weemsf
Member
What are the similarities of the S&W 908S and the 3913? I am looking to get a gun for the car with more punch than my 442. Size and weight is what I am mainly looking for in comparison of the 908 and the 3913.
908S and 3913 ?
- Thread starter weemsf
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
My wife has a 3913 and I recently picked up a 908. They both are equal in terms of function and reliability, IMHO. The differences are:
1. The 3913 has the ambi safety. Some like it that way, some don't. The "ears" on the 3913 safety are rather wide. I prefer the safety on one side only; the wife likes it on both. Personal preference, I suppose.
2. The slide on the 3913 has more of a rounded contour; the 908 is a little "blockier" although not quite like a GLOCK (there is a 45 degree angle on the top edge of the 908). Not sure if there is a weight difference in the slides. Possibly.
3. Sights are metal on the 3913, and they are a hard plastic / nylon on the 908. I don't have a problem with the plastic ones, but the white dots are merely painted on the surface (kinda cheesy, IMHO). I took a small drill bit and countersunk the holes a bit on mine by carefully centering and slowly twisting the bit by hand, and then I put a dab of white paint in the dimples. Works great for me.
4. The disconnector is metal on the 3913 and it is that hard nylon/plastic on the 908. Some don't like the plastic part, but some (like myself) don't really care. It has been said, as a matter of fact, that the plastic one may work better because of the plastic's increased self lubricity factor. I've not read or heard anywhere about a 908 disconnector breaking or failing.
5. The guide rod assembly on the 3913 is metal, and it is plastic / nylon on the 908. Better...not as good...again, who knows. I don't mind. The metal one weighs more, however, and it doesn't come apart for cleaning as far as I can tell. The plastic one does (the plunger and spring can be removed).
6. The mag catch. This WAS a factor for me. I think some of the earlier 908's may have had a plastic mag catch. My 457 did (and it too is one of S&W "value line" guns, similar to the 908). S&W did supercede the plastic mag catch part to a metal one if you order a replacement part. You can't interchange a 908 mag catch with a 3913 one - they are slightly different. And the button is basically a one-shot deal - so if you replace the mag catch, it is advisable to replace the button also (and probably the spring while you are in there...). It pretty simple to tell if you have a plastic or metal mag catch by carefully inspecting it on the right side of the gun when you press in the button, and also by inspecting the tab inside the mag well with a flashlight. The buttons are all plastic, however. And they ar simple to change.
I'd recommend selecting a 908 vs 3913 based on overall condition (if what you are after is function and reliability) rather than the model number. If you find one of each in great condition, you're likely to get a better price on the 908 since it is a "value line" gun. These guns are getting harder to find, it seems, so I don't think you can go wrong with either one. Pick the first one up that you see in good condition. You won't be disappointed.
Good luck!
1. The 3913 has the ambi safety. Some like it that way, some don't. The "ears" on the 3913 safety are rather wide. I prefer the safety on one side only; the wife likes it on both. Personal preference, I suppose.
2. The slide on the 3913 has more of a rounded contour; the 908 is a little "blockier" although not quite like a GLOCK (there is a 45 degree angle on the top edge of the 908). Not sure if there is a weight difference in the slides. Possibly.
3. Sights are metal on the 3913, and they are a hard plastic / nylon on the 908. I don't have a problem with the plastic ones, but the white dots are merely painted on the surface (kinda cheesy, IMHO). I took a small drill bit and countersunk the holes a bit on mine by carefully centering and slowly twisting the bit by hand, and then I put a dab of white paint in the dimples. Works great for me.
4. The disconnector is metal on the 3913 and it is that hard nylon/plastic on the 908. Some don't like the plastic part, but some (like myself) don't really care. It has been said, as a matter of fact, that the plastic one may work better because of the plastic's increased self lubricity factor. I've not read or heard anywhere about a 908 disconnector breaking or failing.
