Gun Show (black) Gold

[Rocketmedic40]

Went to the gun show in Buda today and was wildly surprised to find some super-cool things- some relatively reasonable milsurps, a Threepersons k-frame holster, and then…

I traded a Beretta 84bb and $150 for a LNIB S&W Model 3914. Found a dealer with a 5904, 5903 and this, all for $500 a pop. Initially, I saw the 5903, but then, hiding in an anonymous stand of Glocks, I saw this single-stack, and time froze.

I had been pondering a nice-but-electropenned Combat Masterpiece at another table for $600, or maybe taking the plunge on a very clean Victory .38 Special ($700) or a 6” Model 28-2 for $800, but I’ve already got a .357 and a Model 10 and I’ll never run enough .38 to wear those out, much less a Patrolman; and as much as I love pinned and recessed Smiths I’m not going to carry a 6” revolver around, it would be a safe Queen.

This, though?

This is an EDC. This is the Shield, but ambidextrous and alleviating my anxiety over carrying a Stryker-fired AIWB. It’s the right size, right mass, and it feels good in the hand.

It’s a decock-only, which is cool, because I’m kind of on a double-action train and the biggest reason I didn’t carry the 84bb it replaced was my dislike of manually lowering the hammer on a live round in the chamber. The size profile is pretty similar to me, I think the 3914 may be lighter. 8 rounds of 9mm is plenty, but I’m going to buy a pair of extra magazines for it too.

I’m curious about its origins- does anyone have any information about the codes on the box? I think the “1293” written on it might refer to a December 1993 ship date? The pistol looks invited, it’s dry and clean and the lockup is tight, with no idiot scratches.

I’m also looking at holster suggestions. I know these are a bit older, but I’m looking for advice on a good leather holster and recommendations for carry (IWB/owb?)

Just when I thought I was going to J-frame it forever, right?

I’m almost, almost tempted to go back and see about trading my Beretta 92 for one of the 59 series, but I’m also really fond of the -92 and it’s got Army nostalgia for me and I do feel the quality exceeds that of the Smiths to some extent with the particular pistols in question because my 27-year-old Beretta is super-nice and super-smooth and M9 magazines are everywhere. So, it’s safe in my safe. Unlike his smaller brother lol…

 

[Rocketmedic40]

Also, it seems .40 S&W is highly unpopular all of a sudden. Weird, especially because it’s freakin’ amazing and probably what I’d carry if I wanted to carry only one automatic ever and couldn’t carry a 1911 or 3914. My p229 survives! (Objectively a great pistol, and I love the DAO).

 

[CH4]

Speaking of .40 S&W, I spotted a cherry Beretta 96 Centurian at one of my honey holes for $499. I could have brought it home for $400 OTD, but already have a couple regular 96s.

 

[stansdds]

Also, it seems .40 S&W is highly unpopular all of a sudden. Weird, especially because it’s freakin’ amazing and probably what I’d carry if I wanted to carry only one automatic ever and couldn’t carry a 1911 or 3914. My p229 survives! (Objectively a great pistol, and I love the DAO).

The FBI dumped the 40 S&W and went back to the 9mm in 2016. Shortly thereafter, lots of law enforcement agencies did the same, playing the "follow the leader" game, I suppose. That lead to the sudden unpopularity of the 40 S&W.

 

[Rocketmedic40]

The FBI dumped the 40 S&W and went back to the 9mm in 2016. Shortly thereafter, lots of law enforcement agencies did the same, playing the "follow the leader" game, I suppose. That lead to the sudden unpopularity of the 40 S&W.

I like ammunition options, reckon it’s a sign to keep a .40 in the stable.

 

[Frailer]

I suspect the “1293” was added by the dealer for inventory purposes.

The SPEC ORD number will give you an idea of when the gun was produced. It is in YDDD Julian date format. In this case it appears this pistol was entered in S&W’s records on May 2, 1994.

 

[wyo-man]

Good choice. I have two 3914s. Magazines are pricey.
Any holster listed for the 3913 will fit.
I like leather and have several from this company;

Home Page

Home Page https://www.mtrcustomleather.com/

www.mtrcustomleather.com

wyo-man

 

[Sevens]

I’m curious about its origins- does anyone have any information about the codes on the box? I think the “1293” written on it might refer to a December 1993 ship date

I agree with what Frailer said above with regards to inventory purposes.

