S&W Model 3913 vs. Ruger LC9

[Maximumbob54]

While I have a 3913 NLS and I love it...

At some point here we all know S&W is going to realize they are missing out on sales of a thin compact single stack 9mm/.40SW/.45ACP version of the M&P. And when they do make it, they will eat up a chunk of that market. As much as I do love Ruger, I don't like being hit with a one size fits all model that has to come with the LCI and external safety lever. If they offer one without those two options then I would give one a try. As it stands, the XDm single stack .45ACP is a great pocket sized gun and I hope S&W is in overdrive trying to bite into those sales.

 

[SMSgt]

OP, what you consider an advantage may be a disadvantage to others. And if the LC9 is 7 ozs lighter empty, how can it be 7 ozs lighter loaded when it carries one less round. The 3913 would be 7 ozs heavier plus the weight of one round.

Intent has a big part in the advantages. If looking for more concealibility, the LC9 comes out ahead. Otherwise, it's pretty much personal preference.

 

[Fastbolt]

Shoot them both and decide for yourself.

I've only handled and fired one LC9 to date. I tried it with at least 4 different types of hollowpoints available for training use.

Similar to the gun's owner, I experienced a number of light-strike, failure-to-fires with different ammo.

The owner returned the gun to Ruger, who sent it back stating they replaced the hammer spring (found to be too light) and the mag catch (dropping mags for the owner, but it didn't happen with me).

Initially the gun's owner said it was working normally ... until the light strikes started back up.

He tired of fooling with it and sold it off.

If you get one that works with whatever ammo you like to use (or have to use), and you don't mind the trigger, it's not like it's anyone's business but yours, is it?

I have no desire to own one.

Even if I did, I'd give Ruger at least another year to resolve whatever teething pains might be surfacing according to some owner reports (but then I feel that way about any brand new model offering from any manufacturer, as I dislike being a Beta Tester ).

I'd not think to compare this Ruger with either a 3913 or CS9, for anything other than being smallish and chambered in the 9mm cartridge.

Compare it to a P11, maybe ...

 

[x-ray]

I wish S&W would make a slightly scaled up 9mm version of the 380 Bodyguuard. I love my 380BG, even though its 380, now a 9mm BG that is slim and pocket-worthy would be great.

 

[mlk18]

/\ What he said. I want a Bodyguard 9mm (w/o the laser) too.

I do own a Ruger LC9 and with over 1,500 rounds down range it has been perfect. No malfunctions and no parts breakages. I carry it as my on duty BUG and it serves the role very well. And believe me, I do not know just throw on anything when I go to work. I ran my LC9 through the paces. And FWIW it was an early production model. I suspect that the percentage of LC9's with problems are equal to any production gun. I recently purchased a set of XS big tritium dot sights and a Galloway trigger kit. For those you who are not familiar, Galloway Precision is to Ruger as Apex Tactical is to S&W. I have not had a chance to install the kit yet, but reports from those who have are very favorable.

Now just to be clear, the 39XX series is one of the best guns ever made and if there was a 9mm hall of fame it would have the largest display. But a 3954 does not slide into my front left pocket after strapping on my duty gear.

 

[Fastbolt]

I've also been hoping S&W would revisit the idea of a slightly smaller single column mag 9mm pistol.

Dunno whether I'd want it to be produced from the M&P or the Bodyguard platform. Not sure what it would take in the way of slide mass, which would probably have a bearing on which way they decided (have decided?) to go.

They really need something to fill the gap left by the discontinuance of the CS9.

At least the M&P has a better trigger than the Bodyguard, and the takedown lever is easier to manipulate.

The laser idea was probably a good response to some amount of current market demand for the device, but I'd much rather see it as an available option than something standard.

 

[mlk18]

Maybe they will just redesign the old SW9.

I think that any of the 3 models (M&P, SD or Bodyguard) would lend itself to be redesigned to a compact slim 9mm. The SD is already slimmer than the M&P and looks like it could be trimmed down even more. I held out for a long time waiting for S&W to make a gun to compete with Kahr (and now pretty much everyone else). The whole time I held tightly to my 642 & 638 for back up gun service. And while those guns are still very capable, I wanted something that reloaded faster. So for now it's the LC9.

