3953 vs 908s
- Thread starter dons385
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
FirebirdV8
Member
The 908s has a steel frame and is a TDA trigger system (this can be converted to DAO, but that will cost extra). Also the 908 won't have as many rounded edges as the 3953. The 3953 will be a little lighter since it has an alloy frame. It also has a DAO trigger system.
Either way you get a great gun. The differences are just a matter of taste.
Posted from my BlackBerry using BerryBlab
Either way you get a great gun. The differences are just a matter of taste.
Posted from my BlackBerry using BerryBlab
jaysouth
US Veteran
The 2 908s that I have owned and shot(still have one) are alloy framed.
The 908 is the "value" model of the 3913, with cheaper finish on the carbon steel slide, less machining on the slide(it has a different profile than the 3913). It will not fit in well made 3913 holsters like Kramer or Rosen. It also has plastic sights and a plastic recoil spring guide rod.
The 3953 is double action only version of the 3913. It will fit any holster made for the 3913(or 908).
You are getting a better deal with the 3953. But a couple of boxes of ammo and become proficient with the action type. If your previous experience with handguns is with revolvers or pistols like the Glock, you will take to the 3953 like a duck to water.
The 908 is the "value" model of the 3913, with cheaper finish on the carbon steel slide, less machining on the slide(it has a different profile than the 3913). It will not fit in well made 3913 holsters like Kramer or Rosen. It also has plastic sights and a plastic recoil spring guide rod.
The 3953 is double action only version of the 3913. It will fit any holster made for the 3913(or 908).
You are getting a better deal with the 3953. But a couple of boxes of ammo and become proficient with the action type. If your previous experience with handguns is with revolvers or pistols like the Glock, you will take to the 3953 like a duck to water.
Dot_mdb
Member
I like both trigger systems but I would go with the 908S. That is the stainless steel version of the 908 and a brand new one is worth $525.
Bill
Bill
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2005
- Messages
- 8,018
- Reaction score
- 7,100
I am sorry to say this is not correct. The 908S has a stainless slide and an alloy frame in satin color to match the satin stainless slide The Value Series pistols (908, 909, 910, 915, 410, 411, 457) all have alloy frames, plastic sights and plastic magazine catches.
The 3rd Gen pistols, 3904 and 06, 3913 and 14, 5904 and 06, 4506, 1006 and all of the variations of those have steel sights, steel magazine catches, etc. The 3rd Gen pistols are pricier, but they are higher for a reason. No cost cutting measures.
FirebirdV8
Member
You are right, I forgot about the difference between the standard 3rd gen series and value line. I also forgot to mention that the value line pistols will have plastic sights and the 3953 will have the Novak style sights.
The Value Series pistols (908, 909, 910, 915, 410, 411, 457) are 3rd gen pistols. Also this is my experience with them:
They all have plastic sights.
The 908 had plastic recoil spring guide, mag catch nut and mag catch as orginal parts. I believe this was also true with the 909, 910 and 410.
The 411 and 456 used metal recoil spring guides and mag catches.
I recently ordered a new mag catch for my 908, while the part number denotes a plastic part what I received was a metal replacement. The mag catch nut is still plastic as the design is a press on fit not threaded. I believe that S&W phased out the plastic parts due to wear issues. I am not sure about the recoil spring guide as I ordered a 3913 one for mine to play it safe. I like the Value pistols and feel they have their place in the $350 and less range (maybe $400 for a clean 457 or 457s), above that I agree with Shawn that you should be looking for the standard pistols. If the 3953 is in good shape $425 is not a bad price. YMMV.
m.
