I'm thinking for selling my 3913NL and getting a Colt Defender 9mm. I've got mixed feelings about doing this and would like some input from those here that might have a 3" 1911 and could offer a vote -either way. I've got some 3" 1911s ,but in 45acp.

I personally think the 3913 is a better gun for SD carry as you can carry it DA, hammer down, and if you desire, with the safety on. Although I carried 1911s for many years, I've also carried S&W autos, Berettas, and Walthers; all of them can be carried the same.

Haven't heard much about the 9mm Defenders, though the .45ACP models are supposed to be good from what I have read and heard from a co-worker who owns one.
Given the choice between a 3913 and a Defender, I would keep the 3913NL for the reasons cited by Safearm and Moondawg, unless there was a problem with it that couldn't be fixed and I needed to replace it. YMMV, but that's my $0.02.

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Ban lunatics and criminals

Well since they are the same caliber I would stick with the 3913 NL.

Grab the Colt. It's as good a gun as the 3913 and if you were to want to sell it down the road, it'll bring twice the money.

I would find it hard to believe that it would bring twice the money.

I have owned both (although the Colt Defender I had was in .45 ACP and not 9mm.)

Personally, for a CCW, I would go with the 3913. It is a great handgun, and I have been kicking myself for trading it (mine was a TSW model.)

If you want a 1911 style 9mm, but a little less bulk than the Defender, you might consider a Colt New Agent. Otherwise, I would stay with the 3913.

Like it or not, the Colt name commands a premium.
Gun Broker (dot) com. 3913 current asking price is $400-$450. Colt Defenders are $800-$850.

I could never trade my 3913 for a Colt or anything else for that matter. The 3913 is the ultimate CC gun for me and many others. If you want the Colt...save up and add it to the stable....just my thoughts.

Here in Montana the only Colts that command a premium are original Single Action Army and original cap and ball revolvers. Gunbroker has its own pricing however.

Randy

I have a Colt new Agent 45 with a Crimson Trace laser on it and it has been very dependable and very accurate- more so that the 3913NL. Size wise the Colt is about the same size as my CS9- the NL is larger.. If I went with the 9mm Colt (Defender or New Agent) I would put the C/T laser on it( I don't think they are available for the 3913 series)- with my eyes , I need all the help I can get. Thanks for your opinions.

I would agree with you there, my reference would be more with the 3913NL or non-labeled Lady Smith which generally ring in around $600. But then again maybe the OP was referring to a standard 3rd Gen 3913, and not the "greyed" Lady Smith or Non-labeled Lady Smith.

Although the Colt name may bring a higher price when and if he wants to sell it, he wants a CCW to carry and you just can't beat the 3913NL. My Defender spends time in the safe while I carry my 3919NL.

I agree with azranger; I sold my 3913NL and spent some time carrying a Colt Officer's, and then a CCO before eventually coming back to a 3914. I wish I still had my NL. The 3913/3914 has a really great, flat profile that makes it hide easier OWB and more comfortable IWB. I also found it annoyed me to have to deal with yet another flavor of 1911 magazine on top of all the varieties I already have to keep track of.

I would stay with the 3913 or if the funds allow keep the 3913 and buy the colt as well. You cant never have too many guns.