Turned by the Dark Side... (3914)

[BLUEDOT37]

I guess it was bound to happen, but I said I wouldn't buy a 9mm, for various reasons. My son grabbed a nice 9mm a couple gun shows ago & there was a 3913 that kept reappearing that caught my eye, but was more than I wanted to pay, considering things. However, at last weekends show I decided to try & get the 3913's price down & buy it, but that dealer wasn't there.

Then I came upon a private seller's table with only two guns on it, a 629 & a 3914. The owner told me the 3914 was a back-up purchase to his primary one, years ago, & has been unfired since. Original box, papers & two mags, one of which was wrapped up in the brown oil paper & "hidden". Not a scratch on it. More dust than residue in it. Noticed the slide release plunger was very hard to operate at first but otherwise it was essentially NIB or darn close. Everything else looked great.

Got him to come down a bit to what I thought was an appropriate price (turned out to be about in the middle of what the most recent ones have sold for here on the forum) & the deal was done. It's nice not having to pay transfer fees, shipping & sales tax extra, finally, on a purchase.

Got it home & quickly disassembled it. I suspect it had a coupe rounds fired in it, after the factory's, but the magazines showed no wear & one only had a wisp of powder residue, as did the whole gun. It was bone dry though, no lube anywhere. The slide release's plunger spring (remember) & the decocker's plunger spring both had a hint of rust starting (untreated metal?) but a good flush, cleaning & lube fixed them. Still had the original funky green colored recoil spring in it. Put some replacement Wolff springs in that I had on hand from my other 3rd Gen. "additions"; recoil, firing pin & mainspring. Weight: 25oz. empty. SA trigger pull: 7#. Test fired some primer-only rounds good.

I hope to handload up some ammo shortly (got plenty of recipes from loading for the boys' 9mms & tons of brass) & see how it shoots at the range this week.

I guess I'm just a sucker for a good lookin' 3rd Gen, 9mm or not. I couldn't resist... but no more! -

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3914 disassembled

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3914 left side

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3914 right side

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3914 in bucket of 9mm brass

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3914 box label

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[rwsmith]

I would really like to have one of these. Good for you.

[JohnHL]

Nice pick up, BLUEDOT37!

Looks like the box is labeled: 9304

And if my math is correct that would be Halloween 1989 so...

Maybe there's more "dark side" to this pistol than just your description!

John

[BLUEDOT37]

Originally Posted by JohnHL

Looks like the box is labeled: 9304

And if my math is correct that would be Halloween 1989 so...

Maybe there's more "dark side" to this pistol than just your description!

John

That's what I calculate too, Oct.31, 1989, Halloween... kinda "SPOOKY" !?

And I was just thinking I should have entitled this "Turned by the dark slide..." instead.

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[TercGen]

That's a nice one, good find BLUEDOT37!

I love the older version 3914's like this with the slim levers. For some reason, I see a lot of them coming out of Texas on Gunbroker, and often for less then the 3913's. I actually prefer them for the blued finish.

It's cool that yours came with some of the blued mags as well, and they look to be in great shape.

Just a heads up in case you didn't know, Midway has factory recoil springs in stock for $2 right now.

Have fun at the range BLUEDOT37!

[BAM-BAM]

Need to slap a set of Hogue checkered wood grips on that baby...... in a lighter wood...... will make that a real head turner mini-39.....LOL

My primary cc guns are a 3913NL June -Sept and a 3914 Oct-May.....here in "the burbs of the Burgh"... like getting a new gun every 4-8 months.

[18DAI]

Congrats! And welcome to the dark side.

Nice early production 3914. All forged parts. And as we all know forged parts are 100% the strength of.......forged parts.

Enjoy that fine nine! Regards 18DAI

[nocents]

if you gots to go to the "dark" side......you know how to do it....love the photo of your 3914 in the brass....nice touch

[timn8er]

Very nice score!

[Drew816]

Nice find, enjoy!!!

[JeepinSoldier]

Great buy! Love the photos as well.

Glad that you plan to shoot it. My 3913 seems to really like Precision Delta 124 grain FMJ 9mm bullets over 4.5 grains of 231.

