What Gen 3 Am I Looking For?

[Welshman]

I currently own a great 39-2 that I bought new in 1978. It's been my do-all pistol - range, carry, and nightstand. It's a great gun for me, but I decided that it's just a bit large and heavy as a regular carry gun. I had been looking for a Gen 3, but in April I took advantage of a great sale and the rebate, and bought a new Shield 9.

I like the Shield - it's almost the perfect size for me to carry (I use a Pearse mag extension on the 7 rnd. mag, and the 8 rnd. mags could be just a hair longer to perfectly fit my hand). I was pleasantly surprised to find that it fits my 39 holsters (that's a definite plus).

The only issue is that it isn't as much "fun" to shoot and now when I go to the range, I'm just another guy with a Shield.

At any rate, I'm back to looking for a Gen 3, but I'm not sure which model(s) are close to the same size as the Shield. I'm basically looking for a 39-2 (TDA, hammer, decocker) that's the size of a Shield. I'd also consider a different brand in a new gun, if anyone makes one.

Thanks for the help.

[Wise_A]

This oughta help a little:

http://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/gu...omatic-models/

[oldman10mm]

Staying 9mm,single stack,and black. 3914,3914LS,3914NL.

[Welshman]

Originally Posted by Wise_A

This oughta help a little:

http://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/gu...omatic-models/

Thanks. Yes it does help, and I've been using it for reference along with my Standard Catalog. I've also been going to local gun shows to see and touch, but there hasn't been much of a selection.

[Welshman]

Originally Posted by oldman10mm

Staying 9mm,single stack,and black. 3914,3914LS,3914NL.

I've been considering those. How do they compare in size to the Shield?

[RV4driver]

I received and transferred a new Walther PPS to a client recently. It's a small, thin, single stack 9mm. I was very impressed. I have an original PPS with the trigger guard mag release, ( my preference), but the new one has the "usual" button release, and a much nicer, if not quite as thin grip.

[oldman10mm]

Yes,there isn't much of a selection in 3rd gens here at the NE Ohio gun shows. Plenty of 40 3rd gens have been showing up.
What's your price range ?

[915]

Originally Posted by oldman10mm

Staying 9mm,single stack,and black. 3914,3914LS,3914NL.

Add the 908 to that list, and you’ve got your best bet. All Still highly viable options for easy concealed carry, with great reliability, form, and accuracy to boot.

[Sevens]

Hate to be the bearer of the news...
But if you want the best selection in a S&W 3rd Gen and you also want the best chance price-wise, your best odds are to shop at the single biggest market place where they are bought and sold: Gunbroker

[Welshman]

Originally Posted by RV4driver

I received and transferred a new Walther PPS to a client recently. It's a small, thin, single stack 9mm. I was very impressed. I have an original PPS with the trigger guard mag release, ( my preference), but the new one has the "usual" button release, and a much nicer, if not quite as thin grip.

Looks nice but doesn't seem to meet my criteria - too Shield-ish, not enough 39-ish.

[Welshman]

Originally Posted by oldman10mm

Yes,there isn't much of a selection in 3rd gens here at the NE Ohio gun shows. Plenty of 40 3rd gens have been showing up.
What's your price range ?

While I don't want to imply that money is no object, I'll pay what I need to for the right gun (besides, my wife might read this ).

[Welshman]

Originally Posted by 915

Add the 908 to that list, and you’ve got your best bet. All Still highly viable options for easy concealed carry, with great reliability, form, and accuracy to boot.

The 908 is on my list. I believe that's a "Value Series" - I'm not sure what that entails. Can you enlighten me? How does that compare in size to the Shield and the 3914?

[Welshman]

Originally Posted by Sevens

Hate to be the bearer of the news...
But if you want the best selection in a S&W 3rd Gen and you also want the best chance price-wise, your best odds are to shop at the single biggest market place where they are bought and sold: Gunbroker

I wouldn't rule out ultimately buying from Gunbroker, but I would need to see and touch an example first.

