Here I go again, getting myself all lathered up over something I don’t really need.

Lately I’ve been feeling an itch for a compact third gen for more concealed carry to complement my full size 915/5906 hybrid. I’m excluding the CS model lines for now, ONLY because they seem to be harder to find deals on. Which leaves me with these two.

I’m open to all particular variants and calibers at the moment, but I’m looking for real, honest opinions on the two platforms, so this would the the single stack 3913/3914/908/4513/4013/457 etc. vs. the double stack 6906/6904 etc. Which do you prefer and why?

I don’t need it, but I keep scouring gun shops and listings so I might as well make sure I’m looking for the right thing.


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-Dan-

For me it mostly depends on how it feels in your hand. The 6904/06 are of course double stack and have thicker grips to accommodate the mags...but 12+1 with the ability to go to 15+1 with 5906 mags and a grip adapter. The 3913/14 and such are single stack and fit my hand a bit better...8+1 but quite a bit lighter (mostly ammo weight) for carry. I can't say I shoot one better than the other and I carry both. If I were pressed and could only have one I would lean towards the single stack due to the slightly better feel (for me) and ease of carry.

You can't go wrong either way. Of course both is the real answer.

Here are a few to wet your whistle. The black one is a 6904 that I swapped out the ambi safety for a single sided version. The others are all 3913's. Let us know what you decide.

edit: I would definitely go 9mm.

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DSCN1917.jpg (54.9 KB, 197 views)

I have only one -- A 3913 Lady Smith.

Shoots very nicely, and I like the way it looks.

If you don't like having a gun that says "Lady" on it, there is a 3913 NL which is the same only without the "Lady Smith" inscription.

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3913 LS.jpg (53.0 KB, 1258 views)

I own a 6904 as well as various single-stack 3rd Gens (39xx/4040PD/457), and I greatly prefer the single-stacks for carry guns. Easier to conceal the gun, and much easier to conceal the spare magazines. A 3913/3914/908 is IMO the ideal carry gun year-round.

If I do carry a double-stack it tends to be a 915, as I don't find much difference in concealment between it and a 6904.

Thanks guys, you’ve got me leaning towards the single stack lines. Still open to the 6906, etc. but I really don’t need another 3rd gen that isn’t going to make a difference in concealment. Want, yes, but need...

There is a 4516 (single stack, compact, all stainless steel 45 caliber version of the 3913) that is just screaming my name right now. I’m trying to resist, to hold out and watch all my options but it’s difficult!

Keep the opinions coming if you’ve got them, I really appreciate what I’ve gotten so far. I’m going to hold out until I’m absolutely sure.


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-Dan-

Here's my take:
I've had a 6906 (and 469) and it is a great pistol, but it's a bit "plump" for an ideal EDC (just my personal opinion).
And, I've been hoping to stumble across one of the old single stacks for a while now, but no luck yet.
But, I've always been reluctant to EDC stuff that has any collector value (like a lot of the gen3's are getting to be), versus a cheaper, more easily replaced pistol.
If I had that clean 3913 posted above, I would hate the thought of wearing away that gray finish on the slide with everyday carry, not to mention the possibility of it getting indefinitely confiscated in the event it had to be used for SD.
Yes, I know these were meant to be carried and used, but in my view, a Shield (or similar pistol) found on Armslist for $250 is a much more practical choice than any of these old classics, for regular totage.

I would prefer a single stack for a CCW

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K & N S&W revolvers

both are awesome pistols, and identical in operation. +1 for the 69xx for also using the 15,17,20, and 32 round magazines of the 59xx series. +1 for the 39xx, for disapearing more easily. true answer is, one of each, lol!

coming to think about it, wasn't it you my friend who wanted an all metal s&w acouple months ago, and just got your 915?? if so, then this is one more case of "seeing the light"!!lol. i bet by next October, you will have 5+ 3rd gems in your safe! lol!!

I carry a 908 AIWB..I can do all my daily activities (including working on my cars) and forget it is even there.

I owned these two, serially, for a while.

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	IMGP0128 3913NL RIGHT.jpg (223.6 KB, 105 views)
	Right 47.jpg (144.4 KB, 109 views)

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Bob

One and the same!! It’s a growing weakness! One that fortunately, for the moment, isn’t easy to fuel. In the words of my preferred local gun shop, they only get third gens ‘once in a blue moon’. You’re definitely right though...there will be more!!

Thanks for the continued input. I’ve pretty much decided on the single stack, so...what are you’re thoughts to the different variants in the single stack line? I’m open to all action types, finishes, materials, and calibers currently. Leaning more towards the 45 or the 9, but I’d consider a 40 for the right price.



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-Dan-

Here's a single stack for 'ya..

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Beautiful!! I’ve been researching these models a lot...is that a 4536?


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-Dan-

1076.......

Bought this pair on the same day..(actually traded a PSA AR15 and some cash)

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The 4516 is not a variation of a 3913. None the less it is an awesome pistol but quit a bit bulkier & heavier. Medium frame vs large frame. It's still fine to want one though.

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4516-1

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To me there's not a huge different in grip feel between my 3914 with Hogue grips verses the 6906 with the factory grips.

Some people are more critical in what feels right to them but no getting around the fact that the single stack is a little thinner.

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3914 & 6906 side-by-side

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6906 vs 3914

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6906 vs 3914

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Waiting for the break of day

I've CCW'd a 6946 (DAO) for years. There are times that I wish it were thinner... a 3913 or 3943 (DAO) would fit that bill. Then again, with 12 in the magazine and another one in the pipe... I suppose there is something to be said about safety in numbers.

I was always partial to the 39** serues. To me they just feel right and are a really good compromise between shootability and concealability. I dont think you can go wrong with one.

