3rd Gen Journey: 5906->3913->3953

[fotoman12001]

Several weeks ago I had never even held a third generation S&W automatic. Now I own three thanks to S&W Forum.

I ran across a nice, early 5906 on a local forum and got it for $450 with five magazines but I didn't really know much about it. While researching it I found lots of chatter about the 3913 on this forum. Then one of them popped up on that same local forum and I snagged it for $475 in excellent condition with the original box, documents, and magazines. While reading up more on the 3913 I kept seeing the 3953 mentioned and it sounded like it would be worth a try. Unfortunately there were none available locally but I got one on Gunbroker for $440 after all fees. I picked it up today and it's a very nice example with minimal marks.

If it weren't for S&W forum, I probably wouldn't even know about the 3913/3953. So I have to ask, to whom at S&W Forum do I send the bill for these pistols?

I am going to sell the 5906. I like it but I picked up a stainless CZ 75 B soon after and I just shoot it better. The 5906 is nice but I probably won't carry it and I've got too many others for range use. I might actually carry the 3913/3953. You just can't keep everything.

I really like the 3913 but there is something about that 3953 that just feels great. The grip is just a little different but feels like a completely different gun to me. I haven't shot the 3953 yet but plan to this weekend. It's so slim. My Kahr K9 is my primary CCW pistol but the 3953 might edge it out; it has a great trigger. We'll see how I shoot it. It's really a shame that S&W stopped making the 39XX pistols. I think they would sell well today. SIG still makes the P239 (another one of my favorites) so people are buying pistols like this.

S&W 5906, 3913, 3953

S&W 3913 and 3953

Some 9mm single stacks: Kahr K9, SIG P239, S&W 3913, S&W 3953

My SIG P938 is still tops for utmost conceal-ability though.

 

[RDFabsRep]

Always wanted a Sig...one of these days I'll find one I can't resist. That P938 would be right up there

 

[ColbyBruce]

I am a huge fan of the S&W 3953, but do wish it had a repeat pull on the trigger. I had a 5946, it's only fault was the weight. I have owned two 3913 pistols, didn't care for the width due to the ambidextrous safety. I had two 908's, I did like them though the finish is fairly fragile. I owned a 1076 which I disliked due to the design of the decocker, now own a 1006 that pleases me.

Forgot about the CS9, I let it go to a female LEO.

 

[fotoman12001]

3953

I haven't shot the 3953 yet but in messing with it this evening there are a few small things I don't like:

• I do wish it was true double action and offered secnond strike capability. But I bet the trigger wouldn't be as good as it is if it could do that. This will probably never matter.
• There are two clicks when the trigger resets. I find myself wanting to pull it again after the first click but that won't do much good. I'll just have to get used to it.

These are small things and don't detract from my overall enjoyment of the pistol.

 

[ColbyBruce]

Three of my four Sigs, the two-tone P225's and P228 are true DAO. The S&W 3953 conceals better though.

 

[Kadonny]

Wow, congrats on the third gen purchases. The 3953 is on my "want list". Nice guns.

There is a fix for that trigger click, just check the notable thread at the top of the 3rd gen main page for the link to the discussion.

 

[WTN1271]

Just to add to your journey, S&W does/did make a NYPD 3914DAO that has the second strike capability. They show up on gunbroker occasionally and from 1 or 2 dealers on Long Island NY. Here is a recent thread.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/263576-nypd-3914dao.html

Great photos...love those Ruger .22'S

 

[Scotter260]

I've really got to try a 3953 as I've got a 6946 and really like it but the narrower profile is interesting.

Colby - love your DAO SIGS sir (man after my own heart you are) although DAKs really do perfect the concept IMHO.

 

[fotoman12001]

I just installed rubber Hogue grips on my 3913 and 3953 tonight....perfection. They do add some width but not to the extent I've read. Unless you have super small hands I think most people would find it an improvement with little to no affect on conceal-ability.

I also bought some beautiful Hogue rosewood grips but the fit was terrible. They flexed with mild pressure after installation and I could easily see the mainspring through the gap in the panels at the back. I will be returning those but the rubber panels are sweet. They feel similar to my Kahr K9 and I really like it (my primary CCW). I can't wait to shoot those pistols this weekend.

I love my SIGs as well. Statements claiming the P228 to be one of the best 9mm pistols are not exaggerated.

