Prepping used 3914 for carry

[Ransom]

Last month I picked up a 3914 to see how I like it. Turns out it's a great gun! (Who knew? I know: everybody on this forum!) I love to shoot it and I've ordered a Lobo IWB holster for it. As a used gun and former service weapon (re-imported from Israel), are there any recommended maintenance items I should do? For example, I've seen folks mention replacing the springs. If that is a good idea, which springs and where should I get them? Anything else I should consider updating?

 

[opaul]

That's a very good looking 3914. Seems like you don't see them as much as the 3913. I like the fact they put the import marks under the frame on your gun.
I replaced the spring in mine and have no issues, it just needed a good cleaning after I bought it.
Chance to show off mine too!

 

[JohnHL]

Last month I picked up a 3914 to see how I like it. Turns out it's a great gun! (Who knew? I know: everybody on this forum!) I love to shoot it and I've ordered a Lobo IWB holster for it. As a used gun and former service weapon (re-imported from Israel), are there any recommended maintenance items I should do? For example, I've seen folks mention replacing the springs. If that is a good idea, which springs and where should I get them? Anything else I should consider updating?

Hi, Ransom!

In order of increasing expense:

Give it a thorough cleaning.

Replace the recoil spring and any magazine springs you don't know the age of with genuine Smith & Wesson springs. (Smith & Wesson, Midway, Brownell's are good sources.)

Replace the carbon steel slide with a stainless steel slide to compliment the corrosion resistance of the aluminum alloy frame. (Not really that expensive.)

That's what I would do to turn a very good carry gun into an excellent carry gun.

Good choice!

John

 

[GaryS]

Here is what I do with a new carry piece.

1) Field strip, clean, lubricate, check for function. I don't strip it down any more than what the manual suggests.

2) Run 100 rounds of ammunition through it at the range to check that the gun itself and the magazines work properly.

3) I have extra magazine and recoil springs, but as of now none of my guns have enough rounds through them to need replacement. Well, they don't look as if they do, but it's cheap insurance and I'll do it on my primary gun at the next cleaning.

I don't see any need to replace the carbon slide with a stainless one unless you plan to be in a high humidity environment consistently. I carried my 3914NL in Houston last year at the NRA Meetings and didn't notice any harmful effects.

Your 3914 looks like it was really well maintained, hard to believe it was a service weapon.

 

[jfd]

Ransom....nice gun. As mentioned, replacing the recoil spring and magazine springs are pretty inexpensive and worth doing in a gun with uncertain history. If it was mine, I'd probably do those things only and then just enjoy shooting and carrying it.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Hogue checkered wood grips!!!!!! non snag and feels like a mini-39..... or asp!!!!!!

 

[scwv67]

When it comes to used pistols, especially ones meant for carry, I replace the recoil, hammer and mag springs.

 

[tom-tom]

I'd shoot it as is and look for signs of a weak recoil spring (ejection difficulties, battering of the action) or mag spring (feeding difficulties) and be prepared to replace as needed. As far as replacing the slide, I carry a CS9 about 6 months out of the year down here close to the Texas coast and that pistol has an extremely thin blue job. I'm careful to wipe it down each evening after unloading it and it's stood up so far in a year's worth of carry. The point it, the 3914 probably has a more durable blue than the CS9 and will do fine if not abused.
Nice gun, BTW.

 

[MDB1056]

I just picked up (today) one of the same import 3914's with the same marking. It arrived with another deal I found on a 4516-2 from a forum member. Brought the 3914 home and broke it down for a good cleaning. Mine has some moderate carry wear, but hs not bee fired a lot. As inexpensive as it was too I couldn't help but buy it. Keeps my 908 company, plus everything is interchangable. The 3914 came with only one mag but I already have 4 for 908 so now total 5 to share between them. Will get to the range Sunday to run 100 through it and see how it feels. From the cleaning though I can tell the guide rod spring and mag springs seem good but we'll see. I'm guessing it will perform as well as all my 3rd gen's. Ive never had a single hiccup with any of them, ever. Your 3914 looks more pristine than mine. Nice gun. Don't forget to go shhot it!! That's the real fun! Mark...............

