New 3913 vs New M&P Shield my take on them.

[Fast Jim]

3913 and Plastic Guns

I concur with your assessment of the 3913. I have collected virtually all of the 3rd generation S&W autos (minus most of the DAO versions) and I have to say that from the first time I picked up the 3913 it was my favorite. Size, proportions, balance - right in the sweet spot.

As for plastic guns, I know that plastic is light, inexpensive and practical, but I just can't warm up to the idea. I have some - kind of like the few junk tools in my toolbox. Great for a dusty trail ride or keeping in the truck. I don't worry about what happens to them. They work, but where is the workmanship, the elegance, the history?

On the other hand, if plastic keeps gun makers in business and citizens armed, I'm all for that, no doubt.

Never wished I had sold a gun. Often wished I had not.

 

[pspencer]

I am the lucky owner of a 3953 I bought new in the early 90's as an off duty gun. The DAO trigger took some getting used to but it is still one of the most accurate compacts I have ever shot. I still carry it from time to time but it mostly serves as a "house" gun for my wife when I am away from home.

 

[Soldiernurse]

For single stack, easily concealed 9mm, w/sweet trigger, and very affordable... Bersa BP9cc

 

[WoodLark]

For single stack, easily concealed 9mm, w/sweet trigger, and very affordable... Bersa BP9cc

My BP9CC went back to the factory Friday; it did not like hollow points.

About three years ago I sold my 3953 that I bought new in the early 90's. Worst mistake I ever made! Took me three years to find another one as good, but I bought it a couple weeks ago. This 3953 will be with me for life!

 

[GunsOfMassEffect]

Tell me about it.

I would add a rule: Never sell a gun. They print more money every day, but a gun sold is a gun gone forever.

I sold my S&W Chief Special 9mm, and I now regret it, being that I am now a S&W lover, she was truly my 1st love for my backup weapon, but now I have went lighter, sleeker, better ergonomics, and greater firepower in my M&P 9mm compact.

 

[vegasgunhand]

Over the years I have either owned or was issued a 6906, 3913, 3953, CS-9, and now a Shield 9mm. They all served me well at the time. In the older models, I fell in love with a 3953 that I was issued as a back gun when I was a Special Agent with U.S. Customs. The DAO trigger was very clean, and the pistol was accurate and reliable.

I'm not a big fan of the DA/SA trigger combination. I never felt it was as good as the same trigger pull each time.

I've had a Shield since the second day it was released. I have shot over 600 rounds of multiple types of 9mm JHP and FMJ, with ZERO malfunctions. This has been the most reliable S&W pistol I have ever owned. It probably going to be the last EDC pistol I carry.

 

[K-framer]

+ about 23 for the CS9.....which is really just a slightly smaller 39xx series (than the 3913). A TERRIFIC little pistol ! I wish I'd paid attention to the Smith 3rd gen pistols long ago. LOVE that CS9 !

I wish that the CS9 wasn't so hard to find. I'd like to have about 3 more of them.....