Model 908....your comments please?

MTC(SS)Ret

MTC(SS)Ret

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I was browsing the LGS yesterday, looking in the used display and came across a Model 908. Looked to be in very good condition with an asking price of $500, including the original box and accessories. I thought about bringing it home as it looked like it
would serve well as a concealed carry option and would be fun to shoot at the range. I decided to wait until I did some research on the piece since I am not "fluent" in the earlier S&W semi-autos.

If anyone has experience with the 908 and would care to comment, including if the asking price is reasonable, I would appreciate your input.
 
A 908 is a great way to find out what 3rd gens are like. They are a budget gun, so usually run less expensive than a 3913.

Mine was ok, tho I did have a couple-three F2F’s each session. I didn’t work out the problem because I didn’t like the grip angle and general feel (just my preferences), I just passed it on. But many people like them just fine.

$500 with everything in today’s environment might be ok, I’m not really up on pricing. Good luck & have fun!
 
Although the 908 was originally a "budget Model", they are now in the "They do not make them Like That Anymore" category. Prior to the madness, that price would be on the high end within reason, but now, probably fine. Most folks here bought most of our guns (and ammo) a while back and current prices fluctuate more than in the past. The Model 908 is a nice gun that will do whatever you need a nine mm hand gun for. You will hear about MIM and plastic parts, but outside of Seal Team Six missions and with reasonable care it will serve you well.
 
I have 2 , a 908 and a 908S . They are great guns for what they are made for . Treated decently you will probably pass it on to your children or grandchildren , plus . you're getting it with the box and papers . Usually if a person thought enough to keep the box and papers , they treated it with respect and took care of it .
 
If it’s the “asking” price, there’s usually a bit of wiggle room for them to play with. Ask for the best cash price. Worst they can say is no.
 
HOUSTON RICK said:
Although the 908 was originally a "budget Model", they are now in the "They do not make them Like That Anymore" category. Prior to the madness, that price would be on the high end within reason, but now, probably fine. Most folks here bought most of our guns (and ammo) a while back and current prices fluctuate more than in the past. The Model 908 is a nice gun that will do whatever you need a nine mm hand gun for. You will hear about MIM and plastic parts, but outside of Seal Team Six missions and with reasonable care it will serve you well.
Click to expand...
The madness prices of today are for people who are buying their first gun, & box of ammo who are unprepared, & did not buy anything during the last few years when prices were rock bottom. It is their punishment for waiting until the last minute. Those of us who have plenty of guns, & ammo, who don’t NEED something now should avoid making a “stupid price” purchase at this time. I always keep extra cash around should a great deal come up, & the seller needs $ immediately, but with the “stupid prices” of today, I just yesterday dropped $2500 into the bank because I finally realized there are no more great deals, & I have everything I need. A few weeks ago I did get a great deal on a Mauser Broomhandle with the buttstock, but that’s an antique, & wasn’t affected by the current stupid pricing. So for someone who may have a bunch of 3rd Gen Guns looking to add another, I’d say don’t, at the current prices. Let the unprepared who didn’t pay the rock bottom prices of the last four years pay the “stupid prices” of today. GARY
 
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Last year in NE Florida $450 to $500 would have been good with box and accessories. Three years ago I paid $310 charges and taxes not included for a 3913 Ladysmith, just the pistol, one magazine, grips were ratty and finish much less than perfect. Internally it was like new.
Geoff
Who is happy with that purchase and negotiated it down to that price.
 
N4KVE said:
The madness prices of today are for people who are buying their first gun, & box of ammo who are unprepared, & did not buy anything during the last few years when prices were rock bottom. It is their punishment for waiting until the last minute. Those of us who have plenty of guns, & ammo, who don’t NEED something now should avoid making a “stupid price” purchase at this time. I always keep extra cash around should a great deal come up, & the seller needs $ immediately, but with the “stupid prices” of today, I just yesterday dropped $2500 into the bank because I finally realized there are no more great deals, & I have everything I need. A few weeks ago I did get a great deal on a Mauser Broomhandle with the buttstock, but that’s an antique, & wasn’t affected by the current stupid pricing. So for someone who may have a bunch of 3rd Gen Guns looking to add another, I’d say don’t, at the current prices. Let the unprepared who didn’t pay the rock bottom prices of the last four years pay the “stupid prices” of today. GARY
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I think we agree and act alike; however, fortunately, there is a world of folks who have had different experiences and think differently also it is their money. I do not pretend to know the OP'S situation, I do not think $500 for a 908 is outrageous at present though you would expect to do better a year ago. It would be a good price in Houston now. They may have accumulated other valuable things when we were accumulating guns and ammo.
 
