Picked this little beauty up yesterday with 2 mags for $300 in a private sale. The serial VDKxxxx according to the motorship puts it at Jan 1996, so an early 908. Would say the finish is a solid 92% for its age. Got to change out the hogue's for some factory grips but will fit in nicely with the 12 other 3rd gens I own.

I just got VDLxxxx at about the same deal. Won’t see it for a while tho.

Nice addition.

Got my VJC prefix for a little bit less. (Money and finish.) Really like it and I agree it “fits” with the others. Not to much lost in the “value” line.

I took JohnHL’s, (hope the apostrophe is in the correct place, he’s a stickler about that, ) idea and got a flat slide release. While I was ordering I also got a 3914 guide rod and new spring. I got lucky and Numrich actually had everything I wanted. Not needed.

Jim

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A nice gun for the price. You may hear about it being the economy model and how it is not as good as a "real: third gen, but if that was true - that was then. Now its a "They don't make them like that any more". I hope that gives you many years of safe fun.

Congratulations! IMHO, you got one of the most exceptional 'sleeper' of the entire S&W line. Modify it or don't. But, do shoot the heck out of it. That model is every bit the equal of any M 3919 version in accuracy, reliability, functionality and ergonomics. Enjoy the ownership of it and don't ever let anyone run it down.

I own three versions of the M 3913 and one M 908. Guess which one always goes to the range with me?

Recent purchase

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Ive got a 3913 California dept of corrections I've had for 6yrs and a 3914ls which I picked up last month. This will probably take its place in my center console. I carry an ec9s now since the laser etching on the 3913 is starting to rub off. The 3914ls is too nice for carry and will sit in the safe.

Got a member sending factory grips for free, so that takes care of the hogues. Will return the favor on my off days by offering up 2 of the 6906 grips Ive had listed. Will order new springs this weekend and a new guide rod since the only other values I own are a 909 and 457.

I’m really looking forward to getting mine... my first S&W auto, first 3rd gen, and my first TDA (never fired one before).

You wont be able to stop buying them once you get the bug

True statement

The 908 triggered a buying spree for me. Already owned a 1076 from about 20 years ago. Also had a 5903 from maybe 18 years ago (bought because I didn't own a 9mm). Picked up a 908 from a private sale for $225 just because it was cheap. Fell in love with the gun. It took the place of the Shield 40 for EDC. Then picked up a 4053 just because. Decided I wanted a 3913 since the 908 wasn't stainless. Finally got a deal on a 3913 on Gunbroker (current EDC and will be for the foreseeable future). Then I picked up a 915 from a private sale for $200 and promptly traded for a 6904 +$130 at a LGS. Then I ran across a 4013 that I got for about $385 out door then a 4006 for about the same at another store. Can't seem to stop buying them now. This has all happened in the last 1.5 years. Saw a 5926 but they wanted $500 for it and I have no desire to spend that much, so let it sit in their cabinet.

And since I now have the setup to bead blast the finish on the stainless guns, I can buy one with a scratched up slide and refurb it, so it makes it easier to buy an abused one especially when the price is right.

Rosewood

Shout out to Guevera for the 3913 grips he sent me.

I failed to mention that on both my 3913 and 908, the factory grips are just too narrow for me and are hard to hold onto. The Hogues were just enough additional girth as well as grip to make them fit my hand quite well.

I put the Hogue on a 6904 and the finger groove grip pinches your long finger between the trigger guard and groove. Took it off and put factory plastic back on. The factory plastic is easy to hold to on the wider grip.

Rosewood

About a year ago I got a 908 for $325. It came with two magazines (pinky finger rest and flat), has a metal guide rod, and a spurred hammer. I didn't think I'd care for this last item. Hah! What do I know? It gives me the chance to ease the hammer down with my left thumb and forefinger after hitting the safety with my right thumb. Just the way I earned on a commercial Walther P1 all those forgotten years ago. It certainy doesn't hinder my draw from concealment.
I think any TDA pistol needs a spurred hammer; if I stay with this platform, I'll try to get 'em all so equipped.

Very nice! And in much better shape than my 908. I carried mine for a few years back when I carried 9mm. Excellent carry option! It's sort of like an all metal Shield. 13 3rd Gens is a good start to your collection, by the way. Keep it up! I'm up to a couple dozen at this point. Can't get enough.

__________________
Find a way or make one.

Just need to re add a 6906 and then can work on hunting the uncommon ones.

Happy to help out.