S&W 3913 - my new sweetheart

[Fun2Shoot]

I had never owned a S&W semi-auto until recently. I've had several S&W revolvers and was satisfied with them. During my early gun buying days in the early 1980's, S&W semi-autos had a real bad reputation among the folks that I shot with. I stayed away too. Until now.

I saw a used 3913 (DA/SA compact 9mm single stack w/alloy frame) in a local gun shop for $320. It was in excellant shape w/box, papers and extra mag. After I checked out it's weight and trigger and overall condition, I bought it.

I think that it was made in the early 90's and after giving it a 200rd workout at the range, it is my new CCW.

I really like the narrowness and balance of this model 3913. The stock sight are real usable too.

It's my new sweetheart. I may just buy another S&W semi-auto to keep it company.

 

[MCgunner]

Not to mention it's a sexy lookin' little pistol. I don't know why, but the 3913 has always pulled my strings. Excellent deal you made there. I never got one because of the MSRP on 'em. It's a very flat, small, easy to carry little gun, though. You done good on that one!

 

[Logan5]

What are your thoughts on the grips? I've got a 3913NLS and I'm kind of conflicted about the factory grips vs, say, Hogues... Always interested in hearing how other people approach it.

 

[Fun2Shoot]

What are your thoughts on the grips?

I'm not sure either about the future of these stock S&W grips or going the Hogue route. I've had Hogue grips on many of the guns I've owned. As far as I have seen with internet searchs, only Hogue makes aftermarket ones for this 3913. I'm not really into wooden grips, though several of them are fairly atttractive. I am a "form follows function" sort of guy, so rubber would be my choice.

The stock Smith 3913 grips are hard, somewhat slick and narrow, but the large checkering on the grip's three sides along with the frame checkering on the front strap are perfectly servicible as they come from the factory.

I've read that the Hogue grips are slightly thicker and the Hogue website pictures show just that. Hogue grips can be fairly "tacky", as in maybe not the best choice while wanting to pull the gun up and out of concealment and dragging against skin or clothing. Maybe the hard plastic stock grips would serve best.

I'm still pondering the choice. And by the way, what is holding the grips in place anyway?, that pin in the lower rear of the grip and frame?

 

[FunYet]

Hogues

I bought a S&W 908 a while ago; more or less the 3913 without the trimmings. I added a metal guide rod (from a 3913) and a set of Hogue grips. The gun is fine right out of the box but the Hogues make it even better. They add extra traction and maybe just a bit more thickness over the factory grips. Congrats on getting the 3913 at such a great price!

 

[Soybomb]

I love the s&w metal semi autos. They're dirt cheap now too.

 

[Alan Fud]

The 3913's are indeed fine guns ...

... Everybody should own one or two or three

 

[Mortech]

Hey Fud , how much arm twisting would it take to get you part with one ( as if you really would ) since adding a 3913 to my collection is high up on my wishlist .

 

[Alan Fud]

I believe that they are still in production and new ones can be ordered through a dealer.