S&W CCW guns 3913, etc... vs plastic?

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Dean_407

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Hi Folks,

I am considering a S&W semi auto for CCW.

My prior CCW gun was a 9mm HK P2000SK. I had to sell due to money reasons. :-(

There wasn't much I didn't like about the HK. It could be a BIT thinner for me as I have fairly small hands.

I have eye balled the 3913 on various web forums but never held one. Generally, I am considering the 3913 and it's family due to the supposed slimness of the grip and alloy frame.

I keep seeing variations on the 3913 such as: 908, 3913, 3913TSW, 3914, 3953, 3953TSW, 3954.

Are there any other versions in 9mm?

I am leaning towards the 3913 and the like due to the fairly reasonable cost for a 'metal' gun that is reported to be very reliable and comes in SA/DA.

Have any of you regretted getting a 3913 or similar single stack instead of 'plastic' gun like- HK, XD, Glock, etc?

The weight doesn't seem too different but the capacity is.

Also, how does the 3913 compare to the SIG 239 in real life size wise?

Thanks in advance.

-Dean
 
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Hi Folks,

I am considering a S&W semi auto for CCW.

My prior CCW gun was a 9mm HK P2000SK. I had to sell due to money reasons. :-(

There wasn't much I didn't like about the HK. It could be a BIT thinner for me as I have fairly small hands.

I have eye balled the 3913 on various web forums but never held one. Generally, I am considering the 3913 and it's family due to the supposed slimness of the grip and alloy frame.

I keep seeing variations on the 3913 such as: 908, 3913, 3913TSW, 3914, 3953, 3953TSW, 3954.

Are there any other versions in 9mm?

I am leaning towards the 3913 and the like due to the fairly reasonable cost for a 'metal' gun that is reported to be very reliable and comes in SA/DA.

Have any of you regretted getting a 3913 or similar single stack instead of 'plastic' gun like- HK, XD, Glock, etc?

The weight doesn't seem too different but the capacity is.

Also, how does the 3913 compare to the SIG 239 in real life size wise?

Thanks in advance.

-Dean
 
I have never regretted buying my 3913, not for a minute.

I have a few HK's, but my most carried semi auto is the 3913. I'm wearing mine as I type this.

You pretty much listed all the variations. I like the early production stainless 3913, with flash chromed hammer and trigger. It's all steel and aluminum, no MIM, and it looks great.

My 3913 has been 100% reliable, NO bobbles. It's thin, light weight, accurate, and besides all that it looks great, IMHO of course.

I've not had an chance to compare the 3913 to the Sig. I'm sure someone here has. Hope this helps! Get the 3913, you will be glad you did. Regards 18DAI.
 
Well, I just picked up my 3913 here in the People's Republic of Maryland, waiting my time to get it. ANIB, great looking piece, I never had one of these before, but after listening to all these people on the forum, I decided to get one, I had the 6904,(short stainless 9mm 12 rd mag) with the double column magazine, but it was kind of bulky in the grip. This weapon looks like a winner from Smith, box, papers,tools,extra mag in wrap. Paid $500.00 for it. Ill let you know how it does. Maybe Erich can recomend a good 9mm factory load for it and CCW holster. So many out there.
 
Welcome to the Forum, Dean! I am also a big fan of the 3913 - or it's darker brother, the 3914. There's not much more to say about these pistols that the gentlemen above haven't already said. It is simply, an excellent handgun for CCW.

Jerry
 
My personal choice has been a Glock for many years since I changed over from a Model 19-3 with the 2-1/2" barrel and either one or two HKS Speedloaders. It served me well for many years. I will say right up front that I'm not a 9MM fan and by the time the first Glocks came out I was even less of one. I never did like how they felt or how several of them shot for me. But, when they finally brought out the .40Smith & Wesson I simply switched from one Smith to another. I carry ONLY the heavier 180gr loadings and see no point in using anything lighter ones. I now have a 10 shot .357 Magnum with 9 extra rounds on my other hip.

I now carry a G-27 and am looking for a second one to replace the space magazine I normally carry!!!

<span class="ev_code_RED"> A Second Gun is still the Fastest Reload Possible.</span>
 
Purchased a LNIB 908 a couple of years ago for $279 + tax. I love the feel of it and very happy with it. Unless you have a concern about the plastic guide rod, etc. in the "value series", a lightly used one would be hard to beat for the money.
 
my most carried CCW semi-auto is a 3914 in an IWB Law Concealment System holster.easy carry,hides very well,full of Fed.HST ammo. jwr
 
JMOfartO:

Well, I bought a new 3913 in 1995 when it was first released and it is an excellent cc firearm.

