3913
- Thread starter GMGUY
- Start date
ldausmc1369
US Veteran
They are one of the best CC autos ever produced...and Uber reliable.
Cal44
Member
I think they are very desirable and good shooters.
But it all depends on price and condition.
So what does your LGS want for it, and what condition is it in?
And what model: NL, LS, or regular.
But it all depends on price and condition.
So what does your LGS want for it, and what condition is it in?
And what model: NL, LS, or regular.
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Jeppo
Member
Compare the frames in the photo posted earlier. See how those on the right taper compared to those on the left? Those on the right are either LS (Lady Smith which would appear on the gun’s right) or NL (No Logo or No Lady depending on the day of the week, which will not show Lady Smith on the gun). Other than the 3913TSW or 3913DAO (I have a couple 3914DAO but don’t remember seeing a 3913DAO), the 3913, LS and NL would all be stamped 3913 by the serial number. In other words, that it shows 3913 does not tell you whether or not it’s “regular”, LS or NL.
In my experience, the 3913 will be least expensive, LS would cost more and NL still more...in comparable conditions.
I don’t expect I’d ever be without a few of the 3913/3914 family.
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Many will agree that the frame design of the Ladysmith and the NL is very attractive but I have heard it mentioned that it can make holster selection more complicated. I can’t confirm as I haven’t carried one.
More importantly, it’s worth mentioning that long before S&W elected to make some “3913 DAO” models, you could get a better gun* in the Model 3953.
*my opinion of course, but the point is that a 3953 was designed ground-up to be a pre-tensioned DAO while the much later 3913 DAO is no more than a DA/SA pistol with the SA notch shaved off the hammer. Also worth noting that S&W made two versions of the 3953.
YES, it gets confusing. S&W cornered the market on “confusing” with the 3rd Gens.
More importantly, it’s worth mentioning that long before S&W elected to make some “3913 DAO” models, you could get a better gun* in the Model 3953.
*my opinion of course, but the point is that a 3953 was designed ground-up to be a pre-tensioned DAO while the much later 3913 DAO is no more than a DA/SA pistol with the SA notch shaved off the hammer. Also worth noting that S&W made two versions of the 3953.
YES, it gets confusing. S&W cornered the market on “confusing” with the 3rd Gens.
I have a 3913NL and a 3913. Great shooters and eat any ammo I have put through them.
You forget the 3913TSW, which in theory the most expensive model.
For Sevens, I've never tried it, but several sites specify that their 3913/14 holsters are not for the LS/NL guns. I should try my 3914 holster in my 3913TSW (pre rail) holster and see if it works.
From what I've read, there never were any 3913DAO guns made. There is a reference to it in the SCSW, but I think that they actually ended up being the 3914DAO.
For the OP, you won't go wrong with a 3913 of any variation. Reliable, accurate, and low maintenance. Price varies widely by condition, variation, and even where you are in the country. They seem to be cheaper in the south, but that's just a general observation.
As to condition, inspect it carefully. Since the frames are alloy, wear can be a concern if a gun wasn't properly cared for. I always like to remove the slide (or ask the FFL to do it) so I can look at the rails and frame lugs that the barrel rides in. If they say no, I'd either want a three day inspection period or I'd walk away.
For Sevens, I've never tried it, but several sites specify that their 3913/14 holsters are not for the LS/NL guns. I should try my 3914 holster in my 3913TSW (pre rail) holster and see if it works.
From what I've read, there never were any 3913DAO guns made. There is a reference to it in the SCSW, but I think that they actually ended up being the 3914DAO.
For the OP, you won't go wrong with a 3913 of any variation. Reliable, accurate, and low maintenance. Price varies widely by condition, variation, and even where you are in the country. They seem to be cheaper in the south, but that's just a general observation.
As to condition, inspect it carefully. Since the frames are alloy, wear can be a concern if a gun wasn't properly cared for. I always like to remove the slide (or ask the FFL to do it) so I can look at the rails and frame lugs that the barrel rides in. If they say no, I'd either want a three day inspection period or I'd walk away.
