 3906 with Birdsong Black Tee finish, and it probably looks better, but to my hand, it doesn't shoot quite as well, nor does my 5906. I would probably sell my 952 before I sold the 3914.
I am also a fan of F-8 Crusaders, I was an ordnanceman with a VMF unit for a while in the '60s, much cleaner to work on than the old Sea Furies. They had to cycle that adjustable wing occasionally while taxi-ing around, with the pilot buttoned up, looked like some kind of primordial shark. My hearing is a bit impaired from too much time in the arming area, where they would take off from.
Note my avatar, VMF(AW) 235 death Angels carrying 500 pounders with daisy cutters, Da Nang I believe, bring memories?
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Old 08-09-2010, 08:18 PM
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The little 3914 reliability makes it an easy choice for those of us that pack, I have enjoyed the responses and it only solidifies my choice, I had issues with my HiPower 9 and my SiG228 (this gun was carried on duty by the police officer that sold it to me ) the SiG had some parts breaking on me (decocking spring)and it was retired, yes, I understand that the 9mm is considered marginal by a lot of so called pro's and I do respect these gentlemen opinions but I believe what matters the most is total confidence in the weapon your carrying (I refused to carry the M9 in the Marines after suffering locking lug failures twice, I carried a 45 MEUSOC instead).
The proper selection of ammo and lots of practice, realistic scenarios, double taps, hammers, failure drills, not just stand and shoot at a paper targets, will make you a more responsible and efficient shooter.
Off the soap box again...
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Old 08-10-2010, 08:57 AM
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I use Winchester Ranger 147 grain in my 3913. The 147 grain JHP is hardly a marginal round, despite what you may read on the internet. If you can find one of the bonded rounds, so much the better.

I figure 14" of penetration, combined with the accuracy that 147 grain round delivers out of a 3913, is sufficient. Regards 18DAI.
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Old 08-10-2010, 10:50 AM
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I have shot 147 grain SXT's and now have 127 +p Rangers and both are very accurate and managable. The +p does have some ummph to it, but thats ok. My 3913 does seem to shot a bit high to point of aim (only about 1-2 inches at 10 yards) bit I have been told that is normal for the shorter barrel pistols.

I am very happy with my 3913 and feel confident with it. All i would like to do is add some night sites of some sort.

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Old 08-10-2010, 12:17 PM
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I use Winchester Ranger 147 grain in my 3913. The 147 grain JHP is hardly a marginal round, despite what you may read on the internet. If you can find one of the bonded rounds, so much the better.

I figure 14" of penetration, combined with the accuracy that 147 grain round delivers out of a 3913, is sufficient. Regards 18DAI.
I have been using the old federal 147gr hydra shoks not only because they function reliably and I think they are the best but a good friend that passed away gave me his ammunition supply and that included over 3,000 rounds of hydras.
He was like a father to me........
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Old 08-10-2010, 05:48 PM
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My 3913 fits me like a pair of Levi's............Perfect
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Old 08-11-2010, 09:01 PM
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The first gun I ever purchased was a Beretta 92S, which I have enjoyed for 30 years or so. My pleasant experience with a S&W 645 (yes, I seem to gravitate towards the larger pistols) and the comments I read on this forum led me to purchase a used 3913 NL recently. A smaller pistol than the first two, but a good shooter that has performed very well so far. One of the nicest looking semi-autos around, in my opinion..and much easier for CCW than the other two.