I was still working at the time (so had money) and every time a new "flavor of the month" came out I bought one. (Glock26,Sig P239,Walther P99c/AS, Walther PPS HK P7, Bersa Thunder 9/uc).

I found out that the Sig P239 was slightly more accurate at self defense range than the 3913, the Walther P99c/AS was even more accurate than the 3913, and the HK P7 was wayyy more accurate at self defense range than the 3913.

Now, we are talking the size of groups at self defense range, and for all practical purposes the 3913 was considerably more accurate than I can take advantage of. Or, it was wayyyy more than self defense range accurate than it needed to be to do the job..

One thing that none of the other pistols ever improved upon was the absolute reliability of the 3913.... ALWAYS reliable 100%..

I place reliability as JOB #1 for a personal concealed carry firearm. ALL of the pistols I mentioned were more than self defense accurate but none gave me any more confidence in that when I pulled the trigger it would fire, every time than the 3913..

My Son took a liking to the 3913 early on and I cleaned it up and put it away for him along with 3 new mags..

Recently I have become disenchanted with the 2nd Walther PPS I have, (the first was replaced by S&W when they couldn't fix the ejector problems on my original.) I just don't have any confidence in it's reliability and I simply don't chose to cc it anymore.

In an effort to get a new 9mm pistol that I would have faith in I ordered a NIB 9mm 6906 from CDNN. This is basically a "double-stack" 3913, and I am more than pleased with it. So pleased in fact that a few days ago I ordered the heavier (all steel) 5906 for a home defense pistol to replace my Walther P99/AS. The Walther is a fine pistol, but as a home defense weapon I want a pistol my wife is comfortable shooting, and she prefers the 5906 over the P99/AS..

I'm still of the opinion that the 3913 is one of the best pistols ever designed for cc in 9mm. I like my HK P7 because of it's absolute accuracy, but truthfully the 3913 seems to be easier to cc because it's better balanced.

In my dotage I have come to the conclusion that the 3rd generation S&W 9 mm pistols are as good as any of the plastic guns, and are excellent for those folks who appreciate the traditional DA/SA trigger setup. (I do).

I expect my PPS will be on the market shortly..

And I'll be cc my 6906.

Just personal opinion, no offense to those with contrary opinions.

Jesse
 
I sold my Glock 26 for $400 and got a LNIB 3913 for $325. Best trade I ever made. I love he 3913 or CC. It kicks the **** out of Glock for me.
 
Wow. Lots of good replies. Thanks folks.

I'll keep my eye open for a good used guns.

What is the models of the 9mm double stack versions?

Also, is the .45 ACP version nearly as small as the 9mm version?

Appreciate the responses.
 
Wyatt,

The difference to me is that I have large hands with long fingers. The 3913 fits into them fairly well. The M&Pc doesn't fit at all. In fact, it would be easier for me to throw the M&Pc at an attacker than shoot them with it.

Regards, Jerry
 
Originally posted by j38:
Wyatt,

The difference to me is that I have large hands with long fingers. The 3913 fits into them fairly well. The M&Pc doesn't fit at all. In fact, it would be easier for me to throw the M&Pc at an attacker than shoot them with it.

Regards, Jerry
Click to expand...
I'm assuming you tried the large backstrap?
 
I carry a 3913 in a front pocket desantis nemisis nylon holster. It is always upright, comes out quick, and the best $350 I ever spent. I use gold dot +p 124. The nemisis also fits a sig 225 and 245, but they dont draw as quick.
 
At the risk of being flamed right off the forum, I am going to recommend the very best CCW semi-auto, the Glock 19. Easily concealed, 15 round capacity, good accuracy, light weight, and dead reliable.

Requirements for a carry gun: easy to carry and conceal, plus the assurance that it will go bang every time. I have 20,000 rounds through various Glocks with no failures of any kind.

Although I still have a Glock 19 for carry, I have recently acquired an S&W M&P9 and an S&W M&P9L to replace my Glock 34 for competition. So far, the Smiths are better in every respect except for reliability, which is yet unproven. So far, about 1000 rounds through each.

So, I would suggest that you look at a Glock 19 or an S&W M&PC rather that the heavier 3913 with a lower round capacity.

