Sig P239 vs S&W 3913

[Jbabbler]

Pretty simple poll. For a daily concealed carry gun, which of the two would you choose and why? I'm sure many would say neither but the poll is specific to these two choices.

I may be the odd man out here but I have owned, shot and carried both. They are well built, accurate, comfortable and concealable. In the end kept the 3913.

Btw, variants of either gun can be considered as one of those listed.

 

[Husker_Fan]

I chose the Sig. I've not carried both, but handled and shot both. The Sig fit my hand and just felt better. That's a pretty subjective thing, so I wouldn't fault someone either way.

 

[2wheels]

I'd pick the Sig by default, because my father owns one and out of the two choices it's the only one I've actually shot.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I have owned both, and preferred the 3913. (Mine was a LadySmith, and my "man card" is still intact. ) While 100% reliable out of the box, the P239 didn't fit my hand as well (actually a little small with the thin trigger it was equipped with), something I consider essential for a DA/SA pistol. Although larger in height and length than the P239, the 3913 is slenderer and flatter, very comfortable to carry IWB. The slide-mounted safety is a non issue, as I don't use them as safeties, only to decock.

 

[oldandslow]

jb, 12/17/11

I have both and carry both. The 3913 is for the times when I want a really flat single stack 9mm. I have large hands so it is just a bit small for me. I put Hogue rubber grips on my Sig 239 and it fits my hands perfectly. The Sig points and shoots more naturally than the 3913 but is a bit larger. Hard to go wrong with either.

merry Christmas- oldandslow

 

[righteoushoot]

No longer have the 239. Was very accurate (.40) and low recoil, but the slide stop is in the wrong place for me. Did not want to adjust my meat hooks for this one pistola. Otherwise a fine instrument. I hear this is a common issue for some.

Love the 3913/14/LS.

 

[Onmilo]

I would choose the P239 over the 3913 unless cost is an issue.
Takedown and reassemby are easier on the Sig, better ergonomics, I'm going to venture the gun will shoot more accurately for you also.

However, spare magazines are expensive, the guns aren't exactly cheap, even used, and finding a holster may present an issue in your area,(Thank God for the internets!).

The older style S&Ws are decent if not spectacular handguns and can often be found used for very reasonable prices.
Spare magazines are available and about half the price of Sig mags if you shop around and holsters can usually be easily found in larger areas.

 

[PabloJ]

I voted for 3913 because I have never owned or shot Sig pistol. I use single stack alloy framed S&W 45ACP. I passed on 3913 because all I have seen were fairly expensive and not all that much smaller then seven +1 shot 45 platform.

 

[martywj]

I voted for the 3913 since that is what I have. I have shot the 239 before in 9mm, .357 Sig, and .40 S&W.
In my opinon the guns are comparable. I know I will probably get flamed for that statement. I just cannot justify the price for the Sig when S&W does the same thing for less. I also have another 3rd gen Smith 9mm, a 908. That my wife has now announced is her gun. She has also shot a Sig and liked it, but again could not justify the price. In fact the Sig was what a rental that she used for practice and qualification for her CHL. I had found a nice used one for sale and offered to buy it for her, but she said that it was too much money at the time.

 

[REJones]

Sig for me. It's still in production. But I got the 239 mainly because I was already used to the 226 and the controls are laid out the same . . . .

 

[MCMXI]

I voted for the P239 since I have one (SAS Gen 2 in 9mm Luger) and it will be my CCW once I have my license in a few months. I've found the P239 to be excellent in every respect i.e. reliability, accuracy and ergonomics. Magazines are readily available and not that expensive. I haven't got to the CC holster selection stage yet but should probably get on it since the CC class is coming up early in the new year.

 

[roaddog28]

I chose the 3913. I am use to a 3rd generation semi-autos. I have a 5903. Nothing against a Sig P239 but I have never owned a Sig. Maybe I might change my mind if I handled and used one.
Howard

 

[briansmithwins]

Two points would take the S&W out of consideration for me:

1) Magazine disconnector. I've never bought a pistol that had this 'feature'.
2) Aluminium ramps in the frame for locking and unlocking. I would be concerned about long term durability.

BSW

 

[Jbabbler]

Two points would take the S&W out of consideration for me:

1) Magazine disconnector. I've never bought a pistol that had this 'feature'.
2) Aluminium ramps in the frame for locking and unlocking. I would be concerned about long term durability.

BSW

The magazine disconnect took about 3 mins to remove. It was an option and many can be found without them. As for the longterm durability question, I think they have proven that since the early 90's.


