S&W 3913...Did I get a deal or not?

[nh10ring]

Last night, while looking at autoloaders that would suit both me and my wife, I was torn between two:
A) New S&W 3913 LS (Lady Smith) for $745
B) Used S&W 3913 (100% Mint condition, I truely don't think it has ever been fired) for $395

Since these appeared to be almost identical guns, with a slight cosmetic design difference, the used 3913 seemed like a "too good to be true" deal. But I bought it anyway. I haven't shot it yet, but will run on the assumption that it works flawlessly. If so, did I really get a good deal?

 

[OH25shooter]

You made the right choice. Besides, if something should go wrong mechanically with the used model, S&W will repair it for free. That model 3913 is a fine little auto.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I can never find deals like that. At the most recent gun show there was a used 3913 for a whopping ten-spot less than I could get one new.

 

[wally]

but will run on the assumption that it works flawlessly. If so, did I really get a good deal?

Can't say until after you've shot it. Deal or buying someone else's troubles? Can only know after you get back from the range with it.

--wally.

 

[18DAI]

Congrats! IMHO you got a great deal. The 3913 is a great CCW pistol. I was always surprised it didn't get more press and accolades than it did. TJ

 

[Litlman]

They run $400 around here , well worn. Enjoy!

 

[GunNut]

Good deal and nice little thin 9mm.

Steve

 

[JERRY]

you can not go wrong with a S&W 39XX series gun....for the price you paid thats a good deal and about the norm.....

 

[MICHAEL T]

Price is good Only DA/SA 9mm I'll carry.

 

[nh10ring]

Thanks guys. It is refreshing to hear that I stumbled across something good. I shot this gun yesterday and it shoots like a dream. I can see why you all like it so much. It groups tight and is super accurate. After shooting, I tore it down and cleaned it. I am thoroughly convinced that this gun was never shot before.

 

[Baneblade]

Even if you do have a problem S&W has excellent service. At that price, you did good.

 

[surfinUSA]

The 3913 is one the finest compact 9mms on the market. Its sounds like you got a good deal. Down here they are very under appreciated (as are most S&W autos) and can sometimes be found for $350 used.

 

[jimmy]

The 3913 is a world-class personal defense pistol. I bought mine over ten years ago and knew right away it was a keeper. SCSW3 lists its value at $500 ANIB.

 

[SouthpawShootr]

did I really get a good deal?

Why worry about it? I wouldn't give it a second thought. Go shoot the damned thing and enjoy yourself. And, yes, I think you did well. There seems to be a fair number of 3913s out on the market used, mostly as LE turn-ins (probably detective guns). Many of these have seen either a fair amount of holster use or have been fired a fair bit. The price you paid would be high for one of those used guns. But, for a like-new, seemingly unfired gun, $395 os pretty good in my book.

 

[schwantz]

I have a 3913 that I bought used 12 years ago. It had already been tuned by the Cylinder and Slide shop and has performed flawlessly since I bought it.

 

[[email protected]]

Good deal on a great 9mm. I have a 3913 along with many other single stack 9mms. That is my favorite type of gun. I put the 3913 second only to my Kahr K-9 in overall ranking. The 3913 is a better gun than the SIG 225 IMHO.

 

[nemoaz]

I had a 3913 and really, really wish I still had it. Light, compact, and thin. Reasonably accurate. Even though it was... ahem... a Ladysmith, I really, really liked it.

 

[Glockorama]

Nice snag on the 3913! I had the chance awhile back to get a 3953 (DAO 3913) for about the same price and I passed. Been kicking myself ever since. Have fun with your S&W, they are excellent.

 

[NAM 67]

I was given a 3913NL as a gift from a department I retired from. I was tired of being kidded about carrying a "Lady Smith" and sold 5 years ago for $350.
Recently,I was struck by a streak of sentimentallity and purchased it back for $425. The officer I sold it to had only put a couple of mags thru it.
I recently used it to qualify for my LEO H.B. 218 CCW.

 

[SouthpawShootr]

I was given a 3913NL as a gift from a department I retired from. I was tired of being kidded about carrying a "Lady Smith" and sold 5 years ago for $350.
Recently,I was struck by a streak of sentimentallity and purchased it back for $425. The officer I sold it to had only put a couple of mags thru it.

Very nice of him to shaft you a little in the process.

 

[[email protected]]

No kidding. He made $75 off you. $425 for a used one is not a great deal. To tell the truth, I got mine at a gunshow for less then $300. It was in great shape but only came with the mag, no box or anything extra.

In the end, it is a good gun and worth the money.

 

[NAM 67]

Actually the officer was a she and I wanted the gun back bad enough to make an offer she couldn't refuse. Like I said, I got sentimental and wanted it back for my kids along with the other weapons I carried on duty. Besides, maybe she'll remember the deal if she ever pulls me over.

 

[Ala Dan]

Congrat's

Great find, on a nice little 9m/m~! Enjoy

 

[SouthpawShootr]

Actually the officer was a she and I wanted the gun back bad enough to make an offer she couldn't refuse. Like I said, I got sentimental and wanted it back for my kids along with the other weapons I carried on duty. Besides, maybe she'll remember the deal if she ever pulls me over.

You know I was just thinking, maybe it would be nice to have some engraving done on the slide. Something like "Presented to............in commenoration of XX years of faithful service" followed by a date and maybe a "presented by" line. Maybe have some tasteful, light scrollwork engraved as a "frame." So what if they didn't get it to you that way. It would tell a story for those future generations and maybe give any poorly disciplined offspring pause before they let it get out of family again.

 

[aaronrkelly]

I just dont know why but third generation Smith autos have next to NO resale value in most places.

I paid $295 for a 98% 6906 with the box, manuals, spare magazine and GALCO leather holster (still in the wrapper). The gun even had night sights.

It shoots great.....I was really impressed.