Love for the 3913

[10xatten]

As far as I know, there were black triggers and hammers that were forged, not mim. You can tell the difference because the hammers have recesses in the sides. The forged hammers have flat sides. I don't think the triggers are as easy to identify. I have both a 4506-1 and a 3913tsw (no rail) that have black forged hammers and triggers.

Richard

 

[GaryS]

The black triggers and hammers would be on the guns that were not stainless. I'll look at my 3914NL and see what that looks like.

On the stainless/alloy guns I'm pretty sure that black triggers and hammers indicate MIM.

As far as I know, there were black triggers and hammers that were forged, not mim. You can tell the difference because the hammers have recesses in the sides. The forged hammers have flat sides. I don't think the triggers are as easy to identify. I have both a 4506-1 and a 3913tsw (no rail) that have black forged hammers and triggers.

Richard

 

[guns and more]

I bought a used 3913NL (No Logo, Ladysmith) and liked it so much I got another. I think the grey grips and tapered dust cover make it very pleasing to the eye. My first one had some minor scuffs from a kydex holster, it appeared, and my second is pristine. So, I'd carry the first. Never had a failure of any kind. I got a Uncle Mike's #15 holster for occasional carry.
I also like the single sided safety on the NL version.

 

[SWTIM255]

Love mine

My LGS called a few weeks back and told me they had something for me to look at, as I was heading out to the Safari Club show in a couple days I answered "unless it's a prototype ASP 2000 built by Wayne Novack I am not buying another gun before I get back" They responded with "bring your checkbook"
7 magazines, Price western (England) leather holster, two Rogers mag holders, a hoffner kydex holster, a ******* (pre Galco) holster rig set up on the off side for a extra magazine and a Gerber MKII, no guttersnipe or see thru funky grips, just like I like it. Serial number puts it into 1988 production, well pre production, they were not released until 1989.
Never thought a local gun shop in my podunk town would get in one of these, plus it was right at 900.00
It now lives, reunited, with it's older sibling, my Trapper Gun works ASP wannabe

 

[HaroldB]

Bought my 3913 in the late 1980's and finally sold it when the Sig 229 came out. The 3913 is a great, accurate CCW. Just not +P rated and low round count.

 

[GaryS]

Just to update. I looked at my late(er) 2913 again, and it has the indentations on the hammer. Which makes me believe those parts are MIM. My 3914NL, doesn't have those indentations and it would make sense that the hammer and trigger are blued (or black) since they are carbon, not stainless.

On my two 3913s, the newer one (ex CA DOC) has black hammer and trigger, the hammer has the indentations. Even though this is a 3913 I looked at my other 3rd gen guns as well for completeness sake. My CS9 has the indentations and seam on the hammer, as does my 457. My early 5906 has silver colored hammer and trigger, and no indentation on the hammer. Same with my 6906.

My conclusion is that MIM parts are black, no matter what color the gun is in general. Forged parts are black or silver, depending on what color the rest of the gun is, but have no indentation on the hammer.

If you're thinking that I'm gratuitously using this as an excuse to list all of my 3rd generation guns, you're right.

When I have the time, I'll do a family photo.

 

[James&theGiant1911]

I honestly never really understood the fascination with MIM and non MIM parts? I had a NON MIM 6906 that I hated and sold when I bought by 3913TSW. The 3913 shoots ten times better than my 6906 even with new springs in the 69xx. My Shorty 40 has non MIM parts so I am assuming that goes for all performance center models as well. I do not carry my 3913TSW but would not be afraid to just because it had MIM parts in it.

 

[GaryS]

Everything I've read here says that MIM is just as good as forged. A couple of people have commented that it's better.

I haven't noticed and difference in performance in any of my guns.

My 6906 is perhaps my favorite gun to shoot, but I prefer to carry the 3913TSW. Before that, I liked my CS9 for carry. Now, it's a safe queen and is up for sale on a local forum. I like it, but I'd rather it went to someone who will carry it and I know I won't.

I honestly never really understood the fascination with MIM and non MIM parts? I had a NON MIM 6906 that I hated and sold when I bought by 3913TSW. The 3913 shoots ten times better than my 6906 even with new springs in the 69xx. My Shorty 40 has non MIM parts so I am assuming that goes for all performance center models as well. I do not carry my 3913TSW but would not be afraid to just because it had MIM parts in it.

 

[10xatten]

My black forged hammers and triggers are on stainless guns. I think Smith just did it to make a cosmetic change. There is at least one other thread here where the relative merits of mim vs forged are discussed at length, and I believe the consensus was that mim parts are at least as good as forged parts, especially since they can be made to tighter tolerences. Makes sense to me.

Richard

 

[LJBrennan007]

3913 or

My first post to this forum, I guess you'd call me a "lurker". I LOVE the pictures and stories of the classic S&W revolvers, of which I am a major fan. J-frames, K-frames, L-frames, N-frames, I own and love them all. Until I saw this thread on the 3913, I forgot I even HAD a Smith semi-auto (except for my M41). I dug this out of the safe. Got it back in the 80's for doing some work on a major IPSC match that we had going on at my club. I believe the 3913 was just introduced then, and mine is somewhat of an anomaly in that it is a LadySmith, but does not say it on the gun. It has no ambi-safety (which I prefer anyway). My good friend Mike Taurisano of Taurus holsters made me the belt holster and the shoulder rig is a DeSantis. This gun probably has 200 rounds through it, is super accurate, 100% reliable, and just feels great in the hand. Do I carry it? Hardly ever. My Kimber Ultra Carry II .45 is about the same size and weight, does not suffer from the double to single action trigger switch-over when going into action, and that's my CCW gun if I carry big. My S&W M38 goes with me when I travel light. Keep the great stories and pictures coming guys and gals...