 

[Charlie111]

3953

I originally wanted a 3913 but couldn't find one so I ended up getting a 3953. I really like the pistol and don't regret not having a 3913. I'm still looking for one though. LC9 is a wonderful pistol too but it will never be as nice as the 3953 is for me.

 

[rrockefe]

I bought an LC9 after having a 3913 that suffered a cracked frame and was retired. I looked for quite a while to try to find an ideal pocket carry gun, like everybody else, and finally decided the LC9 would be it. Now, I'm not so sure. I had a problem with the extra long trigger pull even though I shoot DA revolvers OK. Finally gave up and sent it back to Ruger and they replaced the trigger bar, firing pin and spring. It is much better now. I can shoot satisfactory groups at 10 yards now which is my minimal acceptance criteria. By the way, I had over 1000 rounds through it before sending it back. The thing that bothers me quite a bit is the overall manufacturing quality problems Ruger has been having on these newer guns. Like someone above said: read the Ruger forums. I'm not giving up on it at this point and take it to the range a couple times a week and put 30 to 50 rounds through it. That's plenty because it bangs up my trigger finger quite a bit. I think I'm trying to build up confidence in it. I never had this concern with the 3913 until I dropped it on the concrete and subsequently the crack showed up. I'm still contemplating going to a S&W 642 which I had about settled on until the LC9 showed up.

 

[Pete99004]

Since the Ruger can be purchased new for around $300 - I'd like to offer you Ruger guys a deal - I'll take your tired old 3913 for $300 and you have new gun at no cost!!

Pete

 

[Buckeye]

The 3913 is a SD gun...the LC9 is a pocket gun.....now really, if the SHTF which would you want????

This is the only 9mm I own..a Ruger p95.... a great pistol that is reliable, and it rides high and tight in a leather pancake.... Note no rails !!!!

If I pocket carry ..its a 642 (i know this is a Semi page)

 

[Timber Wolf]

I love my 3913, so much that I tracked down a 4040PD to have "the .40 version". They are both great guns and although I have carried both I do not any more. My current two carry pieces are an XDm 3.8C in .40 when I IWB carry (SuperTuck), and a S&W 642 when I pocket carry. I recently bought a Ruger LC9 and as soon as I am satisfied of its' reliability it will replace the 642 as my pocket carry piece.

 

[qcdougn]

Hi from Charlotte

I looking forward to learning more about S&W during each visit to the forum. I plan to be a "Shield" owner as soon as they become available.
Thank you for allowing me to join.

Doug

 

[Dave_n]

I have the 3913, 3914 and the 3953. No, I will not trade or sell them. As pointed out many times above, they are accurate, reliable and perhaps a little heavy, but with regular 9 mm HP, they go bang every time and land where pointed. Dave_n

 

[Topspeed]

I think I'm a little biased because I have carried 3rd generation S&Ws since the mid 80's. My 3913 and 4516 are my alternate EDC weapons depending on circumstances. My vote goes to the 3013.

 

[s2harry]

3913 is best want a lighter gun go to a 340. metal is for guns plastic is for toys..2 cents

 

[586L-Frame]

I too prefer my 3913 & 3914 besides my 469's over the LC9.
But I also like my LC9 for what it was designed for.
586L-Frame

DLC’s S&W 3914 & 3913.

DLC’s S&W469’s with Pacymayr & Delrin Pebble Grips.

DLC’s Ruger LC9 9mm.

x

 

[coorslight]

I sold my LC9 1 month after I picked up my CS9.

 

[kbm6893]

I'm jumping back into this one. I still say the Ruger is a lighter and easier gun to carry than the 3913, and while the 3913 probably groups better, I just sold my LC9 and bought a very nice 3913. I missed my old 3913 and wanted another. The Ruger worked well, but it still wasn't a pocket gun. I could do it, but it was noticeable. So the 3913 will be my on the belt carry for cooler weather, and I will be picking up a true pocket gun sometime in the near future. I used to have a 642, but prefer a gun with a safety for carry, so I will probably be getting a Bodygyard .380. I wish S&W would release a Bodyguard .380 size pistol in a 9MM like Ruger did when they released the LC9 after the LCP.

 

[goldenlight]

If somebody gave me a brand new Ruger LC9, I would trade it for a used 3913.

But that's just me.