Snagged a 3913 today

[wbwanzer]

I decided I needed a fairly small concealable 9mm. I've got a few full size 9s (P229, 92FS, XDm...) but wanted something that could go IWB. I stumbled upon a 3914 yesterday at the gun shop. Came home to research it since I was not familiar. Went back today and as they say, 'I was a day late and a dollar short'. It was gone.

So today I hit the web searching for either a 3913 or 3914. I found a 1998 Maine State Police 3913 in very good condition. I think I paid too much but they don't seem too plentiful and don't seem to last long on the market. So I did it anyway. It now has to be shipped to my FFL and then I have a seven day wait here in the People's Republic of Maryland. So it will be close to two weeks before I actually have it. My research indicated that most people considered it a very fine carry pistol. I'm excited and looking forward to getting it.

 

[Big_gun]

You made a good choice, the 3913 is an excellent gun and will serve you well.

 

[MWB]

If the price was not too far off, the delay will prove to your benefit. The 3914 has a carbon steel slide which can rust more easily than the stainless one on the 3913 and the gray anodizing will not show wear as obviously as the 3914's black finish. In my experience, the 3913 is one of the best concealed carry pistols ever made. The things are extraordinarily reliable while possessing sufficient accuracy and 'shootability' to permit one to win in competition. Barring your pistol turning out to be a 'lemon' (which I have never witnessed in the seven or eight examples with which I have personal experience), you will most likely prefer it to all others for everyday carry.

 

[mlk18]

In the world of concealable DA/SA 9mm, there are few (if any) guns better than the 3913. I will also add that there is a clear difference between the price paid and the value of a gun. You wanted one, you found one, you bought one. So it worth every penny you paid (value). Of course now I am curious what you paid. I would also like to see some pics.

 

[wbwanzer]

I paid $489 for the gun and $15 shipping. Then it will be $40 to my FFL for the transfer. I'll certainly put up some pictures when I get it.
I've read nothing but good things about this pistol.

 

[Gasx]

That's about what I paid for mine, but I got 5 magazines with it...

 

[mlk18]

Shipping and fees never count. No one says they bought a 1999 Kawasaki KZ1000P for $1700 plus $300 in taxes and $25 in license fees.

For an out of production gun that you wanted to own right now, I still say it was a good value.

 

[wbwanzer]

To mlk18, I realize that the fees don't count as the price of the gun, but they do add up. The price I paid for the gun itself seemed high, then again I only became interested in these a few days ago so I'm no expert. The 3914 that got away from me at the gun store was $400. So the $489 that I paid seemed high. The 3914 may have been a 908 or whatever the economy model was. So maybe this isn't so bad after all.

Of course I haven't seen the gun in person yet but I'm pleased with the deal because of everything I've read about the 3913/14.

I wanted a gun that will be concealable yet would not be so snappy that I won't want to practice with it. Real small light weight guns are not much fun to shoot in my opinion. This model looks like a good balance of concealability with some recoil absorbing weight.

This whole 3913/14 thing sounds like a hidden gem to me.

 

[18DAI]

Congrats! Finest single stack CCW 9mm made. Probably the finest semi auto S&W ever did. Enjoy yours! Regards 18DAI.

 

[wbwanzer]

Thanks 18DAI and everyone else who has posted. Those are the kind of words that make me think this is something special. I'd never heard of these before I started digging for info. They're certainly not wildly popular. But it seemd like most people that have had them almost speak with reverence about them.

I failed to mention up front that the 3913 will not be carried often. I live in the People's Republic of Maryland, so no carry here. I do have a Utah non-res permit that allows me to carry in my neighboring states of Pa., Va. and De. But I will now be able to carry when in the Shennendoah National Park, which will make my wife happy. I'm also hoping to move to Pa. in the next few years after my youngest daughter finishes school and moves out. So hopefully 'carry' will become more of a regular thing.

 

[mlk18]

I realize that the fees don't count as the price of the gun, but they do add up.

I know, I was being facetious. As in you don't tell your buddies about the extra cost 'cause it makes it look like you get an even better deal and makes them jealous.

The 39xx compacts are excellent autos, very accurate and low felt recoil. Even the guys I know who are not big fans of S&W like the 39xx series.

 

[wbwanzer]

I'm continuing to learn about these 39xx as I cruise the forums. Sounds like my 1998 has a MIM hammer and trigger. I know that's not preferred, but is MIM actually a problem?

 

[growr]

You now own the finest CCW 9mm made by any manufacturer at any price. Enjoy the heck out of it, it will serve you quite well for many generations!
Randy

 

[m41]

I just purchased a 3913 the other day and I have been looking on the forum for a very good IWB holster, since I figure it is to large to carry in my front pocket, and I haven't found any threads on a very good concealable holster. I don't wear my shirt outside of my pants so I need one that I can conceal inside on my pants and shirt.

 

[wbwanzer]

I have a few holsters even though I've not carried yet. I've got one called Split Decision by Highnoon. It's IWB and tuckable. Inexpensive at $37.00.

I've also got a generic sort of IWB that I got at a gun show that has a cell phone holder. You grab the cell phone holder and pull the holster up to present the gun. Pretty neat package, but again, I don't really have any previous experience using these two since I live in Maryland.

 

[diyj98]

I miss a lot of the old third generation S&W's. It's too bad they seem to have been killed off by all the plastic framed guns.

 

[Gasx]

I just purchased a 3913 the other day and I have been looking on the forum for a very good IWB holster, since I figure it is to large to carry in my front pocket, and I haven't found any threads on a very good concealable holster. I don't wear my shirt outside of my pants so I need one that I can conceal inside on my pants and shirt.

FIST, INC.

 

[rappa29]

I decided I needed a fairly small concealable 9mm. I've got a few full size 9s (P229, 92FS, XDm...) but wanted something that could go IWB. I stumbled upon a 3914 yesterday at the gun shop. Came home to research it since I was not familiar. Went back today and as they say, 'I was a day late and a dollar short'. It was gone.

So today I hit the web searching for either a 3913 or 3914. I found a 1998 Maine State Police 3913 in very good condition. I think I paid too much but they don't seem too plentiful and don't seem to last long on the market. So I did it anyway. It now has to be shipped to my FFL and then I have a seven day wait here in the People's Republic of Maryland. So it will be close to two weeks before I actually have it. My research indicated that most people considered it a very fine carry pistol. I'm excited and looking forward to getting it.

Congrats! I've seen one every now and then online, but never been inclined to buy online.

Got lucky last year and saw a 3913TSW (prerail, shortened grip) at my local shop. These are really hard to come by! I knew I wanted it, but went home to sleep on it and find something to trade towards it. Told myself, if it's still there tomorrow, I'll get it!

Sure enough, it was still there! I probably overpaid a bit, but I traded a Ruger MKII towards it to lessen the blow.

Condition was near mint! The bore looked like it'd never been shot!!

I enjoy it a lot! Never getting rid of it and it's my EDC!

 

[rappa29]

I just purchased a 3913 the other day and I have been looking on the forum for a very good IWB holster, since I figure it is to large to carry in my front pocket, and I haven't found any threads on a very good concealable holster. I don't wear my shirt outside of my pants so I need one that I can conceal inside on my pants and shirt.

I don't know if he has a tuckable IWB holster, but I bought my regular IWB holster from Sideguard holsters. IMHO, excellent quality and inexpensive.

 

[Sod]

Don't forget to check our classifieds here on the S&W forum!