The original (pre-rail) 3913TSW's, like the one pictured in the previous posting, lacked the rails, had the reduced grip frame profile and came with 7-round magazines. Nicely done, small single column, metal-framed 9mm defensive pistols. The DAO version was the 3953TSW, BTW.
The current 3913TSW's have the larger, standard grip frame profile (of the previous 3913 and current 908), and therefore use the standard 8-round magazines ... and come equipped with an accessory rail. The rail isn't really something I prefer on a small defensive pistol, but the rail doesn't really bother me except from a holster fitment perspective.
The TSW's have the larger 'box-type' rails, compared to the original, standard' rails in the frames and slides. This has been described by the factory as offering the potential for greater inherent accuracy.Tighter tolerances, but not to the point where reliability has been adversely affected. The barrel camming surface profile has also reportedly been slightly modified to help the slide & barrel remain locked together for a little longer, for the purpose of reducing felt recoil. Some folks might be able to notice it in the 9mm pistols, and some might not ...
The current production TSW's also offer barrel tab visual inspection ports to check the barrel's chamber for the presence of a case in the chamber, and the slides have been modified to accept the installation of the optional spring-loaded, decock-only assemblies for folks who desire them. (Not really a 'drop-in' part, as they have to be checked for fit and function, and the existing sear release lever may have to be replaced with the new decock-only assembly.) This was originally primarily a L/E offered option. The older, 'original' TSW slides weren't similarly modified ... as is the case on my original 4513TSW.
As far as comparisons with the SIGARMS, it's a matter of personal preference and desire.
Last I was told, S&W builds their pistols on ISO 9001 compliant computer-controlled equipment that offers a standard of quality at least comparable to any other major manufacturer's similarly priced and produced firearm. I've always thought the S&W TSW line can stand shoulder-to-shoulder to even the European produced pistols when it comes to quality, accuracy, fit and finish. Of course, I don't suffer from "Euro-Envy" when it comes to firearms ...
I've always found the P-239 to be a decent pistol, though, capable of reasonable accuracy and reliability. I've recommended them to a couple of folks who preferred SIG's and wanted a compact, personally owned off-duty weapon. I find the slightly larger grip dimensions to be less suitable for my needs, though ... and I really prefer the S&W TDA (DA/SA) trigger, especially with it's shorter reach and faster SA trigger reset, for my personal needs and desires. I certainly wouldn't mind carrying either an issued P-239 or P-245 as a plainclothes weapon, but I don't care for them enough to actually spend my own money on them. Different strokes, though, right?
I know we have a fellow who bought a P-239, and has been very satisfied with it ... although after he asked to shoot my 4013TSW during a range qualification he's been bugging me to sell it to him.
The Lifetime Warranty of the S&W isn't anything to dismiss out of hand.
If you're right-handed, either pistol's design offers a fairly easily accessible decocking method. If you're left-handed, on the other hand (no pun intended), well, SIGARMS decockers aren't exactly the most "left-handed friendly" pistols on the market when it comes to easily decocking them. Consider the differences in decocking each design when it comes to both normal range conditions, as well as the elevated stressful conditions potentially existing in actual deadly for/defensive encounters ... when fine motor skills can quickly and seriously degrade.
I'd consider the 908/908S to be a decent work-horse of a TDA 9mm pistol. It shares most of the minor internal working parts, but it doesn't offer some of the enhanced qualities of the 3913TSW.
Although I own a fine example of a late-production 3913, with the slide modified for the spring-loaded, decock-only assembly ... which has proven itself to be very reliable and accurate ... I still plan to pick up a new 3913TSW sometime before I retire. I keep hoping S&W will release one with a Scandium alloyed aluminum frame, since I've heard carious folks from the factory mention the potential for their standard aluminum frames to be replcaed by Scandium frames in the future. Talk about a lightweight, metal-frame, durable 9mm pistol.
I was certainly favorably impressed with the 4040PD I handled and test-fred for evaluation, and may consider replacing my 4013TSW with a 4040PD at some point.
Hey, try both the P-239 and the 3913 and see what suits
your preferences and desires best.