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I just bought and broke in a new holster for my 3913LS - A Don Hume H715-M W/C-S #28-1 an open top IWB with a body shield that will fit S&W 3913LS, 3953, 6904, 6906 round trigger guard.
I tried the holster out with all of the above-listed models and it retains and fits each well. I suspect that it will work well for the other compact 3900 series models too.
FYI - The 3913 regular has been selling around $400 while the others are getting a c-note more on the big auction site.
I tried the holster out with all of the above-listed models and it retains and fits each well. I suspect that it will work well for the other compact 3900 series models too.
FYI - The 3913 regular has been selling around $400 while the others are getting a c-note more on the big auction site.
Here it is.
Imgur: The magic of the Internet
Imgur: The magic of the Internet
Jeppo
Member
Looks like a “regular” to me. You’ll enjoy it.
Engine49guy
Member
Condition and originality of the package are paramount in a collectable gun.
High condition with original box , docs n equipt are getting collectable especially the ladysmith style.
On the other hand as a shooter you dont get a lifetime warranty and SW no longer has the parts to repair them.
Also in a market where a bnib 9mm shield with lifetime warranty costs well under $300 its hard to justify a 3rd gen ccw shooter for the same price.
High condition with original box , docs n equipt are getting collectable especially the ladysmith style.
On the other hand as a shooter you dont get a lifetime warranty and SW no longer has the parts to repair them.
Also in a market where a bnib 9mm shield with lifetime warranty costs well under $300 its hard to justify a 3rd gen ccw shooter for the same price.
Great pistol. A little known trick, the slide assembly from the 5906, 5903, etc. will fit on the 3913 frame and function very well. You get a little longer sight radius and when worn in an inside the pants holster for a 5906, etc, the longer slide keeps the grip from kicking out away from the body while maintaining the flat slim profile. Look at the 3913 (lower right corner) in my only album photo, it has the longer slide mounted. No mods to the frame needed and you can go back to the standard OME short slide at will.
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Careful here, fake news makes far too many people panic and details matter. Especially in this forum where we strive to get it right.
S&W has a lot of parts and does a pretty good job on guns made decades ago when they can. New frame? No. Barrel? Iffy, probably not. Tons of other parts covering a LOT of different guns? For certain.
HOUSTON RICK
Member
My 3913, purchased new in 1993, along with a 5906, a shorty 9 and a shorty 40 (now with a Briley .357 Sig barrel, too) are all excellent choices, except the 5906 is HEAVY and considered a side-arm. Not concealable at all.
So with the 5906 with 2 more spare magazines in the center console and /or a 3913 in my waist band holster (when traveling) ... I'm a happy guy. The 3913 just seems to "feel" nice in your hand.
Florida is not a troublesome shooting state, I feel ... however... in the past 25 or so years, an entire family (not drug related) in a minivan, shot to death on I-95 for no reason and at least 2 Florida Highway Patrolman (RIP) one just recently seem to be no obstacle for the real bad guys so the 5906 is what i'd reach for if really needed. If needed I could lay down 16 shots before changing mags or a total of 46 before I'm empty.
I admire the Florida LEOs because of direct answers after 100 rounds were shot at suspected cop-killer suspect with 68 bullets was: "I suspect the only reason 110 rounds was all that was fired was that's all the ammunition they had,"
See: Florida Police Shot Suspected Cop Killer 68 Times | Fox News
Around town it's a 60-1 Ashand 2" IWB with Crimson trace grips. For ultra concealment, or working in the yard it's a 642 in my pocket holster with snake shot at the first one out (for that exact purpose while working outside at the ranch) and Nyclad HPs (standard load) for the other 4.
Try to find those Nyclads now. Getting harder to find.
So with the 5906 with 2 more spare magazines in the center console and /or a 3913 in my waist band holster (when traveling) ... I'm a happy guy. The 3913 just seems to "feel" nice in your hand.