The P229R ain't too shabby either.

 

[petepeterson]

A 915 was the first pistol I purchased, and traded it for a Hi-Power, that I still own after 20 yrs.

I got back into the game with a 3913, when I was looking for a replacement for my Colt defender. I had decided that any gun I CC'd was going to be DA on the first shot. The 3913 is a dream to carry.

I grabbed a shooter-grade 5906- just because any 3913 owner has to have one of those, too!

I recently regressed, though, with a mint 39-2, which, as much as it pains me to admit, fits my hand much better than a 3rd gen.

 

[fotoman12001]

Loving the Hogues

I'm planning on shooting tomorrow and looking forward to trying these out. For me they seriously improve the ergonomics of a couple of pistols that were pretty darn good to begin with.

I also lucked into three extra factory mags on Gunbroker (2 extended baseplates, 1 flat) for $35/piece. It seems high for used mags but these aren't easy to find. People on eBay are asking $60-70 for the few I've seen.

 

[Red Tex]

I get the strong impression that (except on this forum) 3rd gen Smiths are vastly under-rated.

 

[fotoman12001]

I get the strong impression that (except on this forum) 3rd gen Smiths are vastly under-rated.

Definitely. I've been very actively buying guns over the past five years and this entire series of pistols completely slipped under my radar until about a month ago. The all-steel double stack (5906) models are a little too bulky (my CZ 75 stainless is much more ergonomic) but the single stack alloy framed 39XX models are great and it's a shame they were discontinued. Like the SIG P239 they are just big/heavy enough for comfortable range use and just small/light enough to carry conveniently.

Oh well, I'm glad to be part of the secret club now.

I like the 5906 but I LOVE the CZ 75 stainless.

 

[fotoman12001]

I shot them with the Hogue grips

I finally got to shoot my 3913 and 3953 with the Hogue grips installed and for me it was a big improvement. I prefer the way they feel.

This was my second time shooting the 3913 (first time was with factory grips) and first time shooting the 3953. I shot the 3913 much better this time. The 3953 is great. I like the trigger and got great groups with it. The only problem I had with it is that is shoots low. I typically use a six o'clock hold with my pistols and it works well for me. I had to put the front sight on the center of the target with the 3953 and it still shot low.

If I can get used to the 3953 it will likely share primary CCW duty with my K9. It is a fantastic pistol. And it fits nicely in the High Noon Holsters Mr. Softy for my SIG P239. I am considering having XS Big Dot sights installed on the 3953. I had them on a Glock 26 and liked them. They require a "cover the target" sight picture and might work well for me.

I now have six factory magazines for these pistols, two flat bases and four with finger extensions. All of them functioned perfectly with both pistols.

I have to agree with the majority opinion that the 39XX series pistols fantastic and undervalued.

Two magazines shot with the 3913
DA first shot from each mag and SA for the next seven
I pulled the first DA shot to the right as you can see behind the grip.
The rest of the rounds were dead-on.

A very pleasing group from the 3953
Two full magazines and two spare rounds
It was still low despite covering the target center with the front sight.

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

Very nice set of pistols you have there, even counting the SIGs. (JK)

I have thought about getting a set of the Hogue grips but heard they were to thick, I may have to try them.

 

[James&theGiant1911]

The Sig P228 is a very nice sidearm, I do not know about the best 9mm ever made but they are cool. As a p228 and a 229 owner, I understand where you are coming from but the 39xx is one of the best concealed 9mm Smith made single stack with a thin rail and fits your hand (at least mine) like an extension of your hand. Look at the tactical 9s and performance center models if you want to get to the next level.

Did Smith really ever make a DAO tactical or performance center model that came straight from the factory that way?

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

Yeah the 3rd gen PC guns are VERY nice, especially the DA pull.

 

[fotoman12001]

I have thought about getting a set of the Hogue grips but heard they were to thick, I may have to try them.

Hogue panels definitely made the 5906 grip too thick but they are nice on the 39XX pistols.

I ended up trading my 5906 for this semi-rare Beretta 86 that I'm very happy with. I could never quite warm to the 5906 with the large grip. Sometimes I could get great groups with it but not consistently. It was always reliable though.

I don't see this Beretta leaving my collection.

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

That sir, is a very nice 86.