I believe what many shops did back in the day was to write a page number from a large distributor’s book. If you looked at a model, they would simply glance at the hand-written page number and flip through the book and instantly know what they paid the distributor for that gun.

It lets them know if they have room to move on the price and how much.

 

['79 Magnum GT]

Went to the gun show in Buda today and was wildly surprised to find some super-cool things- some relatively reasonable milsurps, a Threepersons k-frame holster, and then…

I traded a Beretta 84bb and $150 for a LNIB S&W Model 3914. Found a dealer with a 5904, 5903 and this, all for $500 a pop. Initially, I saw the 5903, but then, hiding in an anonymous stand of Glocks, I saw this single-stack, and time froze.

I had been pondering a nice-but-electropenned Combat Masterpiece at another table for $600, or maybe taking the plunge on a very clean Victory .38 Special ($700) or a 6” Model 28-2 for $800, but I’ve already got a .357 and a Model 10 and I’ll never run enough .38 to wear those out, much less a Patrolman; and as much as I love pinned and recessed Smiths I’m not going to carry a 6” revolver around, it would be a safe Queen.

This, though?

This is an EDC. This is the Shield, but ambidextrous and alleviating my anxiety over carrying a Stryker-fired AIWB. It’s the right size, right mass, and it feels good in the hand.

It’s a decock-only, which is cool, because I’m kind of on a double-action train and the biggest reason I didn’t carry the 84bb it replaced was my dislike of manually lowering the hammer on a live round in the chamber. The size profile is pretty similar to me, I think the 3914 may be lighter. 8 rounds of 9mm is plenty, but I’m going to buy a pair of extra magazines for it too.

I’m curious about its origins- does anyone have any information about the codes on the box? I think the “1293” written on it might refer to a December 1993 ship date? The pistol looks invited, it’s dry and clean and the lockup is tight, with no idiot scratches.

I’m also looking at holster suggestions. I know these are a bit older, but I’m looking for advice on a good leather holster and recommendations for carry (IWB/owb?)

Just when I thought I was going to J-frame it forever, right?

I’m almost, almost tempted to go back and see about trading my Beretta 92 for one of the 59 series, but I’m also really fond of the -92 and it’s got Army nostalgia for me and I do feel the quality exceeds that of the Smiths to some extent with the particular pistols in question because my 27-year-old Beretta is super-nice and super-smooth and M9 magazines are everywhere. So, it’s safe in my safe. Unlike his smaller brother lol…

What does the "(black) Gold" mean?


Rick

 

[Rocketmedic40]

What does the "(black) Gold" mean?


Rick

The finish is black, not stainless or blued.

 

[Rocketmedic40]

First carry, IWB 4’oclock in some generic leather holster I can’t remember what for. It’s comfy!

 

['79 Magnum GT]

The finish is black, not stainless or blued.

How does that pertain to a gun show? Is that an "in" thing? I don't get it?

Rick

 

[Rocketmedic40]

How does that pertain to a gun show? Is that an "in" thing? I don't get it?

Rick

Dude, it is a black-colored pistol, of a highly desirable design, at a very affordable price. You are reading way, way too far into this.

Gun shows are a little like drilling for oil. Sometimes you don’t find anything. Other times you find what you’re looking for.

 

['79 Magnum GT]

Dude, it is a black-colored pistol, of a highly desirable design, at a very affordable price. You are reading way, way too far into this.

Gun shows are a little like drilling for oil. Sometimes you don’t find anything. Other times you find what you’re looking for.

Lol, Feeling a little extra dense today! The way you worded the title through me for a loop! What the hell is he saying? I follow now. I know what you mean about gun shows. Back in 1989 I was wandering around a gun show in Rochester not looking for anything in particular when I spied a nickel 6.5 " M29-2 in the box with all the tools for $350. Matched my M29-2 at home but in nickel. I just about ran over to the County Clerks room and was able to bring it home. So I guess you could call it Nickel Gold. Never thought of it that way before.
Thanks for explaining it.

