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Old 09-03-2018, 10:39 AM
texasjarhead texasjarhead is offline
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I recently bought my first single stack semi auto- a 3913, and specifically chose it over a Kimber Micro 9 and a Sig P-938 due to the fact the 3913 was larger, and fit my hand better. That being said, I still have to make a concerted effort to get a good shooting grip on the 3913 compared to my CZ P-01 which is a double stack with a larger grip. How do the guys with really small 9mm's like the Kimber or Sig shoot them? Is there a technique for shooting these really small 9mm's other than a LOT of practice? I found it VERY difficult to even hold them without benefit of my little finger on the grip, even with the magazine extension. Just curious.
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Old 09-03-2018, 01:06 PM
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For my 39xx guns, I use a Pachmyar slip on grip to make them easier to hold. Part of the problem is the that the Delryn feels "slippery" to me and hence the gun "squirms" around in my hand without the grip sleeves.

As with any new to you firearm, lots of dry fire practice helps.

It's worth getting used to the 3913, because it's a great shooting firearm.
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Old 09-03-2018, 03:42 PM
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What about Talon or similar skateboard tape?
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Old 09-03-2018, 05:22 PM
Triggernosis Triggernosis is offline
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I wish someone made some grips with a bit of palm swell for the 3913. The plastic grips are just too slab-sided for my liking, and as a result, I just don't shoot mine well. My buddy can shoot the pi$$ out of it, so it's not the gun.
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Old 09-03-2018, 07:21 PM
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If you look around, Hogue used to make a set of their rubber grips for the 3913 series and they definitely made the gun easier to grip. They did add a little bulk so there is a trade off.
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Old 09-03-2018, 07:34 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Triggernosis View Post
I wish someone made some grips with a bit of palm swell for the 3913. The plastic grips are just too slab-sided for my liking, and as a result, I just don't shoot mine well. My buddy can shoot the pi$$ out of it, so it's not the gun.
Hogue's Rubber grip for undrer $30 or

much better yet their checkered wood grips..... slightly thicker than factory with a rounded palm swell and curved back strap..... no practical effect on concealed carry ... doesn't grab the carry garment like the rubber sometimes can..... well at least not since 1990!!!!
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Old 09-03-2018, 07:48 PM
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Originally Posted by texasjarhead View Post
I recently bought my first single stack semi auto- a 3913, and specifically chose it over a Kimber Micro 9 and a Sig P-938 due to the fact the 3913 was larger, and fit my hand better. That being said, I still have to make a concerted effort to get a good shooting grip on the 3913 compared to my CZ P-01 which is a double stack with a larger grip. How do the guys with really small 9mm's like the Kimber or Sig shoot them? Is there a technique for shooting these really small 9mm's other than a LOT of practice? I found it VERY difficult to even hold them without benefit of my little finger on the grip, even with the magazine extension. Just curious.
The 45 series are the same way. I just can't get happy about the feel of the factory grip.
That's why I'm glad my 4566 came with a Hogue rubber grip.
I just wish I could find a Pachmayr Gripper for it.
Or maybe a checkered Hogue wood grip.

There was somebody in Turkey, IIRC, making wood grips for the 3rd gen Smiths.
They had one with a nice palm swell.
I wonder if they still make them.
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Old 09-03-2018, 08:05 PM
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Turkey? KSD grips, I believe.
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Old 09-03-2018, 09:20 PM
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Turkey? KSD grips, I believe.
That's the one.
Do they still make them?
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Old 09-03-2018, 09:38 PM
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KSD Grips has a website.

Search KSD Grips.

A lot of choices.

John
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Old 09-03-2018, 09:55 PM
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My personal feeling about concealed carry pistols is:

You learn to shoot them.

You don't love to shoot them.

Now don't get me wrong, I like to shoot just about anything.

However, concealed weapons should be made as small as possible (while still being at least 9mm ) and you practice shooting them until you can hit with them.

It's not as much fun as it could be (not only because of the recoil to the sensitive) but mostly because it's hard to get a comfortable grip.

On a "full-size" (4" or longer barrel) there's no excuse for an ill fitting grip.

And if you find the grip that fits you (as I have found with the curved grip, especially in double action) then that is a pistol (or pistols) you can love to shoot.

