3913 vs M&P9c -- VERY similar in size

[Lost Lake]

I haven't seen them side by side before today, so I figured maybe some of y'all might want to see them too.

I weighed them on my postal scale and with 8 rounds in each the M&P9c is about a half ounce or so lighter. With 12 rounds in the 9c it weighs an ounce more than the 3913.

The 3913 has about a 10lb trigger (I didn't measure it). The reach to the trigger seams quite a bit longer than the 9c.

I haven't fired the 3913 yet, that will be a few hours yet.

 

[xopher88x]

Cool comparison. Thanks.

 

[MichiganScott]

As much as I like my 3913, I find that it has much more muzzle flip because the barrel sits higher above the web of the hand.

 

[TStick]

Thank you for the photos!

 

[clang444]

Your 3913 has Hogue grips on it. The S&W grips are actually a lot thinner.

 

[Lost Lake]

Okay, I must have Hogue grips. This is all new to me.

The SA trigger after the first shot is sweet for accuracy. After getting used to the gun I put up a new target, stepped back 21 feet and fired four shots before the target fell down. The first double action shot pulled a hair to the right, but the next three fell in place. I shot rather quickly (under 5 seconds) and had an 1 1/4" group. I'm pretty dang happy with that. So the gun can shoot better than I can.

Comparing the 9c and the 3913, I think the 3913 is a bit softer recoiling. I didn't notice a tendency for either to jump excessively. I fired 8 through one, then 8 through the other so I got a good feel for the differences, and it isn't much.

Size wise they are almost identical, weight wise, shootability, although accuracy I give the edge to the 3913. The 9c carries more firepower which is really nice.

This is going to take more time and a lot more shooting before I can figure out which one I prefer.

 

[SEIndSAM]

I just completed the same test. I have a 3914 and bought an MP9C a couple of months ago because I like my full sized MP9 so much. YMMV, but after a few weeks I decided to continue having the 3914 as my EDC and sold the MP9C.

 

[Fastbolt]

The Hogue soft rubber grips do tend to soften the felt recoil in the 3913. It has a bit more snap to it when the stock Zytel grips are installed (and it can be a bit more slippery used with wet hands, too).

I've shot a lot of 3913's over the years early & later production, including the 394/908, and both the original & current TSW models. I've only handled and fired a couple of M&P 9c's, but my impression was that the 9c's produced less felt recoil (using 124gr +P) than my 3913 (using 147gr, 124gr +P or 127gr +P+ loads).

Felt recoil is such a subjective thing, though. Also, changing the grip inserts on the M&P compacts can have an influence, as well.

It's not so surprising the 9c is approx the same overall size as the 3913. Both have 3.5" barrels.

I've been waiting for S&W to release a M&P variation that would rival the CS9 for overall size, capacity, etc ... and they finally did so with the M&P Shield 9.

 

[Nico Testosteros]

Thanks for posting this comparison, Lost Lake. Useful information.

 

[MDB1056]

I'd take the 3913 all day. Love the feel, weight, and balance. OK - I just like metal guns too

 

[Derosa]

Well done side by side look. I like it.

 

[johnnyloco]

cool, I'm keeping my 3913ls

 

[vl5150]

Thanks for the pics. I'll have to try the 9C one of these days. I do know that the 3913 is a well made, reliable and compact gun. Not a tack driver, but enough accuracy to do the close range work something like this is meant to do.

 

[smitty_bs]

I'm a Model 3913/3953 fan. Do you know what the difference in thicknness is between your two guns. The 3913 is a single stack; is the MP9c a double?

 

[Lost Lake]

Yes the 9c is a staggered stack. The thickness is too close to call. The safety on the 3913 is the widest part.

 

[Charlie111]

I'll keep my 3953. I wish I had a 3913 also. Still like all metal handguns.

 

[GaryS]

I recently sold my M&P9c and used the proceeds to buy a 3913. I just prefer the feel of the 3rd generation guns.

 

[mandp1522]

my preference is the m&p 9c. fits my hand better.

 

[deanodog]

I bought and sold both the 3913 and the M&P9c. I think I prefered the 9c to the 3913 due to the skinny grip of the 3913. I do not carry or conceal and I chose the 6906 to both of the above. I have two 6906s and two 5906s. I do not like plastic striker fired guns but I am old and don't know much.

 

[ultratec00]

I still have both a 3913 and 9C. The 3913 obviously is a little thinner. They are both accurate to shoot and capable of keeping almost every shot within the head area of a torso target at 20 yards.

We are really comparing apples to oranges with the two. Double action auto vs. two stage trigger. I shelved the 3913 from a commonality standpoint because most of my carry firearms are M&Ps with thumb safety. Decocker/safety vs. thumb safety is another discontinuity between the two types of firearms.