[03Fatboy]

That thing is sweet! My 3914 is one of my favorite shooters. I'm always amazed at how accurate and pleasant it is to shoot when I take it out. I think smith made it particularly for me, as it fits my hand well for a compact. Fits much better than the double stack compacts, which I usually shoot but put away fairly quickly after 50-60 rounds.

[kcode]

Congrats on an excellent find. I have a fetish for all Compact third gens in 9,40,and 45's with the 3913-14s being my favorites. a few years ago I found a 3914 in the same condition as yours, even the spare mag still wrapped tight in factory paper. Just for curiosity I went and checked the box, this is the label, very close to yours. Now go out and find a 6904 in the same condition.

[JohnHL]

Fascinating, kcode!

Your identical model 3914 was "built" one day later.

And 4000 frame (numbers) earlier!

Curious arithmetic at Springfield, Mass.

John

[Shorty 45 MK2]

Very nice 3rd gen even if it's only a 9mm.

[03Fatboy]

Originally Posted by JohnHL

Nice pick up, BLUEDOT37!

Looks like the box is labeled: 9304

And if my math is correct that would be Halloween 1989 so...

Maybe there's more "dark side" to this pistol than just your description!

John

Okay John, how we deciphering these numbers?

[JohnHL]

Originally Posted by 03Fatboy

Okay John, how we deciphering these numbers?

This might explain it: serial # and spec ord...some confusion

"I stand on the shoulders of giants."

John

[GaryS]

Nice 3914. They don't show up all that often, but sometimes when they do you can get a deal on them because most people prefer the 3913.

I have a very nice 3914NL, that I don't carry all that much. Still, I plan to hold on to it as it's a really nice piece.

Oh, and the original blue magazines are a nice (and rare) touch.

[BLUEDOT37]

Originally Posted by TercGen

I love the older version 3914's like this with the slim levers... I actually prefer them for the blued finish.
Just a heads up in case you didn't know, Midway has factory recoil springs in stock for $2 right now.

I noticed the difference in the levers & how much more they stand out from the frame almost right away. Nice difference.
Thanks for the Midway info.!
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Originally Posted by BAM-BAM

Need to slap a set of Hogue checkered wood grips on that baby...... in a lighter wood...... will make that a real head turner mini-39.....LOL

I've seen some nice ones in pictures here on the forum that I'd get if I knew exactly which one & where, but for now I put a set of the black rubber Hogues on. I sure like their feel.
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Originally Posted by 18DAI

Nice early production 3914. All forged parts. And as we all know forged parts are 100% the strength of.......forged parts.

I definitely prefer the forged steel parts too. Absolutely NOT the forged (fake) parts.
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Originally Posted by JeepinSoldier

Great buy! Love the photos as well.
Glad that you plan to shoot it. My 3913 seems to really like Precision Delta 124 grain FMJ 9mm bullets over 4.5 grains of 231.

Thanks! Sometimes it's so hard to get the detail you want & my camera's not that new anymore. Maybe I should skips the next nice 3rd Gen I see & buy a new camera? Nah!!
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Originally Posted by 03Fatboy

My 3914 is one of my favorite shooters... I'm always amazed at how accurate and pleasant it is to shoot when I take it out... I think smith made it particularly for me, as it fits my hand well for a compact.

It is a good size, not too small & not too big (& I like the big guys). I hope it shoots as good as it feels!
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Originally Posted by kcode

Congrats on an excellent find... A few years ago I found a 3914 in the same condition as yours, even the spare mag still wrapped tight in factory paper. Just for curiosity I went and checked the box, this is the label, very close to yours.

That's crazy. It definitely shows S&W has it's own ideas about issuing serial numbers.
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Originally Posted by 03Fatboy

Okay John, how we deciphering these numbers?

I cheat. I have an old organizer that shows the Julian date & the calender date. Just find day (304) in 1989. (I'm sure there's a smart phone app for that.) Look at the box & guess what decade applies to the first digit (9).