 

[Ransom]

Thanks for all the great feedback and compliments on the gun! I'll plan to pick up new recoil and mag springs, but it showed no signs of weak springs during the initial 100 rounds. I put 6 different kinds of ammo through it and it shot it all with no hiccups.

I'm looking for more factory mags since it came with just one. I picked up a couple of ProMags and they functioned flawlessly as well, despite being considered junk by a lot of folks. They will do until some factory mags show up.

Hogue checkered wood grips--great idea! If you have these on a blued pistol similar to mine, please post a photo.

Mark, congrats on picking up one of these. Enjoy!

 

[GaryS]

The only Pro Mags I ever had that weren't junk came with my 3914NL. I gave them away in a Karma along with two 4513/16, 457 mags that were junk. I have a bunch of factory mags, but always keep an eye out for more if the price is right.

 

[dh2683]

Hogue checkered wood grips!!!!!! non snag and feels like a mini-39..... or asp!!!!!!

Would love to see some pics of a 3913/3914 with Hogue wood grips

 

[Arik]

If it works I don't change or replace anything. If it's malfunctioning It gets traded for something else

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[hAkron]

Wolff has a comprehensive spring kit. Other than that, maybe a detail strip, a good cleaning and a light relube with a good quality lube.

Springs for SMITH & WESSON NUMBERED SERIES Semi-Auto Pistols

 

[Dave Nash]

Last month I picked up a 3914 to see how I like it. Turns out it's a great gun! (Who knew? I know: everybody on this forum!) I love to shoot it and I've ordered a Lobo IWB holster for it. As a used gun and former service weapon (re-imported from Israel), are there any recommended maintenance items I should do? For example, I've seen folks mention replacing the springs. If that is a good idea, which springs and where should I get them? Anything else I should consider updating?

"Ransom":

Having not posted much of anything here for a while, my eye was caught by your thread after I put up several comments in another section in this same Board about someone's Model 39 collection, which among other things, involved the pistol you are asking about here. So I wrote this response two days ago but didn't have the time to review and post it until just now. Therefore, I apologize if some of what I say here is a bit repetitive or if you have already made up your mind in regard as to how you will proceed but hopefully by including the logic behind my remarks, it will still make them helpful to you.

I also don't wish anything that I say here to be taken or seen as an attack on the advice of others but I do find myself in at least mild disagreement with some things already told to you regarding your 3914.

First, about the things with which I do agree or, separately, believe that you should do…

I don't know you and I do not wish to sound insulting but as you are asking a question about readying the gun for carrying (including the possible switching out of certain components), I assume that your knowledge and experience of such (or certain) things is a bit limited at this point in time. Hey, no big deal: we all had to start somewhere.

So go to the Factory's own Website and download a copy of their (official) "Archived Owner's Manual" for "Metal Frame Centerfire Pistols". If it were me, in addition to keeping a copy on your computer, I would also print one out and keep that hard copy with the gun itself. But like all of what I say or recommend here, that's all up to you.

In any case, that booklet will introduce you to all the proper and accepted nomenclature for the gun as well as the Company's own instructions for inspecting, loading, firing, and unloading it. It will also provide you with their (official) guidelines for Field Stripping the pistol as well as those for cleaning, lubricating and maintaining it.

Unless the gun appears to be badly gummed up in areas not addressable by following those guidelines or it does not perform correctly in whatever number of shakedown runs at the range you feel comfortable in using as a determinate for adequate functioning, then I would say that you are good to go. Note that those runs/exercises should involve whatever number of the rounds you will "carry" in the gun, that will also make you feel comfortable that they are functionality adequate (in combination with the gun) for you and your purposes.

If you are not comfortable with making such a determination, then I would send the gun back to Smith (or someone they recommend) and have them go over it; still making sure that you shoot it upon its return with the ammo you plan to carry and make sure that it works well with it.

Personally, if the gun is running both well and consistently, I don't really see a need to switch out the springs.

I am sure that there are more than a few people here who will condemn me for saying so but in addition to there being something to the old adage that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it", there can also be something to the fact that if the gun is running well with the way its existing mechanical components are relating to one another and, more pertinent to your question above, the way its existing springs are relating to one another, why would you want to upset that balance? Especially in the way that those springs have taken a "set" (individually) and are now (still?) relating to one another.

