S&W 3913 vs 639 at the Range

[@sorryociffer]

3rd gen Smiths are FANTASTIC guns. Pity they’ve discontinued them and support is non existent. The 10mm and 45ACP Smiths were TANKS. Virtually indestructible.

[@johndilday1846]

I still have a 4566, and it is awesome. I will never get rid of it.

[@stonefree1911]

Yup, great guns, and, as you mention, the large 45 and 10mm models may be the best semiauto's Smith ever made.

[@colt10mmsecurity68]

I have the 4006, 1006 and 6913. While they “work,” they were really clunky pieces of “scrap” metal that came from the factory either working “acceptably” or just pure “junk.” S&W really did a disservice to their customer base when they stopped producing replacement parts and nmagazijes for the 3rd gen guns. It’s why I switched to Glock and never looked back.

[@stonefree1911]

Sorry to hear your experience. Although that is certainly not what I have seen in my shooting circles since the 80's. MANY very happy 3rd Gen Smith owners, many friends had/have them. Sorry it didn't work for you.@@colt10mmsecurity68

[@destroyingdadxx2274]

Saw the thumbnail and had to watch. I have a 4566, a 457, and the single stack 908. Love them all!

[@bxcongero1]

I have a 5906 and 6906 and also a 915, all of which I still keep in my EDC rotation. The trigger resets on all 3 are similar short and to the point. They are some of my most accurate guns and in great condition.

[@yaronk1069]

I got me a 5903 and it still runs smooth as butter.

[@gregentwistle5105]

Nice vid Justin, good to see the old Smiths out at the range! When the wonder nine craze began and Depts started to OK 9mm off duty pistols I picked up a 39-2 and carried it for years, still do. On your 3913 trigger issue, my guess is there’s a problem with the levers or little lever springs that are assembled with the ejector lever, disconnector, and decocking pawl lever. I don’t think that guns is a DAO, those DAO models didn’t have the slide mounted levers if I remember correctly. I’d guess someone had taken it apart and assembled it wrong or lost one of the little springs that tension those levers. It’s clear that the slide is hanging up on those levers until you move the trigger and allow the lever to drop and the slide to go into battery. Also, I think the DAO/SA 3rd Gen guns had 3 levers and the DAO guns only had 2. Wish I could be of more help but it’s been almost 30yrs since I serviced one of those.

[@michaelkerr9682]

I looking at what your 3913. I have never seen a 3913 be double action only. It seems that someone may have attempted to make it double action only. The double action only models have have a different hammer and slide to frame look. With the way it’s working. I would contact S&W about it. Since there seems to be a serious issue with how it is operating.

[@hivelsword]

You noticed that too? The only DAO Smiths I’ve ever seen have the safety levers replaced with just that flat filler piece/disc.

[@JustinOpinionChannel]

I think your assessment is correct. I believe a previous owner did some modifications to the gun to make it DAO, and in the process may have messed things up. I also agree that a factory built DAO pistol would have no need for a hammer-drop safety, unless they just installed them as a safety for the dead trigger and it was more cost-effective to just use the same one (that was my possibly incorrect assumption to this point).

[@hivelsword]

@@JustinOpinionChannel those 3913’s had such a ridiculously short reset. Mine certainly does. I’m hoping you can get that pistol back to its original DA/SA mode of operation.

[@tonyrodriguez_]

The DAO version is the 3953. I have one. The 3913 is DA/SA

[@zarkovecerkovic4825]

Get your hands on a SIG P239. Very comparable and a hugely underrated pistol that SIG discontinued.

[@brandiwynter]

You can easily tell the 3913 Lady Smith from the standard 3913 by the Lady Smith's tapered dust cover and "Lady Smith" etched in a fancy font across the side of the slide. I'm not sure why they did that but I do wish I had one. My first duty gun was a GP100 but then I soon switched to a well used S&W59 (the true first gen "wonder nine"). I got mine from my chief who had switched to the 4506 iirc. At that time they were finally gathering ballistic data and finding out the 9mm was failing spectacularly in real life shootings so most of the officers, deputies and troopers I knew dropped the 9mm and chose the .45acp or the new for the era, .40S&W. I switched to a G21 .45acp. Our troopers all switched to .40S&W Glocks but by far, the .45acp became the caliber of choice. As time rolled on the .40S&W replaced the .45acp and became the most popular caliber in my circle. That lasted until advances in 9mm finally gave it enough performance to sit at the table with the other two.

[@clplusp8762]

I’ve been collecting 3rd Gen Smiths for a while now. Unfortunately they’ve gone up in price since people started catching on to the all metal hammer fired guns of yesteryear.

[@hivelsword]

A DAO 3913 with safety levers? Odd. Also my 3913 has 8 round mags. Have 5 of them.

