3913 vs Shield 9mm

[JeepinSoldier]

I have been concealed carrying a 3" Model 65. For times when that's too big I carry a 2" Model 60.

Been thinking of switching to a Shield 9mm for daily conceal carry and reserving the Model 65 for open carry in the mountains. Recently on one of my pawn shop visits I got a great deal on a 3913.

I shoot revolvers and autos equally well, and am familiar with SA, DA, and striker fired guns. Whatever I settle on for cc will be what I practice with the most.

So for those who have shot and carried both the 3913 and Shield, which do you like better and why?

 

[nocents]

start off by saying I have carried and shot both....but only less than a year...bought the shield 9 new and MINE was totally reliable and probably more accurate than I could shoot it....I pocket carried in a Desantis pocket carry sticky and it worked ok for me like that...but now realize I should have carried it in an IWB...like I do now....the shield is a little smaller in all dimensions but ...for me...is a moot point when using a holster which is right for you....the 3913..for me...shoots better just because I am more accurate with it than the shield....I shot both side by side and the shield...again to me... feels top heavy..compared to the 3913....but my sig sp2022 feels top heavy too and it has a polymer frame....round count is the same...the shield is lighter....the stock grips are slick.....yes...they are..without Talons....but so are the stock 3913 grips...for me...so I installed Hogue rubber..which made the grips seem like double the thickness...but I like em...I am an unabashed steel gun guy....I now carry a 3913...liked it so much I bought two more....I have no complaints with the shield I had.......but I have turned into my DAD..

 

[JeepinSoldier]

nocents,

Thank you! Exactly the type of review I was looking for. A friend has a 9mm Shield and I will be able to shoot them side by side after the 3913 is released from pawn jail.

I wont be able to carry it however, its his cc gun.

I have shot the shield once and I like the feel and large sights.

The 3913 feels good in my hand as well and the sights are also full size. I have read about the grips feeling slick on both guns. I have not handled either enough to notice but Ill start paying attention.

P.S. I'm almost 50 and turned into my Dad several years ago, LOL.

 

[nocents]

the sights are something I did forget to mention...but the shield sights are better...similar but still better....on the recommendation of another forum member I am switching to 24/7 xs Big Dot in tritium on my 3913.....side by side comparison can't be beat.....good luck

 

[Smoke]

what is pawn jail?

 

[scwv67]

I've only had one experience with the Shield, that being a rental. Overall, I'd have no problem recommending it to someone, it just wasn't my cup of tea.

Size wise, the Shield is definitely thinner than the 3913, though IMO not enough to make a tremendous difference when carrying IWB, but there is a difference nonetheless. When the shield has the 7rd mag in it, one less than the 3913, it's almost the exact height as the 3913 to my eyes. It's definitely taller with the extended mag, which gives it the same capacity of the 3913.

It was accurate in my hands, and my daughter had no trouble shooting it. A Shied may find its way into my wife's or daughter's possession someday, but I'll hang onto my 3913.

Best

 

[GKC]

I've owned both.

They are different guns. The 3913 is DA/SA, which some people like and some don't. I personally like that action mechanism, especially with a decocker. A few years back, I found a NIB 3913TSW (with the rail) and bought it on impulse. I don't like rails on my handguns, so when I was offered more than I paid for it, I let it go. Later, I found out that S&W would remove the rail. If I ever find another 3913 in excellent condition, I'll probably buy it.

As for carry, though, I think the Shield is a better gun. Consistent trigger, accurate, slim, and (for me) just the right size and very comfortable in my hand. I like a polymer framed gun for carry, but the polymer DA/SA models (SIG SP2022, Ruger P95, etc) are usually too big for carry (for me.) Not to mention that if you buy the Shield new, it has the lifetime warranty. (S&W warrants their guns to the original owner...now, they may not ask if you are the original owner or not, but they might.)

As the saying usually goes around here, buy them both! There's nothing wrong with having more than one gun...

 

[BillyMagg]

I've only had one experience with the Shield, that being a rental. Overall, I'd have no problem recommending it to someone, it just wasn't my cup of tea.

Size wise, the Shield is definitely thinner than the 3913, though IMO not enough to make a tremendous difference when carrying IWB, but there is a difference nonetheless. When the shield has the 7rd mag in it, one less than the 3913, it's almost the exact height as the 3913 to my eyes. It's definitely taller with the extended mag, which gives it the same capacity of the 3913.