5. The guide rod assembly on the 3913 is metal, and it is plastic / nylon on the 908. Better...not as good...again, who knows. I don't mind. The metal one weighs more, however, and it doesn't come apart for cleaning as far as I can tell. The plastic one does (the plunger and spring can be removed).
6. The mag catch. This WAS a factor for me. I think some of the earlier 908's may have had a plastic mag catch. My 457 did (and it too is one of S&W "value line" guns, similar to the 908). S&W did supercede the plastic mag catch part to a metal one if you order a replacement part. You can't interchange a 908 mag catch with a 3913 one - they are slightly different. And the button is basically a one-shot deal - so if you replace the mag catch, it is advisable to replace the button also (and probably the spring while you are in there...). It pretty simple to tell if you have a plastic or metal mag catch by carefully inspecting it on the right side of the gun when you press in the button, and also by inspecting the tab inside the mag well with a flashlight. The buttons are all plastic, however. And they ar simple to change.
I'd recommend selecting a 908 vs 3913 based on overall condition (if what you are after is function and reliability) rather than the model number. If you find one of each in great condition, you're likely to get a better price on the 908 since it is a "value line" gun. These guns are getting harder to find, it seems, so I don't think you can go wrong with either one. Pick the first one up that you see in good condition. You won't be disappointed.
Good luck!
586L-Frame
Member
- Joined
- May 15, 2006
- Messages
- 646
- Reaction score
- 73
Hmm, my S&W 559, 469's and 3913 all came from
the S&W Factory without ambi-safeties.
They all came with a single safety on the
left-side.
586L-Frame
DLC's 9mm's 559 3906 2-469's & 3913.
[IMG:left]
x
JamesArthur60
US Veteran
If I may suggest, if you cannot find a 908 or 3913, you might consider any used S&W model for your car. Something not as expensive and maybe a little beat up for tossing around in a vehicle. Plus, I'd hate to have a nice 3913 stolen from my car. Just a suggestion.
I have looked at several options. The 3913 appeals to me as a perfect balance of size and power. But, Mercedes also appeals to me. I carry my 442 in the center console, when it is not in my pocket. I have to be somewhat picky as I will have to qualify with the gun and our armorer is not enamored with S&W autos. They have a bad rep with the deputies here that dates back to the days when S&W was called the "gun a month club."
I owned a 6946 and loved it. I let my minister of music talk me out of it and have regretted it ever since. I do want something I can change the sights on if I desire so that rules out the 469's.
I am open to any suggestions. I may buy a SIG P6 as there are plenty of them floating around.
BTW, sir, thank you for your service to our country.
I owned a 6946 and loved it. I let my minister of music talk me out of it and have regretted it ever since. I do want something I can change the sights on if I desire so that rules out the 469's.
I am open to any suggestions. I may buy a SIG P6 as there are plenty of them floating around.
BTW, sir, thank you for your service to our country.
Back when the Brits owned S&W, there were numerous issues with their autos, cracked frames, very limited numbers of rounds that could be fired before a rebuild was necessary,, and S&W made so many changes to their guns. Plus, and I think this one weighs the most, the conversion of their 9MM's to 40 was a nightmare. The 9MM frames could not handle the 40 and the beefed up slide were bulky.
On the good side, I have always argued with the guys that S&W DAO had the best and shortest trigger stroke. Memphis used S&W's for years and have now gone to SIG229's with DAK triggers.
Perception, right or wrong makes a heavy impression. I got the department to T&E S&W's, but I do not think there ever was a real chance they would buy them. So, I have a department issued Glock 23. They will allow me to carry about anything I can qualify with within certain parameters. Our former Chief Deputy is a big fan of the S&W 3913.
The new M&P line will hopefully change some minds.
On the good side, I have always argued with the guys that S&W DAO had the best and shortest trigger stroke. Memphis used S&W's for years and have now gone to SIG229's with DAK triggers.