[915]

Originally Posted by Welshman

The 908 is on my list. I believe that's a "Value Series" - I'm not sure what that entails. Can you enlighten me? How does that compare in size to the Shield and the 3914?

Generally speaking, the value series guns will basically be carbon copies of their bigger brethren...in this case the 3913/3914...but lack the ambidextrous safety (right handed only), have a bit more of a basic, matte finish, and in the case of the 908 some (or all) were equipped with plastic guide rods, I believe. This is easily and inexpensively replaceable if it bothers you, otherwise the 908 is an excellent lower priced alternative to the 3913/3914 and is exactly the same size and takes the same magazines.

It’s been a minute since I’ve seen a Shield in person to be honest...I hang out more in used gun shops than new ones to be truthful.

Quick search for online specs show the 3913/3914/908 to be 6.8 inches long x 5.6 inches tall x 0.98 inches wide, and 26-30 oz or so. The Shield is 6.1 x 4.6 x 0.95 and 16 oz, respectively. So there is a bit of a size difference but that’s about as small as it gets for the 3rd gen I believe. Still very manageable.

[Welshman]

Originally Posted by 915

Generally speaking, the value series guns will basically be carbon copies of their bigger brethren...in this case the 3913/3914...but lack the ambidextrous safety (right handed only), have a bit more of a basic, matte finish, and in the case of the 908 some (or all) were equipped with plastic guide rods, I believe. This is easily and inexpensively replaceable if it bothers you, otherwise the 908 is an excellent lower priced alternative to the 3913/3914 and is exactly the same size and takes the same magazines.

It’s been a minute since I’ve seen a Shield in person to be honest...I hang out more in used gun shops than new ones to be truthful.

Quick search for online specs show the 3913/3914/908 to be 6.8 inches long x 5.6 inches tall x 0.98 inches wide, and 26-30 oz or so. The Shield is 6.1 x 4.6 x 0.95 and 16 oz, respectively. So there is a bit of a size difference but that’s about as small as it gets for the 3rd gen I believe. Still very manageable.

Thank you for that.

Does anyone know anything about the CS9?

[JohnHL]

Originally Posted by Welshman

Does anyone know anything about the CS9?

Yes.
Imagine a 908 and take 1/2 inch off the muzzle and butt.
Available stainless or blue.

BTW, all longer 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gen single stack magazines will work in the shorter frames.

John

[oldman10mm]

39,3914,908,CS9
size scaled to each other

[BAM-BAM]

FWIW.... the 39xx series of guns was inspired by the work of several gunsmiths in the early/mid 80s who cut down Model 39s for better concealed carry......the most famous is the "ASP" but there were several others like the Trapper and Devel. Those custom guns cost, IIRC : The price of a new 39 + about $1000/1200............... about $3200 adjusted for inflation.

The 39xx series of guns; 3913,3914 and NL guns with Hogue checkered wood grips and Milt Spark's leather.........have been my primary concealed carry guns since 1990.

[model3sw]

Check out the 3913, 3914, 6904 and 6906. Want to spend a bit more .... find a Performance Center Shorty 9 that has been carried. I have a PC Shorty 9, 1st issue 1993, ANIB but found another one without a box in about 95% condition for $700, which to me, was a deal and a half.

If you don't mind the weight the 5906 is excellent. It is a steel frame. I am not sure which model has the alloy frame but the bargain lightweight is the 915, which ... although has a 3 digit model number .... is a 3rd Gen.

The 3913 was introduced to me in 1992 by a friend PI, who was also a dealer. SWEET ! When S&W finally got wise to itself to produce the smaller frame 9mm it basically put Devel and ASP out of business. The 6906 and Shorty 9 I found by myself.

[mauser9]

The CS-9 in blue or stainless seems to be the right gun for you but price and availability could be an issue. Worth checking LGS for a better price than Gunbroker. Feels a bit different in hand than a 39-2 but easy to conceal.

[Welshman]

Originally Posted by oldman10mm

39,3914,908,CS9
size scaled to each other

Thanks for that. Do you own all four?

