How do they stack up against one another size wise? Currently carrying a 9mm 4" 1911, and thinking about something a little smaller and a little lighter, but not sure a 3913 offers enough of either to bother. I'm law-limited to 10 rounds, so most of the double stack Smiths are kinda pointless.
3913 vs Commander 1911- Size comparison
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Drill Sergeant
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1911 v 3913
Have a shoot both. The 3913 is appreciably shorter, smaller and thinner. The grip is shorter, also. I would handle it to determine if it will be a problem for you. Mine has two magazines; one that sits flush to the magazine well and one that protrudes and allows for a better pinkie rest. I am comfortable with either.
I am a 1911 fan, but like and appreciate the qualities of the 3913. It is definitely easier to conceal. It runs like a champ and has never had a problem of any kind. I will mention that the safety on the 3913 works the opposite of that on the 1911. Up is fire and down is safe. Factor that in your decision, too. Some dislike to operate opposing safeties.
Have a shoot both. The 3913 is appreciably shorter, smaller and thinner. The grip is shorter, also. I would handle it to determine if it will be a problem for you. Mine has two magazines; one that sits flush to the magazine well and one that protrudes and allows for a better pinkie rest. I am comfortable with either.
I am a 1911 fan, but like and appreciate the qualities of the 3913. It is definitely easier to conceal. It runs like a champ and has never had a problem of any kind. I will mention that the safety on the 3913 works the opposite of that on the 1911. Up is fire and down is safe. Factor that in your decision, too. Some dislike to operate opposing safeties.
Colonel
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^^^^^^^^^^^ What Drill Sergeant said!
STORMINORMAN
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Uh, a "safety"...? Actually it is an ambidextrous decocker, at least on mine!
Let's not forget the SA/DA on the action. Think about an all-metal SHIELD-sized pistol: fits in most G19-sized holsters, as well.
Cheers!
Let's not forget the SA/DA on the action. Think about an all-metal SHIELD-sized pistol: fits in most G19-sized holsters, as well.
Cheers!
On models that the lever stays down (not spring loaded) the trigger is disconnected & the hammer blocked. In this mode you can safely chamber/unchamber a round without fear of accidental discharge, which in my opinion makes them very safe.
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DS hit it good and hard.
I carry a 3914NL sometimes. Then other times a Commander -length 1911.
I feel well-equipped with either.
And if you have trouble pushing the safety off on the 39', leave it off safe. Like carrying Sig, for instance. Heavy DA with subsequent light SAs.
Of course the 1911 is cocked and locked.
But yeah, the 39 is a bit smaller all the way around.
I carry a 3914NL sometimes. Then other times a Commander -length 1911.
I feel well-equipped with either.
And if you have trouble pushing the safety off on the 39', leave it off safe. Like carrying Sig, for instance. Heavy DA with subsequent light SAs.
Of course the 1911 is cocked and locked.
But yeah, the 39 is a bit smaller all the way around.
Haven't carried a 1911 Commander since the 80s.....when I switched to a Sig 220 to meet my .45 needs....... but I've been carrying a 3913 since about 1990 in a Milt Sparks Summer Special....... in "practical" gun world terms the 3913 is much smaller and lighter than a 1911 Commander.
Barrel/slide are 3.5 vs 4.25 and the butt (the important issue IMO for concealed carry) carries 8 vs the 1911 10(?) that's about 3/4 of an inch.
Actually there are flush fit 7round mags for the 3913......not common and hard to find........ that reduce the butt by another 9mm in length.
Shoot1 made a good point....... have you looked for a 1911 CCO model........ Officers Model frame (6/7+1) with a Commander's slide ......I've got a SigC3 CCO...... IMHO the CCO is the "thinking man's" concealed carry 1911...... short butt for concealed carry and longer slide for reliability. I may be old school but still remember the stories of 1911s with sub-4" slides having jamming issue...... why risk it!!!!!
Barrel/slide are 3.5 vs 4.25 and the butt (the important issue IMO for concealed carry) carries 8 vs the 1911 10(?) that's about 3/4 of an inch.
Actually there are flush fit 7round mags for the 3913......not common and hard to find........ that reduce the butt by another 9mm in length.
Shoot1 made a good point....... have you looked for a 1911 CCO model........ Officers Model frame (6/7+1) with a Commander's slide ......I've got a SigC3 CCO...... IMHO the CCO is the "thinking man's" concealed carry 1911...... short butt for concealed carry and longer slide for reliability. I may be old school but still remember the stories of 1911s with sub-4" slides having jamming issue...... why risk it!!!!!
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Not speaking from experience, but have you considered a Sig 938? It would keep the operation the same.
A TDA trigger is an acquired skill. Although, I don't believe it's nearly as difficult as the internet proclaims, it still would take a bit of practice before you dropped it in the holster.
A TDA trigger is an acquired skill. Although, I don't believe it's nearly as difficult as the internet proclaims, it still would take a bit of practice before you dropped it in the holster.
While I don't have a 3913/3914, I do have a 908.
I took some pictures of it, on the left in all pictures, (of course.)
First two are with a Commander, last two with a Defender.
The Defender is a neat little package, and lighter than my stainless Officers.
I took some pictures of it, on the left in all pictures, (of course.)
First two are with a Commander, last two with a Defender.
The Defender is a neat little package, and lighter than my stainless Officers.
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