 

[mrstang01]

I love my Ladysmith 3913, I'm secure in my manhood. Wish leather was easier to find for it. What's the issue with the grip recall? I put black Hogues on mine so it looks more like the 3913NL. The only issue I have with it, is I can carry a Kahr M9 easier than the larger 3913.

 

[nocents]

007....welcome...you are a lucky guy that has so many toys that you "forgot"you had a pristine 3913NL.....also I really like the looks of that leather..........................................................................................mrstang01......try Stoner Holsters....he makes a very nice and reasonable price IWB holster for the standard and NL variant framed 3913....good luck

 

[spydermanDan]

S&W 3913

I bought it new in the 90s for my wife she used it a few times and than I decided to make it my CCW. Research had great reviews on it and I'm sorry S&W stopped making this model. I have 2 holsters for it, One is a Crossbreed(IWB) and the other is a custom Andrews Leather (Florida) which is pricey but a superb fitting work of art.

 

[kmik]

This is a great thread! I have a NIB 3953 with night sights that has a great backstory…

In 1992, my best friend's father received a 3953 as a retirement gift from his commander after 30-years on the force. Growing up I had an interest in firearms and my friend's dad knew it (my buddy didn't care for them much). On occasion he would bring out his department issued model 10, his backup model 36 (which is the one I remember him having with him as his constant companion on his right hip), and the 3953. He kept the pistol on a shelf in his closet in the box always wrapped in the S&W wax paper and never once shot it (he was a revolver guy).

Sadly, he passed away late summer 2012 – he was truly a neat person with unending stories about his time in the department. He had told my buddy that if he did not want the firearms to make sure they went to me. Well, I was beyond surprised and honored when I was given ALL three of his handguns!!!

I take them all out on occasion to the range (I am of the mind that firearms should be fired). The 3953 is a great single-stack 9mm. It is very accurate and its slim design makes it an easily concealed carry pistol. I carry it on occasion in my rotation, and when I do it always brings back fond memories of younger days at my friend's house hanging out with his dad!

 

[GaryS]

I have a FIST holster for my 3913. It's well built and comfortable to wear. It's IWB and they have found or had developed a very secure clip. It carries any of my 39xx guns very well and conceals well.

The grip recall dates to 1991 or so. It seems that the original material used had an issue where if the gun was dropped and landed on the grip at a specific angle the pocket that holds the main spring cup could separate and make the gun inoperable. Read the notice about half way down on the page at the link.

I love my Ladysmith 3913, I'm secure in my manhood. Wish leather was easier to find for it. What's the issue with the grip recall? I put black Hogues on mine so it looks more like the 3913NL. The only issue I have with it, is I can carry a Kahr M9 easier than the larger 3913.

 

[GaryS]

I don't think I'm going very far out on a limb to suggest that a lot of people wish that if S&W would only reintroduce one 3rd generation gun, this would be it. The runner up would likely be the 4513.

Maybe someone will do a poll.

I bought it new in the 90s for my wife she used it a few times and than I decided to make it my CCW. Research had great reviews on it and I'm sorry S&W stopped making this model. I have 2 holsters for it, One is a Crossbreed(IWB) and the other is a custom Andrews Leather (Florida) which is pricey but a superb fitting work of art.View attachment 144421

View attachment 144422

 

[Jaysq]

Thanks to everyone that has replied to my post on the 3913. The love and following is even stronger than I thought. I really enjoyed looking at all the photos, so keep them coming.

 

[Detective_Special]

This is a great thread! I have a NIB 3953 with night sights that has a great backstory…

In 1992, my best friend's father received a 3953 as a retirement gift from his commander after 30-years on the force. Growing up I had an interest in firearms and my friend's dad knew it (my buddy didn't care for them much). On occasion he would bring out his department issued model 10, his backup model 36 (which is the one I remember him having with him as his constant companion on his right hip), and the 3953. He kept the pistol on a shelf in his closet in the box always wrapped in the S&W wax paper and never once shot it (he was a revolver guy).

Sadly, he passed away late summer 2012 – he was truly a neat person with unending stories about his time in the department. He had told my buddy that if he did not want the firearms to make sure they went to me. Well, I was beyond surprised and honored when I was given ALL three of his handguns!!!

I take them all out on occasion to the range (I am of the mind that firearms should be fired). The 3953 is a great single-stack 9mm. It is very accurate and its slim design makes it an easily concealed carry pistol. I carry it on occasion in my rotation, and when I do it always brings back fond memories of younger days at my friend's house hanging out with his dad!

Great story!! Must have been a real nice guy to hang out with, and you must have a great kid for him to think of you. Remember him, and his stories !!!

 

[Sgt Bubba]

Have shot all generations of S&W auto's. Duty gun was 6906 and I carried a 6946 off duty for years. Retired now but still have the 6946 w/nite sights. HR218 Qualified with a S&W 3913 TSW now for about 10 yrs.
Have had the 4513/4516 and they all have been accurate and reliable. Love them, please keep your plastic guns. Old Sgt living in the woods

 

[Tiger915]

I've had my 3913 for almost 2 years now -- scored it for $425 @ pawn shop. Did my research & felt secure that in it's lightly used condition it should be a solid gun. The reviews were spot on: all it needed was a little cleaning/lube/ammo! Houge grips put it over the top. It runs flawlessly and I don't expect that to change anytime soon. At that time I was considering a PM 9 or Walther PPS in plastic & a CZ RAAMI in all metal. Glanced at a Bersa UC9. All good guns, but they weren't an S&W. I know I made the right choice & couldn't be happier. Now all I need is a nice 6906 to keep it company.

Tiger915