S&w 3913

[movie zombie]

still on CA approved handgun list although no longer manufactured: anyone have one? anyone with any experiece with one? anyone with any comments regarding this semi-auto?

although i think i'm a revolver person, i've read good thing about this pistol. but before i start to search for it [well, i sort have already], i'd like to hear from users. i think i'm a bit concerned re its aluminum body although it has a stainless steel barrel. it is heavier than my .357 s&w 60 snubbie [which i love] so i'm not quite sure why i'm worried about recoil..........

does the 3913 have any advantages or disadvantages over a Glock 19?

movie zombie

[Miltiades]

S&w 3913

i think i'm a bit concerned re its aluminum body although it has a stainless steel barrel. it is heavier than my .357 s&w 60 snubbie [which i love] so i'm not quite sure why i'm worried about recoil..........
does the 3913 have any advantages or disadvantages over a Glock 19?

I don't have the 3913, but have the very similar predecessor gun, the older S&W model 39. Both are single stack (8 round magazine) guns with aluminum frame and DA/SA trigger with safety and decocker combined. I also have a Glock 19. I'd compare them like this:

1. About the same price - $500 to $600
2. 3913 is thinner than G19 - slide of 3913 is 0.90 inches, same as a 1911.
3. 3913 weighs a couple ounces more than G19 - aluminum frame
4. Since you can only get 10 round mags for G19 in CA, the 3913 has almost the same capacity, with its 8 round mags.
5. Very similar reliability and accuracy - both guns are excellent
6. 3913 probably better looking than G19 (personal opinion)

[randy]

I had one it's not a bad gun , ran fine, a little flippy for smaller hands, but nothing special. I'd much rather have a Smith model 19 snubbie revolver.

Good luck

[CSDGuy]

I used a 3913 in a firearms training class... it was a ok to shoot but it was certainly accurate enough to do the job. My only complaint with it was that it tended to rub my middle finger a little raw because it was rubbing against the trigger guard. I'd get one myself, but I doubt I'd use it for much training. I wouldn't worry about that problem for SD purposes though.

[movie zombie]

there is also a model 39 all steel [not stainless] that shows up for sale. would this be a better purchase? it certainly seems the model 39 is less expensive......my concern would be hand fit.

my interest in the 3913 sparked when i read an article by a woman for women re self-defense.

am i right in guessing the 39 and 3913 are meant for about 7 yards as is my snubbie?

movie zombie

[Miltiades]

39 or 3913

There is also a model 39 all steel [not stainless] that shows up for sale. Would this be a better purchase? It certainly seems the model 39 is less expensive......my concern would be hand fit.

Am i right in guessing the 39 and 3913 are meant for about 7 yards as is my snubbie?

The majority of S&W model 39s manufactured had an aluminum frame. Only a few were made with steel frames, and they are collector's items that usually sell for a premium. You can probably buy an aluminum frame model 39 in good shape for $350 or so. They have been out of production for about 25 years, I believe. I bought mine new in 1968 and it is pictured below. I shoot it once in awhile, and it works well.

I don't know how a model 39 or 3913 would fit your hand, as you haven't said anything about the size and configuration of your hands. I believe that both guns have "medium" size grips with the standard grip panels installed, which are fairly thin. I have aftermarket grips on mine, which are thicker than the standard.

If buying one of these today for defensive use or carry, I would probably get the more modern 3913 as the stainless slide will hold up better to wear than the blued slide of the original model 39. You would also have an easier time finding parts for the 3913, if you needed any.

As for range, the 3913 would certainly be effective out to 25 yards or more from a ballistic standpoint - the determining factor is more the shooter's skill than any limitations in the gun or caliber. Realistically, most self defense encounters happen at short range, of course. Long range shots are more likely at targets than at people trying to attack you.

[movie zombie]

thanks everyone for the info.

since i already have a revolver snubbie that i enjoy and have a suspicion that revolvers are my thing, i'm going to have to think about this a bit more.....

gorgeous looking, though, especially with those wood grips!

movie zombie

[Knauga]

No shame in embracing bottom feeders too I love my S&W semi autos.

[movie zombie]

No shame in embracing bottom feeders too I love my S&W semi autos.

any suggestions in that regard that i should consider.....besides the 3913? appropriate for a small hand?

i'll probably try renting something at markley's and/or target masters as i'm just not sure that i'm into semi-autos....i do have a .25 beretta but prefer shooting my s&w revolver.....trying to keep an open mind though!

movie zombie

[CaliTheKid]

Try a Sig 232 239, 225 or a FN Hi-Power. All are on the thin side.

[Knauga]

any suggestions in that regard that i should consider.....besides the 3913? appropriate for a small hand?

i'll probably try renting something at markley's and/or target masters as i'm just not sure that i'm into semi-autos....i do have a .25 beretta but prefer shooting my s&w revolver.....trying to keep an open mind though!

movie zombie

I'd rather shoot my Walther Nighthawk pellet gun than a .25 but that's me

Rent guns and see what fits in your hand. I have pretty small hands, my 1911's are perfect. My S&W 9mm is a mod 469. 12+1 compact and it fits my hands just fine. You probably don't need to limit yourself to single stack mags, but here in the PRC there really isn't much difference between a single stack and a "hi-capacity" mag. Gun "fit" to your hand is very personal and I don't think anybody can tell you what is best for you. Most semi autos will function flawlessly. Just avoid the real garbage manufacturers.