Just another opinion, take your choice
 
Originally posted by d625:
At the risk of being flamed right off the forum, I am going to recommend the very best CCW semi-auto, the Glock 19.
Click to expand...


d625:

I don't think you run the risk of being "flamed" off the forum for your suggestion about the Glock 19 being the very best CCW semi-auto..

Each of us has a favorite pistol (and everything else), but hey, we're human.. So what you perceive as the "very best" is not an objective opinion, but a subjective one, based on what you like.

I've had Glock 26's in the past and I simply do not care for the glock trigger, or grip ergonomics. The grip of the Glock pistol (I've held other models) is simply not to my liking even though I know they are fine pistols.

To my mind the Glock pistol is like the old VW bug... Durable, reliable, cheap to buy. Those qualities appeal to some folks, but not necessarily to all folks.

I've read many, many posts on various firearm forums about the fine qualities of the Glocks in general and the model 19 specifically.

I just don't care for them.

But I don't have any problem with you recommending them based on YOUR experience and preferences. I hope no one else does either.
icon_smile.gif


Best Wishes,

Jesse
 
I have owned a 3953 and a 3914 and both are excellent firearms and both were 100% reliable. I still have the 3914 and I also have a 4553 which is essentially the 3953 on steroids. All of the Smith's in these series are almost always 100% reliable, if there are any lemons out there you don't hear about them. The same goes for the value line as well. With that being said, buy a new or used one with complete confidence. My only suggestion with aluminum framed Smith's is this; before you purchase a used one inspect the underside of the slide where the firing pin channel is for hairline cracks and also inspect the frame rails. I have personally seen on well used 6906's (PD guns) where these areas were where the signs of heavy use would show up. However, although the hairline cracks were there the pistols still functioned 100% but for how much longer no one knows. That is my only suggestion about buying used aluminum guns from Smith and Wesson.

While I prefer a Smith j-frame for pocket carry most of the time, I still cherish my single stack auto's.
 
I have small hands and the Glocks are way to chunky for one decent handed operation- if required. The M&P with small backstrap is doable. I just kinda started with DA/SA and like the feel. I've shot but never owned anything other than DA/SA or DAO.
 
I sold my Glocm 26 for a used 3913 and couldn't be happier. Glock lacks everything I like in a semi auto, hammer, safety, and mag disconenct. They are also butt ugly. My own Glock 19 (along with several thousand other NYPD cops) was far from reliable, and Glock ignored the situation and let cops continue to carry them until the job contatced Ruger for replacing ALL 25,000 G19's in service. The they suddenly acknowledged the problem and allegedly corrected it. I don't know if they did, because my own Glock 19 was sold soon after I retired. I would gladly give up the lighter weight for the features that a S&W auto give.
 
RE: M&P vs. the 3900-I recently started carrying my new 1994 model 3914 due to assignment change. I have and really like the M&P (full size) and started to carry it. It is newer, has a 4 pound Burwell trigger job, and I really like it. But the light, flat, short 3914 is just comfortable to carry, even on a narrow dress belt (yes, it is a gun belt, but a 1.25). Maybe if I had the M&P compact, I might put the 3914 back in the rack, but I don't have one and don't need one.
 
You will never go wrong with a 3913. I my opinion only it is probably the ultimate CCW of them all. It has all of the things we want and need and none of the things we don't. Try it....you like it!!
Randy
 
Originally posted by WaterburyBob:
No regrets buying my 3913. It's a great, dependable, sturdy pistol that's excellent for
carry.
Click to expand...

I like mine.
 
Originally posted by kbm6893:
I sold my Glocm 26 for a used 3913 and couldn't be happier. Glock lacks everything I like in a semi auto, hammer, safety, and mag disconenct. They are also butt ugly. My own Glock 19 (along with several thousand other NYPD cops) was far from reliable, and Glock ignored the situation and let cops continue to carry them until the job contatced Ruger for replacing ALL 25,000 G19's in service. The they suddenly acknowledged the problem and allegedly corrected it. I don't know if they did, because my own Glock 19 was sold soon after I retired. I would gladly give up the lighter weight for the features that a S&W auto give.
Click to expand...


I consider the Glock M20 in 10mm to be the most effctive combat handgun in the world. I carried one untill I became afraid to carry this powerful pistol, or any Glock, with a loaded
chamber. I wouldn't carry a cocked handgun without a safety, and that is how the Glocks seem to me....That "Safe Action" trigger does not have to move very far to cause a real problem, and there is really nothing to prevent it moving.....
 