BTW F8, sorry to hear about your friend.
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Old 08-11-2010, 09:20 PM
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i prefer the stainless finish instead of blued, but i completely agree that these guns are the best over all for ccw.

flat, light, easy to use, service caliber, reliable as all get out.
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I'm not familiar with the 3914. Does it shoot from half cock like the 3953?
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Old 03-19-2021, 02:03 PM
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Originally Posted by TAROMAN View Post
I'm not familiar with the 3914. Does it shoot from half cock like the 3953?
Not that I have seen. You could, of course, swap a model 39-2 hammer, and get a half-cock notch, but it is not designed to pre-cock the hammer part way like the 3953.
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Old 03-19-2021, 02:05 PM
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I'm not familiar with the 3914. Does it shoot from half cock like the 3953?
No, the 3914 is a TDA rather than DAO.
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Old 03-19-2021, 02:12 PM
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1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto  
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Will make you forget about the P7M8.
Blasphemy! No need to knock one of the coolest pistols ever made. 🤫
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Old 03-19-2021, 02:14 PM
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1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto  
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Blasphemy! No need to knock one of the coolest pistols ever made. 🤫
If I only ever had a P7, I would love it.
But.... I sold mine. Because its super weird after shooting other guns.
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Old 03-19-2021, 05:48 PM
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Originally Posted by f8 crusader View Post
Well, I will list just a few reason why, I think the 3914 is the best 9mm auto there is, first of all, I am a large bore shooter and consider the 9mm as an OK caliber, as a result of that, I sold the few 9's that I had with the exception of one, my smith 3914, it was love at first sight when I held the pistol at a local gun show and I purchased it, the price was right too.
That was a few years back and I am here to tell you that this little pistol has digested just about every bullet configuration from the 115 FMJ to the 147 gr hydra shock without a single hick up, non, zip, nada.
The pistol is so flat that it's a great choice to carry concealed during the summer, I am from the old school and I believe that a pistol should fire without a malfunction for a minimum of 500 shots using the type of ammo you intend to carry, (The late geat pistolero Maj George Nonte was a firm believer of this test) not too many pistols can do this (and who can afford to blast away with premium quality ammo these days?) but my 3914 has passed this test numerous times. (I use 147gr hydra shock ammo, I own quite a few boxes of it..)
What surprises me is that you don't see any 3914's on the used market, non at the guns shows here in VA, if I were to find a used one I would buy it on the spot.
I own about a dozen pistols but my little smith 3914 will never be equaled when it comes to concealment and most important of all, reliability, this is what is all about in a pistol.

Many experienced people consider the 3914 to be the finest compact nine ever made, so you shouldn't find that at all surprising. Those who have them tend to hold onto them. Of all the handguns I hear related to, "I wish they still made that" the 3914 has to be near or at the top of the list.
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Old 03-19-2021, 06:01 PM
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Default 3914. , good pistol

Have to agree about 3914, wish I still had mine, I gave to my personal trainer some years ago, she needed it more than I did. Am now searching for a. m49 or 649, but as I look back on it, there were a lot of 3rd generation Smiths that were really pretty darn good. That single stack magazine 9 (3907?) with a Birdsong black finish, wish I still had that, that (while larger than the 3914) was a very nice flat carry piece, smaller than a 1911, good balance. I am not at all sure that the current lineup is superior to those 3rd gen pistols. Just my opinion.
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Old 03-19-2021, 06:10 PM
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Don't need 999 more reasons....one is enough for me.

I have stated this more than once on here

That being that the 3900 series guns were and still are the king of concealed carry.

Randy
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Old 03-19-2021, 06:13 PM
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even though we've revived an 11 year old thread...I have to add that my 908S (value series wannabe 3913) has a very sweet trigger right out of the box...

Bill
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Old 03-19-2021, 06:15 PM
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I have wanted a 3913 or 14 for forever. But every time I begin to get interested I get hung up on the 642, CS9, and CS45 in the safe (for pocket carry) or the 4513TSW, 4013TSW, or PX4 .40 compact for IWB. I can't see going to 9mm from 40 or 45 when, and the CS9 fills the small gun role very nicely.

Someone PLEASE talk me into getting a 13 or 14, besides because I should really have one in my safe, to complete my "collection," or just because.