As such, if you find that the pistol is running to your satisfaction for a carry gun, I might be a little uneasy about altering that relationship. And there are valid reasons for that feeling. Not only are such "things" common to many complex (multi-part) mechanical devices but things peculiar (specific) to Smith & Wesson also apply here.

For regardless of how much people revere Smith's 3rd Generation Pistols these days, for a good number of years early on in their history, the company was not really taking advantage of the manufacturing technology offered by the new machinery they had brought into the plant to make them. As a result, many of these guns were more "fitted" (like the 1st and 2nd Gen Models) than "interchangeably assembled" as were their later production and even more so, the kinds of pistols they are famous for turning out today.

As such, I would again think that if things are running to your satisfaction and you work regularly with this gun to keep up your skills and nothing starts going "wrong", then I might leave well enough alone. But I must make it clear once more, that any such decisions are your call and not mine to make.

And once more, I must remind you that if you are not comfortable with that suggestion or anything else I say here, or you if you merely feel unclear about any of what I or others have to say about these matters (and perhaps that was your reason for reaching out on this site in the first place), you should seriously consider sending your gun to either Smith or someone that they recommend to make sure that it is up to spec and performing properly in their eyes.

But moving along here, I believe that downloadable manual also shows you how to disassemble and reassemble the magazine. Personally, I think that looking into it is just as important as going over the gun itself when it comes to damage, badly worn surfaces, residue, and contaminates and I suggest that you include it in your overall inspection and initial cleaning-up of the gun.

Furthermore, I, like at least one and now maybe two other contributors here, see no need to switch out the carbon steel top end for a stainless one. For unless your body chemistry or your working environments are really (really) "bad" and/or unnaturally corrosive, you shouldn't have a problem. Just keep an eye on things. Don't store the pistol in the holster and wipe it down regularly as you should any carry gun (note that I don't mean you should over-oil it) and things should be fine.

Finally, in terms of "grips" for this gun, while you will see that in that other recent posting I mentioned at the outset (Model 39 collection) that I am not a huge fan of the straight backstrap, one-piece, polymer stock that the factory installed on all of their standard 3914's, I really don't think that they are terrible and I do believe that their proportions are in keeping with the size and overall proportions of the gun itself.

That isn't necessarily the case with the Hogue wood stocks mentioned previously by another poster to this thread.

Stocks are obviously one of the most subjective components of any firearm. However, entirely overlooking how the suggested Hogue's "fit" any given individual, they are a lot bigger than the originals and while I probably still have a set or two locked up with my stuff at work, I have always thought they were not in keeping with the idea of this being a small gun.

Please note that my comments on sizing are not an attack on the Hogue's or the work that they do. So if the idea of changing out your factory stocks with something of theirs appeals to you, I wrote a bit about them in another post I made here some months back: Uncle Mike's "Craig Spegel" Designed 3rd Generation Grips.

Hope at least some of this helps and I hope that you find the 3914 to your liking.

It and its sister gun, the Double Action Only 3954, were overlooked models in their day; for at that time, most people's preoccupation with capacity generally overshadowed and often negated their attempts at concealability. But many of us saw the value in a thin, single column pistol that could be slipped into the waistband or tucked closely alongside the body in a belt holster; something that appears to finally be coming into vogue today, with the myriad of still smaller, straight line guns being introduced in more recent years.

But that said, it should be recognized that the lines, the pointability and the reliability of your gun will never go out of date or out of style.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Dave ...... good info in your post and can't disagree with your thoughts on "if it ain't broke..." Also the 39xx series was really overlooked in the 90s....I got several "used"/anib 3914s over the years for $300 or less. Not only were the single stack but they were not stainless......

As you stated the Hogue grips are thicker than the factory.... but in 20 years of carrying a 3913/14 ....... I "feel" they are more hand filling and give a better grip.... I also like the slightly curves back strap.... similar to the 39. I'm not sure how they change the proportions of the gun.... as they are not any longer and only slightly thicker...... to me overall they fall about half way between factory 39xx and 6906 grips....in thickness.

