3913 vs CS9

[franzas]

Hey y'all,

I'm looking for opinions on which is better for carry. I have a 3913TSW (railgun), but the Chief's Special looks interesting. Does anyone have both?

Bonus: I'll like your post if someone can post a pictures of a CS9 laying next to and on top of a 3913 for a size comparison.

Thanks y'all!
Franz

 

[0849]

No problem, here you go, for comparison, however, photography is not what I do best. The grips on the CS9 are a set of 3913 grips that I modified to fit the CS9, the original stock grips would be a bit shorter in the back strap length.

 

[franzas]

No problem, here you go, for comparison, however, photography is not what I do best. The grips on the CS9 are a set of 3913 grips that I modified to fit the CS9, the original stock grips would be a bit shorter in the back strap length.

Thanks for the pics!

Wow, there's not really that much difference at all. I guess I'll just stick with the 3913. Plus an extra round in the mag (CS9s are 7, right?).

As promised, here's your like

 

[0849]

Thanks for the pics!

Wow, there's not really that much difference at all. I guess I'll just stick with the 3913. Plus an extra round in the mag (CS9s are 7, right?).

As promised, here's your like

Yes, not much difference at all in size, the 3913 works well for concealed carry, and while I very much like the CS9, the 3913 is definitely more accurate in the 15 yard to 25 yard distances. Also, the 3913 is much more comfortable on the few occasions when I use loads that are a little hotter like Corbon +P.

The only exception to the above might be if someone has a need for ankle carry, which is certainly not the best way, but have had work requirements that necessitated that mode and the CS9 concealed extremely well in a Bianchi Ranger Triad ankle holster, not sure if the 3913 would work that way, never tried.

 

[opaul]

You can't go wrong with either one, although the 3913 magazines might be easier to find. Midway recently had both the CS9 and 3913 magazines on sale.
Does your 3913 have the de-cocker on both sides?

 

[0849]

Thanks for the pics!

Wow, there's not really that much difference at all. I guess I'll just stick with the 3913. Plus an extra round in the mag (CS9s are 7, right?).

As promised, here's your like

Yes, the CS9 mags hold 7 rounds.

 

[franzas]

You can't go wrong with either one, although the 3913 magazines might be easier to find. Midway recently had both the CS9 and 3913 magazines on sale.
Does your 3913 have the de-cocker on both sides?

Yes, both sides. Its a TSW with the rail. It was my first "real" Smith auto and I love it.

 

[petepeterson]

I was hot and heavy for a CS9, but after getting it, I didn't really find it to be more concealable than the 3913.
They are nice shooters, though, for the size.

 

[GaryS]

I had an early CS9 and it was a great little carry gun. I only sold it because I found a pre rail 3913TSW that was just a bit nicer and just a bit more accurate.

FYI, almost all 3913 and 3914 guns have ambi decockers. The exceptions are for the most part the LS and NL variations. Most of the "Value Line" guns, of which the CS9 is one, have single side decockers. Although in the "never say never" category, I've seen a couple of later stainless steel CS9s that had ambi decockers.

 

[XAVMECH]

I've had several of each over the years. Liked both, but would give the 3913 the edge over the CS9. Personally, I can shoot the 3913 much better, balance and handling-wise it just works better for me. I ditched the Ambi-Decocker in favor of single sided one on almost every 3913 I've had. And have installed spurred hammers on them, as well. Just a matter of personal preference, but I consider the 3913 THE single stack non-polymer pistol... You have to wonder some times what one would cost if manufactured today.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I was hot and heavy for a CS9, but after getting it, I didn't really find it to be more concealable than the 3913.
They are nice shooters, though, for the size.

Me too......but after seeing one; I went "WHY?"

I have several 7 round flush fit mags. for my 3913 (original shipped with early 3913 LadySmiths) ...... so my 3913 can be as short as the CS9 and I carry IWB do I prefer the longer slide of the 3913.

 

[Fastbolt]

I own a 3913, 3913TSW (late production, middle 2000's) and a CS9 (late production with steel sights and ambi safety/decocker).

My original 3913 & CS9:






The 3913 has a bit more muzzle-forward heft and balance. The cycling is a bit less abrupt and more comfortable.

My 3913 wears Hogues (at present), but my 3913TSW wears the stock grips. The softer Hogues can help reduce the felt recoil, but I've come back around to liking the way the stock grip feels during recoil & cycling. Choose whatever you like better.

The CS9 has excellent Hogue grips that fit my hand as if made for me. The extra cushioning and thicker profile allow for very good control. The recoil impulse is brisk and a bit snappier than with the 3913/3913TSW ... but, it also allows for the muzzle/front sight to quickly snap back onto the intended target. The balance is more rearward in my hand, and what I like to call "lively" and responsive.