It was accurate in my hands, and my daughter had no trouble shooting it. A Shied may find its way into my wife's or daughter's possession someday, but I'll hang onto my 3913.

Best

I have a 3913, I have shot my friends M&P 9mm, which has a similar action to the shield, which I have not shot. Now being old I will say I do not like the shield, cause I am old and like "metal" guns, but, I do have some observations. I love the look and feel of the 3913, but I HATE the trigger and action, I can shoot it, but the M&P is much easier to shoot well. So I have no doubt that I would also like the shield action better than my 3913, but, I would observe that the 3913 is much more "confidence" inspiring than the shield, as I have never read a thread entitled, "my 3913 blew up" or whatever. I would also observe that "striker fired" weapons appear to have a higher percentage of ADs????? So, when I get my CCL, I will be carrying my 3913, knowing that I will have to play with it a lot more, I would add that I like my 1911s, P35, and Beretta 70s and yes they are all single actions???????

 

[growr]

I guess I have turned into my Dad as well....am a 3rd Gen S&W slut and proud of it!!

Having carried my 3913 for a number of years and having fired a Shield I far more enjoy the 3913...not that the Shield is a problem by any means..both are very accurate and reliable...(the Shield I fired did NOT suffer from the dreaded low and left syndrome either)

I also have 4 Full Sized M&P's and love the heck out of them as well.( one has over 17k of .40's downrange in matches and finally had a striker block crack...S&W sent two out immediately)

If I did not already have a 3913 I would own a Shield in a heartbeat.

Randy

PS. Just get one of each anyway...

 

[hfl73]

I own both and have carried both. They are equally easy to carry and conceal. I prefer the Shield for CCW because I shoot it better.

 

[losingle]

Own and have cc iwb both. Although the Shield is accurate shooter, I prefer the 3913 as the better shooting da/sa srt. Obviously disagree with some on the dao vs da/sa trigger.

 

[mbliss57]

I have both or rather I had both until my wife commandeered the shield. I prefer the 3913 as I like the DA/SA over striker fire. The 3913 has always fit me well and sights are always a change out option if you desire. I was just thinking about putting night sights on mine. The shield comes with them. I shoot the 3913 a little more accurately as it doesn't seem to snap as much as the shield. (More weight?) So I decided to keep the 3913. My wife loves the 3913, it was her favorite 9mm CCW. But she now prefers the shield as its a little lighter / smaller for her. She also shoots the 3913 a little more accurately than the Shield but not enough to matter in combat distance situations. The shield fits her hands very well. Mine fit very nicely in the 3913
Delrin grips. SO I would use either if necessary but prefer the 3913 mainly due to DA/SA trigger and all metal frame.

 

[BillyMagg]

I have both or rather I had both until my wife commandeered the shield. I prefer the 3913 as I like the DA/SA over striker fire. The 3913 has always fit me well and sights are always a change out option if you desire. I was just thinking about putting night sights on mine. The shield comes with them. I shoot the 3913 a little more accurately as it doesn't seem to snap as much as the shield. (More weight?) So I decided to keep the 3913. My wife loves the 3913, it was her favorite 9mm CCW. But she now prefers the shield as its a little lighter / smaller for her. She also shoots the 3913 a little more accurately than the Shield but not enough to matter in combat distance situations. The shield fits her hands very well. Mine fit very nicely in the 3913
Delrin grips. SO I would use either if necessary but prefer the 3913 mainly due to DA/SA trigger and all metal frame.

Well, this has been an interesting thread and I hear some commentary that is obviously very insightfull. The one thing I did not say in my earlier post is that I like a manual safety, I much prefer my single actions, and wouldn't mind carrying any of them, and I love the feel of the BHP, but when it comes down to it, I think the 3913 is a much safer action, the idea that you can drop the mag and have one in the pipe is also attractive, although I really don't like having a mag safety, for those who wanted to, it is another option to have a "safer" weapon.

 

[finesse_r]

Hard to believe that anyone that has carried a 3913 would carry anything else, well except for a 696 maybe.

 

[11e40]

I have both. went back to 3913 after trying a shield. the shield grip is too small for me. great little pistol to carry but harder to shoot for me. I put the talon grips on it, helped a lot, highly recommend them. still to small for me. going to try m&p compact next. hth.