[@jcampbell003]

Looks like his dad the gunsmith did some work

[@bluescatreimer]

I had a Mod 39 that I carried in the 70's, a really nice pistol. I worked in a gun shop in the 70's and the owner was a master gunsmith. I would say the most popular jobs were red ramps and tigger jobs and then recoil pads for shotguns. I always enjoyed watching him work, he made everything look so easy.

[@JeepsCafe]

I want one of those guns, I had a 915 back in the day. Glad you brought out these gems Jusin Opinion!

[@billassande7628]

The 5906 was one of the pistols I lusted after when I was a kid growing up on Long Island. It took almost 25 years but when I finally bought one I was not disappointed. I wouldn't mind adding a 39' or 69 to my collection.

[@jd750ace1]

A 3953 would be a D.A.O. Your 3913 is worn or broken. A 3913 should be a DA/SA with the slide mounted safety/decocker. You can look up the model coding very easily.

[@f-grade]

Exactly. I remember commenting about this on an older vid he made the first time he discussed this same firearm. Definitely something wrong with that 3913.

[@frankbutta9344]

The reset on these S&W pistols really is the best. I’m down to a pristine 6904, that I bought NIB last year(!!!!).

[@showtime2629]

I don't think you have a double action only gun, I think you have an issue with the single action.

[@bryanmayes4862]

I was wondering because mine is da/sa.

[@dougmac9955]

I have 3 of these old Smiths in my collection, a Model 39, a Model 439 and a Model 459. I have more modern Smiths as well a gen 2 Sigma and a 1st generation M&P 40 S&W. I have carried both of the newer guns and the M39. Honestly I prefer shooting the M39, I think it is just smoother, but that is probably because it has more rounds through it. The M39 fits my hand like it was molded from it. The 439 & 459 are factory nikeled guns with those funky rear sights. The M39 had a Bomar Rib on it when I first got it but I was able to source an unmodified slide from Gun Parts and restore it to it's original configuration. All told I have 16 S&W pistols and revolvers and 1 M&P15 in my collection but always on the look out for the next one.

[@MartyBugg]

2nd gun I bought my wife was a 3913, in DA/SA, new. She still has it and loves it decades later. Trigger job by Herman Meushki. Orig Derlin grips both in black and a gray set. Mags have become a challenge to get these days. Best 80s/90s concealed carry gun and still a great choice today. Hers is 100% reliable but mag springs need changed every few years, not the best heat treating.

[@The_Conspiracy_Analyst]

There was a guy on the Smith and Wesson forum that converted a 3913 to .357 Sig. He did that by rechambering a 9mm barrel. Mag capacity was reduced to 7. Now THAT would make a nice CCW, as this model isn't much bigger than a J-frame snub like a Bodyguard.

[@destroyingdadxx2274]

Saw the thumbnail and had to watch. I have a 4566, a 457, and the single stack 908. There all single stacks and Love them all!.

[@douglasvanvalkenburg4052]

I have a Shorty 45 MKII, which is a DA/SA single stack Performance Center Gun. The Performance Center Gen III guns are amazing in terms of their accuracy and reliability.

[@nelhead4807]

Just seen a few of these in a shop. Great looking pieces. Great video!

[@brycet6866]

@Justin opinon. That hangup issue youre having is the interlocks have been switched. Try to find actual 3900 series disconnects and interlock parts and that should get rid of the problem. SOme were actually thinner in later models, and that makes them “ loose” during firing and slide action.

[@robertpatter5509]

The 3913 and S&W CS9 were the S&W Shields of their day. The Seecamp LWS was the Bodyguard 380 of the day too. You also had the 10xxx series in 10mm 45xxx series in .45 ACP. 39xxx series in 9mm.

[@gort4016]

I have a 3913NL which is like new with the light gray grip and the raked dust cover. The "NL" is allegedly meant to mean "Not Ladysmith". Fortunately it carries no such Ladysmith markings at all. It is a sweet shooter that still has the S&W QC sticker on the frame.

[@CarolinaRimfire]

Excellent pistols! I usually carry a revolver, but the one 9mm I will sometimes carry is the 3914 (blued version of the 3913). Dependable, accurate, and very comfortable. Thanks for the video!!

[@Strange84]

I really enjoy the 4006 chp and the 4006 shorty 40 performance center. Awesome guns from 90s-00s!

[@davidfernandes920]

Looks like you are having fun.

[@uncletrick1]

The first gun I ever bought was a 659. I still have it too. It’s probably the most accurate gun I own.

[@KeanonGilliamSlang369]

I remember those firearms. I had the 6906, 4006 and 5906. To tell you the truth I like those Smith & Wessons semi auto firearms way better than their striker fired line.

