3913 or 6906?

[915]

Here I go again, getting myself all lathered up over something I don't really need. [emoji849]

Lately I've been feeling an itch for a compact third gen for more concealed carry to complement my full size 915/5906 hybrid. I'm excluding the CS model lines for now, ONLY because they seem to be harder to find deals on. Which leaves me with these two.

I'm open to all particular variants and calibers at the moment, but I'm looking for real, honest opinions on the two platforms, so this would the the single stack 3913/3914/908/4513/4013/457 etc. vs. the double stack 6906/6904 etc. Which do you prefer and why?

I don't need it, but I keep scouring gun shops and listings so I might as well make sure I'm looking for the right thing.


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[lhump1961]

For me it mostly depends on how it feels in your hand. The 6904/06 are of course double stack and have thicker grips to accommodate the mags...but 12+1 with the ability to go to 15+1 with 5906 mags and a grip adapter. The 3913/14 and such are single stack and fit my hand a bit better...8+1 but quite a bit lighter (mostly ammo weight) for carry. I can't say I shoot one better than the other and I carry both. If I were pressed and could only have one I would lean towards the single stack due to the slightly better feel (for me) and ease of carry.

You can't go wrong either way. Of course both is the real answer.

Here are a few to wet your whistle. The black one is a 6904 that I swapped out the ambi safety for a single sided version. The others are all 3913's. Let us know what you decide.

edit: I would definitely go 9mm.

 

[Cal44]

I have only one -- A 3913 Lady Smith.

Shoots very nicely, and I like the way it looks.

If you don't like having a gun that says "Lady" on it, there is a 3913 NL which is the same only without the "Lady Smith" inscription.

 

[TercGen]

I own a 6904 as well as various single-stack 3rd Gens (39xx/4040PD/457), and I greatly prefer the single-stacks for carry guns. Easier to conceal the gun, and much easier to conceal the spare magazines. A 3913/3914/908 is IMO the ideal carry gun year-round.

If I do carry a double-stack it tends to be a 915, as I don't find much difference in concealment between it and a 6904.

 

[915]

Thanks guys, you've got me leaning towards the single stack lines. Still open to the 6906, etc. but I really don't need another 3rd gen that isn't going to make a difference in concealment. Want, yes, but need...

There is a 4516 (single stack, compact, all stainless steel 45 caliber version of the 3913) that is just screaming my name right now. I'm trying to resist, to hold out and watch all my options but it's difficult!

Keep the opinions coming if you've got them, I really appreciate what I've gotten so far. I'm going to hold out until I'm absolutely sure.


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[Mark IV]

Here's my take:
I've had a 6906 (and 469) and it is a great pistol, but it's a bit "plump" for an ideal EDC (just my personal opinion).
And, I've been hoping to stumble across one of the old single stacks for a while now, but no luck yet.
But, I've always been reluctant to EDC stuff that has any collector value (like a lot of the gen3's are getting to be), versus a cheaper, more easily replaced pistol.
If I had that clean 3913 posted above, I would hate the thought of wearing away that gray finish on the slide with everyday carry, not to mention the possibility of it getting indefinitely confiscated in the event it had to be used for SD.
Yes, I know these were meant to be carried and used, but in my view, a Shield (or similar pistol) found on Armslist for $250 is a much more practical choice than any of these old classics, for regular totage.

 

[DD357]

I would prefer a single stack for a CCW

 

[SOTVEN]

both are awesome pistols, and identical in operation. +1 for the 69xx for also using the 15,17,20, and 32 round magazines of the 59xx series. +1 for the 39xx, for disapearing more easily. true answer is, one of each, lol!

coming to think about it, wasn't it you my friend who wanted an all metal s&w acouple months ago, and just got your 915?? if so, then this is one more case of "seeing the light"!!lol. i bet by next October, you will have 5+ 3rd gems in your safe! lol!!

 

[bigggbbruce]

I would prefer a single stack for a CCW

I carry a 908 AIWB..I can do all my daily activities (including working on my cars) and forget it is even there.

 

[5Wire]

I owned these two, serially, for a while.

 

[915]

coming to think about it, wasn't it you my friend who wanted an all metal s&w acouple months ago, and just got your 915?? if so, then this is one more case of "seeing the light"!!lol. i bet by next October, you will have 5+ 3rd gems in your safe! lol!!

One and the same!! It's a growing weakness! One that fortunately, for the moment, isn't easy to fuel. In the words of my preferred local gun shop, they only get third gens 'once in a blue moon'. You're definitely right though...there will be more!!

Thanks for the continued input. I've pretty much decided on the single stack, so...what are you're thoughts to the different variants in the single stack line? I'm open to all action types, finishes, materials, and calibers currently. Leaning more towards the 45 or the 9, but I'd consider a 40 for the right price.



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[bigggbbruce]

Here's a single stack for 'ya..

 

[915]

Here's a single stack for 'ya..

Beautiful!! I've been researching these models a lot...is that a 4536?


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[bigggbbruce]

1076.......

Bought this pair on the same day..(actually traded a PSA AR15 and some cash)

 

[BLUEDOT37]

3914 -vs- 6906

There is a 4516 (single stack, compact, all stainless steel 45 caliber version of the 3913) that is just screaming my name right now.

The 4516 is not a variation of a 3913. None the less it is an awesome pistol but quit a bit bulkier & heavier. Medium frame vs large frame. It's still fine to want one though.

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4516-1

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To me there's not a huge different in grip feel between my 3914 with Hogue grips verses the 6906 with the factory grips.

Some people are more critical in what feels right to them but no getting around the fact that the single stack is a little thinner.

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3914 & 6906 side-by-side

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6906 vs 3914

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6906 vs 3914

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[stansdds]

I've CCW'd a 6946 (DAO) for years. There are times that I wish it were thinner... a 3913 or 3943 (DAO) would fit that bill. Then again, with 12 in the magazine and another one in the pipe... I suppose there is something to be said about safety in numbers.

 

[malph]

I was always partial to the 39** serues. To me they just feel right and are a really good compromise between shootability and concealability. I dont think you can go wrong with one.

 

[N4KVE]

Buy the one that feels more comfortable in YOUR hand. That's what I tell my customers. GARY

 

[nll401]

I have a 6906 and 6946; enjoy them both. But it's my opinion that - for me - they're too bulky for concealed carry.

 

[Jimmyjones]

I have both and struggle with the same question.

My 3914 has a better (bestest!) trigger, but the 6906 doesn't carry that much differently in the same holster.

Having 12+1 and a 15 round spare is mighty tempting sometimes. 28 vs 17 depends on the neighborhood.

Mostly carry a J Frame.