4013 vs 3913

[Rockin Double B]

OK, you all have me hooked. Not only is everybody here very friendly but I appreciate the comments from law enforcement guys. Anyway, I've been shooting/reloading/hunting for 25 years but never shot semi-auto pistols. After shooting a friends 4506 I am hooked on fit 'n finish, balance, looks and FUN. Many of you really like the 3913 and I've been looking for them but find more 4013's. Since I am not yet entrenched in a caliber and the difference between a 9mm and 40 are minimal to me (at this point) do you have any suggestions between the 4013 and 3913? Thank you so much.
Robb

 

[Rockin Double B]

OK, you all have me hooked. Not only is everybody here very friendly but I appreciate the comments from law enforcement guys. Anyway, I've been shooting/reloading/hunting for 25 years but never shot semi-auto pistols. After shooting a friends 4506 I am hooked on fit 'n finish, balance, looks and FUN. Many of you really like the 3913 and I've been looking for them but find more 4013's. Since I am not yet entrenched in a caliber and the difference between a 9mm and 40 are minimal to me (at this point) do you have any suggestions between the 4013 and 3913? Thank you so much.
Robb

 

[Erich]

Bear in mind that the 4013 is larger, being built on the same frame as the 4516, etc. I've worked on a lot of shooting cases, and I've yet to see the one in which a 9mm failed where a .40 would have worked, and a couple of pathologists have told me that they can't tell the difference between the wound tracks left by a .40 vs. a 9. Based on that and the fact that the ammo is cheaper, I go with the 9s, myself. Whatever floats your boat, though: both are nice rounds and the guns that you mention are nice guns.

 

[Denver Dick]

I own and shoot both the 4013 and 3913. I like both very much. I don't think you will go wrong with either.

That said, Erich makes very good points that should be kept in mind.

Good luck.

 

[PeterBergh2]

Originally posted by Erich:
Bear in mind that the 4013 is larger, being built on the same frame as the 4516, etc.

Sort of true. There are two frame sizes for the 4013. The original 4013 was, indeed, built on the 4516 frame. The later 4013 was built on the 6906 frame and had a double-stack magazine. The closest .40 S&W approximation to the 3913 is the 4040PD, which is built on the 3913LS frame.

 

[jaysouth]

I have had both and sold the .40. My only objection was that the 4013 would not fit the leather for the 3913 that I had sunk a small fortune in.

If you were starting from scratch, toss a coin, you will be happy with either.

 

[growr]

Well...you could buy one of each and let us know what YOU thought was best!! LOL! I do own and carry a 3913 and think the world of it. Very accurate, slender, reliable and just fun to shoot as well....Let us know how you decide!
Randy

 

[Rockin Double B]

Thank you all very much for the insight. Based on the love shown for the 3913 I will continue to look for it primarily. I get the impression that there is just something magical about the caliber, size, fit, balance & karma from the 3913 series after reading all the related posts. I actually may get both but am looking at the full size 5906, 5903's, etc.

 

[ldp4570]

Originally posted by Rockin Double B:
Thank you all very much for the insight. Based on the love shown for the 3913 I will continue to look for it primarily. I get the impression that there is just something magical about the caliber, size, fit, balance & karma from the 3913 series after reading all the related posts. I actually may get both but am looking at the full size 5906, 5903's, etc.

Sir, You are very correct. The 3913 is a work of art and majic. You need that for your EDC, and the 5906/03 for your vehicle gun. You will be set then!!! Good luck on your search for the best CCW 9MM pistol ever!!

 

[FirebirdV8]

If you are looking at them purely in size of the ammo, a 40 and a 9 feel almost exactly the same to shoot. There are some differences in the effect, but as mentioned the holes are very similar. I personally go with 40, but 9mm is cheaper. If you aren't into the idealogical differences, either one will work.

 

[Erich]

Right Peter - I was thinking of the first 4013.

 

[18DAI]

I have owned the early single stack 4013, and the 3913. I still own the 3913, and agree with Erich.

The 4013 was a fine pistol, but did not do anything the 3913 could not do, and was harder to conceal. It also had an annoying tendency to pinch fingers on a fast mag change......probably not the guns fault. Hope this helps. Regards 18DAI.

 

[Fastbolt]

I own a pre-rail 4013TSW, 3913 and a 4040PD. Close in overall size (albeit the 4013TSW is the double column magazine frame size).

I shoot the 3913 more often. I carry it more often. Personal preference.

If I had to choose to keep just one of them, it would be the 3913.

My SW99c 9mm actually offers me a slightly better DA & SA trigger and an edge in practical accuracy at longer distances. The 3913 offers me a balance of recoil management and controllability which I personally prefer over the SW99c. If I were going to choose between them it would be the 3913. It's surprisingly accurate and can stand on its own in that regard ... in my opinion.

Choosing between my 3913 & CS9 would be more difficult ... but it would again be the 3913.

I've often thought of ordering a 3913TSW to complement my late production 3913. The TSW version does offer a couple of features which I'd prefer over the earlier production 3913, or the later production 908S.

I've always thought that the 3913 was pretty much one of S&W's best efforts at a compact, lightweight, metal framed traditional double action pistol. As close to 'state-of-the-art' as I've ever felt I've found.

Handy little compact 9mm.

 

[Erich]

The TSW version does offer a couple of features which I'd prefer over the earlier production 3913, or the later production 908S.

Okay, now I'm intrigued . . . do you have time to explain?

 

[Fastbolt]

Maybe 'prefer over' could've been worded differently ...

How about some enhanced features I wouldn't mind having in an additional 3913.

I like the delayed unlocking, the larger box-type frame/slide rails and the visual loaded chamber inspection port in the rear of the barrel tab.

Just some enhancements to an already outstanding compact pistol.

FWIW, I wouldn't trade off or 'replace' my personal 3913, but wouldn't mind having a current style 3913TSW to essentially complement my 3913.

 

[Erich]

I didn't know about the first two features you mention - thank you for your kindness in replying!

 

[Fastbolt]

They changed the timing of the unlocking in the TSW models, delaying it a bit, which allows the pressure to drop more before unlocking.

The larger box-type rails are intended to offer smoother slide travel and tighter tolerances, enhancing potential accuracy.

The current style TSW slides (after the 'original' models) have also received the additional machining required to allow the optional spring-loaded, decock-only assembly to be installed.