Update ver. 2.0: Not bonding with my 3913 -- can anything be done?

[email4eric]

Received the Hogue grips. Waiting on the spring. Hopefully get all installed this weekend. Then to the range...

 

[Engine49guy]

I have always been a S&W Model 39/59 fan but was looking for a 3913 or 3914 for CCW... Although Im no fan of DAO triggers found a reasonably priced 3953 , went to the range last week but was sadly all over the target blaming it on the heavy DAO trigger and Delrin grips but I know its me and my lack of training with this style trigger ,
I do have a set of Hogues that will be swapped onto the 3953 before the next range session but now sounds like I should also order a new set of springs before passing final judgement....
Otherwise going back to looking for a 3913/3914...maybe even a CS9.

 

[email4eric]

I replaced the grips today and the new Hogues feel legions better than did the factory grips. Fills the hand better. Will shoot it this weekend and see how much of an improvement is made.

I also replaced the recoil spring with a new stock weight 15 lb from Wolff. What's weird is that the spring that came out was significantly weaker than the new spring. I mean the new one is really, really stiff --so much so, that I had some difficulty getting the guide rod mounted back onto the barrel. Is this a common finding with an old vs new spring? Should a worn-out factory spring feel that much weaker than its new replacement of the same weight? It felt like the new one was twice as stiff. I couldn't feel much difference racking that slide, however. Perhaps the one coming out was the wrong spring(?).

Lastly, my trigger isn't very smooth either, at least compared to my Sigs which are absolutely silky smooth. In SA mode, the 3913 trigger also makes a "click" sound with a sort of catching feel on the take-up. It's not significant but annoying.

Are these pistols usually a little rough in the trigger take up or does this one need attention? If so, how does one locate a Gen 3 S&W expert or do you just call around?

Thanks again to everyone for all of the help!

 

[Jaymo]

Just send it to me and I'll bond with it.
Problem solved.

 

[email4eric]

2nd update: Took the pistol to the range today and I shot it so terribly I couldn't believe it. Couldn't hit the broad side of a barn. I mean at 21 ft! I am suspecting that the sights are off or alternatively, I'm pulling this pistol consistently though if that's so, I cannot see it.

I'm shooting Blazer 124 gr. standard pressure and literally have to shoot high and to the left to get anywhere near on target. I'm a righty. The trigger uptake is long and a bit rough but I can't believe it's setting my shots off that badly.

Anyway, I'm pretty discouraged with this pistol. I may drop it off and have it evaluated by someone who knows these well to ascertain whether it's me or the pistol.

 

[vigil617]

That clicking in SA model sounds suspiciously like what many of us have seen in Third Gen 45ACP pistols with the brass L-shaped leaf spring that tensions the trigger. There are several threads about it, and there's an easy temporary fix, though the click does not affect function and is merely annoying. Your other issues with the gun might be more worthy of investigation, though.

 

[email4eric]

Thanks, Vigil -- I'll look at those threads.

 

[TercGen]

I'd agree with Vigil that it sounds like the Trigger Play Spring may be bent or damaged.

I would recommend calling S&W (1-800-331-0852) and explain about the trigger click, and they will most likely send you a return ticket so that they can fix it for you. You could also mention the issues your having with accuracy, and have them check it out as well.

 

[email4eric]

I'd agree with Vigil that it sounds like the Trigger Play Spring may be bent or damaged.

I would recommend calling S&W (1-800-331-0852) and explain about the trigger click, and they will most likely send you a return ticket so that they can fix it for you. You could also mention the issues your having with accuracy, and have them check it out as well.

Thanks, Terc -- that sounds like the next step.

 

[YNOTASNUBBIE]

Just move on. Obviously, the 3913 is not for you. So many other choices out there and you can get a pretty good return on the 3913 if you do sell it. There may be more than one factor to why the gun doesn't work for you. So instead of spending more money trying to make it better, just evaluate other options. Striker fired pistols might be your thing....at least that's what it sounds like to me. I believe that most of your problem is the trigger and your inability to control it. That's not a diss, it is a valid point even with the most seasoned shooter. Maybe you're just not used to it or the DA/SA thing just isn't for you. It's all good. I would not worry about it anymore and find something else that will suit you.