John
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Old 09-04-2018, 04:31 AM
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KSD makes nice stuff... I have two sets.
Make sure you go to their ENGLISH website, the one in Turkish will make you nuts.
If it's a one-piece grip and it feels too tight... STOP!
I bought a set for my 4013 TSW. When I installed they were tight but I kept going anyway... gently... gently... crack... split... broke.
They sent a replacement that fits like a dream, so the tolerances are tight enough that just a tiny bit too small is just too small. Maybe some steam could loosen them up a bit, or make them somewhat more pliable, I don't know.

I'll buy another set for my 6904 soon, but at +/-$100 they're on the ragged edge of "impulse buy"
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Old 09-04-2018, 04:42 AM
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Originally Posted by texasjarhead View Post
I recently bought my first single stack semi auto- a 3913, and specifically chose it over a Kimber Micro 9 and a Sig P-938 due to the fact the 3913 was larger, and fit my hand better. That being said, I still have to make a concerted effort to get a good shooting grip on the 3913 compared to my CZ P-01 which is a double stack with a larger grip. How do the guys with really small 9mm's like the Kimber or Sig shoot them? Is there a technique for shooting these really small 9mm's other than a LOT of practice? I found it VERY difficult to even hold them without benefit of my little finger on the grip, even with the magazine extension. Just curious.
Your comments are the exact reason why I don't own any Gen. 3 S&W handguns. I have very large hands and those cut-down/chopped Third Gen. S&W handguns just don't fit my hand comfortably. My carry gun is a S&W 659 or a CZ75 clone with a double stacked magazine. The bigger the grip, the better I like the gun. The down sized Third Gen. S&W guns are not for all people and I'm one of them. Perhaps you are too.
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Old 09-04-2018, 08:31 AM
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If only CZ grips would fit, none better.
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Old 09-04-2018, 09:18 AM
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Wow- some really good input here. I appreciate ALL the comments. VERY helpful.
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Old 09-04-2018, 09:29 AM
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I've used some KSD grips but on Beretta92s not S&Ws

Nice grips.... for the $$$s but I got mine several years ago. IIRC they've gone up in price.
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Old 09-04-2018, 09:59 AM
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  • Quote:
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    If only CZ grips would fit, none better.
    Agreed! If only my CZ PCR were a little smaller and lighter I'd be in heaven.
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Old 09-04-2018, 12:12 PM
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Don't like the feel of a 3913 and not a big fan of Hogue rubber grips? Easy solution! Get yourself a 6906 or 6946.
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Old 09-04-2018, 02:37 PM
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I have a set on my Springfield XDE. Very nice, install easily. I chose the grippier texture which is like fine sand paper.

It would be good if they made them for the 3rd Gens, but I don't think that they think that they'll see enough to make it worth their while.

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What about Talon or similar skateboard tape?
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Old 09-04-2018, 02:39 PM
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I have a 6906 with an aftermarket set of finger groove grips. The gun fits my hand like the proverbial glove. I don't carry it because it's a double stack and the 3913 fits my needs. Still, it's incredibly accurate and easy to shoot with those grips.



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Don't like the feel of a 3913 and not a big fan of Hogue rubber grips? Easy solution! Get yourself a 6906 or 6946.
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Old 09-04-2018, 07:04 PM
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I never liked rubber grips. Not Hogue, not anybody. I bought the Hogues when they were a nylon material. The ugliest things I'd ever seen. Even worse on my blue M19.
My carry load was the hottest thing I could find. Seriously. (I won't contribute to the delinquency of shooters by mentioning loads.) With the Hogues I could rip though all 6 & the gun would be tighter in my grip than when I started. I moved them to my M66-1 when I was able to locate one. There's something seriously sophisticated about the palm swell.
They are still on my trusty M66-1 former duty weapon... because there's nothing better for my hands.

I never ran into this in any of my semi-autos... but if I did.. I'd be looking for something similar. I especially like the feel of the 6946, but I'm more of a single stack guy... living in the dark ages with my 39-2 & 645.

I will say that I did a poor man's checking on a 1911 & 39-2... and various pocket pistols... skate boat tape. I used a mill to relieve under the front edge of the grip for the tape so there is a slight overlap.
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Old 09-04-2018, 07:42 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnHL View Post
My personal feeling about concealed carry pistols is:

You learn to shoot them.