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[nocents]

Bluedotz.....I have a blue 3914 mag hiding amongst all my SS 3913 mags and it sticks out like a red headed step child......that I would trade straight up for a SS flavor.......only to keep you color coordinated...can you pick it out in the group photo??...one mag couldn't make the party as it is on duty in the 3913NL keeping 8 rounds of Hornady Critical duty in line

[BLUEDOT37]

Originally Posted by nocents

Bluedotz.....I have a blue 3914 mag hiding amongst all my SS 3913 mags and it sticks out like a red headed step child......that I would trade straight up for a SS flavor.......only to keep you color coordinated...can you pick it out in the group photo??...one mag couldn't make the party as it is on duty in the 3913NL keeping 8 rounds of Hornady Critical duty in line

Well, I thought I grabbed an extra magazine for the 3914 at the gun show, but once I got home & looked closer it's a (7) shot mag for the 3913TSW so I can't use it. It's new/unused & I'm going to sell it here on the forum for what I paid for it, $35, in case anyone needs one. S&W shows out-of-stock & they're almost $42. PN# 262800000.

If I acquire a SS 3913 mag I'll definitely take you up on it though. (I like the red/black contrast too.)
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[nocents]

I have a 7 rounder too but it's not for a TSW......the one with the steel base plate.................maybe you can find someone with a SS 8 round that needs a TSW mag and we can do a 3 way trade...just like major league G.M.'s do

[BAM-BAM]

Those 7rd steel base plate mags are my primary cc mag...... saves a whole 1/4 inch....... no printing with those mags.......LOL

Bluedot....... check out Hogue's website for their wood grips pictures of each wood that's available.........

[GaryS]

I would have gone for that deal, but I see gasaman has likely swooped in on the classifieds and grabbed the 7 shot magazine. I knew he was going to be competition!

nocents, if you find that blue mag and want to do a straight up swap for a SS one, PM me.

Originally Posted by nocents

I have a 7 rounder too but it's not for a TSW......the one with the steel base plate.................maybe you can find someone with a SS 8 round that needs a TSW mag and we can do a 3 way trade...just like major league G.M.'s do

[Ed333]

3914's are nice...wish I still had mine...

[opaul]

Great find especially with all the goodies.
I picked mine up last December and have yet to fire it, but I do pull it out and give it love once and a while.

[BLUEDOT37]

Originally Posted by opaul

I picked mine up last December and have yet to fire it, but I do pull it out and give it love once and a while.

Lots of TLC here too for all my adoptees also!

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[Dirtman]

Nice pistol and nice photography.

[brentb636]

Off topic, but perhaps pertinent, SUMMIT has some mags that might interest you, they certainly interest me.
Firearms, Guns, Rifles. Grain Valley, Missouri.

[jdf1966]

nice grab, had 1, lost my mind & let it go.great shooter.

[forestswin]

Hey, I saw this post on the Ampersand today.
did you win anything?

cool gun

[TercGen]

Originally Posted by GaryS

I would have gone for that deal, but I see gasaman has likely swooped in on the classifieds and grabbed the 7 shot magazine. I knew he was going to be competition!

They say the early bird gets the worm, but in this case it was the bird who was still up at 2am cruising the forums. Sorry gasaman and GaryS. I do have a used CS9 mag that I'd be willing to part with if you're really in need though.

[GaryS]

I used to do stuff like that when I worked the night shift. Got some nice deals from other night owls that posted for sale ads at odd hours.

I would have just bought it to toss in with the other magazines.

As you no doubt know, the magazines are the same except for the base plates. Which S&W periodically has although they frequently are on back order.

Originally Posted by TercGen

They say the early bird gets the worm, but in this case it was the bird who was still up at 2am cruising the forums. Sorry gasaman and GaryS. I do have a used CS9 mag that I'd be willing to part with if you're really in need though.

[Paints-n-cows]

I've got the 3914 (TEC24xx) in my safe. It came with one blued magazine.

I also have the 3913 (TEF11xx) in there next to it.

They are definitely a lot more enjoyable than the "plastic" guns put out today.

[TercGen]

Originally Posted by GaryS

I used to do stuff like that when I worked the night shift. Got some nice deals from other night owls that posted for sale ads at odd hours.

I would have just bought it to toss in with the other magazines.

As you no doubt know, the magazines are the same except for the base plates. Which S&W periodically has although they frequently are on back order.

Yeah, not something I really needed at the moment either, but being new and available right now was awfully attractive.

[BLUEDOT37]

Originally Posted by brentb636

Off topic, but perhaps pertinent, SUMMIT has some mags that might interest you, they certainly interest me.

