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Old 12-01-2020, 04:13 PM
RandyF66 RandyF66 is offline
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Hi All, I know this has been hashed out many times over the years, I am new on the forums but here is my questions:

I am wanting one of these and thinking 3913 being I love 1911's some much and it is closed to the 1911 feel and thickness even though I have large hands.

1) Any Pros or Cons with either I should know about?
2) Where is the best place to find one at a fair price without
paying a ridiculous price?
3) What is a good/fair price in todays climate?
4) Anyone on the forums selling one, please contact me and let
me know?

Thanks for the help!
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Old 12-01-2020, 04:30 PM
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Basically the same gun just single 8+1 vz double stack 12+1

The 6906 can use the hi-cap mags (15 &17 mec-gar) for the 59xx guns and grip adaptors are available.

Wood grips available from Hogue for the 3913......feels like a 39.

Many here will say the 3913 is the best concealed carry 9mm Smith ever made..... I wouldn't argue.

Extra mags for either are available ..... easy? Maybe, maybe not!

I've carried both concealed since 1990.... without any issues.......

Not the best of times to be trying to find/buy a 9mm handgun. Supply is tight and prices are up ....... folks are holding on to what they have.

Last edited by BAM-BAM; 12-01-2020 at 04:33 PM.
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Old 12-01-2020, 04:38 PM
RandyF66 RandyF66 is offline
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Thanks BAM BAM. Yeah, this COVID hysteria is crazy and the prices are too.

I'm in no hurry and just starting to look.

Thanks for all the info, great help.

Last edited by RandyF66; 12-01-2020 at 04:39 PM.
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Old 12-01-2020, 05:56 PM
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Honestly, I love 1911’s and hated the 908 (basically same as 3913) that I had. Grip felt too thin and too steep of an angle, bore axis too high. YMMV of course.
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Old 12-01-2020, 06:19 PM
RandyF66 RandyF66 is offline
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Thanks Mike, great info to know!
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Old 12-02-2020, 12:40 PM
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Just my two cents worth of free advice, but I'd pick a 39 series compact (3913/4, 3953, etc.) over the 69 series compacts. While there's only four rounds difference in magazine capacity, the short grip and extra width of the 69 series just doesn't feel right to me.
Holsters and magazines are still readily available for both, and as BAM-BAM stated, you can use 59 series magazines in the 69 series compacts with or without an adapter, however, that somewhat defeats the purpose of a compact carry gun IMO.
Although I carried a 3953 for sometime, I now have two different single stack compact 9mm guns that I regularly carry: Sig P239 and a Walther PPS M2.
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Old 12-02-2020, 01:27 PM
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LOL the 3913s factory grips seems to thin to me..... why I've opted to use the Hogue Checkered Wood grips to make them a bit more hand filling without affecting their concealability.

With the 6906... I've stippled the grips, and it feels "just right"..... I carry a 15rd mag with +2 adopter as my spare in a Safariland 123 horizontal mag pouch

Bottom line : hands are different and it comes down to personal preference.
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Old 12-02-2020, 03:47 PM
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I own both and have EDC'd them. They are fine shooters and I have no problems keeping all the hits on a 6" plate at 7 yards.

Today, you'd be fortunate to find either the 3913 or 6906 for less than $400. Most likely, a sale price of $425+ today; then, add shipping and FFL fees for an average example. Condition matters and the price climbs from g-vg-exl. That said, the old used LE pistols are just fine.

I currently EDC a 3953 that has had at least two other forum owners.
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Old 12-02-2020, 09:45 PM
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To answer the OPs question: I had both and preferred the 6906. It fit my hand just fine and a bunch-a-bullets sounded like a good idea.

But, perhaps he might consider a few other options as he's just starting to look:
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Old 12-02-2020, 09:52 PM
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Damn, hit he wrong key.