[@larrycorn4508]

I carry my 3913 as my off duty weapon since I transitioned from a revolver. I suggest you have your 3913 checked over, mine is double action then single action reliably. This is the way I believe it is designed. I feel that yours may be defective if will not stay in single action. Fix the sight problem in your 639. Stake it at least.

[@operator714]

Agreed. The 3913 is DA/SA, there's something wrong with your sear or hammer that's allowing the hammer to not stay cocked. The 3953 is the DAO version and doesn't come with the safety/decock levers.

[@buncha5651]

These were made when S&W made great pistols. As for the rear sight, remove it, clean and dry the dove tail and sight, and install with red lock tight.

[@RichiesHouse]

Just saw this , we are connected in old school here brother just compared my 669 to 6906 on my channel . We need to keep these pistols alive until Smith makes them again .God bless

[@stonefree1911]

Oh man, I LOVE 3rd gen Smiths! One of my favorite guns is my 6906, I really don't know what else I would need in a handgun. While I carry poly wonders mostly now, I do carry my Smith's as well. (I remove the mag disco's....). Great guns.

[@submanusn3692]

I recently picked up a 5906 police trade in and absolutely love it! So little recoil due to the mass of the pistol. The take down and reassembly are a little wonky, but that just gives it character! Be well, Justin.

[@marcosaruca5283]

I would love a 5906 where did you get yours

[@benjimenfranklin7650]

I got the 659 . Only real difference is the magazine. Very sturdy gun . Very accurate too. I have had many 9mm guns and so far nothing can match it. Yeah it's heavy but it's a man's gun 😊

[@ghost2690]

I love and collect these 3rd gen smith and Wesson. They are amazing.

[@brandiwynter]

I love seeing videos on these old Smiths! I have a 469 in the safe and it shoots well but the sights are terrible and the grip is so slick it's like shooting a greased banana lol. I would kill for the Pachmyer 469 grip but they are impossible to find.

[@johndilday1846]

I used to have several 3rd Generation Smith &Wesson pistols. Still have a few. Love them and will keep them as long as I live. Thanks for sharing. If I could give you 10 thumbs up for this video, I would. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@thompsonjerry3412]

Stainless shim under the sight would do, I use a cheap feeler gauge set.

[@JustinOpinionChannel]

Did that in the past, and I guess it might be time to try it again.

[@johnelder7449]

Interesting video. I would think that there still exists someone who can diagnose and work out the probkems on theses guns. changing springs sounds like a good idea

[@JustinOpinionChannel]

Agree. I know some folks, but hate to pester them about it. But I do want to figure it out. I think it had some kitchen table work done to it.

[@johndak1]

In 1989 I was a young 20 something year old and I was shooting Ruger revolvers only at the time but one day I walked into my local gun store and saw the new Smith and Wesson 5903 and fell in love with it but at the time I couldn’t afford it. Two years later I found a gently used one that looked brand new for less money and was I excited to finally own one. After a few weeks of shooting it I thought I was shooting it wrong it shot all over the place and I tried everything like shooting with both eyes only, using left eye and right eye only then I had my friend shoot it and he was in the military and he conformed I got a lemon. Then I sold it telling the next buyer the problem with it but he bought it anyway. I was so broken hearted and never bought used ever again only new.

[@westtexas3041]

Great video with some great guns.

[@MrFeralhog]

Always enjoy your videos. Not much on commenting however. I have had a 3913 for years. First pistol I ever bought. Were there different versions? Mine is DA for first round and SA for remaining rounds. Is the slide bent on yours? Never witnessed mine doing the slow-mo routine.

[@JustinOpinionChannel]

I doubt the slide is bent or damaged in any way, most likely a spring problem as it is probably the original recoil spring, etc. Thanks for watching!

[@kevinsloan3019]

I recently acquired a 3914 from a relative that passed away absolutely love the trigger on it yours seems to have a problem with the single action not sure whats up with that very reliable guns though!!

[@benb5960]

I have a 3913 and a DAO 3953. Your 3913 should be DA for first round (if you decocked) and SA for subsequent rounds (unless you decock). I’d love to have a 639. Both 3913/53 and 639 mags are 8 rounds. My guess is they should be interchangeable, but I’m not certain on that.

[@kjones9962]

Good morning Justin O, just want to be sure you know that particular 3913 is NOT DAO. You likely have a trigger/sear issue and you definitely need a good gunsmith. My guess is somebody's monkeyed with that thing. There were a lot of garage gunsmiths {customizing} back in the day. Or, it could just be worn a bit, either way, I'd fix it and enjoy it, great little pistols.

[@jamesdelong6401]

Good afternoon, Justin. Another nice video of two sweet pistols

[@JustinOpinionChannel]

Thanks - there should always be room for just having a bit of fun!

