S&W 3913 action and trigger pull

[mountaingun629]

If I understand correctly, the trigger pulls the hammer through the cocking cycle and fires the pistol, rather than being in a "cocked and locked" mode or manually cocking before firing.
My question if the above is correct, is how much difference is there in the trigger pull between the first and subsequent shots?
Thanks for enlightening me.
Myron

 

[mountaingun629]

If I understand correctly, the trigger pulls the hammer through the cocking cycle and fires the pistol, rather than being in a "cocked and locked" mode or manually cocking before firing.
My question if the above is correct, is how much difference is there in the trigger pull between the first and subsequent shots?
Thanks for enlightening me.
Myron

 

[MWB]

There is a difference between the first (double action) shot and subsequent (single action, 'self cocked') shots. That said, I find the difference quite manageable and won a few 'combat' style matches with 3913s over the years. Do a lot of dry-fire practice (use snap-caps and manually 'reset' the action to get a feel for the difference) with yours and you will find it to be no big deal. The 3913 is a surprisingly reliable, accurate and 'shoot-able' little gun. Enjoy yours.

 

[SHOOT1SAM]

Well,

It's noticeable, but very manageable.

You have the very long, double action pull. This is followed by a lot of trigger take-up and the very short, single action pull.

Personally, I like a consistent, double action-only, or single action-only trigger.

Sam

 

[WR Moore]

I never measured the weight of the DA first shot or length of stroke. However, the SA factory spec is 4 1/2 to 6 lbs and the reset is the shortest in the industry. (You hold the trigger back during recoil and allow it to move forward only sufficient to reset for the SA pull. If you do this, there is no slack in the trigger.)

I've personally found the weight of the 2 different strokes to be quite managable and far easier to master than some of the competitors who have shorter, harder double action strokes and 4 lb single action ratings. That type of arrangement is what led to the label "crunchenticker" for the TDA pattern weapons.

 

[mountaingun629]

Thanks to all for the answers.
That was about what I expected, since I once had a Ruger P85 when they first came out. Didn't like the transition from first to second shot, and sold it. I generally prefer the single action style semi autos, but have been looking for a CCW piece. Unfortunately, S&W discontinued my choice of DAO pistol; the 3953, and used ones are scarce unless they are overpriced.
Myron

 

[blairgarber]

I couldn't agree more and have 2 3953s one with 2 slide assemblies (3.5 and 4 inch) from the factory. But I believe a standard 3913 can be converted to DAO without much fuss.

/b

 

[WR Moore]

Tarnhelm Police Supply in NH was doing the conversions. Produces a stroke quite like a good DA revolver.

You might also look at the M&P auto series.

 

[svlwolf]

and have 2 3953s one with 2 slide assemblies (3.5 and 4 inch) from the factory

Can i get some photo's of that setup blairgarber? i also took a look at Tarnhelm Supply and they offer it with a slide mounted safety,, uhhh why would you want that???

 

[WR Moore]

Originally posted by svlwolf:
i also took a look at Tarnhelm Supply and they offer it with a slide mounted safety,, uhhh why would you want that???

The slide mounted safety was there originally. Retaining it allows you to use the safety should you so desire. Remember the factory DAO pistols use a slightly different frame & slide and plug the safety hole with a firing pin retainer that will look wierd in a standard slide. Not to mention the price of the part.

You COULD rework a 3913 to allow cocked & locked carry. Requires modification of the sear release lever to remove the part that bumps the sear when applying the safety. However, that eliminates the ability to mechanically decock the weapon, which is safer than coordinating thumb & trigger finger.

 

[svlwolf]

i am wid ya WR Moore, thanks

 

[Kollin]

Originally posted by WR Moore:
However, that eliminates the ability to mechanically decock the weapon, which is safer than coordinating thumb & trigger finger.

Especially with a bobbed hammer!

 

[mountaingun629]

Originally posted by blairgarber:
I couldn't agree more and have 2 3953s one with 2 slide assemblies (3.5 and 4 inch) from the factory. But I believe a standard 3913 can be converted to DAO without much fuss.

/b

What is the purpose of the two different slide lengths?
Curious minds want to know.
Myron

 

[Hoplophile]

I own and shoot six conventional DA/SA Smiths. Unfortunately, of the six, my 2913 has the heaviest DA trigger pull, probably twice the weight of the DA pull on the 39-2, 639, 3904, 3906 and 4563.

Then again, it's the most comfortable carry gun. I had a 3953, had issues with the DAO pull, but in retrospect, maybe I was better off with the DAO. Now they're way too pricey!

 

[Jhp147]

Seems like my 3914's pull was measured at 12 pounds double, 6 pounds single, before the action job and spring change to bring it to 9/4. I don't know if that is the norm but I would think so, since they have a spec they follow. The length of the DA stroke is really the difference in the pull compared to the weight, for me at least. But I still like the DA/SA Smith's just fine.