 

[F224]

I carried a 3913 for years and still regret selling it. With a a Trijicon front sight, speed safety lever and a Hogue grips, it was nearly perfect for a compact single stack 9mm.

Did I mention I still regret selling it?

 

[TexasG]

Like many who've posted above. I own both. Like the Shield but I love my 3913. They're both great shooters - and find them equally easy to carry. I prefer my 3913 and CS 9 and CS 40 for carry.

 

[JeepinSoldier]

what is pawn jail?

Pawn Jail is the locked room at the rear of the pawn shop where wayward guns languish on layaway, waiting to be bailed out and taken to their new home.

I keep getting great deals at this certain pawn shop in Lakewood. The 3913 was $265 - 10 percent down and five months to pay. Its in a package deal with a 4" 686-1 for $600 total. Story of the 3913 and other guns rescued from pawn jail here: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...0-pawnshopping-updated-pix.html#post137059828

 

[JeepinSoldier]

Thank you for all the great comments.

DA/SA does not bother me. I came of age in the 80's and 90's worshipping the 1911. Issued one when I first joined the Army as an M60 gunner in 1984. The army switched to the M9 9mm and I learned that.

Easier than a 1911 to engage multiple targets fast. With the new 9mm ammo out now 9mm is a good stopper. There is an M9 with a Mec Gar 20 round mag in my BOB right now.

I carried a Glock 26 for awhile so Im also comfortable with striker fired. I got offered a trade for a Winchester M1 carbine and the 26 was gone.......

Looking forward to picking up the 3913 and comparing it to my friends Shield. I may have to buy both!

 

[candjhorses]

While I don't own a 3913 yet, I do own the 3914 which is the same gun in blued steel and also own the 9mm Shield. For pocket carry the shield wins hands down. If your going to IWB carry either will do anything that you ask it to. I find both are equally accurate and reliable. You really can't go wrong with whichever you choose.

 

[18DAI]

I've shot both. The 3913 extensively. IMO kind of an apple to oranges comparison as the only thing I see in common between the two models is the 9mm chambering and the S&W logo on the guns.

The 3913 is a bet your life reliable compact 9mm. The rental shield I shot had multiple FTE's.

The 3913 is a tack driver with a great trigger from the factory. The shield has a lousy trigger, which seems to be a current production S&W hallmark, and shot low left. For me, my GF AND the RO.

The 3913's safety/decocker is easy to access and use. My right handed GF had problems putting the shields safety on and off. It seemed stiff to me and too tiny to be of practical use.

The 3913 goes back into battery on its own when deliberately pushed out of battery (as is likely in a close confrontation). The shield does not.

The 3913 is ready to go out of the box. The shield needs expensive aftermarket parts to make it as nice as a used 3rd gen pistol.

My 3913 is a quality built pistol, twenty years old and still had its white dots in the sights.......nuff said.

Make mine a 3913. Merry Christmas! Best regards, 18DAI

 

[petepeterson]

I've posted on this subject before, and I think it comes down to your preference of polymer or steel. I have about 500-700 rds through my friend's (female) Shield, and had no problems with it. It was accurate and pretty user-friendly, but not an improvement over the 3913 that I carry.

She, on the other hand, can't get through a mag without a misfire or a failure to return to battery. The gun runs for me, but not her. Conversely, she's never had a hiccup with any of my 3rd gen's or 1911's. She's going with a Glock 19 instead, and ditching the Shield.

It should be noted that while I like it, I ain't buyin' off her, even though I'd probably get a heck of a deal!

 

[JeepinSoldier]

I carried a 3913 for years and still regret selling it. With a a Trijicon front sight, speed safety lever and a Hogue grips, it was nearly perfect for a compact single stack 9mm.

Did I mention I still regret selling it?

I have been reading up on the 3913 and understand the night sights and grips. Can you tell me about the 'Speed Safety Lever.'?

 

[JeepinSoldier]

I shoot the 3913 a little more accurately as it doesn't seem to snap as much as the shield. (More weight?) So I decided to keep the 3913.

Once I get to really try the guns, this may be a deciding factor. I don't mind a little more weight (Carrying a 3" 65 right now.). The gun I can be faster and more accurate with will be the one chosen if both are reliable.