You don't love to shoot them.

Now don't get me wrong, I like to shoot just about anything.

However, concealed weapons should be made as small as possible (while still being at least 9mm ) and you practice shooting them until you can hit with them.

It's not as much fun as it could be (not only because of the recoil to the sensitive) but mostly because it's hard to get a comfortable grip.

John
This pretty much sums up my take on shooting CC guns as well. Make the gun slim and small for concealment, then adjust/learn how to shoot it well.

Like others have mentioned, I've found strips of grip/traction tape to be very helpful with this. I prefer a strip on the back and front of the grip, and usually a little 'butterfly' for the web of my hand. I also like to add a tiny strip to many of my flat magazine bases, especially with the smaller guns like the CS9 pictured.

The grip tape helps with two things - it gives a tactile reference for front & back alignment in hand, and it keeps the gun locked into place when gripped. I went to this method after having Hogue rubber grips slip around in my hand during hot Summer shooting sessions, and have been very happy with it ever since.

3M traction tape is the best I've found, and you can usually pick it up for pretty cheap at the hardware store (Ace sells it by the foot). The nice thing about S&W Delrin grips is that the grip tape really sticks to them well (and after a few years if the tape needs replacing, peel it off and cut a new one for it).
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Old 09-04-2018, 07:45 PM
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On my Kimber Micro 9 and Micro 380, I just grip 'em, point 'em, and shoot 'em.

'Bout all I can tell you, other than that I have average-size hands.

Not much help, I know, but since you asked...
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Old 09-04-2018, 10:50 PM
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Ive had my 3913 for 8+ years. Only in just the past few years did I finally perfect it to "my" taste. I installed the much hated Houge grips and wow that was improvement . Then I started playing musical sights till I found the right combination for my eyes. A tube of gun grease , 500 rounds and a few years of practice and I love my 3913. My newly acquired 5903 SSV ( 5903 with 3914 slide ) with 17 round MecGar mags might overtake the 3913 before long. Don't give up on the 3913 , it's a great gun once you get it tuned to your hands and eyes.
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Old 09-05-2018, 12:00 AM
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Quote:
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I have a set on my Springfield XDE. Very nice, install easily. I chose the grippier texture which is like fine sand paper.

It would be good if they made them for the 3rd Gens, but I don't think that they think that they'll see enough to make it worth their while.
I eventually switched to the granulate texture myself. Makes a big difference to me. I found what appears to be the identical material on Wally World's site. A big piece of it is cheap enough that you can experiment. Once you come up with a good pattern, I'd appreciate a 1:1 copy in exchange for the tip on where to buy the material for $5 delivered. $5 worth would be enough to cover maybe a couple dozen guns if cut properly.
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Old 09-05-2018, 02:20 AM
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when I first got a 3913 I couldn't shoot it worth squat. Factory delrins gave way to Hogue rubber...then to a stippled delrin...then to a delrin with a Hogue handall...then to delrin with Talon rubber panels over the checkering...................then KSD wood clones of a factory grip.....little more girth than factory but not as bloated as a hogues..the checkering is aggressive....and not clingy..... after a lot of range time it now works perfect for me.............
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Old 09-05-2018, 08:17 AM
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Ive had my 3913 for 8+ years. Only in just the past few years did I finally perfect it to "my" taste. I installed the much hated Houge grips and wow that was improvement . Then I started playing musical sights till I found the right combination for my eyes. A tube of gun grease , 500 rounds and a few years of practice and I love my 3913. My newly acquired 5903 SSV ( 5903 with 3914 slide ) with 17 round MecGar mags might overtake the 3913 before long. Don't give up on the 3913 , it's a great gun once you get it tuned to your hands and eyes.
What sights did you settle on, Mack?
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Old 09-05-2018, 10:43 AM
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What sights did you settle on, Mack?
I used a Dawson Precision fiber optic front sight. I heated the red fiber optic rod up and swelled it out bigger so it made a big red dot. But I failed to measure the old front sight and my newly installed front sight was to tall. I had a new rear factory Novak sight for my 4566 laying around which was taller. So installed it and it was perfect. Dead on in my 7-15 yard shooting .
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Old 09-05-2018, 06:24 PM
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More really good feedback!!! A lot of helpful information. Really appreciated!
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