[Welshman]

Originally Posted by mauser9

The CS-9 in blue or stainless seems to be the right gun for you but price and availability could be an issue. Worth checking LGS for a better price than Gunbroker. Feels a bit different in hand than a 39-2 but easy to conceal.

Just got off GB and apparently they don't currently have a listing for the CS9. I'll keep looking.

I see a significant weight difference between the CS9 and the 3914, and the Standard Catalog list them as "synthetic frame", which would account for the difference. Does that sound right?

[oldman10mm]

No,I don't own any of the 'blacks' in the picture. Do own a CS9 stainless.
Synthetic frame means alloy frame.
The 'blacks' in the picture are all from Google images and sized for relationship in Photoshop.
3913,3913LS,3913NL,3914,908S are on my bucket list.

[Triggernosis]

Originally Posted by Welshman

I've been considering those. How do they compare in size to the Shield?

Very much the same size, particularly the Ladysmith's and NL's since they have the slanted dust covers.

[oldman10mm]

another pic for some references

[digiroc]

My 3913NL a very nice carry gun.


3914LS also nice to carry especially if you like black

digiroc

[Welshman]

I'm not clear on the differences between the 3913's and 3914's (studying the Standard Catalog is clouding my brain).

[Triggernosis]

If

Originally Posted by Welshman

I'm not clear on the differences between the 3913's and 3914's (studying the Standard Catalog is clouding my brain).

Edit: Bam-Bam set us straight.

[BAM-BAM]

Originally Posted by Triggernosis

13's have an alloy frame - 14's are steel.

Both have alloy frames...... 3913 clear anodized.... 3914 blue/blackened (not "blued" like a S&W revolver).

3913 has a stainless slide and 3914 blue steel.

[Welshman]

Originally Posted by Triggernosis

13's have an alloy frame - 14's are steel.

That's contrary to what the Standard Catalog says. Are you sure?

[jsbethel]

Originally Posted by Welshman

(studying the Standard Catalog is clouding my brain).

Some info here - http://smith-wessonforum.com/139492381-post32.html

[oldman10mm]

If I'm interpreting correctly,both are alloy( aluminum alloy) frame.
3913 series coated to approximate the color of the stainless slide. 3914 series blackened to approximate the color of the blackened steel slide.

[Welshman]

Originally Posted by 915

Add the 908 to that list, and you’ve got your best bet. All Still highly viable options for easy concealed carry, with great reliability, form, and accuracy to boot.

Is the 908S ALL stainless, as it seems to say in the Standard Catalog, or does it have an alloy frame?

[barbara_em]

A CS9, while hard to find, is about as good as it gets for me.

[915]

Originally Posted by Welshman

Is the 908S ALL stainless, as it seems to say in the Standard Catalog, or does it have an alloy frame?

You’ve got me there. Only seen a 908s in person a few times...kind of want one, really. Doesn’t pop up often though, at least not around here.

If I had to guess though (which is worth probably as much as you think it is) it’s probably still an aluminum frame.

[18DAI]

908 is aluminum framed. If you want a steel framed single stack 9mm 3rd gen gun, then a 3906 is what you seek. But a 3906 is slightly taller and longer than a shield.

And quite a bit heavier too. It is a belt gun, not a light weight concealment gun.

Based on your requirements, I agree with those who suggest a 3913NL or 3914NL. And a CS9 would also meet your requirements.

I own examples of both the CS9 and 3914NL. They are both thin, lightweight, easily concealed 9mm single stacks. With the Delrin grips that member TercGen makes for the CS9, it is my choice for a 9mm carry gun. Most of the time. Good luck with your decision. Regards 18DAI

[Welshman]

Thanks, 18DAI, aluminum frame makes more sense.
As of now, I've narrowed it down to the 3913, 908S and the CS9.

[Welshman]

There are some 3913's listed on GB - some with ambi-safeties and some without. Are those without, the NL model or...?

[Triggernosis]

Originally Posted by Welshman

There are some 3913's listed on GB - some with ambi-safeties and some without. Are those without, the NL model or...?

