New 3913

[Dave in Edmonds]

I have a new co-worker. We started talking guns and I told him that I was a fan of the Beretta 92 platform, but was looking for a more compact 9mm for carry. Today he came in with this:



He received it from the original purchaser as part of a multiple gun trade about 10 years ago and had never shot it. He gave me a price and I bought it on the spot. I brought it home and took the slide off. This gun appears to be brand new. There is no evidence that it has ever been fired. There is no wear on it anywhere. No soot. No scratches on the breach face or the feed ramp. It has a left-side safety only and does not say Lady Smith on the other side.

So here's my question: Is this collectible as it is? What you see is what I got. Should I turn around and sell it to someone that wants a new, unfired 3913 to add to a collection, or should I keep it and use it for the great carry gun that it would be? I don't have a particular attachment to this gun, other than it has the same manual of arms as my other semi-autos and is much smaller, but I don't want to find out that it's a highly desirable piece that is worth a bunch of cash and ruin the value by using it. None of my guns are safe queens, so keeping it pristine ain't gonna happen if I keep it.

What can you all tell me about this little beauty?

 

[stormyone]

Does it say Lady Smith on the other side?

 

[03Fatboy]

Not a collector piece. Grease the rails and shoot it. You likely will like it a lot.

 

[Dave in Edmonds]

Does it say Lady Smith on the other side?

As per my original post: It has a left-side safety only and does not say Lady Smith on the other side.

 

[GaryS]

That's a 3913NL. Essentially a Lady Smith without the logo. Nice guns, great SD carry piece. Clean it, lube it, put a new recoil spring in it, and shoot.

 

[nocents]

lucky you........you wanted a more compact 9mm carry gun and the best dog gone carry 9mm fell right in your lap....

 

[GerSan69]

Nice catch. I've had a 3913NL for several years, and used it as a duty gun for part of the time. It's the best 9 I've ever had, bar none. They aren't particularly rare, so don't hesitate to shoot a few and enjoy. Incidentally, if you prefer the black S&W plastic grip, they're usually available at Numrich or Brownells for around $20. There are also Hogue rubber or fancy woods available, too. 6906 and some Glock 27 holsters fit it.

 

[Dave in Edmonds]

​

That's a 3913NL. Essentially a Lady Smith without the logo. Nice guns, great SD carry piece. Clean it, lube it, put a new recoil spring in it, and shoot.

Sir. Why the new recoil spring? Just because of the age?

 

[jsbethel]

Early 3913 grips were subject to a recall. If your grips have no dimple on the bottom, S&W owes you an updated grip.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

​

Sir. Why the new recoil spring? Just because of the age?

That's why I replace them in my new finds, irregardless of how much it looks like it's been used. They're 25+ years old.

I always replace the recoil, firing pin, & mainspring on mine. Then you have a good known to reference from once you start shooting it.

.

 

[Dave in Edmonds]

Thanks for all the great input guys!

I see that Wolff has spring kits readily available. I also see that the few places I could find that list the factory black grips all show as "unavailable" or "backordered". The Hogue rubber panels are readily available, but my experience with them on my Berettas is that they are awfully thick. Any suggestions for finding a set of the factory pieces and does anybody have suggestions for an IWB holster that is a good fit?

 

[jsbethel]

I had S&W replace a pre-recall gray grip with a black grip not too long ago. Call them to see if they have either in stock.

203560000 GRIP, BLACK
203640000 GRIP, GRAY LS & NL

Grip, Gray, Lady Smith : GRIP, GRAY, LADY SMITH | Brownells

Smith & Wesson Factory Grips Gray S&W 3913 3953 3954


I agree that a new factory recoil spring is probably all you need for that pistol.

Recoil Spring : RECOIL SPRING | Brownells

Smith & Wesson Recoil Spring S&W 3953TSW 3913 3914 3914DAO 3953 3954

 

[BAM-BAM]

lucky you........you wanted a more compact 9mm carry gun and the best dog gone carry 9mm fell right in your lap....

Ditto....IMHO best concealed carry 9mm made in the past 63 year.... a 3913/14/NL has been my primary concealed carry since 1992/3...... mine sport Hogue checkered wood or rubber grips..... and is carried in a Milt Sparks Summer Special or Executive Companion.


Note: your Beretta starts out as a double stack 9mm..... the Hogue's on the single stack 39xx series gives a perfect feel and grip..... and has no practical effect on concealment!...... get yourself an early Christmas gift and get a set of Hogue wood grips!!!!

 

[jbrentd]

Congrats on the new pistol. Sounds like your new friend is a keeper. I too was on the lookout for a single stack 9 and wanted something in DA/SA. In my short time with 3rd gen Smiths, I have become quite fond of them.

 

[loeman]

Congratulations, that was a great score. I'd sure like to find one for myself. Like you, I'd be tempted to put it away and keep in new, however, you didn't get the original box etc. So I'm with all the other replies , go out and enjoy a great gun!

 

[lhump1961]

I agree that you should shot and enjoy it. If you had the box and docs then unfired could make some difference to a collector if you were intent on selling it. As it is it will always hold a good value as long it's in good shape and having been fired won't make any difference. JMHO.

There are few choices in quality all metal compact autos on the market today and they aren't cheap. Nice find.

 

[5Wire]

As has been posted, shoot it, enjoy it, sell it later if you want or need to. You won't lose value if and when you do sell it.

Here's my track on the model:

Smith & Wesson 3913NL Pistol in 9x19. Blue Book of Gun Values (36th Edition) indicates between $395 in 95% condition and $550 in 100% condition for this gun. I have 89 recorded prices for this model gun from $225 to $700 over a period of 8 Yrs 6 Mos ending July 22, 2016. The average price as of that date was $492. No refurbs, no refinishes, regular sights. Adjusted to two magazines. All represented as 95% or better. No distinction for engineering revision, if any, no special editions, no distinctions for box, papers, tools. Current or last MSRP is $622.

The last 10 prices I have for this model since 11/8/2015 range from $500 to $650 averaging $556, so the average used price continues to appreciate.

I owned this one for a while, the plain version:

Sold it. Wished I hadn't. Then found an NL like yours.

 

[Dave in Edmonds]

So I guess I did pretty good at $200?

 

[waffles]

So I guess I did pretty good at $200?

Screw you, and I mean that in the nicest possible way!

I reaaaaaally wish i still had my police trade in 3913

 

[BAM-BAM]

So I guess I did pretty good at $200?

Better hope your co-worker never finds out he sold you his gun at $.40 on the dollar.............even if he set the price!!!!!!


Because......................

"......I bought it on the spot."

he will think you knew its market value................



PS The extra magazines are worth $35-45 these days.......