 

[JeepinSoldier]

Hard to believe that anyone that has carried a 3913 would carry anything else, well except for a 696 maybe.

I would love to have a 696, it would be great in the 3" revolver collection. I also can load for .44 Spl/Mag. However, I'm not paying Gunbroker prices for one. Also would like to have a 547 and 650 but don't see them getting purchased any time soon, LOL.

Mabe a nice used no box specimen will show up at the pawnshop?

 

[JeepinSoldier]

I've shot both. The 3913 extensively. IMO kind of an apple to oranges comparison as the only thing I see in common between the two models is the 9mm chambering and the S&W logo on the guns.

The 3913 is a bet your life reliable compact 9mm. The rental shield I shot had multiple FTE's.

The 3913 is a tack driver with a great trigger from the factory. The shield has a lousy trigger, which seems to be a current production S&W hallmark, and shot low left. For me, my GF AND the RO.

The 3913's safety/decocker is easy to access and use. My right handed GF had problems putting the shields safety on and off. It seemed stiff to me and too tiny to be of practical use.

The 3913 goes back into battery on its own when deliberately pushed out of battery (as is likely in a close confrontation). The shield does not.

The 3913 is ready to go out of the box. The shield needs expensive aftermarket parts to make it as nice as a used 3rd gen pistol.

My 3913 is a quality built pistol, twenty years old and still had its white dots in the sights.......nuff said.

Make mine a 3913. Merry Christmas! Best regards, 18DAI

18 DAI,

Excellent points! While controllability and accuracy are important to me, reliability will be the ultimate deciding factor. No matter how much I like them other wise, unreliable guns do not remain in my home.

Ill try to work problems like magazines and such but after all the usual things have been done, if they still choke with regularity - they are gone.

Had both a Beretta 21 and a HK 4 I tried to love but they malfunctioned too much - even after work was done to them - and went to new homes.

I certainly would not bet my life on a pistol known to have issues.

Also, thank you for informing me of the out of battery issue.

The safety/decocker on the 3913 is also like the one on the Beretta M9 I have trained so much with.

Mabe getting handed the 3913 cheap at the pawn shop was a sign!

 

[JeepinSoldier]

I've posted on this subject before, and I think it comes down to your preference of polymer or steel. I have about 500-700 rds through my friend's (female) Shield, and had no problems with it. It was accurate and pretty user-friendly, but not an improvement over the 3913 that I carry.

She, on the other hand, can't get through a mag without a misfire or a failure to return to battery. The gun runs for me, but not her. Conversely, she's never had a hiccup with any of my 3rd gen's or 1911's. She's going with a Glock 19 instead, and ditching the Shield.
It should be noted that while I like it, I ain't buyin' off her, even though I'd probably get a heck of a deal!

Sounds like she is limp wristing the gun? Has somebody shown her how to gently squeeze the pistol between both hands, pushing forward with the dominant hand and pulling back with the off hand - firm enough to hold the pistol but not hard enough to cause shaking?

Not trying to be condescending if you know this, and have shown her already.

I taught several people in the Army (Male and female) who could make a Beretta M9 jam because they were limp wristing it and then they blamed the gun!

 

[BigCityChief]

Shield - for an everyday carry weapon, most people are better off without a DA/SA setup.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[JeepinSoldier]

Shield - for an everyday carry weapon, most people are better off without a DA/SA setup.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I agree that most people who are generally not familiar with guns and will not train or shoot extensively - are better suited with a single trigger pull. I'm sure that is why many police departments went to DAO first, then striker fired guns.

I have trained and shot extensively with the DA/SA M9 so its not a problem for me. I was the 20th Engineer Brigade Master Gunner and trained many officers and Senior NCO's on this trigger action as well.

 

[petepeterson]

Sounds like she is limp wristing the gun? Has somebody shown her how to gently squeeze the pistol between both hands, pushing forward with the dominant hand and pulling back with the off hand - firm enough to hold the pistol but not hard enough to cause shaking?

Not trying to be condescending if you know this, and have shown her already.

I taught several people in the Army (Male and female) who could make a Beretta M9 jam because they were limp wristing it and then they blamed the gun!

It's her and not the gun, for sure, but when she has no trouble with any other autos, one begins to wonder. It's just not a good combo. You can't expect your grip to be perfect in a defensive situation, and she shouldn't have to try that hard to make it run correctly.