I've finally received a 3953 found on Gunbroker and am happy with it. It fits my hand very nicely and the trigger doesn't seem to be bad at all. I specifically sought out this particular model to fill a certain niche: it's single-stack, 9mm, and DAO. Yes, my other handguns are all Austrian...don't hold that against me.

I'm planning to order replacement springs for both the pistol as well as the initial three magazines I bought "just in case." I also plan to order at least two new mags for it in the near future as I like having a minimum of five available.

Questions:
Is anyone aware of a high-quality kydex holster maker making holsters and mag carriers for the 3953? I've got Milt Sparks leather goodness on order for IWB, but I'd like to run kydex OWB. The kydex folks with whom I'm familiar don't do anything for a 3953. I could go with High Noon or Andrews for leather OWB, but I've come to really like kydex for OWB.

Thoughts (pro and con) and suggestions for refinishing a 3953? I'm not a huge fan of stainless/silver finishes and am considering having this 3953 refinished to black. This pistol is a shooter, will probably become primary CCW in certain circumstances when the weather heats up (and it proves itself), and I simply can't see ever getting rid of it now that it's finally mine.

Night sights? Trijicon or Meprolight is the way I'm leaning but welcome other suggestions.

Thanks for the info...and by the way, I hold you all responsible for this foray into S&W. I'm thinking some kind of .45 in the future.

Excellent choice. I don't know anything about refinishing or holster but I have several 3rd gen pistols including a DAO 6946 which is the double stack version of yours. I have two 3913s and I tried to trade one of them to a 3953 but no takers. I hope you find what you are looking for and get it finished the way you want it. Enjoy.
6946

Fist Kydex can make you one for your 3953:

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I own 3 Fist IWB holsters. They are for a 3913. a 640, and a Glock 23. They conceal very well. I like the design except for a few drawbacks. One is that the loop is put on with a metal stud and the back of that stud can scratch your gun. I cover it with some tape. Also, on my 3913 the holster half covers the decock lever and it has cracked at that point. I drill stopped the crack and all is well. I put up with the deficiencies because the holsters conceal so well especially if you carry in the extreme forward position. That is probably a 20 degree or possibly a little more forward tilt which brings the grip to a nearly vertical position. You will get no printing carried like that.

The kydex actually fits the gun rather loosely but the material will still burnish the edges of the slide and where the frame contacts the the holster around the trigger guard. It will probably wear a little faster than in a leather holster but I am ok with that for a carry gun.

I am probably going to order a Fist holster for my 457 which is now carried in a Highnoon holster. The Highnoon is ok but I don't think it is really worth the money that they charge for it.

Bill

Blade-Tech makes good quality holsters and they offer them for the 3913. I think that should also fit the 3953. I don't have one of their holsters for a S&W but I bought their UCH holster for my Ruger LC9 and it is very well made and works great. My only complaint is that the Kydex is a little hard on a blued finish. I have a few small spots worn through the bluing. Take a look at Blade Tech holsters, knives and tactical gear for military, law enforcement, shooting competition and hunting..

I just added a set of Meprolight sights to my 3913 and I am quite pleased.

I have a 3954 (black DAO model) and I had Tool tech install a bar dot system. Front sight is regular trit dot that I colored the white outline green and the rear is a tritium bar with white dots colored orange.

I would keep the finish the same as long as it is not too beat up. Save your money.

Fist is the only Kydex dealer I would choose. I think Bladetech's kydex is too thick.

Thanks for the info....I've got some decisions to make now that the December financial blood-letting is over.

I have a FIST ultra thin kydex holster for my 4043, IWB with the metal spring clip, and highly recommend it. The level of concealment this holster provides is superior to any other holster I've tried. That said, I'm sure their OWB kydex models are equally good.

I have owned three Blade-Tech holsters and they are also good, but as stated they are a little thicker. No bad choices here...good luck!

I returned my barrel to Novak & they replaced the sites (trijicon) for about $80.00. Don't remember if that included shipping or not, but it has been 2 or 3 years now. Because I only shipped the barrel, it came & went in regular mail.
I ran into several mags, used, in the local dealer store.
Where do you plan on purchasing the extra springs? I read somewhere that this model is getting old & it would be a good idea to get extras. I assume that the springs will be fine no matter how long they are stored as long as they are not in the gun. Is that correct?
Of course, I don't know if I'll see mine again, an adult child has "dibbs" on it. lol
Thanks!

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