Rick

 

[bobsguns]

I’m almost, almost tempted to go back and see about trading my Beretta 92 for one of the 59 series, but I’m also really fond of the -92 and it’s got Army nostalgia for me and I do feel the quality exceeds that of the Smiths to some extent with the particular pistols in question because my 27-year-old Beretta is super-nice and super-smooth and M9 magazines are everywhere. So, it’s safe in my safe. Unlike his smaller brother lol…

Huge drop in quality from a 92FS to a Smith, IMO. Accuracy, first & foremost. Huge drop in trigger, regardless if the trigger spring swap has been done on the Beretta or not. Smith triggers don't ever really get any better, regardless of springs.

The 59 certainly won't be more accurate than the 92 either. My original 92FS has several thousand rds through it in matches & I bought it used, so it has some wear on it. I have shot groups in it that would rival my upper tier pistols: Nighthawk, Baer, Walther, H&K. Original OEM bbl, original locking block too. The only Smith semi that shot well for me was my 52-2 & 22A-1. Ironic, as my Smith revolvers can all almost shoot a ragged cloverleaf at moderate distances. No comment needed about Smith revolver triggers.

I would maybe think of cleaning up the 92 just a bit. Maybe some new grips from VZ in a solid hold design for sweaty days? Or maybe some new sights? Fiber optic rear, perhaps? None of those changes are anywhere near permanent & can be done in moments. Switched back just as easily.



My .o2

 

[Rocketmedic40]

Huge drop in quality from a 92FS to a Smith, IMO. Accuracy, first & foremost. Huge drop in trigger, regardless if the trigger spring swap has been done on the Beretta or not. Smith triggers don't ever really get any better, regardless of springs.

The 59 certainly won't be more accurate than the 92 either. My original 92FS has several thousand rds through it in matches & I bought it used, so it has some wear on it. I have shot groups in it that would rival my upper tier pistols: Nighthawk, Baer, Walther, H&K. Original OEM bbl, original locking block too. The only Smith semi that shot well for me was my 52-2 & 22A-1. Ironic, as my Smith revolvers can all almost shoot a ragged cloverleaf at moderate distances. No comment needed about Smith revolver triggers.

I would maybe think of cleaning up the 92 just a bit. Maybe some new grips from VZ in a solid hold design for sweaty days? Or maybe some new sights? Fiber optic rear, perhaps? None of those changes are anywhere near permanent & can be done in moments. Switched back just as easily.

View attachment 769562

My .o2

Pretty much my thinking, I really, really like my Beretta in GWOT-config for its own merits and I’m hard-pressed to think of a better “combat” pistol, although I know there’s plenty of them out there. It’s a bit chonky for EDC, but I still love it and it’s still a shooter.

 

[GaryS]

I didn't know there was a show in Buda last weekend or I'd have gone.

 

[Rocketmedic40]

I didn't know there was a show in Buda last weekend or I'd have gone.

To the best of my knowledge, Shira’s Shooting Solutions out of San Marcos still has that 5904 and 5903.

 

[GaryS]

I'm tempted to drive down and take a look at the 5903. My 5906 is too heavy to carry, but a 5903 maybe...

I think you saw more 3rd Gens at that one show than I've seen since I moved here a year and a half ago.

To the best of my knowledge, Shira’s Shooting Solutions out of San Marcos still has that 5904 and 5903.

 

[bobsguns]

Pretty much my thinking, I really, really like my Beretta in GWOT-config for its own merits and I’m hard-pressed to think of a better “combat” pistol, although I know there’s plenty of them out there. It’s a bit chonky for EDC, but I still love it and it’s still a shooter.

If I had my hands some 20rd mags for mine, my old, original 92FS might well be the one I strap on were I headed down Main St in Tombstone. I agree, a bit large for EDC. Like doing a Govt 1911 5".

I also have two 92FS Compacts, one blue & one silver. The silver one was in the last bit of time of the non-MIM production. No plastic either. I paid $1100 for it 15+ years ago. It's unfired. My blue one is eye-talian, I carry this one. It has no rail, which is wonderful for carry.