Florida is not a troublesome shooting state, I feel ... however... in the past 25 or so years, an entire family (not drug related) in a minivan, shot to death on I-95 for no reason and at least 2 Florida Highway Patrolman (RIP) one just recently seem to be no obstacle for the real bad guys so the 5906 is what i'd reach for if really needed. If needed I could lay down 16 shots before changing mags or a total of 46 before I'm empty.
I admire the Florida LEOs because of direct answers after 100 rounds were shot at suspected cop-killer suspect with 68 bullets was: "I suspect the only reason 110 rounds was all that was fired was that's all the ammunition they had,"
See: Florida Police Shot Suspected Cop Killer 68 Times | Fox News
Around town it's a 60-1 Ashand 2" IWB with Crimson trace grips. For ultra concealment, or working in the yard it's a 642 in my pocket holster with snake shot at the first one out (for that exact purpose while working outside at the ranch) and Nyclad HPs (standard load) for the other 4.
Try to find those Nyclads now. Getting harder to find.
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Tex1001
Member
I've been a 3rd gen fan for 25 years (3 6906s, 3 5906s, 2 4046s, 1 4006, 1 410s, and an old 469).
I just got my first 3913 after years of looking. Same as lower left photo in post#3.
I think that I overpaid for the 3913. $425 OTD, no box or papers, but with 3 mags. I just finished alterations to make it suit my needs.
I can't post pictures yet. I just finished the work on it.
I just got my first 3913 after years of looking. Same as lower left photo in post#3.
I think that I overpaid for the 3913. $425 OTD, no box or papers, but with 3 mags. I just finished alterations to make it suit my needs.
I can't post pictures yet. I just finished the work on it.
Tex1001
Member
Maddog 521
Member
I have to say this "don't forget the 908". They are worth a mention also. Same, but just a little different.
IIRC I got my first one in 1989..... as soon as they hit the market in Harrisburg Pa. Added a few more over the years; 3913NLs and 3914s. Still carry one as my every day carry in my Burb of the Burgh.
They weren't as popular back in the day as you would expect.
Back when they were first introduced the idea of "Wonder nine" hi-cap 9mm was sweeping the gun world... then the 1994 Assault Weapons ban hit banning mags over 10 rounds. If it didn't have 15rounds up it's butt it would sit on the shelf.
As a person who'd been carrying a .380 Walther PPK for 5 or 6 years..... it was perfect way to move up to a 9mm. Much easier to carry than my Beretta Compact and to match the ammo of a 6906 and spare mag..... just carry 2 spares for the 3913.
They weren't as popular back in the day as you would expect.
Back when they were first introduced the idea of "Wonder nine" hi-cap 9mm was sweeping the gun world... then the 1994 Assault Weapons ban hit banning mags over 10 rounds. If it didn't have 15rounds up it's butt it would sit on the shelf.
As a person who'd been carrying a .380 Walther PPK for 5 or 6 years..... it was perfect way to move up to a 9mm. Much easier to carry than my Beretta Compact and to match the ammo of a 6906 and spare mag..... just carry 2 spares for the 3913.
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The 915 is the better gun. It is a 3rd Gen economy model but essentially a lack luster 5904 (alloy frame).
The 908 has a flimsy plastic guide rod for the slide spring. they deform easily.
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Tex1001
Member
My 410s is the same economy model. They eliminated a few cosmetic machining operations. The first upgrade I did on mine was replace plastic with stainless steel. Also the plastic disconnectors.
I did the same with my Ruger LC9s and Kel-Tek autos.
A 915 is one of the best deals... bang for the buck..... going.
Guide rod is easy to change to metal and a 908 is a lot more concealable.
Where did you find the metal disconnecters?
Tex1001
Member
Numrich/Gun Parts Corp. I give them a polish job before installation. Almost forgot about the mainspring plunger.
Disconnector Assembly, Stainless | Gun Parts Corp.
Mainspring Plunger, Stainless | Gun Parts Corp.
