New guy buying 3913

[Dugtrue]

OK now be gentle, I joined this and a few other forums to do my research for an EDC. Kept coming back here because of the way people talk to one anther here much more respectful than some of the other forums and the guns I had narrowed my decision down to were discussed here. My shooting and gun experience is limited to topside watch on a sub over 20 years ago. so I qualified(right handed) an old 1911 and 12ga. then I got out and never really felt the need until about a year ago and got my CCW. now that I'm starting up again shooting I wanted a gun with ambi controls since I am naturally a lefty. after all the research I had it narrowed down to a Bersa UC pro 9mm,6906, 3913, or the new M&P shield. as my first gun I really wanted to be sure that it's EDC first then home defense.
I found a 3913 in good shape not perfect but good with three mags and talked him down to 475 OTD. (started at 540) I think I did OK from what others have been getting?
any ammo or accessory suggestions to improve on this great gun? do the night sights make that much difference?
Sorry for Rambling on but now you know a bit about me

[Craig19]

Man, another person buying a 3913? You guys are killing me. Seriously, congrats on a great purchase.

As far as accessories go, get a good holster, it really makes a difference for EDC. I use a Crossbreed Supertuck for my Glock 19, which is my EDC, its comfortable. There are a lot of great options out there, I'm kicking around the idea of get getting an all leather IWB holster to carry my 6906 in.

As for night sights, I think they help me find the gun easier, when its on the night stand and things go bump in the dark. For EDC carry, I doubt I would have a use for them. If I have to use it, I doubt I'll even be using the sights. Probably, just pull, and fire a couple of quick shots at the BG.

[HCH]

Mine was $400 with one mag. Two more lightly used mags at $15 each and $28 tax . Mags can be very expensive if new and hard to find used. Enjoy it.

[j38]

Welcome to the Forum! You did just fine for price, ... and did great as to your choice of handgun. The 3913/3914 have many fans here for good reason. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine (I have one of each).

Best Regards,

Jerry

[panamajack310]

Hey, welcome to the forum... Congrats on the 3913, they are great guns, That is definately on my short list for wanted guns......I would not worry really about night sights unless you really just feel the need for them. I have been in law enforcement for a long time, I have shot revolvers for years and never needed to use night sights even when shooting at night. When we switched to semiautos they all had night sights...I still shoot revolvers and still shoot just as well with no night sights as I do with night sights.

[mbliss57]

Welcome to the forum. Settle in because you have never seen one as good as this. The purchase of a 3913 speaks well of your taste in fine semi auto weapons. It's probably (IMO) the best CCW 9mm available. Well available as a used gun. S&W seems to have this habit of producing fine weapons and then discontinuing them. Like the 3913, 4506, 5906... But I digress. You have a fine gun. Enjoy it. I sure do

[Dugtrue]

Thanks Guys for the support and letting me fit right in!!

Craig19,
the 6906 is what I had originally started to look at to compare with the Bersa UC Pro. but as I kept reading along the reoccurring theme of 3913 kept coming up as a easier to carry piece that shoots great.

Any guys out there that EDC that are in the drivers seat a lot?
looking for help on positioning of an IWB holster. My gut says at the 9 o'clock position(lefty) but I'd like to hear what works for you? may need to look at going to OWB but I would worry about showing it getting in and out of the vehicle.

[pa5906tsw]

My 3913tsw is my primary carry. IWB and a spare mag. I am righty and carry at 4 o'clock. Great pistol, very accurate and dependable. Enjoy!!

[Jeb21]

Good buy on an excellent firearm. Enjoy

[DesertZig]

As others have said, you've made a fine choice.

I acquired my 3913 only a couple of months ago and it has become my CCW. I usually carry OWB at 4:00 or 4:30 with an untucked shirt for cover. Occasionally I use a Remora holster for IWB. Haven't figured out the best thing for getting in and out of a car yet, so I also would be interested in hearing what others have to say on that score.

Congrats again. Don't forget the pictures!