This is a 3913NL http://www.gunbroker.com/item/702149695
Notice how the front "dust cover" is slanted as it approaches the muzzle? The 3913 Ladysmith looks exactly the same, except it has "Ladysmith" printed on the right side of the slide.

[Welshman]

Originally Posted by Triggernosis

This is a 3913NL http://www.gunbroker.com/item/702149695
Notice how the front "dust cover" is slanted as it approaches the muzzle? The 3913 Ladysmith looks exactly the same, except it has "Ladysmith" printed on the right side of the slide.

Gotcha - thanks.
Since you've brought up that specific listing, which I had seen before - doesn't the coloring on that gun look odd to you?

[jsbethel]

Originally Posted by Welshman

Doesn't the coloring on that gun look odd?

I have seen some of these where the anodizing ages to a greenish-like tint. That one just looks like it needs cleaning to me.

[oldman10mm]

The anodized color of the aluminum alloy frame VARIES quite a bit from batch to batch. Put a bunch of them(manufactured at different times) together and you'd think you're looking at a rainbow. And the appeared color will vary depending upon what kind of lighting conditions are lighting them. Daylight sun,daylight shade,flourescent,incandescent.

[Welshman]

Originally Posted by jsbethel

I have seen some of these where the anodizing ages to a greenish-like tint. That one just looks like it needs cleaning to me.

Thanks for that.
BTW, those links that you posted earlier - are those for earlier versions of the "Standard Catalog"? I haven't downloaded them yet because a. I have a very slow internet connection and b. I'm always wary of downloading from unknown sites (I picked up some ransomware a couple of years ago that wiped out many files on my computer). Since we're talking about older guns, would an older catalog show more detail on them than the 4th edition that I'm using?

[Welshman]

Originally Posted by oldman10mm

The anodized color of the aluminum alloy frame VARIES quite a bit from batch to batch. Put a bunch of them(manufactured at different times) together and you'd think you're looking at a rainbow. And the appeared color will vary depending upon what kind of lighting conditions are lighting them. Daylight sun,daylight shade,flourescent,incandescent.

Thanks for that.

[Welshman]

I want to thank oldman10mm. He was gracious enough to meet me today and bring his CS9 for me to look at. Very nice gun but maybe a bit too short gripped for my hand, very similar in size to my Shield. Now to find a 3913 and a 908...

[jsbethel]

Originally Posted by Welshman

BTW, those links that you posted earlier - are those for earlier versions of the "Standard Catalog"?

No - just the yearly sales brochures.

[Jeppo]

Originally Posted by Welshman

I want to thank oldman10mm. He was gracious enough to meet me today and bring his CS9 for me to look at. Very nice gun but maybe a bit too short gripped for my hand, very similar in size to my Shield. Now to find a 3913 and a 908...

I'm on the lookout for a 3913 too. Had a lead on a beautiful example but didn't move quickly enough.

[Triggernosis]

Originally Posted by Welshman

I want to thank oldman10mm. He was gracious enough to meet me today and bring his CS9 for me to look at. Very nice gun but maybe a bit too short gripped for my hand, very similar in size to my Shield. Now to find a 3913 and a 908...

That's the right way to do it. You can read and read until your eyes are red about a specific gun being the best thing in the world, but if it doesn't fit you like it needs to or doesn't feel "just right" it doesn't really matter how good it is. Only by putting the gun in your hand will you know if it will work for you or not.

[oldman10mm]

Even though I have a CS9,that I showed to Welshman,eventually I want to get a 908,908S,3913,or 3914. Their 8rd capacity mag makes for a better grip compared to the CS9 7rd capacity mag. I do see many of them because of the number of shows that I do.

[Welshman]

Originally Posted by oldman10mm

Even though I have a CS9,that I showed to Welshman,eventually I want to get a 908,908S,3913,or 3914. Their 8rd capacity mag makes for a better grip compared to the CS9 7rd capacity mag. I do see many of them because of the number of shows that I do.

Did you see any of them yesterday?