Thoughts on S&W 3913TSW? 908S?

[blade5]

Thoughts on S&W 3913TSW? 908S? / Price questions

Wanting to buy a 9mm semi-auto for CC / range use. I *think* I'd like either a 908S or a 3913TSW. They're small (but not too small), have a safety / decocker, and are roughly in my price range (around $500 give or take). Is there anything good or bad about them that I should know about? I know the 908S is a "value line" version of the 3913 with a couple of plastic parts instead of metal.

Why I've narrowed it down to these to / what I was looking for:

• 9mm
• compact or maybe full (sub-compact just seems too small in my hands)
• external safety
• decocker would be really nice, but isn't necessary
• around $500 (maybe a little more...)
• new (maybe used if it saves me a ton of cash...)

 

[mdao]

Excellent CCW pistol. It's very flat and the grips are not "sticky". DA pull is a bit long and stiff, but the SA pull is very nice with a very short reset. Mine was very reliable.

I'd buy a used 3913/3914 instead of a new one. Good condition examples can be had for $350-400.

I'd also take a look at the Sig P239. It's also an excellent pistol in this size range, but personally didn't fit my hands.

 

[Alan Fud]

The 3913TSW is about the best compact (not sub-compact, not full-size or mid-size but compact) 9mm semi-autoloader around ...

... just be sure to replace the factory spring with a stronger one to ensure jam-free firing.

 

[jklinstein]

I just picked up a slightly used 3913 for $375. I've also got a 6906 which I acquired for $325 (used). They appear to be practically the same gun, except the 6906 is thicker in the grip to accomodate higher capacity magazines. (aside: I was tempted to switch slides to see if they're as identical as they appear).

The 3913 comes in a few "flavors", including the Tactical and the Ladysmith varieties (mine is a "plain jane" - they don't make them any more - model). The magazines run $35-40 new, so take that into account when purchasing. I have only heard good about the 3913, except for some who didn't like the "feel" (a personal thing).

NOTES:
* If you can be happy with a used gun you can save some $.
* The 3913 capacity is limited to 8+1.
* It's a "police grade" stainless steel pistol - don't expect to wear it out.
* It cannot fire without the magazine (a safety feature that some find annoying).
* I'd compare it to the 6906 before purchasing.

 

[OH25shooter]

I know the 908S is a "value line" version of the 3913

You already know the answer to your question. I've owned both models. If you can find a police trade-in 3913, it will be hundreds of dollars cheaper than a NIB 908S.

 

[rde]

I use to have a 6906..traded it off (part of the learning process I suppose because I realized I did this..) stupidly. Was an excellent 9mm. Couldn't find another one (in mint condition) to correct this mistake. Bought a 908S in the mean time. Had to have the feed ramp lightly polished. After polished I have nothinh but excellent things to say about it. And...I am still looking for a mint 6906 as well. Positive experiences with both.

 

[MICHAEL T]

I have a old 3913 only S&W auto I own Never a jam just keeps running. My carry in a 9mm Mags are costley That is a problem.

 

[Diamondback]

Is there anything good or bad about them that I should know about?

...Compact, slim, easy to conceal, ultra-reliable, reasonably priced...once you begin to look for them, lightly-used 3919's pop up all over the place; certainly right there up at the top with all the other high quality 9mm compacts. I think, unquestionably, the 3913/908 series are among S&W finest pistols.

Of course my opinion counts for little.....I'm biased...I own one.

- regards

 

[bwollard]

3913...

I have had my 3913TSW for about two years. It has never had any problems at all. It is one of my favorite weapons. Easy to conceal, very accurate.

 

[fastbolt]

I've experienced excellent service from my late production 3913. Outstanding example of everything a compact, lightweight, single column, metal-framed, TDA 9mm defensive pistol ought to be in the opinion of many folks. I'm one of them.

Now, if I were to buy another one I'd pay the extra money to pick up a 3193TSW. Why?

Well, I happen to think the larger, wider frame & slide rails of the TSW model might offer a bit more inherent potential accuracy.

I like the visual chamber inspection hole in the TSW's barrel tab. Makes it easy to see a case rim in normal light. Been handy on the firing line.

S&W claims the TSW models benefit from delayed unlocking, and therefore slightly reduced felt recoil. I can say that the 3913TSW's which I've handled and shot have seemed just a bit easier handling at times during shooting. Might be something to it.

The current TSW slides receive some additional machining so they can accept the optional spring-loaded, decock-only assembly, should an owner/user want to have it installed at some point.

While I haven't had a problem with the magazine catches on my CS45 & CS9, being part of the previous Value Line series (now the American Pride series) they use the plastic/metal magazine catch assembly, instead of the metal one used in the TSW (and previous standard 3rd gen) series. The metal one is adjustable, meaning the engagement of the magazine catch with the magazine's catch notch can be adjusted.

There are some other cosmetic and minor parts differences.

The 3913TSW is more expensive, but I happen to feel it offers just enough minor improvements to make it worthwhile over the long term. As far as just an 'issue' defensive pistol, though? I'd have no problem carrying or using a 908S as an everyday off-duty weapon, or issuing them to anyone else.

I carried a couple of different 6906 pistols as issued weapons for several years and have a lot of confidence and faith in them if they've been properly maintained (as with any firearm).

While I have recommended a 3913, and then the later 3913TSW & 908S models, to various folks who favor TDA pistols, I've also recommended the CS9. I think it happens to be a very under-appreciated subcompact 9mm TDA pistol.

I actually choose to carry my CS9 much more often than my 3913 nowadays. Matter of fact, while my 3913 still sees a reasonable amount of range time, it otherwise remains in my safe, having been replaced with my CS9, G26 or one or another Airweight J-frame for off-duty usage.

Between the 3913TSW, 908S, CS9, SW990L ... and now the new M&P 9 Compact ... I think S&W has created an outstanding selection from which to choose a compact & subcompact 9mm pistol, whether someone's prefer be polymer-framed DAO-type or metal-framed TDA type models.

One thing I'd like to see changed is for S&W to produce the SW99 in TDA again for the commercial catalog, instead of just offering it to LE/Govt purchasers.

Well, I'd really like to see the 3913TSW produced with a Scandium frame, too. Just because.

Okay, and I'd also like to see the release of a new 6906, probably called a 6913M, with a Scandium frame and a stainless Melonite treated slide.

Nobody asks me about these things, though ...

 

[blade5]

After all the responses (so far), I think I'll deff. go for the 3913TSW. Next question is -- what should I expect to pay for a new one? I know S&W "suggests" a price of $900, and most shops sell it for the mid / high $600 (at least the shops I've asked so far...). The cheapest I've gotten a price on / seen for a brand new is $560 (plus tax) from a shop about 2.5 hours away (they'd have to order it - not something they regularly stock).

Could I do better? Could I do worse? What's the opinion on online sites like GunBroker?