I just purchased a used TSW 3913 in excellent shape. My only concern is I don't know how many rounds have been fired through it and subsequently...how much wear and tear the springs and internals have been through. Do any of you make a habit of replacing springs and such upon purchasing a used auto? Although I plan on taking it to the range before I carry, I don't want to be stuck in a situation where something fails because it is worn out. Thanks for any input.
Frequently replaced parts?
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Mad Magyar
Member
Guilty, even if the range session goes well. Sadly, some of my used pistols were the type where parts, even recoil springs, were difficult to obtain. Regardless, if you think in your own mind you'll be keeping it for awhile instead of counting the days to the next Gun Show; it pays to pick up various internal springs, firing pin, and extractor. Anyway, that's me...
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
I would not mess with the internals unless you are a gunsmith.
S&W autos are not DIY projects.
Replace the recoil spring, and maybe the mag springs if they fail to lock the slide back.
If the rest ain't broke, don't try to fix it!
BTW: I have a 1970'ish 39-2 that has never broken anything, or otherwise hiccuped even once.
rcmodel
S&W autos are not DIY projects.
Replace the recoil spring, and maybe the mag springs if they fail to lock the slide back.
If the rest ain't broke, don't try to fix it!
BTW: I have a 1970'ish 39-2 that has never broken anything, or otherwise hiccuped even once.
rcmodel
Ken Rainey
Member
If it's in great shape, it was probably not fired much and is good to go. When you go to the range just pay attention to how far away the brass lands..if it's slinging them into the next week, you may need a new recoil spring. The thing to remember about replacing recoil springs is that if the mag springs are getting weak and you just install a new recoil spring, you may start getting jams due to the mag not getting the rounds up in time for that now faster returning slide to pick'em up...but, if the pistol looks to be in excellent shape and the mag followers aren't worn down and the mag springs aren't obviously weak, then more than likely it's had little use...when I get a used pistol, I do a thorough cleaning and inspection to include the magazines and then I do the "Glock spring checks" on it and go from there....
I don't know what S&W recommends as far as a check to see if the recoil spring is too weak but for a Glock, you take the empty pistol with no magazine and point it upward, retract the slide and ease it forward (upward) and see if it will pull itself into battery. To check for weak mag springs and or worn followers, just take the unloaded pistol and quickly pull the slide to the rear and see if it locks open. Seems reasonable that these checks would work with just about any auto pistol to get a general idea of it's spring condition.
It's generally accepted to replace most recoil springs about every 2500 rds in full size steel or aluminum framed pistols, the compacts and subcompacts may differ depending on their recoil spring setup...if you don't have an operator's manual, call or email and ask for one (they're free) along with inquiring about replacement intervals for the recoil springs, etc.
Enjoy your "new" pistol..
I don't know what S&W recommends as far as a check to see if the recoil spring is too weak but for a Glock, you take the empty pistol with no magazine and point it upward, retract the slide and ease it forward (upward) and see if it will pull itself into battery. To check for weak mag springs and or worn followers, just take the unloaded pistol and quickly pull the slide to the rear and see if it locks open. Seems reasonable that these checks would work with just about any auto pistol to get a general idea of it's spring condition.
It's generally accepted to replace most recoil springs about every 2500 rds in full size steel or aluminum framed pistols, the compacts and subcompacts may differ depending on their recoil spring setup...if you don't have an operator's manual, call or email and ask for one (they're free) along with inquiring about replacement intervals for the recoil springs, etc.
Enjoy your "new" pistol..
The Lone Haranguer
Member
Recoil springs are only about $2 at Midway.
johnchamp
Member
also check the mag followers out too since you have it apart might as well replace them just my 2 cents good luck & have fun shooting.
Big +1 on S&W autos are not DIY projects. I suggest getting spare springs for everything in case Obama decides to ban/tax them out of existence. A spare firing pin or two would be good to have also. I have had to replace ejectors on these once in awhile. Keep it clean and lightly oiled. Store it in a dry place. Enjoy!
I carried a 6906 (basically same design as your 3913) for about 6-7 years. I was a firearms instructor for the agency I worked for. I probably put 8-10K rds through that pistol while I had it.
The only 2 caveats I can give you:
1. Recoil spring every 2-3K rounds.
2. When you clean the slide make sure you don't let the gunk flow down into the firing pin channel. The gunk will gum up the cahnnel and result in the firing pin getting stuck forward.
The only 2 caveats I can give you:
1. Recoil spring every 2-3K rounds.
2. When you clean the slide make sure you don't let the gunk flow down into the firing pin channel. The gunk will gum up the cahnnel and result in the firing pin getting stuck forward.
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