3913 Shopping

[Jason977]

I'm looking for a replacement primary CCW. I just got my license and I've been carrying a Beretta PX4 Subcompact, but it's about to be claimed by my wife so now I'm looking for something different, and hopefully better. Namely, thinner.

I found a 908 in a gun shop and I really liked the way it handled, but I love the looks of the 3913 so I think I'm sold on it.

Thanks to this forum, I've learned a ton about these guns, but I have just a few functional questions that I couldn't find answers to:

-I don't remember the pistol I looked at having a half-cock. I've always viewed this as a safety feature in case the hammer was lifted slightly and fell, it would not hit the firing pin. Granted, with a flush hammer this is unlikely, but it could happen inertially (if dropped).

-Is there a firing pin disconnect? This second line of defense would take care of the first issue.

-I've seen some folks swap to a spurred hammer, which would interest me. But without the above safeties this could be dangerous.

Hopefully within the next few weeks I'll have found one. I'm looking forward to holster shopping.

 

[safearm]

Jason,
Welcome to the forum.
I carry a 3913 daily as my primary CCW gun. The slide mounted safety blocks the hammer from striking the firing pin when engaged, so the need for a half-cock is really not necessary. On the third generation S&W autos, there is also a firing pin lock that can only be released by trigger movement.
I like the flush hammer; it's one less thing to snag or print when carrying concealed.
I carry mine either in a Hume JIT holster or a Kramer IWB holster.

 

[18DAI]

No half cock notch. The 3913 has a firing pin block, which allows it to fire only when the trigger is pulled all the way back. Drop safe.

The safety/decocker on the 3913 is one of my personal favorites. Rotates a piece of steel in front of the hammer.

I personally prefer the spurless hammer, as it makes the 3913 completely snag free. Great little pistol. Good luck with the search. Underated as the 3913 is, you should be able to find a very nice example for not alot of cash. Regards 18DAI.

 

[onegunshort]

I just bought one, I like it a lot. My smallest group so far was 1 5/8" at 7 yds with cheap remington FMJ. Works great with 39-2 magazines also. My wife loves it also, so watch out for that. I bought her the 39-2 a while ago but now she wants to trade up for this one. Quite possibly the perfect CC gun as-is, I think putting on a spur type hammer would be a poor choice.

 

[growr]

I also use a 3913 for CCW and think it is about as perfect a CC gun as you can get. Cannot add much over what has already been said. Love the lifetime warranty! What and under-rated gun...
Randy

 

[Jason977]

Thanks to all the quick and helpful responses. One thing that draws me to the 3913 is that it's so similar in operation to my other handguns. I think that's important in a CCW: no guessing how to use it, or which you're carrying.

That being said, when I'm at the range or "plinking" in the woods, it's nice to decock and carry on safe, then cock for a light SA first shot. Now when I carry concealed, I'm always in the 'fire' position & hammer down, but at the range when the gun is being handled a lot and passed around I feel much better using all safety features possible.

Since this gun will be used differently, now it makes since to practice with it and use it as intended. I doubt in a defense scenario one would never have the luxury to take the time to pre-cock the hammer anyway.

 

[ColbyBruce]

Jason977, this shop had a used #3913 with two mags a weeek. It had a good bit of frame discoloration (yellowing) but any you find will be used and may have this problem. I believe it was $399.99. If you phone, ask for Mr. Bailey, he is a nice guy and very helpful.

Bull's Eye Indoor Range & Gunshop
221 W Crogan St
Lawrenceville, GA 30045-4863
(770) 963-6556

I have never owned a #3913, but do have a #469 and two #908's. Great carry guns. #6906's are nice too.

 

[Texas1941]

3913 poi

This reply is a little late and I hope you have decided to go ahead with the purchase. The 39XX series pistols are very nearly peferct for concealed carry. I have five of them in various configurations.

One thing that needs to be addressed with them is the point of impact. None of the pistols I own have the same height front sight. Three of them will shoot to the point of aim only with 135 to 147 gr bullets. One will shoot to point of aim with 115 to 124 gr non +P ammunition. And one (a 3913NL with very ugly Minature Machine after market sights) is regulated for 115 gr +P. Also, as you may be aware, aligning the three dots may give a different POI than using a traditional sight picture. How much difference seems to vary from gun to gun (maybe dependent on front sight height?).