Hogue also makes $20 rubber grips for the 39xx but I feel for concealed carry they tend to grab the covering garment.

To me the factory 3913/14 grip always feel too thin..... but as Dave said.. grip preference is a very individual thing............to OP I pointed out the Hogue grips; 1. because I like them and 2.they are the only after market grips, I am aware of, that are still being made..... so you should check them out. ( As an aside I feel that the Hogue grips on double stack 3rd gen. Smith's are to thick for most shooters)

I carry in a Milt Sparks Summer special or Ex. companion at about 4 0'clock and the grip "tucks in" under my ribcage. Dave one other thing on "size" I use the fairly rare 7round flush fit mag as my primary carry mag....... as the extra length of the bases on the 8round mags effects concealed carry more that a fraction on an inch in thickness........ course I think people also worry to much about the thickness of the right side safety printing!!! LOL

As for pictures the best ones are on Hogue's web site in all the woods available both smooth and checkered.

 

[nocents]

Ransom....that is one clean looking 3914....I bought 2 Wolff spring packs for the same reason as you.....I shoot my carry 3913 at least every other week and the other two somewhat less than that....Dave Nash's theory of parts working in "concert" or synergy if you will is sound advice....I will keep the spring packs.....until the first sign of a hiccup .....I did replace one 8 round mag spring that I found that was significantly more compressed, that I found upon disassembly of the mags.......yea I know some will say.........."what if that hiccup happens in a self defense situation?"........I'm not LE....If I worried about that I would go buy a brand new weapon...THEN...I would have reason to worry

 

[Ransom]

"Ransom":

Having not posted much of anything here for a while, my eye was caught by your thread after I put up several comments in another section in this same Board about someone's Model 39 collection, which among other things, involved the pistol you are asking about here. So I wrote this response two days ago but didn't have the time to review and post it until just now. Therefore, I apologize if some of what I say here is a bit repetitive or if you have already made up your mind in regard as to how you will proceed but hopefully by including the logic behind my remarks, it will still make them helpful to you...

Mr. Nash: Thank you very much for your thoughtful post. All your advice is most appreciated. You are correct that my knowledge of 3rd Gens is limited. In Aug. 2013 I acquired my first one, a model 4006, after reading about 3rd Generation pistols on this forum and the devoted following they have. The 4006 has been a range pistol so far and I have thoroughly enjoyed shooting it and getting to know how it works. It was such a good experience I decided to get a Model 39 to explore what it would be like to CC one.

When I first got the 3914, I field stripped it and cleaned, inspected, and lubricated it. I found it to be very clean, not gummed up, and showed only normal signs of wear consistent with the external appearance (i.e., minimal wear). At that time I also disassembled the magazine and found the internals to be in very good condition as well. I've gotten the manual and will use it to further my education.

As mentioned in my previous post in this thread (#10), I've run a variety of ammo through it with flawless results, including a good number of rounds of the ammo I plan to carry, Speer Gold Dot 124 gr. I will be shooting it some more before I begin to carry with it.

I especially appreciate your wisdom on leaving the springs alone so long as it functions properly and consistently. That is exactly what I will do. In fact I do not plan to make any modifications whatsoever. I might someday pick up Hogue checkered wood grips to try out, but I am quite satisfied with the factory grips for now.

Kindest regards. Thank you for taking the time to post here.

 

[18DAI]

Mr Nash,

Thanks for the excellent post on the relationship of existing mechanical components and the relationship of springs to springs.

Best summation I've read. In all my years around 3rd gen pistols, many of them issued or purchased used, the only "parts" I've changed out have been recoil and magazine springs.

Like Grandma said, "If it ain't broke don't fix it!" Best regards, 18DAI

 

[JeepinSoldier]

MR Nash,

Great post, and thank you for the link to the factory manual!

I have been involved with firearms since the late 70's but am new to the S&W 3rd Gens. The manual will be very helpful.

Ransom,

Glad you ended up with a great 3914. Looks in excellent condition and the platform is an amazing carry gun. I was carrying an 3" 65 or a 2" 60 and the 3913 has replaced both most of the time.

Thinking about a 3953 after handling one of the Fall River Police trade in 6946's.........