Buy the one that feels more comfortable in YOUR hand. That's what I tell my customers. GARY

I have a 6906 and 6946; enjoy them both. But it's my opinion that - for me - they're too bulky for concealed carry.

I have both and struggle with the same question.

My 3914 has a better (bestest!) trigger, but the 6906 doesn't carry that much differently in the same holster.

Having 12+1 and a 15 round spare is mighty tempting sometimes. 28 vs 17 depends on the neighborhood.

Mostly carry a J Frame.

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SWCA #2817

I went with the 39XX series guns over the 69XX.

The main reason is because the corner of the grip frame on the 69XX digs into my hand when shooting them. I purchased two 6906s and one PC Shorty 9. Tried to like them all and wound up sending them all on to good homes.

The 3913 and 3914 just fit my hand perfectly - especially when wearing the Hogue rubber grip - and they point naturally. Love those guns.

Since the CS9 is not on the menu, I would suggest either a 3913NL or the scarce 3914NL. Those guns are the direct descendants of the ASP pistol. Accurate, bet your life reliable, durable, easily concealed and look good doing all that.

Everything you need in a light weight single stack 9mm carry gun and nothing you dont. Good luck with your decision! Regards 18DAI

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7 +1 Rounds of hope & change

Like the T-shirt for the wife... good trade

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Plastic has no soul

Mirror, mirror on the wall which is the best pistol buy for me this fall?

There is a nice S&W Model 411 on GB (702893630) for a buy now at $300. That is about $200 less than most of the popular 39xxs.

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

I was in the exact same predicament last May. I was hunting fora third gen Smith. I wanted a 9 but I don’t care for the plastic ones today. I looked at the 3913 and I liked it but was hoping to find one in a double stack. Found a 6904 (the blue version, which I wanted) and as soon as I picked her up, I knew it was for me. It conceals real good in an Alien Gear Cloke Tuck 3 for the 3913. Can even pocket carry it in some of my pants. Very accurate and hasn’t failed me yet. Get them while they are at a reasonable price. Got mine for $300 with 5 mags and two Holsters.

90%+ of the time around the "burg of the Burgh" a 7+1... +8......3913/14/NL is more than enough............................but when I travel a 690x with 12 +1.......+ 15/17 (with +2 mag extensions) spare mag.............makes the trip ;with a slightly fatter butt....................well I'm a long way from home.....................

Two years ago, I re-lamped my 3913 and it still serves for me.
So the 3900 series gets my vote.

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Some assembly required..

Boy, ain't that the truth! I came into this as a strong S&W revolver guy, but I grew up with 1911s. I was really looking into a 9mm lightweight commander when I was turned on to 3rd gens. I bought a 3913 and an Aliengear holster and that quickly became my EDC semiauto. Since then, I've acquired two 3913s, a 3913NL, a 3914, two 6906, a 469, a CS45, a 5904, a 659, and a 4043.

If you started with a 69xx, you'd think it's completely normal. If you carry a 39xx every day, then switch to the 690xx, you will notice it's a little wider and heavier. Either way, you can't go wrong.

Just got this single stack last week. Looks like a 3913 but is a 908S! Haven't been able to find leather(not kydex) for it yet .

The 908s is the "Value Line" version of the 3914/13. Any holster that will fit those guns will fit a 908. Magazines and grips are the same. I have a FIST IWB holster listed in the classifieds.

FIST, Side Guard, and Don Hume make holsters that will work as well.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

I've owned a number of 3rd. Gen guns, but prefer the lightweight 9mm single stack for CCW. I was looking for a 3913 NL or LS model when I found a LNIB 3913 several years ago. Could have bought the beater NL or LS version in the case next to it, can't remember for sure which it was, for the same price. My standard 3913 has been totally reliable with any ammo I've used. Double or single stack S&Ws are reliable little guns, just personal preference as to which one prefers....

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3913 (800x600).jpg (139.2 KB, 34 views)

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NRA Life, COTEP 640

I just shot my 6904 today...

image1.jpg image2.jpg

I haven't shot it in months. Took me a few mags to get it dialed in, but it never disappoints. Holds its own with my Beretta Compacts (PX4 Compact and 92 Compact) and my Sig P239 all day long. I need to start carrying it more often.

Personally, I prefer the 69XX over the 39XX. For some reason, I just get a tighter, more sure grip with the 69XX. I had a 3913TSW, and I could never get groups anywhere close to what I can with the 6904. It's strange, because I have very small hands. You'd think it would be the opposite; I think the extra girth gives me a little more leverage with my support hand.

I will say that the thinner grip on the 39XX is nice for carry. But for shooting, I like my 6904. And the grip--while kinda fat--is still short enough to conceal pretty well. And the slide is still 1911 thin--if not thinner. Which is something you don't find on most double stack guns.

And it looks cool.

my vote 3913...But if you want a bargain consider the 4013.....

My 6906 has Hogue grips with finger grooves and fits my hand like it's welded to it. It shoots beautifully, although as you note, I prefer to carry a single stack. The next closest shooter is my 3914NL also with Hogue grips. My pre rail 3913TSW is just enough different in the grip area that it's not comfortable to shoot with the modified Hogue grips it had on it when I bought it. The shorter grips just push my hand up enough to make it hard to shoot well.

It's funny how relatively minor changes can have big effects on accuracy.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

That's interesting. I had the pre-rail 3913TSW, too--so, shorter grip. I've actually never held a standard 3913. I wonder if that would fit me better. Hmmm...

Ditto almost to the letter on ^^^^18DAIs post #21. I sold my 6906s after trying as best I could to use them due to the extra capacity. BUT whatever works for you not me.

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John 1:17
NRA Life Benefactor