Anyone carry a 3904? (39? 439?)

[carguychris]

Howdy all,

Although I'm a resolved revolver fanatic, I'm thinking of buying a relatively flat bottom-feeder for IWB carry. J&G has 3904s cheap, which is tempting me because I don't want something that will make me feel guilty for beating the finish to death.

Any thoughts?

 

[carguychris]

Howdy all,

Although I'm a resolved revolver fanatic, I'm thinking of buying a relatively flat bottom-feeder for IWB carry. J&G has 3904s cheap, which is tempting me because I don't want something that will make me feel guilty for beating the finish to death.

Any thoughts?

 

[jsbethel]

The 3904 is one of my favorites. I use mine as a home defense weapon. I believe one of those surplus pistols would be an excellent choice for your intended purpose.

 

[bronco45]

I carry the 439 a close relative and it shoots 3 shots at 20 yds offhand into less than 2 inches.

It also has adjustable sights. By the time the 439 and then the 3904 Smith had finally perfected the 39 series.

I carry mine concealed in a Hume IWB and an extra mag in a Blackhawk mag holder. All loaded with Speer Gold Dot 124Gr +Ps and the gun is a good to go outfit.

 

[carguychris]

Actually, this brings up a somewhat related question. What are the functional and design differences between the 3904 and its predecessors, the 39 and 439?

Another way of asking this: why would one choose a 3904 over the earlier guns?

Thanks!

 

[capttom]

Cole Distributing has a bunch of Smiths listed in Shotgun News and on the web, including 3904s and 439s. I'm thinking of getting a 6904 (blue) or 6906 (stainless) since I've been so impressed with my 908. Great gun! I figger git 'em while the gittin's good.

 

[10ring]

I'm not sure if it is what you are asking, but I find the 3953 / 3913 a perfect concealed carry gun, with a durable finish, that can be had very reasonably.

I don't like iwb carry, but choice would be the same if I did.

 

[carguychris]

Originally posted by 10ring:
I'm not sure if it is what you are asking, but I find the 3953 / 3913 a perfect concealed carry gun, with a durable finish, that can be had very reasonably.

I've contemplated a 908/3913/3914/3953, but I also like the ergonomics and feel of the 39-size guns. Decisions, decisions...

Can anyone comment on the differences between the 39, 439, and 3904? Anyone? Bueller?

 

[growr]

If you really want to ruin yourself on S&W, see if you can find or get to shoot a 39-2. You will see why in short order that they have a near cult status in the S&W world. Reliable, comfortable, accurate...what more can we ask for. Too big some will say, if so the ultimate for many of us is the 3913. In my opinion THE finest CCW made to date! Again shoot one and you will see what we are talking about....
In regards to your question of the differences in the models you asked about...1st gen, a 2nd gen and a 3rd generation gun all of which will serve you well.
Randy

 

[jsbethel]

The 439 and 3904 have a firing pin safety - the 39 and 39-2 do not. I believe that is the major difference. The 3904 has various small refinements and, as a 3rd generation pistol, would be subject to a longer period of future factory support should a repair be needed.

 

[carguychris]

Originally posted by jsbethel:
The 439 and 3904 have a firing pin safety - the 39 and 39-2 do not.

When you say firing pin safety, are you talking about something related to how the safety/decocker works, or is it something that prevents accidental discharges if the pistol is dropped?

Also, I believe I read somewhere (famous last words...) that the slides of the 3rd-gen pistols could be operated with the gun on-safe, which was not true of the 1st- and 2nd-gen semis. Is this correct?

Pardon the basic questions, but I'm trying to gain some basic education about S&W TDAs here.

Thanks in advance...

 

[jsbethel]

The firing pin safety prevents a discharge if the pistol is dropped. The slides of all three generations can be operated while on safe.

 

[carguychris]

Originally posted by jsbethel:
The firing pin safety prevents a discharge if the pistol is dropped.

Considering I'll be using this pistol for CCW, it sounds like I want one of those so I won't wind up with a 0.355"-dia. hole in my head if I drop the gun.

One other question: do all 3 generations use the same magazines?

Thanks!

 

[jsbethel]

A 3rd generation magazine will work in 1st and 2nd generation pistols. A 1st or 2nd generation magazine will not work in a 3rd generation pistol - they're a bit too short. (Factory magazines are somewhat expensive when found - S&W lists the 3rd gen mags for $41 on their website.) I just now returned from shooting my 639 - there's nothing quite like the feel and performance of a single stack S&W 9mm!

 

[Buford57]

I carried a 39-2 concealed for several years. Just about perfect in a Milt Sparks Summer Special IWB holster.

 

[Mortech]

My 39-2 was my favorite summer carry gun until I acquired my 3913 .

 

[Jon96]

Of all my pistols my 908 and 39-2 give me the most enjoyment by far. I find it funny that I have a Bianchi Black Widow holster that is fitted for the 45/10 series that also fits the 908 relatively well

The nickel finish on the 39-2 is too nice- its just a casual range gun. I would love a 909 though

 

[AKAOV1MAN]

The 3904 may be one of the great police guns of all time. Substantial enough for uniformed duty wear, and compact and thin eoungh for off duty/civilian dress use.

 

[Oregon3904]

I have a 3904, I love it. It is my wifes favorite(to shoot) of all that I have. I dont carry because of weight and its in near perfect condition. I carry a G23, weight, size , 13 rounds of .40... If you can pick up a 3904 though, do it you wont be sorry.

 

[wallager3904]

I carried a 1st generation 39 till my ex snuck it out on her way out the door. I replaced it with a 3904, and am very happy with it. Safe, reliable, accurate, light, thin, eats whatever you put on it's plate, and there are tons of mags out there. Mine shoots dead on poa at 3/5/7/ with the fixed sights, so the only thing I've had to do is pick up a couple of spare mags. you cannot go wrong with this weapon, although if you miss or blow a group, your only recourse will be to try and blame those gunshow reloads.