3913 Dumb question...

[baird]

...and the reason it's dumb is that I'm going to ask for opinions to a question that I have most likely already decided.

I hope that was clear. Basically I'm just trying to justify a new purchase and this is probably the wrong place for that.

I found very clean used 3913 Ladysmith (possibly unfired) at the LGS for a price that appears to be about the going rate. Only two mags included.

What I'm trying to justify to myself is why I would make such a purchase when I have a Shield Plus that shoots better than I do, carries more rounds, has better sights and is a joy to carry.

I had a 3913 back when they first appeared and it was the first 9mm off duty gun I purchased when my department switched from M64s to 3rd Gen S&W .40 cal guns. Did I keep the 3913? Of course not, because I had not yet learned to never sell guns.

So lets see...the 3913 mags are crazy expensive, tough to find any aftermarket sights and not many holster options (I still have a High Noon Mr. Softy though). It makes no sense to buy the 3913, so I guess I will head there tomorrow to see if it is still in the shop.

Since it seems like I really don't have a question...how about any sources for factory mags? I like the flat baseplates too, so how about any ideas there? I have already checked the usual places like GB and eBay but can always use another source.

Thanks for letting me express my happiness over a new gun.

 

[ACEd]

Hard to resist a 3913/3914 in good shape at a reasonable price, particularly an unfired if complete with box and 2 original SW mags.

If you are patient and keep watching EB and GB and especially the classifieds here you can probably score a mag or 2 in the $50 range. As to holsters, I have no input.

BUT - I have to ask Why would you need a holster and extra mags for a 3913 that appears to be unfired. Any special value would come from its condition.

If I were looking for a pistol to carry / shoot, I would be looking for a good used pistol with more mags at a potentially lower cost.

Go back to my top statement.

 

[jsbethel]

Midway has the flat baseplates if you want to switch them out on the magazines you do find.
I have little willpower for unneeded 3913 pistols myself.

Access Denied

 

[toddimusnimski]

Having fond memories of a gun from one's past is certainly a good reason to pick up another. I am very nostalgic and would do the same if the right one came along.

Yes, magazines can be found at $50 and under if you are patient. The same size magazines were used in the 3913, 3914, 3953, 3954, and 909 so they are out there. Several of mine came from an out-of-town gunshop and were mislabeled as for a Chiefs Special with prices that were reasonable. If nothing else, it gives you a good excuse to hit the gun shows, gun shops, and pawn shops in your area.

Be sure to post some pics when you pick it up.

Todd

 

[pasound]

Why a 3913? Because it's a 3913! One of the earliest of the S&W "mid-size" 9's, and still one of the best. Found mine in a forum ad from a nice member at a good price. Stainless steel and alloy, honest wear points, and a good shooter. I found a couple of extra magazines by cruising eBay for mags marked 53's, 54's and 909's. A couple of new red followers and springs and all work like new.

 

[Kenna]

Buy it. Youll find mags.

 

[.455_Hunter]

I will put the utility of my 3914DAO light-years ahead of the "Shield" dumpster fire.

 

[baird]

Ok, ok, ok!!! Uncle! You all have talked me into a new gun, provided someone hasn't snatched it up while I was talking instead of buying.

ACEd, I guess that I am a guy who shoots everything that I own. Not that I own much, but I get enjoyment out of spending time at the range and I really don't think a 3913 is a true rarity to be preserved for future generations.

I'm being a wiseguy, but for a moment of seriousness, I look at life a bit differently nowadays. Since 2017 I have lost my only sibling, my sister, my father in law and my first wife, all to cancer. My new wife had breast cancer 4.5 years ago and we are awaiting the pathology report following her hysterectomy surgery from last week. We have already been told that the biopsy showed cancer, but we don't know more details yet.

So, sorry for the heavy tone but I want to enjoy and use the things I have, not preserve them for some unknown person to enjoy after I'm gone. Those corny old sayings are true...enjoy every day.