If someone likes to use slide weight and 'muzzle forward heft' to help them control felt recoil force, the 3913 is probably a great choice.

For someone of perhaps increased experience and skill, the slightly more abrupt recoil impulse, but faster cycling of the CS9 can make for a very controllable experience.

I've found my CS9 to be every bit as practically and inherently accurate as my 3913, in my hands. I've used it to make called hits on wooden clothespins placed around cardboard target back boards, from 5-10yds. (Easier at 5yds ).

I've used whatever issued ammo has been available, which has included standard pressure 147gr, 124gr +P and 127gr +P+ loads (I replace my recoil spring sooner when running mostly +P or +P+ loads).

I like them both.

 

[MWater]

I've been on the lookout for either. The weight savings on the CS9 is the most appealing difference for me. At ~20 oz, it's almost in tupperware territory.

 

[ladder13]

I agree with fastbolt's assessment, and tend to favor slightly my CS9. And I love my CS9 Hogue grips.
Nice to see people finally realizing the value and utility of the CS9 after all these years.

 

[Fastbolt]

I've been on the lookout for either. The weight savings on the CS9 is the most appealing difference for me. At ~20 oz, it's almost in tupperware territory.

Interestingly enough, the slight different in loaded weights are apparent, to me, when belting on my 3913's & CS9. This occurs even if the same holsters are used (meaning no lighter/smaller holster for the CS9).

That can matter to some folks.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Timely! Very timely!

Long story made short, I often carry a 6906 when I know I will be somewhere that holds a great attraction for crazies, Tangos, and other ne'er-do-wells. Well, I recently handled one of my favorite pistols, my CS-45, and I got to thinking, "This would sure be easier to carry than the 6906, although I do give up a lot of rounds. But I am soooo good with this gun and I do miss it.....

So the OP here has me THINKING AND THINKING!!!!

 

[franzas]

I've been on the lookout for either. The weight savings on the CS9 is the most appealing difference for me. At ~20 oz, it's almost in tupperware territory.

There's a CS9 in the for sale section. a few pages in IIRC.

I ended up getting another 3913, so I non't need the CS now!

 

[18DAI]

I own and shoot examples of both the 39XX series and the CS9. While I have always been a proponent of the 39XX guns, the CS9 fills a niche, for me.

Especially when you modify it with a set of TercGen or Big Dog grips. And a rounded baseplate from the early 3913TSW mags. That turns it into one of the best deep concealment 9mm single stacks out there. Easy to conceal and carry, accurate out of all proportion to its size, bet your life reliable and looks good doing all that. This gun was made back when buyers cared about asthetics AS WELL AS FUNCTION.

Now as to which model I prefer and like best, that would be the 3914NL. To me, it is the modern descendant of the ASP pistol. But they are a scarce bird and have gone up in value due to the decline in quality and features of more modern pistols. So I carry the CS9 instead and reserve my 3914NL for days/situations that suit it and me, better than the little CS9.

But you cannot go wrong with either model. They both excell in the single stack 9mm carry gun category. Every person that shoots one of mine wants to buy one. So grab yours while you can and they are still reasonably priced. Regards 18DAI

 

[camsdaddy]

No problem, here you go, for comparison, however, photography is not what I do best. The grips on the CS9 are a set of 3913 grips that I modified to fit the CS9, the original stock grips would be a bit shorter in the back strap length.

This is how I had to do the Hogue grips I had for my 3913. The 3913 I have is the shorter version and the flat base mags would not fit.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I own and shoot examples of both the 39XX series and the CS9. While I have always been a proponent of the 39XX guns, the CS9 fills a niche, for me.

Especially when you modify it with a set of TercGen or Big Dog grips. And a rounded baseplate from the early 3913TSW mags. That turns it into one of the best deep concealment 9mm single stacks out there. Easy to conceal and carry, accurate out of all proportion to its size, bet your life reliable and looks good doing all that. This gun was made back when buyers cared about asthetics AS WELL AS FUNCTION.

Now as to which model I prefer and like best, that would be the 3914NL. To me, it is the modern descendant of the ASP pistol. But they are a scarce bird and have gone up in value due to the decline in quality and features of more modern pistols. So I carry the CS9 instead and reserve my 3914NL for days/situations that suit it and me, better than the little CS9.

But you cannot go wrong with either model. They both excell in the single stack 9mm carry gun category. Every person that shoots one of mine wants to buy one. So grab yours while you can and they are still reasonably priced. Regards 18DAI

18 may I call you 18?

As pictured that CS9 is 7+1 or 6+1??