[@jamesdelong6401]

@JustinOpinionChannel Good evening, Justin. Yes, sir. I try to get into 3 live fire training drills a month in. I still have fun dry fire training. When's the last time you broke out your M&P 2.0 metal pistol to the range? You still got it? I added a DC tactical aggressive grip kit and a floyd's EDC magwell and EDC base plates for the magazine. That grip kit and magwell upgrade 👌. If you still have yours. Purchase those two things for it.

[@PileofBrass]

That 3913 isn’t acting right. It is supposed to be da/sa, not da only. Also, your recoil spring is shot.

[@marcosaruca5283]

All major manufacturers have kept and updated there classics smith and wesson should do so aswell

[@JimPolicke]

My 3913 has an 8 round mag. Were you thinking perhaps of the Chief Special?

[@Nickrioblanco1]

I have a S&W CS40 which is a single action double action with a bobbed hammer. And I can easily cock the hammer for a "first" shot when decocked as long as the pistol is POINTING IN A SAFE DIRECTION by simply pulling the trigger enough to get the hammer to come back a little so my thumb can get a grip on it.

[@ShaneABaker]

Have you had the springs in them checked? It almost seems like the one needs some new springs, including maybe magazine spring. Too bad Smith and Wesson discontinued these cool items :(

[@JustinOpinionChannel]

I have not, but agree that I should look around for spring kits for both guns.

[@2A_Patriot]

Love my 4506 and 5906

[@djjd3027]

Those smiths rival a swiss clock assembly. Makes an HK seem simple by comparison. And that's why most depts moved to Glocks, for better or worse.

[@JustinOpinionChannel]

True. They are a bear to detail strip!

[@charlesmullins3238]

That Mexican special forces model jerry showed yrs back I’d kill for….round here in eastern Ky those smiths were loved …especially when the .40 came out..state police started packin em so naturally rest of us followed suit….i carry dw specialist 10mm and handload for it and longslide trp which I’ve took 2 whitetail with….hope y’all have a good un Justin…get that JO .45 out for us at Chrismas…..matt

[@scottsmith4710]

Justin, I was hoping that Sig would find your address again and send you the new Legions to review since you are a fanboy.👍

[@RichiesHouse]

Also all the dao models I’ve seen had no decocker , perhaps yours is a da sa with a worn part creating this not normal situation

[@brianedgett2134]

I maybe wrong. The 2nd generation pistols has 3 number models and 3rd generation had 4 numbers

[@city_boys]

yeah that 3913 is supposed to be a DA/SA gun. someone dicked around with it and turned it into a unreliable piece.

[@coltthank2654]

Why is that 3913 hammer not staying single action?

[@MedicRNMike]

On that first shot issue, I would suggest replacing the magazine springs (Wolff springs has them) or new mags altogether (Mec-Gar). Also maybe replace all the springs in the pistol.

[@vernshein5430]

Has that 3913 been modded to DAO?

[@MedicRNMike]

I think you totally have spring issues. Replace all the springs in both pistols

[@hopewilliams6705]

I got a 5906 for a couple hundred bucks a couple weeks ago

[@Desperado3248]

FYI the 3913 magazine capacity is 8 rounds

[@JustinOpinionChannel]

This one absolutely won't take more than 7. But I don't know the history of the mag either... could be a bad one.

[@Desperado3248]

The standard factory came in 8 round flat and finger extension. There was a 3913 TSW , team S&W model which had a 7 round mag and slightly shorter grip frame. You may have one of those mags, or a 3913,TSW if so marked

[@jimchambers7548]

Nice pistols

[@chrisb9478]

I was issued a S&W 5903, 9mm Alum. frame, in the academy back in late 90’s. I hated the gun. Hated the 14lb double action to 4lb single action trigger pull, hated the safety decocker, if you bumped it down struggling with someone, you had a brick. I hated the magazine disconnect, again if you bumped your mag release & mag came loose, again, you had a brick. Early 2000’s our dept allowed personal purchase of G17 with a transition course. Loved Glocks ever since. Dept went to Glocks early 2000’s & still issue 9mm Glocks today. With a Mrds now of course! Some people like these old Smiths, but I hated them. 😁🇺🇸👍🏻

[@skibee50]

I like the 639

[@showtime2629]

You can probably shim your rear sight with a piece of tape.

[@JustinOpinionChannel]

I did have it shimmed with a very thin piece of metal - foil like. That worked for a while, but has since gotten loose. There are small exposed parts under the sight, including tiny springs - so I'm very reluctant to try any adhesive solution.

[@3Pillers]

👍

[@philliplatham4256]

👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸☕️☕️💯💯🔫🔫

[@ghost2690]

Get some new magazines

[@jgladieux1964]

That 3913 is mucked up, should be DA/SA just like the 639.