3913NL Range Report

quikdraw67 · #1 10-31-2020, 06:38 PM

I shot the 3913NL I picked up recently.

For a smaller gun it seems to have a natural point like a larger pistol.

D/A trigger ok, S/A trigger very nice.

Shot 25 rounds of 115gr FMJ Winchester white box, and 25 rounds of 124gr FMJ CCI Lawman. I used the 2 factory mags that came with the gun.

No FTF, 3 FTE. I didn't field strip and clean it before shooting it, and had recommendations to replace the recoil spring. So an update is warranted after that is done.

Overall, a very good pistol. It seems to like the 124gr better than 115.

I can see why the 3rd Generation Smith pistols have a following.

GaryS · #2 10-31-2020, 07:12 PM

You'll get even better accuracy with 147gr ammunition. I've found that none of the 39xx guns seem to like 115gr ammunition. At least none of mine, although the 6906 seems better with it than the single stack compacts.

My theory, which some people seem to think has some merit, is that when these guns were designed in the late 1980s, 147gr ammunition was the standard for LE agencies.

As a result, these guns work best with heavier bullet weights.

124gr is certainly acceptable. In fact, NYPD specified 124gr ammunition for the issued 3914DAO pistols. I work on the assumption that any other 9mm S&W pistols also used it.

115gr always seems to shoot low in my 39xx guns. As in 3-4 inches low.

redlevel · #3 10-31-2020, 10:48 PM

Didn’t get the opportunity to shoot mine today. Hopefully tomorrow. That’s an interesting theory about bullet weight. Makes sense, I guess. All I have on hand is 115 grain WWB fmj. Maybe I can get a couple of boxes of heavier hollow points next week.

stansdds · #4 11-01-2020, 10:03 AM

Flush out all the gunk that is likely hiding in the extractor channel and replace the recoil spring, see if that helps with reliability.

For ammo, I have never had much accuracy success with most 115 grain FMJ loads. Better accuracy is had with 124 or 147 grain FMJ. I have also had good accuracy with JHP loads, the 124 and 147 slightly edging out 115 grain JHP's. These pistols simply prefer bullets with longer bearing surfaces. Also, most of the 3rd gen pistols seem to have been factory sighted for 147 grain ammo, which was the popular law enforcement load at the time and seems to be once again.

quikdraw67 · #5 11-02-2020, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stansdds

Flush out all the gunk that is likely hiding in the extractor channel and replace the recoil spring, see if that helps with reliability.

For ammo, I have never had much accuracy success with most 115 grain FMJ loads. Better accuracy is had with 124 or 147 grain FMJ. I have also had good accuracy with JHP loads, the 124 and 147 slightly edging out 115 grain JHP's. These pistols simply prefer bullets with longer bearing surfaces. Also, most of the 3rd gen pistols seem to have been factory sighted for 147 grain ammo, which was the popular law enforcement load at the time and seems to be once again.

New recoil spring on order from Midway, and it's getting a good cleaning this weekend.

The consensus seems to be that the 115gr loads aren't great in these pistols.

No problem, I have lots of 124gr.

Range Report to follow after I get it cleaned up and new recoil spring installed.

quikdraw67 · #6 11-08-2020, 12:13 PM

UPDATE - I installed a new recoil spring and gave the pistol a thorough cleaning, which it sorely needed. Shame on me for not doing that in the first place.

I fired 114 rounds without a hiccup.

50 124gr Lawman FMJ, 50 124gr Freedom Remanufactured FMJ, and 14 Hornady XTP 124gr JHP.

No FTF/FTE issues at all.

I will post a picture of the 14 shots of the Hornady XTP, 7rds in each mag, DA 1st shot on both.

I now know why guys on this forum consider the 39xx series to be on of the finest carry pistols ever.

quikdraw67 · #7 11-08-2020, 12:26 PM

25ft, indoor range, 2 handed grip, 124gr Hornady XTP JHP.

1st shot DA on both mags. 7rds per mag.

To say I'm very happy with this pistol is an understatement.

Ethang · #8 11-10-2020, 10:02 AM

Mine has been my primary carry piece since I got it. I have put a lot of rounds through numerous Shield's both 9mm and 40 and I will take this 3913 any day of the week. Just cause it's old doesn't mean it won't still get the job done.

18DAI · #9 11-10-2020, 10:09 AM

I am carrying mine today while working at the local indoor range. After carrying 45s all week, it is almost like not wearing a gun.

The 3913 is one of the finest 9mm carry guns made. By anyone. Regards 18DAI

fuzzymcnab · #10 11-10-2020, 11:13 PM

Yes, a very overlooked S&W gem. I cherish mine. Hey, every lady should have one!
God bless, fuzzy