Single Stack 9's for CCW/Home Defense

copper06 · #1 03-31-2012, 05:01 PM

This is a list I compiled while doing research for reliability, ease of use, familiarity, and yes, looks. I was also finding many different threads/articles about these various models but none where they were all listed for ease of shopping/comparison. Hopefully this list will make it a bit easier on anyone else trying to find a nice older S&W semi-auto that is compact, reliable, and something that can be passed on to their children.

These are obviously the "older" S&W's in that there are no polymer frames.

They all have rounded trigger guards, not squared (just don't like that look and never shot using them). There are some of these models where earlier versions have rounded triggerguards then they went to squared, but the model number stayed the same. They all have single stack magazines for the thinner grips. They all are more compact versions vs. full size; ie 439. They all are 9mm for availability of ammo., price considerations. These are double action pistols with 1st shot double action, some vary as to what subsequent shots are; single action/double action only. I did list at least one all steel version as primary consideration for now is home defense vs. concealed carry.

CS9, CS9D, 908, 908S, 909, 3904, 3906, 3913, 3913LS, 3913NL, 3913TSW, 3914, 3914DAO, 3914LS, 3914NL, 3914TSW, 3953, 3953TSW, 3954

The "CS" is for Chiefs Special, "CS9D" is double action only. "S" is for Stainless; 908S. "LS" is the LadySmith model. "NL" is the same as LadySmith without the name on the slide. TSW is a "Tactical" factory designation with various improvements over "stock" Smiths as the years went by. You can find "Tactical" inscribed into the slides of these weapons.

Have any to add please feel free.

mlk18 · #2 03-31-2012, 05:23 PM

Good stuff. I could only think of two (or three) that you are missing.

There is a 3914DAO that was essentially a 3954 made for the NYPD (but not called a 3954 for some reason). The CS9 comes in two forms; the CS9 and the CS9D, which again is DAO. And then finally there is the mythical 3946 which may or may not have actually existed. It is allegedly a DAO steel frame 3906.