Perception, right or wrong makes a heavy impression. I got the department to T&E S&W's, but I do not think there ever was a real chance they would buy them. So, I have a department issued Glock 23. They will allow me to carry about anything I can qualify with within certain parameters. Our former Chief Deputy is a big fan of the S&W 3913.
The new M&P line will hopefully change some minds.
Interesting. Do you know if it was a change based on production date, or was the ambi vs single sided safety some kind of common "option." I've not seen a 3913 (DA/SA) with a single sided safety. Thanks for the info!
The 908 is my primary carry if I choose a 9mm. I don't care for ambidextrous safeties. I can live with them, but would rather not have one on the starboard side and it's a minor hassle getting rid of one. (I'm hunting for a 669/6909 and if I find one, I'll have the right lever removed. - If anyone has one in the Houston area...) The plastic/nylon/whatever-material-it-is doesn't bother as much as it does some people. These parts are obviously low stress and the correct material can be better than steel for some applications.
586L-Frame
Member
- Joined
- May 15, 2006
- Messages
- 646
- Reaction score
- 73
Just did a search on google.
MidwayUSA.Com has the 'Single Safety Lever:
Smith & Wesson Manual Safety Body for S&W CS9S, 3913, and SUPER9.
http://www.midwayusa.com/Search/#3913__10636___1-2-4__2_16_
586L-Frame
Tinygnat219
Member
Hmmm.
I have both (but my 908 is blued).
The only real differences I see are that the 908 isn't as "rounded" as the 3913, and the 3913 that I have has ambidextrous safeties and decockers.
Here's my 908:
Here's my 908 again:
Note the lack of the safety / decocker on this side.
Here's my 3913:
On the other side, note the ambi-Decocker:
Both are EXCELLENT guns, and I recommend them to anyone.
I have both (but my 908 is blued).
The only real differences I see are that the 908 isn't as "rounded" as the 3913, and the 3913 that I have has ambidextrous safeties and decockers.
Here's my 908:
Here's my 908 again:
Note the lack of the safety / decocker on this side.
Here's my 3913:
On the other side, note the ambi-Decocker:
Both are EXCELLENT guns, and I recommend them to anyone.
-Buzz-
Member
I have both the 3913 and a 908.
One practical difference I'll point out... since the 3913 has been out of production for awhile, a lot of holster manufacturers don't still make one specifically for this model. A Sig P229 holster is a pretty good substitute and sometimes a G23 holster might work if it is open top.
The 908 with a single sided safety is easier to fit into a non-specific holster. The 3913 with the ambi safety sometimes won't quite seat properly due to the right side lever.
Jim PHL
Member
weemsf;
In an earlier post you mentioned possibly getting one of the Sig P6's that are floating around. If you are not 'set' on the 908/3913, I highly recommend that model. The 3913's seem to claim premium pricing due to their popularity. You'll probably pay less for the Sig and it will be easier to find. IMO, the Smith has a slight edge in compfort for carrying on your person, but for a "car gun" either will serve you well.
In an earlier post you mentioned possibly getting one of the Sig P6's that are floating around. If you are not 'set' on the 908/3913, I highly recommend that model. The 3913's seem to claim premium pricing due to their popularity. You'll probably pay less for the Sig and it will be easier to find. IMO, the Smith has a slight edge in compfort for carrying on your person, but for a "car gun" either will serve you well.
I am waiting on my SIG P6 to arrive. Still considering the 3913 or 3953, but not sure. the 908 seems to be all that I would want as well. I think I will wait and shoot the P6 some before I buy anything. Some of the 3913's I have seen are being sold at an asking price of up to $700. that is a little rich for my blood.
ColbyBruce
Member
Custom holster maker Ken Null is about 1.5 hours away from me in NW Georgia. If we got enough folks to agree on a type of holster design, we could approach him for a group buy. I could leave him my #908 for form fitting if he does not have a mold.