I know I'll break down eventually, but I'd rather do it sooner than later.
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Old 03-19-2021, 06:19 PM
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1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto 1000 reason why the S&W 3914 is the best auto  
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I wonder if it’s still the OPs favorite gun 11 years later?
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Old 03-19-2021, 06:33 PM
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I wonder if it’s still the OPs favorite gun 11 years later?
Egad...I never looked at the date of the OP!
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Old 03-19-2021, 07:32 PM
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I enjoy shooting the variety of S&W semi-automatics and revolvers, but can understand the OPs sentiments as I really enjoy shooting the similar S&W 3913.
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Old 03-19-2021, 09:57 PM
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Enjoy carrying the 3913. Slim, light, shoots nicely, always works. They just run. Always thought about a 3914, but seemed redundant.
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Old 03-20-2021, 01:12 AM
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Default Leave it to me to make my first reply on an 11 year old post

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Originally Posted by silversport View Post
even though we've revived an 11 year old thread...I have to add that my 908S (value series wannabe 3913) has a very sweet trigger rich out of the box...

Bill
I've read posts on this website for years and never commented. I just picked up a 908 and love it. I also have a 3914 and my favorite is my 9mm 3913LS Lady Smith. My modern carry is a Shield 9mm or a Sig P938... But carry these old S&W's with confidence.
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Old 03-20-2021, 01:29 AM
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Holy Lazarus post !
Funny thing is I hated SW 3rd gens when they were new (mostly because of the ugly Delrin monogrip),
Back in those days I carried a SW 39-2 or a Model 59.
When SW went to polymer frames I found a new appreciation for 3rd gens.
My current daily CCW is a Model 3953 (although I honestly have no love for the dao trigger).
Also have a 6906 but top of the heap is my PC9 Performance center gun with factory Briley barrel bushing, although it is based on the 6906 it is a custom built and hand fit masterpiece from the days when the SW Performance center was just that.

Ps , also have an HK P7, if it weren't LNIB condition and worth so much $$$ I would carry it instead of the 3953, IIRC even new they were very expensive.

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Old 06-27-2021, 11:04 PM
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Just found one at my LGS Friday. Stripped it down, inspected it. Picking it up after work tomorrow.

I really like my 4040, it was a no brainer.
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Old 06-28-2021, 11:22 PM
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Bought a 3914 a couple of weeks ago from a member here.
It checked all the boxes I was looking for in a carry piece (living in Wyoming I am OK with a single stack). If I am in a situation where additional rounds are needed, there will usually be other Wyomingites nearby to provide cover.
Fantastic weapon.

wyo-man
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Old 06-29-2021, 07:38 AM
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Reluctantly I feel I must chime in here. First off, S&W auto loaders are the equal of anything that came out of Europe. Secondly, though I am not a doctor, I firmly believe that someone shot and killed by a 9mm is just as dead as someone shot and killed by a larger caliber handgun round. 9mm is one of the most efficient cartridges out there. It packs enough energy and in a very compact package. Its main competitors in auto loading pistols are 45 acp and 40 sw. Both great cartridges in there own right but in different ways. 40 sw is very hard on pistols. Most 40 sw pistols are just hogged out 9mm guns. 45's tend to be bigger with less capacity. All require you to place accurate fire on your target in order to do the job they were intended to do. Lastly, I love my 639!
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Old 06-29-2021, 11:07 AM
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Pick whatever floats your boat. But, if you're basing the integrity of your meat sack on a few millimeters difference in bore size, you really need to check your perspective. They all work, if you can shoot and they'll all fail miserably if you can't.
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Old 06-29-2021, 02:31 PM
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If Smith was smart and not run by lawyers and accountants, they'd stop making 1911 pattern guns and start making some 3rd Gen single stacks in 9 and 45.

Or at least make some production capacity available.

If.
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Old 06-29-2021, 03:33 PM
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LOL........ who finds these old threads?

But any thread about the 39xx guns is a good thread!

This thread is only 11 years old my first 3913 is 32 and still going strong.

3913 or 3913NL for hot summer days and a 3914 for a change of pace in cooler weather.

Only thing better is a 1990s Performance Center Shorty-9. A bit thicker in the butt ........ but like getting a Wilson Combat 3rd Gen Smith at half the price! Well it was in 1994!

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