3914TSW

[demkofour]

Like more than a few of us here, I’m not afraid to say that S&W revolvers are the real deal, but I have a very sweet spot for the numbered model First, Second and Third Generation pistols, especially in 9mm. I just find them very cool, especially the blued ones. As per the SCSW 5th. edition, there is
in excess of 150 different numbered model S&W semiautomatic models. Many produced when it seemed like the Factory was introducing a new model/version on a monthly basis!
My first S&W pistol was a Model 59 that I bought way back in 1976 or so. It was traded off a long time ago for something “newer and/or better” (whatever that was) but not long ago I was able to replace it with a BNIB specimen.
But, I try to keep my collection (accumulation) limited to those pistols that are Scarce, Rare and Quite Rare, as defined by Jim and Rick in the Bible. As exhibited by my NYPD 3983 and some of the RSR hybrids.
Although not quite Scarce, as production is reported in excess of 1000, I’ve long been on the lookout for a 3914TSW. I was fortunate enough to find one recently that is absolutely BNIB. I paid a bit more than what the Bible values this model at (which is likely lower than it should be…) but nonetheless here it is.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and indulge me!
And, Happy Memorial Day.

Jim

 

[Heymatt]

Very nice! Is that a 4040 mag in the next to last picture?

 

[GaryS]

Beautifully built guns. I'm still not sure why they were made or even when.
Do you mind sharing the production date?

Back probably ten years ago when Smith was pushing the last of the 3rd Gens out to dealers I looked high and low for one. I only saw one and it must have sold quickly because I emailed the seller and never heard back.

 

[demkofour]

For Heymatt: I don’t have the pistol with me, as my FFL is holding it until I get the required purchase document but the magazines were BNIB with the pistol and the followers have a “ball bearing” kinda thing. I’ll examine them closer in a few days.
For GaryS: see attached. November 13, 2009 (9317) or December 02, 2009…

 

[GaryS]

Hmmm, the production date of 2009 is interesting. Another mystery as to why they made them. Or rather for whom they made them. Maybe a cancelled order? Although the production dates listed don't really support that.

I agree that their ANIB price of $800.00 is low. The pricing for the 3913TSW is the same and that's also a bit low. At least in my opinion, which doesn't mean much.

 

[FZ1Tom]

I don't know the production date or pricing particulars of this gun, but the more 'black' (Melonite actually) finish Third Gens I see the more I like them, and this one with the gold accents is especially attractive to me. Even the billboarding comes off splendidly. Enjoy!

Tom

 

[4T5GUY]

That’s a really nice looking pistol. Seemingly hard to find. I’ve only seen one being offered but I thought it was priced too high for me.

Interesting that it being a latter railed/full length grip frame example it isn’t numbered underneath the slide, (and co-witnessed on the frame that can’t be seen?) The first, pre-railed ones were not but I thought the latter railed/full size grip frame ones were.

Jim

 

[Dirtynails]

That 3914 is cooler than Fonzie jumping a shark!

 

[demkofour]

Very nice! Is that a 4040 mag in the next to last picture?

And YES, great catch. It shipped with the appropriate stainless steel magazines but apparently this one was thrown in by accident.

 

[Heymatt]

That's a nice little bonus! Especially if you happen to have a 4040!

 

[4T5GUY]

That's a nice little bonus! Especially if you happen to have a 4040!

Weren’t you one of the “experimenters” changing out the followers in 4040PD magazines with 3913/14 ones for use in 3913/14’s?

Might be an option, (if only for range use,) in the 3914 plus it’s black to match. Just save the 4040 follower cause that supply of inexpensive factory new 4040 mags has dried up.

Jim

 

[Heymatt]

Yes there were several of us playing around with that. I found a bunch of 3913 mags and sold my 4040’s in the classifieds here.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

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The measurements of my 4040PD mags showed they were slightly wider than 3913/14 mags.

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391x -vs- 4040PD magazine

(some additional info to my post #13 above)

The 4040PD magazines will not fit smoothly into my 3914 or 3914DAO magwells. (They're a tad easier in my 3913TSW)

Their depth, front-back, is the same but the widths are different.

The 3914s measure 1.24"(D) x .477"(W) and the 4040s measure 1.24"(D) x .490"(W).

Additionally the 4040PD uses a different slide stop assembly.

In my 3913TSW an empty 4040PD mag will not lock the slide back.

The slide stop's follower arm (that engages the magazine's follower to lock the slide on the last round) is shorter than that of a 3913/3914 (.207"-vs-.276")

The 4040PD mag also has a special follower with an extended tab on the follower's left side (to contact the shorter slide stop arm) and a spring-loaded ball/bearing insert on it's right side to keep it pushed to the left.

The shorter slide stop arm is so the fatter nose of the .40 bullet will not accidentally bump the slide stop's arm falsely locking the slide.

.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

see attached. November 13, 2009 (9317) or December 02, 2009…

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The Nov date is when the pistol was boxed & labelled.

The Dec date is when it was tested & the fired case was provided per the government requirements of the time.

.

 

[demkofour]

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The Nov date is when the pistol was boxed & labelled.

The Dec date is when it was tested & the fired case was provided per the government requirements of the time.

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Totally aware, thanks. Although many feel the spec. ord. number is a pretty good a guesstimate of ship date…

I’ll get the approximate ship date from RM Vivas over on the SWCA site in the near future. https://forum.theswca.org/forums/ship-date-request.56/

 

[Dirtynails]

How tight is the frame-slide fit? I'm guessing it's nice!