There are many people on this forum that know more than me about the engineering history of S&W handguns. They might be able to give some idea of why this is.

None of my 39XX pistols were manufactured after 1999, so this may not be an issue with the newer guns. But if it is, a change in bullet weight will solve the problem.

These are very cool little guns and I hope you will give one a try.

 

[Jason977]

I'm pretty set on the 3913, and still shopping. I've gotten a couple leads from this board, plus I've been visiting all the better retailers in this area. I've found a 908 and cs9, and I still think the 3913 is the best for me, even though I haven't had a chance to hold one.

The 6906 is interesting, but I already have a compact double stack and I'm looking for something thinner.

Tex,
I'm definitely not as rigorous as I should be trying out multiple rounds for each of my guns. Since this sill be my EDC, I'll make sure to find the round that is happiest. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Ed333]

3914 too...

don't rule out a 3914, same gun in blued carbon steel slide, I have both, dont' want to get rid of either. should cost a bit less than a 3913.

 

[586L-Frame]

+2 on the 3913 or 3914.

Here are some pics of my 3914 & 3913.
586L-Frame

My S&W 3914 & 3913.

x

 

[Ed333]

3914/3913

and the only difference i see in 586-Lframe's photos, aside from color, is the single sided safety/decocker on teh 3913 ,as compared with the ambi- on the 3914. My 3913 is a LadySmith, so there are a few more differences, but blindfold me and put each in my hand, having me compare trigger pulls, I can't tell the difference. Very companionable pieces...and accurate enough...

 

[FirebirdV8]

When you find your 3913 you won't be sorry about getting it. I use my 4040 (a 3913 in 40 cal) for personal ccw everyday. The trigger pull on these guns are some of the best triggers I have ever used.

 

[kbm6893]

I just sold my mint 3913 on here. I wanted a 6906. No difference in carry comfort to me since the grip is outside the pants anyway. I wanted more rounds and the option of using 5906 mags in it. Great gun.

 

[Jason977]

I like the single sided decocker. I understand that some come that way; how difficult (or expensive) is it to have it modified?

Also from shopping online I've noticed that some have text (probably a warning) above the slide release, and others don't. Anyone have an idea if this is an indication of when it was made, or anything else?

 

[638 shooter]

Thanks for bringing up this topic Jason977 . . . I also find myself very interested in these and have located one locally. Actually a 3913NL, what is the going rate for one of these in good condition with two 8rnd mags compared to a standard 3913? I don't know if there is any real collector value add but it looks cosmetic only.
Thanks,
638

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

The 3913NL is the angeled frame same as the LadySmith without the Logo, I've been told the NL stands for "New Look" or "No Logo"?? BTW there is No NL marked on the frame..
All The LS & NLs have the single sided safety lever as far as I've seen..
I would guess one of these would bring $500-$550 in decent shape maybe more being "MINT"
BTW Jason977 I may have what your looking for which is my personal 3913NL with fresh "New" Nightsights & a Couple of great leather holsters, Milt Sparks IWB & Galco Shoulder Rig. + 4 factory magazines one of which is the early 7 round flush fit type..
Give me an email if your interested..
I haven't put this in the classifieds YET but may have to..
The two finger rest mags were sold to a good friend Iduba..
Gary/Hk [email protected]

 

[Ed333]

do it...

The NL's and LadySmiths are sleek and cool, they are not all that common, if Gary is really willing to part with his (I just got my LS, or would have jumped on this had I known), you should not dither. You can deal with Gary with confidence.
The mags, I have both kinds, don't sweat it, you can wrap your pinky around the bottom nicely, I have started doing that even with the pinky extension pad mags, these grips have a nice natural feel to them.

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

Sent you an email Jason maybe we can make this happen..
I'll get some better pics of the Gun & Gear & email it to you later on today sometime..
Thank You & Enjoy!!
Gary/Hk

 

[-Buzz-]

I have both a 3913 and a 908. I like them both. They both shoot well.

One thing I'll point out... my molded holsters for the 3913 will not fit the 908. The slide shape is different. I have used a Sig P239 holster for the 908, but it isn't a perfect fit.

I've found the carry options for the 908 to be more limited.