S&W 915 and 908
- Thread starter madmike
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Yellowstone
Member
They both have straight backstraps. The 908 is shorter (3.5 inch bbl) the 915 has a 4 inch bbl. The 908 is a single stack, thus narrower. Both have alloy frames, but the 915 is about 4 ounces heavier. So, the 908 is thinner, lighter, and shorter... thus easier to conceal in more ways.
The (full-size) 915 isn't hard to conceal, just harder than a (compact) 908.
There is also a 909 that is full sized, but still a single stack. It came with a curved backstrap.
I like them all. My only complaint about S&W autoloaders with decocker/safeties is that they are located on the slide... where I tend to want to place my thumb. I prefer slick slides for that reason. But, I carried a 915 concealed for about 3 years with a Safariland IWB laminate j-hook. The holster was so thin it didn't add anything to the width of the gun.
The (full-size) 915 isn't hard to conceal, just harder than a (compact) 908.
There is also a 909 that is full sized, but still a single stack. It came with a curved backstrap.
I like them all. My only complaint about S&W autoloaders with decocker/safeties is that they are located on the slide... where I tend to want to place my thumb. I prefer slick slides for that reason. But, I carried a 915 concealed for about 3 years with a Safariland IWB laminate j-hook. The holster was so thin it didn't add anything to the width of the gun.
My 908 is my primary carry here in hot, humid Texas. My other options are a Glock 26 sub-compact 9mm, a Model 36 Smith, or a Smith 642 Airweight. The 908 fits my hand well, doesn't take up much room, and presents well. I bought it slightly used and have never had a mechanical problem. I think it's a vastly underrated gun. I may get a 908S to go with it although I'm not normally into stainless guns.
Cons? I'm not crazy about spurless hammers on DA semis. I learned to use my thumb when lowering the hammer on Walthers decades ago, just as an extra precaution. Probably an unnecessary tactic considering the metallurgical progress, when steel is less prone to brittleness. I'm probably just an old dog unaccustomed to new tricks.
Cons? I'm not crazy about spurless hammers on DA semis. I learned to use my thumb when lowering the hammer on Walthers decades ago, just as an extra precaution. Probably an unnecessary tactic considering the metallurgical progress, when steel is less prone to brittleness. I'm probably just an old dog unaccustomed to new tricks.
I can't think of any negatives on these two models.
Reliable, accurate, relatively inexpensive, metal framed, good capacity, good looking pistols. The 915 is a little large for CCW, but it can be done, with the right belt and holster.
The 908 is the plain jane sister to the 3913. IMHO, the ultimate CCW single stack 9mm. The 908 is a little less finished, but no less a superb CCW pistol.
If forced to find a complaint, I'd say the 915 isn't being produced anymore, and the black finish on some of the 908's could be a little more durable.
These pistols seem to be a well kept secret in the gunrags. If more folks knew about, and actually held and fired these pistols, it would be harder to sell M&P's
Regards 18DAI.
Reliable, accurate, relatively inexpensive, metal framed, good capacity, good looking pistols. The 915 is a little large for CCW, but it can be done, with the right belt and holster.
The 908 is the plain jane sister to the 3913. IMHO, the ultimate CCW single stack 9mm. The 908 is a little less finished, but no less a superb CCW pistol.
If forced to find a complaint, I'd say the 915 isn't being produced anymore, and the black finish on some of the 908's could be a little more durable.
These pistols seem to be a well kept secret in the gunrags. If more folks knew about, and actually held and fired these pistols, it would be harder to sell M&P's
Regards 18DAI.
HOUSTON RICK
Member
I think that you would be well served by any one the above choices that you determine that you prefer.
anchors
US Veteran
I've been carrying my 915 about a week now and don't find it a problem to conceal.I carry with an extreme fwd cant that to me conceals better.
If you get aright holster you shouldn't have a problem.
If you get aright holster you shouldn't have a problem.
Camprunner
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Im a 908 guy I picked mine up about six months ago and I think it's just great I was shocked at how accurate it was for such a little gun.
I agree about the finish on the black it could be better.
I have shot a 915 a few years ago and it did shoot well but I like the smaller size of the 908.
I agree about the finish on the black it could be better.
I have shot a 915 a few years ago and it did shoot well but I like the smaller size of the 908.
