Difference between 3913 and 3913NL

[Marty919]

Hi, new member here, so thanks in advance for your replies and help.

I just acquired (fell in love at first sight) a S&W 3913. It has been customized by having a high chromed polish, and all internals nicely done to precision tolerances. It has Hogue grips and just feels and shoots better than any other auto I've shot. So I had to get it. (I will take and post some pics shortly, it's a beautiful piece).

I have seen references to 3913, 3913NL and other 3913 designations....

Can someone tell me what the differences are and how to tell exactly what model mine is?

And, if I may impose for a second question, I would love to have night sights installed, is there a recommendation for which sights to use (brand and model if someone knows), and the best way to get these installed correctly.

Thanks from a new S&W owner for your time.

Marty919

H&K P30
S&W 442
Ruger LCP (as BUG only)
Para Ordnance Carry 9 (soon to be selling)
And now: S&W 3913

 

[RogueJSK]

The slope of the dust cover and color of the grips are the only real difference between the 3913 and 3913NL.

3913:

3913NL

(The 3913NL is simply a Smith & Wesson 3913 LadySmith, aka 3913LS, that does not have the "LadySmith" markings on it.)

Also, while some standard 3913s use dual safety/decocker levers and some use single levers on the left side only, all 3913NLs and LSs feature strictly single levers.


There's also the 3913 TSW (Tactical Smith & Wesson) that adds an accessory rail and features some tighter tolerances for greater reliability and accuracy.

And a small number of early production 3913TSWs that did not have the accessory rail and used a slightly smaller 7 round magazine.

 

[Marty919]

Thank you RogueJSK!

Well that clears it up, mine is a 3913, not NL. Really appreciate the fast reply.

So next steps now are to find a great IWB holster for it, and figure out how and where to get night sights installed.

I cannot believe how flawlessly it shoots.

Again, thank you for the reply and info.

Marty919

 

[jsbethel]

I like Trijicon night sights -

Trijicon, Inc. : Brilliant Aiming Solutions

Trijicon, Inc. : Brilliant Aiming Solutions

 

[ENGINE18]

More great S&W 9s

 

[bronco45]

Smith if you're listening bring back the 3913 TSW without the rail.

 

[dbc]

JSK...Great pics. & Exp. I like the flush magazine look on the 3913TSW. My 3914 has the magazine extend down as in your other pics. If you can confirm my guess....The flush mount was obtained by cutting into the pistol frame and reducing the magazine by one load rather than it being just a longer pistol grip?? If it were a longer type grip I would look to convert mine?
Dan

 

[RogueJSK]

JSK...Great pics. & Exp. I like the flush magazine look on the 3913TSW. My 3914 has the magazine extend down as in your other pics. If you can confirm my guess....The flush mount was obtained by cutting into the pistol frame and reducing the magazine by one load rather than it being just a longer pistol grip??

That is correct. The grip was shortened, and it uses the 7 round single stack 9mm magazine also used in the CS9. As a result, you cannot use aftermarket grips (such as the Hogue rubber grips) without modifying them.

 

[self protection]

I got a Fist 1a IWB holster with the added body guard for my 3913 . I love it. Just plan on waiting 6 weeks to get one.

Well that clears it up, mine is a 3913, not NL. Really appreciate the fast reply.

So next steps now are to find a great IWB holster for it, and figure out how and where to get night sights installed.

I cannot believe how flawlessly it shoots.

Again, thank you for the reply and info.

Marty919

 

[heysox]

While I have a nice custom IWB holster (PCS made), I most often use an Alessi Talon plus to carry my 3953 (DAO version of your 3913) daily. Great holster and quick to put on/take off.

 

[RogueJSK]

As I recently posted in another thread, I have a Crossbreed Supertuck for my 3913 that is worn nearly every day during the summer, and has worked well for the past couple of years. SuperTuck Deluxe
I'm a big fan of this style of leather-backed holsters with offset belt loops that allow for adjustable cant and height. They're supremely comfortable, adjustable for every body shape and size, and allow you to easily conceal even a large handgun under just a t-shirt. The offset belt attachments help to spread the weight out over a greater area, and allow the holster itself to be thinner when compared to a holster with the belt clips over the handgun's body.

Here's a quick and dirty cell phone pic from a year or two back. I haven't bothered to take an updated photo with a real camera, unfortunately.

I recommend going with the horsehide backing, as it's more sweat resistant. The Combat Cut option is not necessary, but some people want it. If you order one without the cut, and later decide you want it, it's easy to do yourself. Took me about three minutes with a decent set of shears.

The Comp-Tac MTAC is a bit better than the Supertuck as far as fit and finish, but they do not offer one for a 3913. And there are lots of other holster manufacturers that offer models similar to the Supertuck and MTAC, such as Tucker Gun Leather and K&D Leather.

 

[growr]

My 3913 rides in Kramer #3 IWB. Extremely comfortable and very high quality. Call Greg he usually has them instock instead of waiting.
Randy

 

[Janx11]

I carry my 3913TSW w/ rail in a Bianchi 7506 Accumold. Very comfortable, and only cost around $25.