3913 NL, The Wait is Over

[loeman]

I've been watching for a 3913 NL for quite awhile and very recently this one appeared at a price I was comfortable with. Including all taxes, fees and transfer, I have $409.00 in this gun. I don't like to buy sight unseen, but took a chance on this online purchase. As you likely know this is the Ladysmith without the Ladysmith markings and was only made for 2 or 3 years. It came with two OEM mags and chewed up Hogue rubber grips. I like Hogues and have replaced them with a new set.

Now for my question. I plan to CC this gun and am interested in a good IWB holster. Some recent posts have had positive comments on the Milt Sparks models. These look great but maybe there are one or two other brands that I should consider.? I want a quality holster but definitely would like to keep the price under $200. Please let me know what you think. Thanks for your help.

 

[gmiller0737]

I've been watching for a 3913 NL for quite awhile and very recently this one appeared at a price I was comfortable with. Including all taxes, fees and transfer, I have $409.00 in this gun. I don't like to buy sight unseen, but took a chance on this online purchase. As you likely know this is the Ladysmith without the Ladysmith markings and was only made for 2 or 3 years. It came with two OEM mags and chewed up Hogue rubber grips. I like Hogues and have replaced them with a new set.

Now for my question. I plan to CC this gun and am interested in a good IWB holster. Some recent posts have had positive comments on the Milt Sparks models. These look great but maybe there are one or two other brands that I should consider.? I want a quality holster but definitely would like to keep the price under $200. Please let me know what you think. Thanks for your help.

Take a look @ UBG Holsters that is what I have for My regular 3913 it's similar to The Milt Sparks Summer Special ( I own several Sparks holsters for other Guns) Home | UBG Holsters I think the one I own is The Striker

 

[BAM-BAM]

Nice score..... been carrying a 3913NL as my primary concealed carry since they were introduced (1990/1991??) ...... in a Milt Sparks Executive Companion.

Check out Hogue Checkered wood grips...... $$s but well worth it.

For me the Sparks + Hogue stuff cost about $5/ year..... aka one Starbucks coffee.

 

[URIT]

Nice score! I own a 3913NL and LS, plus a 3953 which has been my EDC for nearly 3 years.

I carry my 3953 in a thin leather IWB holster with great retention that is designed to work well with my NL and LS models too.

The holster is a Don Hume H715-M WCS (#28-1), which can be worn cross draw, behind or in front of the hip. It is priced under $40 and worth every penny.

$409 OTD is a great price. Congratulations and enjoy a fine pistol.

 

[VASCAR2]

I carried a S&W 3913 NL for about nine years for plain clothes and off duty till my Agency transitioned to Glock 22/23. I carried my 3913 NL in a summer special with one snapped belt loop. I had one magazine with a metal base plate that held seven rounds but was more concealable. I also had the two supplied mags, one with the flat plastic base and one with the finger extension.

If I needed an IWB holster today I’d buy a DeSantis Sof-Tuck I’m not sure if the Milt Sparks Summer Special is still being made for the 3913. I changed the grey plastic grip to the factory black grip. I also changed the sights to Meprolight Night Sights.

My 3913 was very shootable and accurate. I traded my 3913 as I couldn’t afford to keep it on a cops budget.

I carried my Department issue W-W 115 grain JHP +P+ and I don’t ever remember having a malfunction. My Agency would use dummy rounds and empty brass cases to induce a stoppage. I don’t remember any stoppages with my 5904 or 3913 unless it was intentionally induced. My 3913 and 5904 would feed empty brass in training and I don’t remember any bullet that wouldn’t feed in my 3rd gen S&W semi autos.

Op, you got a good deal on a great pistol.

Here is a link to the DeSantis Sof-Tuck holster description.

Fit:
Right
SMITH & WESSON:
SMITH & WESSON 39-13
Color:
Natural
Application:
S&W 39-53; 39-54; 39-53TSW; 39-14; 39-14DAO; 59-04; 59-06; 59-44; 59-46; 69-04; 69-06; 69-44; 69-46
SKU:
106NA83Z0
Make:
SMITH & WESSON
Availability:
In Stock

 

[RV4driver]

Nice! Looks just like mine. Never a failure of any kind. One of the two most reliable semi-autos I own. The other being a Beretta 90-two. I got a Hogue rubber grip from a retired cop, worn but still servicable. Much better in the hand than the slim gray plastic one.

 

[GerSan69]

I've tried dozens of holsters over the years, and my current favorite is the N8 Tactical "G2" series IWB. The padding is very thin but also VERY effective. I don't know how they managed it but when you slide this into your waistband, you cannot feel even one uncomfortable spot. Not one! And it stays that way for hours. I've gone 8 to 10 hours and have yet to get to a point where it becomes even a little noticeable.
By coincidence, I got the one for the 3913 because I have several guns in that size range. It's an elastic pocket, but they also have one with a hard shell. $45-$60, well worth every penny.

 

[Brian Parrish]

N8Tactical.com

Congratulations to you!
And I want to echo the previous comment. You will love the Nate Squared IWB holster. The company started by 2 guys both named Nate.