A few other options (I sold off/traded the 3914 and 6906):
I went smaller in 9mm and opted for a Chief's Special and had a member here do some work on it...
Then went same size as 6906 but a bigger bullet and got a 4513TSW which is about the same size as 6906 but in .45acp (also worked on by a member) and then went and bought, for some reason, a 4013TSW (same size but 40). Those three, plus a Beretta PX4compact in .40 are my carry. (And after work on the Beretta by Langston, I really like that gun as well and they all carry very easily.)

Just something for the OP to think about.
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Old 12-02-2020, 10:31 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by URIT View Post

Today, you'd be fortunate to find either the 3913 or 6906 for less than $400. Most likely, a sale price of $425+ today; then, add shipping and FFL fees for an average example. Condition matters and the price climbs from g-vg-exl. That said, the old used LE pistols are just fine.
I shopped for a 3913 for a couple of years before I found one at a price I was willing to pay. I wish I had seen a few of those $400 guns you speak of. Everything I found on this board and several others was going to push $675-$700 with shipping, ffl fees, etc.

I finally found a very nice example in Atlanta a few weeks back. Cost me $525 plus gas plus a stop at a favorite BBQ joint. Thought I got a very fair deal, but maybe not. Bonus was that I discovered the action had been worked by Teddy Jacobson.

I owned and carried a couple of 39-2 back in the day, and loved the way those guns pointed. I love the 3913 equally as well.
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Old 12-03-2020, 02:53 AM
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I'VE HAD AND CARRIED BOTH EXTENSIVELY. I WOULD CHOOSE THE 39 SERIES OVER THE 69 SERIES. THAT BEING SAID, AS OF TODAY I'D BUY A 9MM SHIELD OVER THE 39 SERIES. JP
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Old 12-03-2020, 04:08 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RandyF66 View Post
I am wanting one of these and thinking 3913 being I love 1911's some much and it is closed to the 1911 feel and thickness even though I have large hands.
Other than they are both single stacks I can't see why you would think a 3913 & a 1911 have a similar feel?

Frame/grip sizes are no where near the same.

.

The 3913 & 6906's slide & dust shields are the same widths. From mid trigger guard rearward the 6906's frame is wider.

At a minimum I like a grip glove on the 3913 Delrins. Hogue rubber grips feel good to me on my 3913/14s too.

I suspect that mags for the single stack are easier to find since it seems more variations were made & for more years.

I have more S&W compact single stack 9s than double stacks.

.



.
.



.
.



.
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Old 12-03-2020, 08:31 AM
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Another vote for the 3913 here. I have owned 3 6906s and 1 PC Shorty 9. I sold them after trying Hogue grips, Glock socks ect. When shooting the 6906, left handed, the bottom left corner of the grip digs into the meat of my hand below my thumb.

Love the concept and the pistol, but can't shoot it comfortably.

The 3913 on the other hand, handles great, conceals easily and shoots lights out. Probably the best pistol they ever made. And in my opinion, the finest 9mm carry gun made to date. By anyone. And yes, I've shot the G43, G43X and the panty shield.

Those that like em are welcome to them. Good luck with your decision! Regards 18DAI
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Old 12-03-2020, 08:57 AM
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The 3913, having a slimmer grip, would be a little easier to conceal. Also, if you have small hands, it would be easier to grasp and control.
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Old 12-03-2020, 10:50 AM
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For every day carry, I use my pre rail 3913TSW. I love shooting my 6906, but it is too big for my needs.

Mine has the Hogue finger groove grips and they lock the gun into my hand like it's welded. I only wish that they had made those for the 3913. I use a grip sleeve on my 3913 and it's good, but a purpose made grip would be better.
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Old 12-03-2020, 10:04 PM
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WOW, thanks guys for all the input to the newbie here on the forum.
A lot of great feedback and something to think about.

I'm gonna go for the 3913 first and see how it goes. Gut feeling!

I wish I could find one in the $400-$500 range, your right they all seem to be $600+ and the FFL transfer fees to boot.

Thanks again for all the feedback!
I'l keep you updated as to what I find and go with!
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Old 12-03-2020, 11:23 PM
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What about a 908?

Around here they are not going for that much but I’m not sure about other places. They are “Value Line” but so are some other really fine S&W pistols.

