Which one? 3913 or 908

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Rockin Double B

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For the most part I'm a high power rifle shooter and not much on pistols but after seeing a 3913 I fell in love. Testimony here reinforces how good it must be. I'm researching but can't find much info on seeming look alikes other than the 908 'has fewer features'. Can anyone advise me if there is much difference between the models and which is preferable. Let's stay away from the Ford vs Chevy angle and keep the discussion on relative merits. Thanks SO much. -Robb
 
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For the most part I'm a high power rifle shooter and not much on pistols but after seeing a 3913 I fell in love. Testimony here reinforces how good it must be. I'm researching but can't find much info on seeming look alikes other than the 908 'has fewer features'. Can anyone advise me if there is much difference between the models and which is preferable. Let's stay away from the Ford vs Chevy angle and keep the discussion on relative merits. Thanks SO much. -Robb
 
They are very simular and some parts are the same on both like mags and grips. The 908 came out as S&Ws' "Value series" originaly. The only down side to them is that they do use more plastic parts such as sights, mag catch, disconector, guide rod and such. They will give years of service no doubt and are covered under S&Ws' lifetime warranty. The 3913/14 would just be considered a upgrade of one, little nicer machining, more rounded slide, can't really go wrong with either.
 
It's more of a "Buick vs. Chevy" issue, actually, since what we're talking about is two "feature points" on the same "design model."

So. My little brother was hunting for a concealed carry handgun last spring, and, after discussing the options in real depth, we decided that one of these 3.5"-barreled single-stack S&Ws was the way that he should go. He wound up with a 3913 (actually, the desirable 3913 NL model, so fancied by gunwriters and other cognoscenti
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http://www.thegunzone.com/3913nl.html), but I advised him that he'd be well-served with a 908 if that's what he found.

The differences between the two are really minuscule, much less dramatic than those between the high-line Kahrs and the budget Kahrs, for instance. Functionally, I don't think there'd really be any difference at all between the 908 and the 3913 (whereas there's a demonstrable velocity difference between the polygonally "rifled" barrel of the Kahr P9 and the conventionally rifled barrel of the cheaper CW9). I don't see the plastic parts on the S&W "value series" as ever making any practical difference in most users' lives. And the slight aesthetic differences? Hey, look at how many people carry Glocks - I'm not sure that aesthetics are at the forefront of handgun purchaser concerns.
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Good luck with whichever you purchase, but I truly think you're fine whether you buy the "Chevy" model 908 or the slightly fancier "Buick" model 3913 - they're the same in every way that counts.
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I'd go with the 3913. Without doubt one of the best handguns ever made.
 
Both are fine pistols. But the 3913 was so far ahead of its time that it still stands out today. Standard features included 1)Novak sights 2)ambi safety 3)checkered front strap 4) checkered finger guard 5)relieved mag well 6)extremely flat and nicely rounded form that promoted discreet carry 7) polished feed ramp 8)steel recoil spring guide 9) bobbed hammer.

If you can find a 3913 that you can afford, go with your first instinct. It is one of S&W best ever production guns.

Out West
 
As a high power shooter (rifle) myself it would be analagous to a Springfield M1a Service grade verses a Super Match if that makes any sense...The 908 is simply S&W's more economcial version of the same basic gun.
Randy
 
Thank you all for the reponses. Erich, your analysis pretty much wraps it up. In researching the 2 guns on this forum all the old threads simply cite a couple differences but your practical advice is very helpful. I will focus on the 3913 and get a 908 if a really good deal presents itself but prices for both are hovering in the low $400's to $550. I k-n-o-w, I'll complain now and then years later think about what a deal it was.
 
Originally posted by handgunner356:
They are very simular and some parts are the same on both like mags and grips. The 908 came out as S&Ws' "Value series" originaly. The only down side to them is that they do use more plastic parts such as sights, mag catch, disconector, guide rod and such. They will give years of service no doubt and are covered under S&Ws' lifetime warranty. The 3913/14 would just be considered a upgrade of one, little nicer machining, more rounded slide, can't really go wrong with either.
Click to expand...

Ditto what he said. I've owned both, but still have the 3913.
 
I went with a slightly used #908 for $225.00, no box, no papers, one mag. I have since scrounged a few spare mags and a holster. Easy to carry and conceal, functions perfectly, about the same size as a Walther PP.
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Along the same line of questioning, what is the finish like on the 908? Is it a matte black finish, or is there some sheen to it? It is the exact same finish as the 3914, or is it different? Also, it is pretty durable, or does it get scratched/scuffed easily?

TMann
 
Not sure about #3914's, but my #908 is matte black. Mine has some holster wear, which I could care less about. Had I bought this new, it would most likely look just like this by now, LOL. There is also a #908s, a stainless version. I am not sure how durable it is, I don't think I have added any marks to it in the last few months.

I would buy another, especially at this price.
 
I have a 410, the value line full size .40. The finish has held up very well for me.

It's lived its entire life in an Uncle Mike's nylon holster and looks as good as the day I brought it home.
 
I'd go with the 3913 myself, If You can Find one at a Decent Price..
I think it's a bit more rounded & has less sharp areas but would feel equaly protected by a 908 or 910..
I have a 3913NL so that makes me partial to them
Gary/Hk
 
Given the choice, I'd get the 3913. It's a more finely finished pistol with some nice (but not necessary) features that are lacking on the 908. When I made my purchase a year ago, no 3913s were avaialble, so I bought a 908S. It's a very accurate and pleasant shooter. I have nothing but good things to say about this weapon. It's my vehicle gun.
 
The 3913 is da bomb!!!!!!
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Here's a pic of mine with a .38spl 640 sitting on top of her. It just doesn't get any better. A 9mm 8+1 shot just a hair larger than a J-Frame!!!!!!!!!
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Here she is naked!
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I chose the 3913. I've never regretted having it. It is my most carried handgun.

That said, there is nothing wrong with the 908 either. Regards 18DAI.
 
I was looking at the 908 at a dealer in Southern Maryland, and was looking at the 3913 TSW but everywhere I read they advised against the added on rail I decided to research the 3913 and finally found a couple on Gunsamerica and ocassionally on Gunbroker. I decided on the 3913 on Gunsamerica and was not disappointed. I will probably send it to the S&W Performance Center for a trigger job and polish the feed ramp. We will see after a couple of rounds through it. I am ordering a couple of extra magazines. I am pretty stoked about it.

Andrew
 
I have both a 908 and 2 3913s. When I leave the house and I know that a gun will stay in the holster all day, I take my favorite 3913, cuz it's prettier.

If the gun will be unholstered and put in a tool box or under the car seat while I am in a gun free crime zone, I take the 908. I have worn off most of the finish on the slide and do not worry about another nick or scratch.

When you are looking over the sights and squeezing the trigger, there is not a dime's worth of difference. That said, a shiny 3913 with night sights and wood grips does have more sex appeal and bragging rights.
 
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