That's interesting. Alway good to have another source to check for items. They even had a 9mm single stack pictured on that page. Maybe a 3953?
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Originally Posted by forestswin

Hey, I saw this post on the Ampersand today.
did you win anything?

LOL, not that I know off.
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Originally Posted by Paints-n-cows

I've got the 3914 (TEC24xx) in my safe... I also have the 3913 (TEF11xx) in there next to it. They are definitely a lot more enjoyable than the "plastic" guns put out today.

Without question! It's usually pretty boring at the gun shops with all the black plastic guns in the cases but occasionally, just occasionally, a nice metal one shows up to keep you coming back.
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Originally Posted by TercGen

Yeah, not something I really needed at the moment either, but being new and available right now was awfully attractive.

Besides, it's got your name on it already.

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[18DAI]

BLUEDOT37 you should get a nice holster for that 3914 from Ken Null. He has all the original SevenTrees holsters made for the ASP.

I am wearing my 3914 today in a Null holster. Best holster I've ever purchased. Not inexpensive, but well worth the price IMO.

I am waiting to hear whether or not I will be transferring back to coat & tie detective work. If so, I will be using the 3914 as a duty gun and will be getting an IWB Null holster for it. And dual mag pouch too. Regards 18DAI

[gunfrk]

I picked up a really nice 3914 while waiting for my dream gun, a 3913. I kept and enjoyed the 14 and my wife found a seemingly unfired 3913 at a Birmingham show for about half price which we took home. Well stupid is as stupid does, I eventually let the 14 go and have regretted it ever since. Enjoy and shoot it often.

[BAM-BAM]

Two IWB holsters I've been using for almost 20 years with 3913/14s are the Milt Sparks "Summer Special' and "Executive Companion"......

Some newer styles I'd like to try...... but can't wear out the ones I've got.... and they get worn 6-7days a week 3-18 hours/day....LOL

A OWB holster to consider if you can find one:..... about 20 years ago....I had a local shoemaker (yes a shoemaker/cobbler) shorten a Bianchi 19-L by a 1/2 inch ........still my "go to" OWB holster for my 3913 with rubber Hogue's and 5906 hammer.

[BLUEDOT37]

Got some ammo loaded up for a "try-out" of Dark Side. Handloaded a 100rds to start. Half of them were 124gr W-W FMJ with a moderate load of Power Pistol & the rest were 124gr Hornady XTP with a generous load of Power Pistol. Found they both hit about 3" above POA. Used a 6 o'clock hold & went thru 75rds. without any malfunctions. Handled & shot beautifully. Very easy to shoot. The extra strength recoil spring kept the brass fairly close.

Had the target about 12yds out with orange 2" dots stuck on the bullseyes & using a free-hand hold. Power Pistol seems to perform very well & I think I get the best accuracy out of it compared to similar speed powders. It's a little flashy, but I like it. I think I'll just keep things simple & stick with these two loads in the 9mm rather than try a bunch of combinations like I do with most of my other cartridges/guns.

These compact 3rd Gens always amaze me how accurate they are & this guy was no different. I don't think I could have picked a better model to be swayed by. I'm happy!

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3914 target - Hornady 124gr XTP

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[firescout]

Nothing wrong with the 9mmP round for social work. The newest loadings, like the Speer Gold Dot and Federal HST, provide much better terminal ballistics than in decades past. I find that among semi-autos, I shoot the compact Nine much better than a compact .40 or .45 ACP. I greatly value 'shootability' and shot placement, balanced with terminal ballistics.

[GaryS]

I shoot 9mm better than I did .40, which is why I got rid of my Glock 23. Well, one of the reasons. I shoot .45ACP better than I did .40 as well, at least in my 457. I'd probably do even better if I had a 4516 or 4506.

9mm loadings are perfectly good for self defense. Even .380ACP is getting better in that regard. I'd love a 3rd gen gun in .380ACP, but that will never happen.

Still my favorites are the 3rd generation 9mm guns.

Originally Posted by firescout

Nothing wrong with the 9mmP round for social work. The newest loadings, like the Speer Gold Dot and Federal HST, provide much better terminal ballistics than in decades past. I find that among semi-autos, I shoot the compact Nine much better than a compact .40 or .45 ACP. I greatly value 'shootability' and shot placement, balanced with terminal ballistics.