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[SharpsDressedMan]

the 3913 design comes from the Model 39, which has been around in some form since 1954 (?). I've never heard of frame cracking or "wearing them out" being a problem. I've owned both, and prefer the 3913, as it is a sleeker, flatter gun. However, you cannot go wrong with either. The 239 is a very nice pistol also.

 

[fastbolt]

When I was faced with this decision in the late 90's, I chose the 3913.

I'd been carrying an alloy-framed 3rd gen S&W as an issued pistol for several years and had fired several thousand rounds through it while working as a firearms instructor. I'd found the 3rd gen guns to be reliable, durable and more than accurate enough.

While I'd had my fair share of experience with the classic Sig's, I found the ergonomics, slim profile and general operation of the little S&W to be preferable for my desires and anticipated needs.

Both are fine compacts, though.

As time passed S&W has made continual improvements in their design, manufacturing and production, too. The TSW version of the 3913 is an excellent evolution of the 3913 series. I've often thought about calling back to try and find one of the current production 3913TSW's to supplement my late production 3913. (S&W often makes a number of overrun guns each time they make a production run for an LE order, and then keeps them back in their vaults for a while. They'll have them on hand if an agency customer decides to add more to an order, an individual cop wants to buy one from a LE distributor, or often they'll sell off guns from their vault to a regular distributor.)

I don't have an issue with the mag disconnect. I've spent over 20 years carrying issues 3rd gen guns and it doesn't bother me.

The manual safety/decocker doesn't bother me, either. I've converted a couple of my 3rd gens over to the spring-loaded, decock-only option and it's a handy feature for those trained to carry their weapons with the safety off in the ready-to-fire condition.

It's a shame that S&W discontinued the 3rd gen guns for commercial production, as the 3913 was probably just about the best example of state-of-the-art of a slim, single column magazine, 9mm alloy framed traditional double action compact as was ever produced.

 

[Ghost Tracker]

Personally I'm VERY fond of the S&W 3913. I, too, believe it's the best of the 3rd Gen, all-metal, S&W centerfire autoloaders. Feel & trigger-reach fit me too a tee. Nothing wrong with the SIG 239. But given the option, I'm carrying a 3913.

 

[Racinbob]

Nothing at all wrong with the Sig but I voted the 3913. It's my favorite bottom feeder. The 3rd gen Smiths are amongst the finest out there.

 

[rskent]

I voted for the Sig.

Mine is one of the most reliable and accurate pistols I have ever shot. It also carries very well.

I also think S&W autoloaders are probably one of the most underrated handguns of all time.
It is unfortunate that S&W has decided to put the safety upside down.

Steve

 

[Strykervet]

I've carried a similar Smith. I have a 1006 now, just got it. I've felt the Sig triggers. Sig has a nicer DA trigger, but those Smiths ARE the most underestimated pistols out there. Only reason they stopped making them is because they cost too much to make compared the highly popular Glock back in the '80's and '90's.

This USUALLY drives prices up. Colt is currently in this spot for the same reason, but Smith will be next someday soon. They are iconic American makers and these weapons are out of production and higher quality than most modern gear. One day there will be a run on these pistols, and they won't be cheap. Those tens will be some of the more desireable ones, they are more rare. But at the moment, you can get a Smith 9mm for $299! And it is every bit as good as the Sig.

Hard choice, I didn't vote, I'd pick the one that felt the best. That said, the Smith felt pretty nice but was kind of wide (mine was a 12rd. double stack).

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

Does anyone really USE the safety on a DA auto? I might use it to decock, but never as a safety.................

 

[Jbabbler]

Im with you. I never leave mine on. I like the decocker though.

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[mavracer]

I prefer DA/SAs to have a decocker and don't like slide mounted safetys that work backward IE the thumb should sweep the safety down to fire.
However I really don't mind a good DAO trigger so if you made the 3913 a 3953 that would make it a toss up for me.
for the record I have a 6946 and am looking to buy a p228.

 

[sig228]

I voted for the Sig. Currently own a Sig 239, previously owned a Chief's Special with the "backward" safety. I could never get used to the "up to fire" switch. Personally, let me go one step further and say that I don't believe in any kind of thumb safety on any handgun EXCEPT the 1911. Plus, the Sig has one butter smooth trigger.

 

[roaddog28]

No I don't. Think of the 3rd generation pistol as revolver on the first pull. Very long and heavy. Just like the old revolver.
Howard