New 3913/First Post/Range Report

[kaseofkors]

First off I want to say thanks to all of you and this forum. The immense knowledge and information on the 3rd gen autos contained here is what began my hunt for a 3913.

On a whim I went to a huge LGS and in the bottom of of one of the cases I spotted a S&W 3913 Lady Smith mixed in with several other dirty 3rd generation S&W autos. I asked the guy behind the counter to take a look at it. All I can say is it was love at first 'touch'. Awesome pistol. After a quick function check I took a quick glance at the price tag and said I'll take it. At the listed price I wasn't expecting anything to come with this pistol, but low and behold the guy brings out the original case, owner manual, spare mag with flat base plate, and original owner's documentation. He paid $549 in 2000. FWIW I paid $349.99 before tax. I couldn't find any 3913's for that price anywhere.

I took her home and broke her down for cleaning and to my surprise this thing was ridiculously clean and pristine on the inside. I do not know how many rounds but, if I were to guess I would say less than 250. Judging by the lint and very very minor scuffs it appears this pistol was likely carried in a purse or left in the sock drawer for a long time. I would easily rate this pistol excellent condition after cleaning.

All that's left is to go and shoot this thing and see if she's a keeper.

Here are a few pictures. I added the Houge's.

 

[boingboing]

Nice score. My wife loves hers

 

[dh2683]

You Stole that one. Nice Score. I'm sure you'll love it even more after you shoot it.

 

[War_Eagle]

Kaseofkors welcome to the forums! Nice one to start your love for the third gens with. You also peaked my attention when you said it was "in a case amongst ALOT of other third gens". Where might you have been shopping? Don't worry, we will keep it just between us lol. Welcome

 

[t-bird]

Great find, be sure to post a range report.

 

[raykdman]

Great buy! I've been wanting to add one to my other 3913's.

 

[kcode]

Congrats and welcome to the forum. I would say you got a lucky gift at the price you paid. I don't think your LGS had any faith or knowledge of the 3913. The only thing that could have made the deal any sweeter is if it had the Lady Smith case. Enjoy it. The 3913-14 series is addictive, I have 4 of them.

 

[Mike-4]

Great score! Thanks for sharing.

regards

 

[blujax01]

Welcome! And you made an excellent choice. Waiting for a range report!

 

[red feather]

Same gun is $650 around here..

 

[kaseofkors]

I will be sure to post a range report. It may be awhile, though.

red feather - that gun should have been $650, and I almost would have paid that.

k code - funny you mention the case, lol, I was thinking about that today. May try to find one for no other reason that just to have it.

 

[udchemist]

I sure would like to know where you found a steal like that!! Great find!

 

[equin]

Welcome! Good to see you over on this site as well!

 

[scwv67]

That's an incredible score! Welcome to the forum.

 

[VTHokiesDuckHunter]

You stole it at that price!

You should consider changing your screen name to "Lucky *******" (or just "Lucky")

 

[S&W1006]

Great price on a great little gun. Enjoy it and welcome to the forum.

 

[Lost Lake]

All that's left is to go and shoot this thing and see if she's a keeper.

Oh, it's a keeper all right. But you already knew that.

Nice find!

 

[Nico Testosteros]

You made out like a bandit! Congratulations!

 

[kaseofkors]

As promised, a range report.

I was able to finally make it to my LGS/Range to try out this Lady Smith. I just wish it wasn't in the midst of the grand ammunition, pre-Obama [I pray not] gun legislation shortage. Luckily cheap[ish] 9mm was available, but rationed to two boxes of fifty per customer.

I personally feel that in order to really get to 'know' a pistol you need to get at least five hundred rounds down the pipe. Which, as a side note, I consider an almost adequate measure of reliability. One thousand rounds is my comfort zone. Most of my range sessions I try to put a bare minimum of two hundred rounds down range. So, this was very abbreviated. As I felt that I was getting to know 'her' it was over.

First, what I liked. Zero malfunctions or stoppages. She ran flawlessly. Single action felt really good with a very awesomely good reset. Very distinctive, crisp, and audible. Coupled with almost no over travel, I really liked it. Also, the safety was firm and easy to manipulate without adjusting my grip. The sights were clear, solid, and easy to pick-up. She is a very good pointer. From the bench to the target the sights were very close.

She can definitely shoot, but, as a reminder I can't, LOL. I was definitely this pistol's hindrance when it came to accuracy. Off hand at twenty five feet my best overall group of five was four and a quarter inches with a thrown first DA shot. The subsequent four shots in SA came in at less than two inches. Three of the shots grouped at about a half an inch. I was consistently shooting low and to the left in SA. This, at least to me, indicates a training issue. She wanted to do her part, I just wasn't. I had several two or three shot groups that look like those awesome groups that you see in the magazines that I have yet to consistently replicate.

What I didn't like. The DA felt a little heavy and without a noticeable break point. I was just a little caught off guard when it fired, which accounted for my thrown DA shots. If I had more ammunition and time I think I could have gotten used to it. But, I feel a lighter weight pull and more noticeable break point would help. On the flip side it was smooth and with no noticeable over travel. I am also not a fan of the Houge's. The grip 'feel' did not suit me. I noticed I was readjusting my grip too much. It just did not feel like it was biting in like checkering or stippling does. To nit pick, the slide release lever is also just a hair too short for my strong side thumb to release without a major change in my grip. I found I was using my weak side thumb to release the slide.

Going forward I think I am going to lighten the trigger pull through a lighter main spring and a polish. I may change the sights for a two dot variety. I will definitely go back with the one piece S&W grips, in black, and possibly stippled.

Overall though I liked it. Not a bad first date. A few minor annoyances but nothing time and a few adjustments couldn't fix. She was definitely very solid and reliable. She put out while looking good. I think she's a keeper. Though now I'm having second thoughts about carrying her. She just looks too good and I'm starting to care too much about keeping her up. I may need to pick up her ugly cousin to wear out.

 

[t-bird]

Thank for the info, best of luck.