Question about Smith and Wesson 3913

[desert gator]

In my search for a new ccw I have come across this gun and want to learn more about it. I was wondering if the left hand safety can be removed, or if the safety can be removed all together? Also I was wondering about its feel on the double only action trigger pull, what is it comparable to? Is it long like a kahr, or shorter? Anything you can tell me about this gun would be appreciated.

 

[usp9]

The safety also serves as a decocker. With a bobbed hammer, removing the safety/decocker would be a dangerous thing to do IMHO.

The S&W DA pull is longer and heavier than a standard Kahr pull. The S&W travel is 3/4" or more, whereas the Kahr travel is 3/8". The S&W feels like about 10 lbs. DA, the Kahr feels about 6 lbs.

The S&W SA pull is shorter and much lighter of course.

If you really like the 3913, my advise would be not to adulterate it in any way.

 

[KurtC]

The double action only (no safety) version is the 3953. The hammer on this model in partially cocked and the trigger rests part way to the rear. The trigger pull is short and slick. The newer version also has an accessry rail, and is called the 3953TSW (see pic).

 

[desert gator]

Kurt that one looks real sharp

 

[19-3Ben]

I LOVE S&W's 3rd gen steel autos. They are, IMHO, the best value in the used gun market right now because you can get so many former police guns.

 

[David E]

As far as the 3913 goes, leave the safety/decocker alone. You could remove the right side, but you'd have to modify the main part for it to ride flush.

You cannot remove it completely and have a safe gun.

Trigger pull can be addressed with after market springs. I made IDPA "Master" with mine easily, so the gun will allow you to get out of it what you can get out of it.

An oft overlooked feature of the standard S&W semi-autos is the fast trigger reset. The DAO doesn't have that, but no DAO does. S&W's answer to DAO is a good one and again, often overlooked.

 

[desert gator]

David, how would you compare the DAO trigger on the Smith compared to say a Kahr?

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Are they even still making the 3913/908?? The website still lists them but haven't seen a new one of either in years.

 

[Jim PHL]

3913/908 have not been made for many years. Not cost effective, I'd guess, to make a steel and alloy gun in the age of plastic!

For years my only autos were 1911's in .45 ACP but the 3913 was a model I was always interested in. I finally got one over a year ago and it has become more of a favorite everytime I shoot it. Many consider it among S+W's finest offerings. As I shot and enjoyed the 3913 more and more I started carrying it on occasion and had been looking for a 3953 specificaly for a carry gun. I got a pair of 3953's right before Thanksgiving. Saw them at a favorite local shop and couldn't pick which one was better, so...

The previous advice offered is correct: You can go from an ambi- to single-side safety on the 3913 (have a gunsmith do it for you) but the only safe option for completely removing it is to go with the 3953 which is designed and built that way. For you hi-cap lovers the 6906 is basically the same gun with a thicker frame and double-stack, 12-round magazine. (The slide assemblies of these two pistols are interchangeable.) The 6906 is similar in size and weight to a Glock 19. I actually prefer the slimmer single-stack models. Slick little pistols.

Regarding the trigger, I had a Kahr K40 years ago and from what I recall the trigger on the Kahr was shorter, smoother and lighter than my DAO 3953's...in all honesty, probably better than the S+W. I'm planning on pulling the trigger on my Smiths a few thousand times to see if they improve!

 

[David E]

David, how would you compare the DAO trigger on the Smith compared to say a Kahr?

I would consider them very comparable, especially with a spring kit installed. Both are very shootable.

 

[jaysouth]

If the width bothers you, get a 3953 DAO. Get a Kahr CW 9, it's nice too. Or get a 3913/908 and practice. Practice means more than mechanics.

 

[steveracer]

The 3913 TSW models, well, some of them, were DAO also. These used the same principal as the 3953, with partial cocking on the recoil stroke.
GREAT guns, btw. All the 3rd generation Smiths are. I have four, and love them.