I was shooting my 3913 again this weekend. This 3913 is an early production model with flash chromed hammer and trigger. It has right at 5000 rounds through it, about half 127 grain +P the rest 147 grain standard pressure.

While cleaning it I found excessive wear on the tops of the frame rails, on either side of the levers. This is through the anodizing and into the aluminum. There was also wear in the dustcover. It appears that the recoil spring is striking the bottom of the dustcover, and the left rail in the dustcover is worn though the anodizing to bare aluminum.

I have about 2mm lateral play in the slide at the muzzle, with about the same vertically. I have about 1mm play laterally at the rear of the slide, with about the same vertically at the rear.

I use TW25 grease and use it liberally on the frame and rails.

My question is, is this wear self limiting? How much wear is too much? Is there any recommendations on how to stop the wear? Can the aluminum frame be reanodized? What about hard chrome or some such coating? Thanks. Regards 18DAI.

5000 rounds is alot, and with approx of that (2500) being +P, that is stressin the alloy frame.

I read an article years ago, that upon recoil, the slide wants to lift up and a tighter fitted (slide to frame) will wear better than a looser fit, of course lubrication and the strength of ammo (+P) have alot to do with wear or longevity.

I dont reguarly shoot 147s, but dont they have more pressures than standard 115 ball. maybe you should switch unless 147 is provided.

Yes, your frame can be re-anodized, but if you go that route, try to get the remaining anodizing removed first, then re-anodize so the finish will be even (if that can be done).

since the frame rails are subject to the most wear, not sure if hard chrome would be the answer (I think you have to nickel first as the hard chrome will not stick to bare aluminum).

how bout Robar, the finish with Teflon. as it wears, it keeps teflon exposed. or IOBOND.

I am going to fit an Officers Model to a Alloy frame. I am seriously thinking about IOBOND as I want an all black firearm and it bonds to the surface of the frame plus it offers lubricity.

too bad they cant just do the frame rails (re anodize or new finish) to ensure the hardness or lubricity stays were its needed.

if not, keep it well lubed (frame rails) and shoot away.

Not sure if SW will back a warranty on an older gun.

good luck

Thanks CQB! I'll look into IOBOND. I won't send this one to S&W. Good to "see" you!! Regards 18DAI.

It has been my experience with S & W that they are very generous in standing behind their product (3rd Gen. Autoloaders). I will bet a dollar to a doughnut that if you contacted them and described the 'extraordinary wear' you are experiencing they will authorize a return to the factory for a total frame replacement. Give it a try before going thru expensive re-anodizing. ....... Big Cholla

I bought my first Glock 19 in 1991 for range/practice shooting gun because I was afraid of wearing out my alumunium frame 3913LS and Colt LW Commander (both later sold off in favor of the Glock). Looks like I was right.

What is a 3913? Don't sound like a revolver to me. Sounds like a auto.

Call S&W and talk to somebody in the service department. I lean toward sending it back and letting them have a look at it.

Well, this 3913 is far from "done in". It has simply started exhibiting some wear that concerned me. This 3913 has at least 5000 rounds through it and probably more than that. I lost my logs during a divorce.

About half of those rounds were Ranger 127 grain +P during qualifications for duty/off duty pistol. I would suggest that few on this board are going to shoot their 3913/3914, 3913NL, 908 or Ladysmith anywhere near that amount of rounds. So buy them....if you can find them as owners seldom let them go...and shoot them with confidence.

Despite the wear that has concerned me that 3913 was shot by a novice shooter on Saturday for about 150 rounds. That was this girls third time shooting anything. She was printing 3" groups at 15 yards using my 3913 by the end of the session. My groups on Saturday at the same distance could be covered by a half dollar. So the wear has not affected accuracy or reliability.

I am primarily interested in whether anyone here knows if the aluminum frame could be coated or re-anodized to prevent more wear.

I have every confidence in this 3913 and have it on as I type this.

I would not send it to S&W. They don't make a handgun as nice as a 3913 anymore, so if they determined there was any problem they have nothing to offer to replace the 3913 with. If I decide to do anything, it will probably go to Novaks or some other trusted gunsmithing shop. Thanks again. Regards 18DAI.

I know this is an old post, but 18 did you ever get that 3913 re-anodized?