I'm looking to pick up a single stack 3rd gen for a CCW pistol. I really like the 3953 DAO 9mm, but have a couple of questions about the 40xx series.

Are the 4013 and 4053 single stack? Also, I've read that the 40xx series was beefed up to handle the .40 S&W and have a wider slide and weigh more than the 9mm's.

I've handled the 3913/3953, but can't get my hands on a 40xx series locally. If anyone can comment on them, especially compared to the 39xx's, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks!

The early 4013 were single stack pistols on the 4513 frame. The later ones are double stack. I can't talk to the 4053, but I owned the early 4013 and it was very nice, but I traded it for the 4513 without hesitation. In those days .40 cost more than .45.

The 4014 is a blackened version of the single stack 4013, with alloy frame. I'm wearing one now. About 500 total were made- if you can get your hands on a decent one - buy it!

So the .40 cal rides on the 45 frame and is larger than the 3913? The reason I ask is while I like the 3913, I personally wouldn't want the dimensions/weight to be any more. I'd like the idea of a .40 cal the same size as the 9mm 3913.

The later 4013/4053TSWs' are on the double stack 6900 frame size. What you are looking for is a 4040PD, size and shape of the 3900NL/LS frame.

Hadn't heard of that one.

Thanks.

Yep, if you want a 3913 chambered in .40 S&W, look around for a 4040PD.

It's basically the 3913 with a stronger Scandium aluminum allow frame, in which they managed to shoehorn the .40 cartridge. The magazines are unique to the model, although they use the same mag spring as the 3913/CS9. The slides were carbon steel with a black finish.

A bit pricey (having the SC frame), but a nicely compact pistol giving the same feel as the 3913 (until you fire a round, of course). They came stock with Hogue grip panels (because of the increased recoil).

The later model double column magazine 4013/53TSW's were basically made upon beefed up 69XX frames (as well as having the heavier box-type TSW frame & slide rails, of course).

The same dual nested (light blue painted) recoil springs are used in the 4013TSW & 4040PD as are used in the 4513TSW, BTW.

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Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer

I will suggest the chief special 40 caliber. It weighs 24 oz. Single stack and close to 9mm size. If you can find one , it would be the best choice.

Also a nice alternative to consider, but it's not the same size as the CS9. It's identical to the CS45 (for a reason, with the engineers apparently having gone back and used a page out of their book from when they made the original 4013 on the then-new alloy .45 frame).

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Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer

I can't comment on the 4040PD, its still on my wish list, but I did recently pick up a very nice 4013 single stack. When comparing it to a 3913, the frames, measured with the grips off, 3913=.740" the 4013=.790". The slides, measured across the flats, 3913=.925" the 4013=.985". The 4013 is slightly longer in the trigger reach, I have no measurement for that other than feel. What surprised me is that the single stack 4013 is actually heavier than my 4013 TSW. The slide of a single stack is about 3/16" longer than the TSW. The single stack also has the heavier walled and larger outside diameter barrel.

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Mike in SouthCentral Kentucky

Thanks everyone for all the info! I have searched and found a lot online, but not as much as in your replies.

I have a 3913 and a 4053. While the 4053 is slightly larger and heavier than the 3913, it is not that big of a difference or extra burden to carry. It has proven very reliable and accurate, and plenty of single stack mags are readily available for it. I do like the DAO aspect, which makes it carry flatter. I think the 3953 is a great option for that reason.

I had my eye on a 4040PD about a year ago and almost bought it. It seemed ideal as a 40 in a 3913 sized package, but I already had the 4053 as was happy with it.

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" I said, good DAY! "

If you find a nice 4040PD, get it. They generally come in waves. I've seen several in a row become available then nothing for 6 months. These are great shooting pistols that only loose 1 round to the 3913/3953 frame. They do have some increased felt recoil, but that will depend on your sensitivity to such things.

Here are a couple of pictures for your reference. Saddly I don't have a 3913 yet for you to comapare with, but I will include a picture with its full size 40 cal brothers.

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J.D. Roy

Wow. That .40 gets more tempting! I currently CCW a J-frame 442, and while I'm comfortable with that considering my lifestyle and AO, sometimes I think about moving it to BUG status and picking up something with more capacity.

With the exception of the Walther PPS, which is still a possibility, most of the other polymer guns feel too blocky or are too thick for me to comfortably carry. I really like the feel of the 39xx's and like that they're all steel.

I'm leaning towards the DAO version since revolvers are what we have and I'm comfortable with that. Also, the decocker/safety lever is a stretch with my small hands and its motion is counter intuitive to me after owning a BHP for a number of years. My plan B if I can't find say a DAO, is to pick up a TDA and send it to S&W for a conversion.

Thanks again to all who have contributed, I've learned more in this thread than anywhere else!

The 3913 has an alloy frame, just like the 4053.

Sometimes I have mixed feelings about not picking up the 4040PD, and when another one comes around reasonably I will consider it again. But I too liked the DAO and slickslide flatness of the 4053. It has been utterly reliable, and pocket carries well for me in Wrangler jeans or most khakis.

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" I said, good DAY! "

I have both a 4014 and 4053. Both share the same single stack mags and are a delight to carry. Around here third gen S & W anything are usually uncommon at best. I got the 4014 last year at a gun show. $500 and was New in the box. The DA of the 4014 is nice. The DAO of the 4053 took some getting used to. Both fine firearms for what they are and are not. I would highly recommend either, depending what you want. The 4053 is very speciallized, no safety, no decocker. Just draw and shoot. Pictured alongside a rarity 4536. The 3 amigos!

Attached Images

4014,4053,4536.jpg (148.8 KB, 56 views)

My LGS has a quite a few 4006's in stock at the moment. They look like police trade ins and are running for $339.