[joes4570]

I carried its sister, a 3914 for a couple of years. Always worked perfectly, easy to shoot and pretty concealable.
I was a little worried about the wear on the frame as it seemed to be doing so excessively but it could have been my example and for that matter it may not have been as bad as I recall it, I owned that pistol over twenty years ago.
The biggest drawback I've seen to third generation S&Ws is a lack of support since most are long discontinued. Not a big deal usually since you really typically don't need much except a good holster and spare magazines. Otherwise if you like it and it fits you, why not?
Oddly, my current carry pistol isn't so different, a Sig Sauer 239 SAS. Really pretty similar in size and the DA/SA trigger system so in a way I came back to that concept.

[ColbyBruce]

Where we're all you #3913 lovers when I had mine for sale?
They are nice guns, but I prefer the S&W #908, though it is not quite as robust due to a few plastic parts. My biggest gripe with both of those models is the lack of a half cock notch on the hammer, like the first and second generation pistols had.

I am currently in the midst of trading my #39-2 for a #3953, the DAO version of the #3913. This is a more user friendly system, and I will give it to my daughter-in-law. I will get the night sights re-lamped for her, as they are old and dim.

I like night sights for a dark house or woods running. I have night sights on four Glocks and two Sigs. Glock brand night sights are only $57.00 installed and carry a fifteen year warranty; money well spent IMHO. Trijicon will re-lamp their sights for about the same price if you send them in to the factory.

My ad from last year.
WITHDRAWN: S&W #3913 + accessories; $425.00

[Lost Lake]

Since the Shield came out everyone has been comparing it to the 3913. I want a 3913 now more than a Shield! I think $475 is a good price if it is in good shape. I'm still looking for one.....

[rappa29]

Originally Posted by pa5906tsw

My 3913tsw is my primary carry. IWB and a spare mag. I am righty and carry at 4 o'clock. Great pistol, very accurate and dependable. Enjoy!!

It's like looking in a mirror! Don't tell me yours is prerail, short grip too!

To the OP, welcome! The only 3 accessories you need...

1.) good holster
2.) good belt
3.) LOTS OF AMMO

[18DAI]

Welcome to the forum!

The 3913 is superior to your other choices, IMO. Great trigger, accurate, hammer fired, good capacity, light weight, thin and easily concealable. Looks good doing all that too!

$475 is a good price for the best single stack CCW pistol made by anyone. Good luck with your decision! Regards 18DAI

[udchemist]

i picked up a 3953 a couple months ago - great purchase! I got trijicon night sights on it - i have to agree they are well worth the money.

still looking for a good shoulder and IWB holster though, found an OWB one I really liked, but always keeping my eyes open.

[Lost Lake]

Originally Posted by 18DAI

Welcome to the forum!

The 3913 is superior to your other choices, IMO. Great trigger, accurate, hammer fired, good capacity, light weight, thin and easily concealable. Looks good doing all that too!

$475 is a good price for the best single stack CCW pistol made by anyone. Good luck with your decision! Regards 18DAI

You really think so???

Now I really have to have one!!!!

Honestly the Shield isn't stirring my lust like the M&P compacts did or my sweet model 41, but that 3913 pops into my dreams when I sleep..... Not the ladysmith model either, but the tactical would be nice.

[eshap2]

Originally Posted by Dugtrue

OK now be gentle, I joined this and a few other forums to do my research for an EDC. Kept coming back here because of the way people talk to one anther here much more respectful than some of the other forums and the guns I had narrowed my decision down to were discussed here. My shooting and gun experience is limited to topside watch on a sub over 20 years ago. so I qualified(right handed) an old 1911 and 12ga. then I got out and never really felt the need until about a year ago and got my CCW. now that I'm starting up again shooting I wanted a gun with ambi controls since I am naturally a lefty. after all the research I had it narrowed down to a Bersa UC pro 9mm,6906, 3913, or the new M&P shield. as my first gun I really wanted to be sure that it's EDC first then home defense.
I found a 3913 in good shape not perfect but good with three mags and talked him down to 475 OTD. (started at 540) I think I did OK from what others have been getting?
any ammo or accessory suggestions to improve on this great gun? do the night sights make that much difference?
Sorry for Rambling on but now you know a bit about me