I love the 3954 so much I have 2 of them. They are great guns fast, accurate, reliable, simple, and small.

As to capacity... if 9 rounds of 9mm Winchester Rangers or Speer Gold Dots and a reload of 8 more isn't enough I'm buggin' out.

/b
 
Several years ago I traded for an essentially NIB 3913TSW (one of the short frame models) and this pistol ignited my love of the S&W 3rd Generation models. My collection of S&W 3rd Gen pistols has grown to seven and will most likely continue to grow. I consider them 'best of breed'; most examples are large and heavy but with very good accuracy and excellent ergonomics once you get the right grips fitted.

My 3913 is my 'go to' gun for CCW. Here in the south, when weather permits or I'm headed into the sportier parts of Atlanta, my 3913 is resting comfortably in its IWB holster. The sense of comfort is immeasurable.

Along the way I've purchased and let go a small collection of other makes and models; Glocks, XDs, 1911s, HiPowers and others. While all these pistols had their fine points (and here's a hint - I think Glocks are damned fine guns. Lousy grip angle aside I would have no hesitation picking one up to defend hearth and home), the pistols that remain in my safe are, mostly, S&W 3rd Generation pistols.

The 3913 is a champ. It will serve you well.
 
FWIW:

Well, here's a little follow-up to my Aug. 30 post.

I sold my Walther PPS last week to a gentleman for $500.00. He was happy to get it, I was happy to get rid of it.

I immediately called my favorite salesman at CDNN (Neal Ray) and asked him if they had any NIB 3913LS' laying around.

Neal said, after checking the computer, that they indeed had a couple. So, I had him send me one. $499.99 + shipping. I ordered two extra mags while was at it. (2 came w/the gun).

Here she is:
100_9811.jpg


Before I fired it for the first time I disassembled it and gave it a good cleaning with EEZOX. Then I stepped out back and ran about 75-80 rounds through it. So far no failures of any kind, (which is a primary reason I wanted the 3rd gen. Smith in the first place.). All rounds grouped well, but poa/poi was slightly right, so I removed the allen screw and I used a small brass punch to move the poi to poa, tightened that sucker back down and I'm a happy camper.

I guess my transformation from Walther to 3rd gen Smith is now complete. I have retired my excellent Walther P99/AS in lieu of my 5906, (hopefully to shortly have a set of Crimson Trace Lasergrips)which shall be my "house gun". There is absolutely nothing wrong with the P99, which I consider a fantastic 9mm pistol, but in a house gun my wife might be called on to defend herself with it, and she likes the "feel" of the 5906, and the way it shoots as it has low recoil because of it's weight, and the CT Lasergrips will be a big plus in a crisis. No doubt in an accuracy contest the Walther P99/AS would win hands down, but the 5906 is certainly more than self defense accurate.. Enough so that I have no qualms swapping the two for that particular job.

My 6906 is available should I desire a cc weapon with absolute reliability and very good accuracy, with a larger capacity than the LS offers. The LS is 8+1, whereas the 6906 is 12+1 and with the S&W "grip+2" on a 5906 magazine it will have 15+1 and "look" like it came that way. I have two "grip+2"'s on order w/S&W.

My new 3913LS will be my primary 9mm carry pistol, replacing the PPS.. I really like the "feel" of the LS, but so does my wife as she took an immediate liking to it.

So, here I am roughly 13 years after I bought my first 3913, and in the wake of the Glocks/Sig's/Walther's/Star's/Bersa's,ect. I find myself right back to square one, finding out that OVERALL I consider the 3913 to be as good as, if not better, than any of them for MY needs.

Who'da "thunk" it?

IF RELIABILITY is "job one" in your personal defense weapon, you can do no better than a 3rd gen Smith & Wesson pistol. I've spent a lot of money and tried a bunch of the others just to come back to this conclusion.

Just personal opinion, no offense to dissenting opinions.

Best Wishes,

Jesse

100_9817.jpg
 
I love my 3913 as well, but something about those Lqdy Smiths just doesn't appeal to me. The Lady Smith logo is annoying, but the dustcover looks different, and I don't like the grey grips. Functionally, it's a 3913 and I'm sure it is and awesome gun, but I prefer the standard version (and that goes for the TSW series with the riveted on rail)
 
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