3913ls Why is there a difference ?

[Atxo4]

I have been really searching for over 6 months for a 3913ls...I just traded a marlin 336w (non jm 20012) in beautiful shape.1 mag only.Beautiful shape very clean in side.Barly any powder residew.Well the next day I had another one come in front of me.I jumped on it.I traded a clean M69 44mag.Well this little beauty has scroll work on the slide..3. Mag,keydex holster with 2 mag holster..The one with the scroll work has a extened slide release and the decock is taller.The slide is cut out more.The square notch above barrel.The hammer sticks out while the other is flush..One slide is dull and one is shiny...Any info would be greatly appreciated.Thanks all.

 

[Atxo4]

Here are pictures of the slides.

 

[Maddog 521]

IMHO more picture are needed.

 

[JohnHL]

Welcome to the Forum, Atxo4!

A couple of the differences you mention (lever shape and slide opening) are probably from early and later production.

A couple of other differences (slide polish and hammer size) are likely changes made by an owner.

The engraving (scroll work) could have been done by the factory as an option or it may have been done by an independent craftsman.

More pictures would undoubtedly help.

John

 

[Atxo4]

Here are some pictures.Side to side -slide lever/decock.Scroll work.2scrolls on one side and one on ther other.

 

[Atxo4]

Here are more pictures.Side to side -Slide cut out.Full pictures of the polished slide.

 

[jsbethel]

The early LS/NL models came with the low profile safety body and slide stop - later ones did not. Just a guess but the polished slide was probably done to remove the Ladysmith etching.

 

[Atxo4]

The polished slide's signature Lady Smith is deep and perfect.Smooth to the touch.The other slides signature is rough to the touch.Dose not appear as if previous owner(s) polished it to remove it.

 

[Atxo4]

Next question."The early ones".What were the production years.From when to when?Seeing how the metal was removed from "later ones" is there a weight or reliability or accuracy difference ?

 

[Atxo4]

Is the scroll work factory?

 

[jsbethel]

What were the production years.From when to when?

The LS was catalogued from 1990 to 2006.

 

[Atxo4]

When did they start removing metal on the slide and changed the thickness of the levers..?

 

[Atxo4]

I emailed s&w and here is there response. I am not able to verify the exact finish that it left the factory with.

This model was produced between 1989-1999. Unfortunately, we don't have records of exactly when these(ex levers,slide cut out)rolling changes would have happened.

Smith&Wesson values its customers and we are happy to have served you today.....They did give me the day they were produced 10/6/93 & 5/30/90 -103918...What is this number 103918.It comes after 5/30/90.The other did not have a number after the date.

 

[BloodyThumb]

product code.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Early ones also shipped with a 7rd flush fit (metal floor plate) magazine and one 8rd flat bottom mag.

 

[ACEd]

Product Code 103918 shows as 3913LS early 1990-91
Product Code 108290 shows as 3913LS from 1992-2006
Not sure what changes if any are reflected in change of Product Codes - but I do recall one set had LS pouch and other has LS case

 

[JohnHL]

When did they start removing metal on the slide and changed the thickness of the levers..?

Around 1992/1993.

With S&W they were "rolling" changes, which means the changes didn't happen on a date certain.

The changes were authorized and then the changes were made as the company ran out of the older parts and were forced to use the newer parts.

John

 

[Atxo4]

Very good information.Thanks all.How do I tell if the engravings are factory?Did s&w offer this style in 93?Does anyone here have the same or seen the same scroll work?