I HAVE A 3913 FOR A COIPLE OF YEARS AND IT IS ONE FINE SHOOTING GUN. IT IS COMPACT, HANDLES WONDERFUL AND NEVER JAMS UP. QUALITY IS QUALITY. THE PRICE YOU PAID IS OK DEPENDING ON THE CONDITION.REMEMBER, USE ONLY GOOD AMMO AND YOU WILL HAVE NO PROBLEMS. AS FOR EXTRA MAGS, WHEN YOU SEARCH THERE ARE 5 MODEL S&W SEMI-AUTOS THAT TAKE THE SAME MAGAZINE. SO WHEN YOU ARE SEARCHING TYPE IN 3913, 908, ETC. IT WILL BRING UP A LIST OF INTERCHANGEBLE MAGS. GOOD LUCK AND GOOD SHOOTING.

[gunny4053]

You've done very well, and made a fine choice. The 3913 is a great gun. I carry a 6690 and quite frankly, think the Smiths are some of the best best carry guns ever made. There are a multitude of other choices out there, but once you wrap your hand around a fine 3rd Gen S&W, you're hooked. Congrats on a fine firearm, and WELCOME to the forum.

[Dugtrue]

OK its a done Deal, went back and completed the sale today ( by the time we got done negotiating the price the banks were closed...)
but here it is and to my surprise they found the box also!

[18DAI]

Thats a beauty! Congrats!

Early production too. You can tell by the flash chromed hammer and trigger and the flattened slide stop - which aids concealability.

Enjoy that 3913!! Regards 18DAI

[heysox]

I carry a 3953 daily in the warmer weather. The best IWB holster I've found for my lifestyle is an Alessi Talon. It's easy on/off and solid when in place. As far as carrying and exiting my car, I leave the holstered gun wedged between the console and passenger seat with a baseball cap on top when I'm mobile. It's solidly lodged and when I exit, the Talon goes on in about 2 seconds and gets covered right up.

[ColbyBruce]

I am now on the fence whether to give my daughter-in-law the #3953 I have coming. My son stopped by yesterday to show me his brand new Wilson Combat 1911. Nice, and very costly. If he can afford that, maybe he should buy his wife her own pistol.

[growr]

Congratulations of your 3913 which in the opinion of MANY on this forum is the ultimate CC gun of all time! I have one and use it daily.

Now, in regards to your carry question in a vehicle I find that a good quality shoulder holster serves ME very well. Might work for you as well. Again, a high quality holster set up like a Galco ...NOT a cheap nylon set up that no matter how you adjust it seems to never fit.

As far as OWB/IWB carry, mine rides in a Kramer #3 or a Milt Sparks VM-2. They are not cheap solutions, but they are some of the very BEST solution available. Other solutions are available from DeSantis, Don Hume, Galco, Bianchi,Lobogunleather, etc.

Be sure to use a very sturdy belt as well. If you can fold it in half vertically it is not up to the job.

You are going to LOVE this gun....so far ahead of it's time that the competition is just now starting to get caught up.

Keep your eyes open and you find that magazines are readily available, even here in Montana they show up all of the time. I buy any that I find usually for less than $10.00

Randy

[Denver Dick]

You did well and, with the original box, you did very well.

From the label (TEB serial number prefix and Spec. Ord. number) it appears the pistol was manufactured in very, very late 1989 and probably shipped in around January or February 1990. You might note that the numbers under the barcode consist of the Serial Number followed by the Product Code followed by the Spec. Ord. number. So, covering just the "Serial Number" didn't do it.

The early model 3913s not only had the flattened slide release mentioned by 18DAI, they also had a flattened safety lever. Well, at least flatter than those made after around 1994 or so. It does not look like it was carried at all (lack of dings and especially the nice condition of the grip), or at least hardly at all. Just out of curiousity, did you find the little tool kit, instruction sheet and brown S&W paper in the box?