I changed the controls on mine to flat ones, new grip, springs and a 3914 guide rod. I’m still only into it for under $400.00, (not including magazines,) and I’ve found it to be a really nice handling , accurate and easily concealable pistol. The finish sucks and it’s not getting better but I think that’s just fine. The plastic mag release parts are worrisome but so far so good.

Jim
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Old 12-04-2020, 10:34 AM
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I'd certainly buy a 908 if I couldn't find a 3913. There is nothing wrong with them at all. Just as there is nothing wrong with a 457 if you can't find or don't want a 4513TSW.

Both guns are just as reliable as their regular production line counterparts. The finish isn't as polished and there are a few parts that are plastic, but otherwise they are fine firearms.

The 457 is an exceptional bargain for a compact 45 semi auto.

Quote:
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What about a 908?

Around here they are not going for that much but I’m not sure about other places. They are “Value Line” but so are some other really fine S&W pistols.

I changed the controls on mine to flat ones, new grip, springs and a 3914 guide rod. I’m still only into it for under $400.00, (not including magazines,) and I’ve found it to be a really nice handling , accurate and easily concealable pistol. The finish sucks and it’s not getting better but I think that’s just fine. The plastic mag release parts are worrisome but so far so good.

Jim
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Old 12-04-2020, 11:08 AM
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The "value line" S&W pistols are good shooters, but the bluing on the carbon steel parts tends to be thin and wears quickly.
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Old 12-04-2020, 10:47 PM
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The 3913 is a very nice, fun to shoot, well designed compact 9 mm with a large following here.
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Old 12-08-2020, 04:00 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mikerjf View Post
Honestly, I love 1911’s and hated the 908 (basically same as 3913) that I had. Grip felt too thin and too steep of an angle, bore axis too high. YMMV of course.
A set of Hogues made just the difference to fit my hands over the skinny plastic factory grips. The Hogues on a 6904/6 make it too wide to me.

Rosewood
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Old 12-08-2020, 04:01 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BAM-BAM View Post
LOL the 3913s factory grips seems to thin to me..... why I've opted to use the Hogue Checkered Wood grips to make them a bit more hand filling without affecting their concealability.

With the 6906... I've stippled the grips, and it feels "just right"..... I carry a 15rd mag with +2 adopter as my spare in a Safariland 123 horizontal mag pouch

Bottom line : hands are different and it comes down to personal preference.
Dang, you think like me. Save I used rubber Hogues on the 3913 and 908 and I too stippled the 6906 and it was just right. +2 adapter is on order.
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Old 12-08-2020, 04:04 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by redlevel View Post
I shopped for a 3913 for a couple of years before I found one at a price I was willing to pay. I wish I had seen a few of those $400 guns you speak of. Everything I found on this board and several others was going to push $675-$700 with shipping, ffl fees, etc.

I finally found a very nice example in Atlanta a few weeks back. Cost me $525 plus gas plus a stop at a favorite BBQ joint. Thought I got a very fair deal, but maybe not. Bonus was that I discovered the action had been worked by Teddy Jacobson.

I owned and carried a couple of 39-2 back in the day, and loved the way those guns pointed. I love the 3913 equally as well.
I found a deal on a 908 and fell in love with the size. Wanted the stainless 3913, looked for months, finally snagged one off Gunbroker and won the bid. Seems like I ended up around $360 delivered. I was shocked as I had seen several go way more than that, guess it slipped by many bidding.

Rosewood
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Old 12-08-2020, 04:09 PM
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My brother just picked up a 6906 a few weeks back. I cleaned it up for him, had some rust. The mag spring was rusted to, replaced that spring. He went to shoot then called to brag how much he liked it, how accurate it is and how much he liked it. Already ordered a holster for it and have some Meprolight night sights on order. I will install them once they get here. I think his G27 and G29 will be taking the back seat to his 6906 now.

Rosewood
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Old 12-08-2020, 06:34 PM
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I have the 6946 DAO, 469, 915, and CS9. Any of these would be acceptable in the EDC rotation.
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