The one called the "hers" is on closeout, 44.95 at this writing.
I cannot tell what about it makes it a "Hers" instead of a "Hims".
I be a Hims and I love it. If you are one of those who insists that your ladysmith pistol not actually say "Ladysmith", then by all means get the original. The "original" is on closeout at $35.95!

The part that fits the gun is all elastic and conforms to the shape of several different pistols nicely. The belt clips are strong, good quality, and also not too tight to remove from the belt. Another commenter mentioned the padding which I will second the recommendation, it is excellent.

 

[loeman]

I want to thank all of you for your comments, especially regarding holsters. I've been watching You Tube holster reviews and am very dubious about some of them. That's why I came here for your comments. You took the time and effort to respond and I'm grateful to you and this forum.

I haven't bought yet but I'm leaning heavily to the Nate N8 G2. And I like the price!

 

[GeoJelly]

Good looking 3913 sir - I really like the Hogue's too. I don't at all care for their revolver grips, but their auto grips are the best. Ironically younger Hogue (Aaron, I think) was recently killed in a jet crash

 

[mauser9]

Nice one! From the condition of the grips and finish looks like it has not been carried or fired much. Like to keep my CS-9 in stock condition even though I do like those Tercen grips. Looks similar to yours in fact. Glad I have it as I made mistakes in the past with trades.

 

[GaryS]

Several years ago when N8 started up I talked to them about holsters for the 3rd Gens. At that time they had no products that would work, but they seem to have corrected that. I'm thinking I'm going to order a G2 for my 3913 guns and see how it works. If it works well, I'll get one for my 457 (if the same one doesn't work for both sizes).

 

[GerSan69]

I'll tell ya, like most on here I have -boxes- of holsters. I'd guess maybe 150+, all shapes, sizes and types. For instance, I must have 30 or 40 Don Humes because they had a liquidation on eBay and I picked up a bunch for cheap.
But like I said, the N8's comfort blew me away. I simply have no other IWB that's as close to the comfort. And as was said, it does allow several different guns because of the elastic pocket, which I found to be a bit more rugged than what you usually find in that style. I was just taking my wife to an appointment, so I put the Taurus GX4 in it - perfect fit, even with the squared-off trigger guard.
Thanks for the info on the sale - I think I'll get another for some of my guns that seldom see daylight because I don't have anything comfortable enough.

 

[revolver4954]

S&W 3913 holster

I traded a Walther PPK—terrible gun—for a new S&W 3913 which served me excellently for decades as my carry gun. Shot like a tack-driver for me. I used a Brommeland ISW holster in black leather.

 

[GaryS]

I bought an OT2 Combat G2 IWB holster and it came today. It's a well made product and is comfortable. There is only one big problem. I can not reholster it because the elastic pocket collapses when I draw the 3913.

Unfortunately, none of their hard shell holsters work with the 3913, so unless I can figure it out I think I'm going to have to return it.

I've tried dozens of holsters over the years, and my current favorite is the N8 Tactical "G2" series IWB. The padding is very thin but also VERY effective. I don't know how they managed it but when you slide this into your waistband, you cannot feel even one uncomfortable spot. Not one! And it stays that way for hours. I've gone 8 to 10 hours and have yet to get to a point where it becomes even a little noticeable.
By coincidence, I got the one for the 3913 because I have several guns in that size range. It's an elastic pocket, but they also have one with a hard shell. $45-$60, well worth every penny.

 

[loeman]

3913 Update and Holster Review

I finally had a chance to function test my "new" 3913 NL. It performed perfectly and is also quite accurate. Couldn't be hapier with this purchase.

I also bought a N8 Tactical G2 IWB holster and had a chance use it yesterday for about 5 hours. I love it! Especially how close it rides next to my body. The draw is good and will get better with practice. I also like the belt clip. The clip easily snaps into place on my 1.5 inch wide Bullhide belt. However, I agree with GaryS that re-holstering is is not as easy as I would like, but the comfort, fit and draw makes it a keeper for me. Here's a pic.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Deserves a nice leather holster..... Sparks Summer Special or Executive companions have served me well for over 30 years... if you like the Hogue's check out their checkered wood grips; they don't cling to clothing.

 

[GaryS]

I agree. I love the fit and comfort, but the re holster problem is a deal breaker for me.

If you have any hints to make it easier, I'd appreciate it.

I finally had a chance to function test my "new" 3913 NL. It performed perfectly and is also quite accurate. Couldn't be hapier with this purchase.

I also bought a N8 Tactical G2 IWB holster and had a chance use it yesterday for about 5 hours. I love it! Especially how close it rides next to my body. The draw is good and will get better with practice. I also like the belt clip. The clip easily snaps into place on my 1.5 inch wide Bullhide belt. However, I agree with GaryS that re-holstering is is not as easy as I would like, but the comfort, fit and draw makes it a keeper for me. Here's a pic.

 

[goldenboy]

I've been carrying one of my 7 3rd gens in a Crossbreed Supertuck for 7 or 8 years now. Fits everything from my 908 to the 6906's to the 5900s. Sometimes I actually need to feel with my elbow to remind myself if I'm wearing out or not. Will conceal most of them with just a t-shirt. And tuckable with dress shirt.

With horsehide upgrade it's about $100. Check them out. Won't be sorry.