I've had 4 3913s and still own 3. They're great. All 4 would do the following, if I did my job. Of course, I don't post photos from those shooting sessions where I didn't do my job.

[CA357]

First, welcome here and thank you for your service.

You made a great choice. Rather than repeat what everyone else has said, I'll just say that ya' dun good!

[Dugtrue]

Yeah you caught me Denver...
I said it was my first. good thing we are all friends around here.
I corrected the photo....
Yes on the S&W paper no on the tools and sheet.

[Dugtrue]

Has anyone put the wood grips on their 3913?
any advantage other than they look good?

[ColColt]

I noticed in the photos that those magazines are 8 round. Why do some 3913(TSW) have 7 round mags? I've been looking at one(pre-rail) that uses 7 rounders. Can it use the 8 round mags as well?

[Denver Dick]

Originally Posted by ColColt

I noticed in the photos that those magazines are 8 round. Why do some 3913(TSW) have 7 round mags? I've been looking at one(pre-rail) that uses 7 rounders. Can it use the 8 round mags as well?

What you see in the photo is my 3913TSW pre-rail with a proper 7 round magazine with the flat base designed for this model. One can also use the finger rest base on the 7 rounder for a little better grip.

You can use an 8 round magazine but it will extend down so that about a 1/4" of stainless steel magazine will show. You will note that on this model the grip is actually cut to allow the short magazine for greater concealability.

I think you'll like the pistol.

[ColColt]

That one looks identical to the one I'm considering except the mags on his have the extended finger rest, for lack of a better word and is curved in at the base like the one in post #25. They look like sweet pistols and no one seems to bad mouth them ever.

[Yiogo]

Good gun. You did well.I have one and like it. Yiogo

[aznav]

Without a doubt, the 3913 is my second favorite, ever, pistol. Lean and clean, dependable, dead-on accurate. It's also the most comfortable EDC I have had. I know this is a year later, but I'd like your opinion on how you like it now, pros and cons. tx! Oh, and a belated welcome to the forum.

[Dugtrue]

Now that I have shot it and continue to shoot it I am extremely happy with my purchase. I have gone with the Hogue grips and a IWB holster Kydex and horse hide from Theis Holsters at 8 o'clock.(similar to cross breed but cheaper). Still trying to find a good shoulder holster for it not sold on the IWB when stuck in the drivers seat for long periods.
My groupings are getting tighter, the one thing I have experienced due to trial and error is I shot the 115,124,147 grain loads just to see if there was a difference. The heavier bullets seemed to give me better results. not sure if its in my head or not but IMHO...
Now trying to find practice 147 loads has been fun...

Sorry again for the delay, but the older I get the faster time seems to go by

[S&W1006]

Congrats on the 3913. I picked one up for the girlfriend and I have been known to sneak it out and go shoot it. She loves it too but she's not a shooter like I am. I hope to pick up another one sometime. They are great guns. Just personal preference but I don't care for the stock plastic grip on any of the 3rd gen Smiths. I put Hogue grips on all of mine but the 3913 already had a set installed. Enjoy your 3913 they are well built little pistols.

[timn8er]

Originally Posted by Dugtrue

Thanks Guys for the support and letting me fit right in!!

Craig19,
the 6906 is what I had originally started to look at to compare with the Bersa UC Pro. but as I kept reading along the reoccurring theme of 3913 kept coming up as a easier to carry piece that shoots great.

Any guys out there that EDC that are in the drivers seat a lot?
looking for help on positioning of an IWB holster. My gut says at the 9 o'clock position(lefty) but I'd like to hear what works for you? may need to look at going to OWB but I would worry about showing it getting in and out of the vehicle.

Just curious...Why would a 3913 be considered a better carry weapon than a 6906? I can see where it being a single stack
that it might be a little thinner, but are there any other reasons?

Thanks!

[HCH]

Heavier bullets have a longer bearing surface and tend to shoot better.

If my 7 round mag goes dry, I have 9 rounders in a pouch. They all work.