Should I buy this? 3913nl

[MArktAZ]

My first post on this forum... Been lurking for a while but decided to jump in. Howdy.

Was in the LGS today and saw a S&W 3913NL. It was in the "used case" but when I looked at it I could see no sign that it had ever been fired. So LNIB. They want $559 for it, with tax it would be a little over $600 to get it into my safe.

I've seen less pristine examples go on GB for $450 to $500. Add $50 for shipping plus FFL fees, and those would be up into the near $500-$550 range.

This thing is calling out to me, and I'm talking myself into it even though I know the price is too high. someone please talk me out of it.

 

[opaul]

The Standard Catalog of S&W puts it at $525 LNIB, so sounds reasonable to me. I'd buy it!

 

[A10]

Welcome to the Forum! You will find rapidly that there are a lot of folks here who will more than happily be your enablers, me being one of them. With that being said, I'd say if it sings to you, buy it! It probably won't be going down in price!

 

[S&W1006]

I lucked out earlier in the year and picked up a 3913 at my favorite pawn/gun shop. I am a regular and he let me have it for $300. I know I couldn't turn it down. I bought it for my girlfriend but I shoot it more than she does. In fact if I find another one I will pick another one up. I say get it I love mine/the girlfriends. It is a great shooter for a compact.

 

[Lost Lake]

Here's how I look at it:

If it was $100 less would you take it?

In ten years that $100 will be insignificant, but the joy of that gun will still be with you.

This is why I have a gun buying problem....

 

[GerSan69]

Get it! You absolutely will not regret getting an 'NL.

 

[Rock185]

MArktAZ, I bought my regular 3913, which appeared NIB, about four years ago, IIRC. It was priced at $500.00+ tax. I have never regretted it. They had a beat looking 3913, NL or LS, can't remember which, right next to it for the same price. Within my experience, the NL and LS are usually priced a bit higher than the regular 3913s. Were I in the market, I would not hesitate to pay $559.00+ tax for a LNIB NL...

 

[mbliss57]

The one I bought a few months ago was LNIB. $610 Plus $20 FFL transfer.
They are not very common and highly regarded so that it about what the market is. Of course someone will be along soon to tell you they got one for $300.. maybe they did but those would be a rare find from an uninformed seller. You will do just fine at that price. Most on GB go for $600+
The 3913's sell for about $150 less than an NL or LS by the way.
Mike

 

[scatterguy]

I would try to get it for 550.00 OTD. Most places mark their guns high and have a little wiggle room for negotiation. You never know until you ask. The only fly in the ointment is the panic buying that's going on currently. If this dealer is having no problems moving his guns at their asking prices, he probably won't budge.

 

[JumpinJack]

Snooze and you'll loose ! Buy it before someone else does.

 

[S&W1006]

The one I bought a few months ago was LNIB. $610 Plus $20 FFL transfer.
They are not very common and highly regarded so that it about what the market is. Of course someone will be along soon to tell you they got one for $300.. maybe they did but those would be a rare find from an uninformed seller. You will do just fine at that price. Most on GB go for $600+
The 3913's sell for about $150 less than an NL or LS by the way.
Mike

I bought mine for 300 and I know that was a deal it had some holster wear but is in great shape mechanically. The same store sold me a 1086 for 475. They only made around 1500 of those. He never asks much for the 3rd gen Smiths so I snag them up when I get the chance. I'll say this I wouldn't sell mine for 500 I love it I almost wish I hadn't let my girlfriend keep it but she needed a gun. If I find another one I'll snag it too.

 

[S&W1006]

Also I think the reason the pawn shop sells the 3rd gen Smiths so cheap is nobody seems to want them here. Everybody wants a Glock or M&P or XD. He doesn't give much on trade for them either. Good for me I've snagged 3 3rd gen Smiths from him. Don't tell him or he'll start charging me more

 

[Erich]

The 3913NL is a great gun. My brother bought one on my advice for his first gun, and has been completely happy with it for years.

I gave him this Sam Damewood-customized 65-5 to keep it company:

 

[MArktAZ]

Well, the consensus seems to be the price is a little high but not outrageous. You guys did a really bad job of talking me out of it. I'm planning to swing by at lunch tomorrow and pick it up.

Thanks for all the comments.

 

[Lost Lake]

Here's some more 'feel-good' for ya....

I was watching a 3913 with 100-200 rounds through it on GB.

It sold for $580 plus the buyer will pay $30 shipping and transfer fees....

Prices are going up fast.

 

[WisconsinKen]

Also I think the reason the pawn shop sells the 3rd gen Smiths so cheap is nobody seems to want them here. Everybody wants a Glock or M&P or XD. He doesn't give much on trade for them either. Good for me I've snagged 3 3rd gen Smiths from him. Don't tell him or he'll start charging me more

Let me know which Pawn shop you are frequenting. I think I need to go take the owner a box of donuts to get on his good side In my neck of the woods, 3rd gen Smiths are about as common as sub $500 Colt Pythons

But, getting back to the thread, make a lower offer. The worse he'll do is say no and you pay the asking price, skip going out to dinner one night and you are cash even.

 

[M29since14]

This thing is calling out to me, and I'm talking myself into it even though I know the price is too high. someone please talk me out of it.

Why? You're a big boy. It's your money - you earned it, right? The price might be a little high. Gun prices are always "high."

1) If you want the gun and you can afford it, buy it and enjoy it.
2) If you won't enjoy owning it - at that price - then don't buy it.

That's all there is to it.

 

[Lost Lake]

Let me know which Pawn shop you are frequenting. I think I need to go take the owner a box of donuts to get on his good side In my neck of the woods, 3rd gen Smiths are about as common as sub $500 Colt Pythons

But, getting back to the thread, make a lower offer. The worse he'll do is say no and you pay the asking price, skip going out to dinner one night and you are cash even.

I travel a lot for work, so I end up hitting all the pawn shops I can.... mid and upper Wisconsin are completely gen 3 barren. I saw a couple beat up 69's and a 5906 that had been through a war or two. And they still want top dollar.

 

[SOUTHERNGUNNER]

The right time to buy a 3914NL is when you see one for sale. I love mine and I have gun guns that cost 2 times that and they are not much better and definately not as reliable. Buy it and be happy and join in with the rest of the 3rd generation addicts

 

[coobie]

Snatch it up They are not making them anymore.IMHO they are one of the finest pistols every made.I have a 3913,3914 TSW,5906 and a CS9. coobie