Great gun, love the size and dead accurate. The 908 is the reason I tracked down a 3913. However, $500 is way out of line for a 908 IMHO.

Rosewood
 
I've had my 908s for a dozen years now. In my opinion, the only thing it's ever needed was an upgrade to the stock grip. Otherwise, it's been flawless. But I have to admit that it's only seen range use.
 
Awesome pistol. In fact, the model 908 is the gun that started my 3rd Gen addiction. She was my first. I now have over two dozen... Anyway, I carried my 908 for a few years and it proved to be an excellent carry gun. Sort of like an all metal Shield, if you will. Eats anything and everything you feed it. You should pick it up. You won't be disappointed.
 
Grab it! ALL pistols are selling at a premium. In California, other than the ever decreasing number of pistols and revolvers on the "Roster of Approved Firearms" due 3 need to be removed for every new one added, we are largely limited to private party transfer firearms.
 
The 908 was my introduction to third gen S&Ws. From there I bought a bunch (like the 908 and 908S below) and eventually refined my tastes to a 3953 and a 3914. Nevertheless, I would happily go back to the 908 if I had to because I know it had that basic accuracy and reliability of the series. Buy yourself some spare springs and enjoy your new purchase.

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To wrote a response to this a couple of days ago, but apparently it disappeared in a flash of electrons. My only comment worth repeating from it is that the 908 and it’s wide body sibling, the 910 both differ from the mainstream of Gen 3s in their slide to frame configuration and different barrel lug configuration. This means that if you decide to do any kind of modifications or upgrades you must keep this in mind. AFAIK, the internal parts of the action are all compatible with the mainline models. I have a Model 910 slide sitting in my parts box that I couldn’t use on the “Franken-Smith” project.

Froggie
 
Well, the OP hasn't checked in recently. I'm going to add that my 21 year-old Model 908 was $389 NIB, plus tax and license. In the current market, $500 with the box and two mags seems ok, considering that the 908 is no longer in production. I hope he gets it before someone else does.

I am very pleased with my 908. A Wolff Gunsprings reduced power mainspring and some judicious polishing of the internals made for great DA/SA trigger pulls, with 100% reliability.
 
I haven't had a chance to get back to the LGS and give a closer look at the 908. I haven't convinced myself I want to get another single stack or find something with more capacity. I have a 9EZ and really like the way it fits my hand and the great trigger and have been considering a M&P 2.0 Compact 3.6.
My wife always points out to me I am a big procrastinator and when it comes to guns it's true since I can never seem to make up my mind when it comes to seeing a gun I like. A couple months ago I missed a chance to get a Sig 239 at a good price.
 
I'd agree with the previous posts, the 908 is a great little carry piece and well worth it. $500 would be a bit high, but in this market and with original box, not completely out of line. The only thing I would recommend swapping out on it would be the plastic sights for some metal Trijicon night sights, those plastic ones are just too easy to bump out of alignment.
 
TercGen said:
The only thing I would recommend swapping out on it would be the plastic sights for some metal Trijicon night sights, those plastic ones are just too easy to bump out of alignment.
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The sights is the biggest issue I have with the value series. Trijicon is the only make one that makes sights for them and they are over $100. For standard 3rd gen guns, there are about 2 additional companies that make night sights for them that can be had for $70 or so if you look in the right place.

I spent a lot of time researching if I could make a set of Tru-Glo TFO sights fit on the 908 and never could talk myself in cutting on the slide or sights to make something fit. I even made a flat insert for the front sight that I could press in and then run a dovetail cutter over it to fit, but S&W uses a different angle on their dovetails that isn't readily available.

Rosewood
 
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Saw my first S&W 908 this weekend when a friend brought one over to get some lessons on shooting. His dad gave it to him. Nice looking firearm and it shot very well. Very accurate. Wasn't finicky on any ammo. Typical 3rd Gen S&W. I'd buy one if I can across one for a decent price.
 
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