miles71
Member
I just picked up a 4013 from Gunbroker and took it out a few days ago. This is an older pistol, still has the silver trigger and hammer and is a single stack, but came as described by the seller and was in pretty good shape. I cleaned it up (I am still amazed how dirty people keep their guns) and took it out to the range.
First of all, I have never been one to want to jump on the 40 bandwagon. I was even reluctant to get a 40 since I already have a 9 and a 45. With some coaxing from a friend I looked for a 3rd gen smith in 40 and found this one. I went to the range, really not expecting much except another boringly reliable smith and wesson. What I found is a pretty nice little pistol that was VERY accurate.
This 4013 has one of the best triggers I have ever shot. Smooth in DA and crisp in SA. Felt good in my hands, just a bit "skinny" in the grip. I did however feel like a 40, or at least how it has been described. Snappy, like a +P+ in a 9 but not heavy feeling like a 45 cal. I don't think it was a bad recoil feel, but not something I would shoot cold after some time not going to the range. I shot about 150 rounds this day and could feel it in my hands. By the end the front sight was a little "giggly".
The 40 does have some power, I shoot Winchester WinClean 180 Grain and some HST 165 grains. All was very accurate and felt fine. I would have no problem carrying this pistol as a self defense weapon. Heres how I did, the little guy has 3 mags in him for a total of 24 rounds at 10 yards.
I am not expert, but I think that is ok. I got tired of shooting at the big guy
(And I am not happy about the two fliers)
Now the real problem, finding a holster and deciding on changing out the grip. I have seen grips with finger grooves which would be great, but cant seem to find them. I have been really happy with Don Hume pancakes for my 4566 and 3913 so will probably go that route again. I wish they made Serpas for these old models........
In summary, I think it is very hard to go wrong with one of the Smith and Wesson 3rd generations. I now own 4 of them and would trust them 100%. Maybe I'll buy one of those plastic ones so these can make fun of it.
TD
First of all, I have never been one to want to jump on the 40 bandwagon. I was even reluctant to get a 40 since I already have a 9 and a 45. With some coaxing from a friend I looked for a 3rd gen smith in 40 and found this one. I went to the range, really not expecting much except another boringly reliable smith and wesson. What I found is a pretty nice little pistol that was VERY accurate.
This 4013 has one of the best triggers I have ever shot. Smooth in DA and crisp in SA. Felt good in my hands, just a bit "skinny" in the grip. I did however feel like a 40, or at least how it has been described. Snappy, like a +P+ in a 9 but not heavy feeling like a 45 cal. I don't think it was a bad recoil feel, but not something I would shoot cold after some time not going to the range. I shot about 150 rounds this day and could feel it in my hands. By the end the front sight was a little "giggly".
The 40 does have some power, I shoot Winchester WinClean 180 Grain and some HST 165 grains. All was very accurate and felt fine. I would have no problem carrying this pistol as a self defense weapon. Heres how I did, the little guy has 3 mags in him for a total of 24 rounds at 10 yards.
I am not expert, but I think that is ok. I got tired of shooting at the big guy
(And I am not happy about the two fliers)Now the real problem, finding a holster and deciding on changing out the grip. I have seen grips with finger grooves which would be great, but cant seem to find them. I have been really happy with Don Hume pancakes for my 4566 and 3913 so will probably go that route again. I wish they made Serpas for these old models........
In summary, I think it is very hard to go wrong with one of the Smith and Wesson 3rd generations. I now own 4 of them and would trust them 100%. Maybe I'll buy one of those plastic ones so these can make fun of it.
TD