And now back to your regularly scheduled smarta** stuff!

 

[baird]

I will put the utility of my 3914DAO light-years ahead of the "Shield" dumpster fire.

I had one of the original Shield 9mms when they first came out. Either it or I was a terrible shot because it was not that accurate. I sold it at a loss to a friend who just couldn't live without it. My Shield Plus is extremely accurate for me. I added a Dawson fiber optic front sight and black rear and I can easily hit 8" steel plates at 30 yards and I'm not Jelly Bryce.

In fairness, neither Shield had any malfunctions in my hands. It's my hiking and warm weather gun.

 

[pasound]

Baird, my prayers to you and your wife.

Take care of life before you spend money on a gun you will find again, later.

 

[ACEd]

Sorry for your losses and challenges, buy and enjoy.

 

[Yendor357]

Man, what’s in the water in Pa?

Are you Catholic? We were taught to feel guilty for everything.

When you’re young, you scratch, and save and invest your money so it’ll grow, and provide an income when you stop working.
If you’re retired, it’s Go Time! There will never be an armored car following a hearse. Besides, a nice used gun is a solid investment. It’ll keep up with inflation. Buy a nice used gun, and your wealth has simply changed forms.

Oh, and if you want to save money, stay out of gun shops.

 

[yeti]

Why? Because 3913's are awesome!
Thin, light, compact, reliable and durable. Small, but not too small.

If you buy it... mags will come

 

[JM4151]

Buy it!! I am going thru similar health problems with my wife too. Life to too short and I am 78 years young. Again if you can afford the gun and have relatives to leave it to, when the time comes, spend the money.

 

[3rdgenfriend]

3913 will bring joy!

Hi Baird and Everyone !

another old saying is "you can't take it with you"...if a 3913 will lift your spirits and bring joy then enjoy the joyous joy you'll have and extend that joy to others when you share your joy at the range. Oh, and do not worry, one of us smith-wessonforum folks will buy it and enjoy it if you have to let it go.

I love my ladysmith 3913 and glad to have it and shoot it. In fact will have to take it out on my next range visit.

Mine came from my LGS with 2 mags and the Ladysmith soft case all in mint condition no original box. It didn't look fired. It was on consignment tor $600.00 but I eventually got it for $500.00 which is a bit high but to me very worth it.

Peace to you and your wife ... 3GF

 

[FoundFather]

No one is getting any younger

Carpe diem, OP!

 

[lkabug]

OP, next time just buy the gun.
Then ask this group if it was OK. It's always OK to acquire a new gun with this group of enabling souls.

 

[baird]

Well, a sincere thank you to everyone for all the kind words. We still haven't heard the pathology report but remain hopeful.

Spoiler alert! I bought the gun! My wife and I had a conversation and she said "go get it!" So I did.

I don't think it's unfired, but it certainly has not had many rounds through it.

It cost me $279 out the door, which included a ratty old shotgun in trade.

Now, off to hunt for "cheap" mags and get to the range!

All joking aside, we truly do appreciate the kind words and prayers.

 

[Yendor357]

$279, plus a ratty old shotgun? You are killing me! Oh good heavens. lol! What a steal!

My friend had a 3913 for a while. I couldn’t get over how accurate it was. That little gun shot almost as well as my big ol 92 Beretta.

My G3 Smiths are all awesome. I have to feed them jacketed bullets is the only bad thing I can think to say about them.

Wow………$279……

 

[baird]

To be fair, I have done business with the shop owner for a bunch of years and I really think he was being kind. The trade was an 870 Express Magnum that I got very cheaply due to rust. I got it during covid for $150 and planned on fixing it up. The thing in my favor was that it had a 26" vent rib barrel with a good bore, that the owner really wanted for the barrel alone. Let's see if I can attach pictures, remembering that I'm no photographer.

I guess figuring out the math, it really wasn't a great deal, but we were both happy and that's what matters.