S&W 3913 vs 639 at the Range

Published on November 26, 2023
Duration: 22:46

This video provides a comparative range review of two vintage Smith & Wesson semi-automatic pistols: the 639 and the 3913. The presenter highlights their shared era of design, including the often-disliked magazine disconnect safety and the hammer drop safety. Key differences noted are the 639's full stainless steel construction and larger capacity (8 rounds) versus the 3913's lighter aluminum alloy frame and smaller capacity (7 rounds), along with perceived differences in trigger feel and sight quality. The 3913 is discussed as a potential plainclothes law enforcement option, while the 639 is presented as a more traditional duty sidearm.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson 639 and 3913 are vintage 9mm semi-automatic pistols from the 1980s. Key differences include the 639's heavier stainless steel frame and 8-round capacity versus the 3913's lighter aluminum alloy frame and 7-round capacity. Both feature a hammer drop safety, but the 3913 exhibited reliability issues during testing, while the 639 was noted for its excellent single-action trigger and overall dependability.

Chapters

  1. 00:07Introduction & Nostalgia
  2. 00:40S&W 639 vs 3913 Comparison
  3. 01:219mm Semi-Automatic Handguns
  4. 01:30Magazine Disconnect Safety
  5. 01:42639 as a Duty Sidearm
  6. 02:04Wonder Nine Era
  7. 02:413913 'Lady Smith'
  8. 02:58Size and Weight Differences
  9. 03:08Sight Comparison
  10. 03:22Hammer Drop Safety
  11. 03:31Magazine Capacity
  12. 04:13Shooting the 639
  13. 04:23639 Sight Modifications
  14. 05:01639 Hammer Drop Safety Function
  15. 05:33639 Trigger Pull
  16. 06:28Shooting the 3913
  17. 06:363913 Safety Function
  18. 07:033913 Trigger Issues
  19. 08:003913 Performance
  20. 09:00Second Magazines: 3913 First
  21. 09:16PMC Bronze Ammunition
  22. 10:043913 Questionable Behavior
  23. 11:06639 Reliability
  24. 11:16639 Shooting Impressions
  25. 12:05Testing with Handloads (3913)
  26. 13:003913 Shooting Plates
  27. 13:303913 Shooter Experience
  28. 13:53Back to the 639
  29. 14:04639 Double Action
  30. 14:13639 Single Action
  31. 15:233913 Use Cases
  32. 15:593913 Concealability
  33. 16:033913 Trigger Handling
  34. 16:38Magazine Capacity Reminder
  35. 17:16639 Accuracy Check
  36. 17:44Paper Target Test Setup
  37. 18:10639 Paper Test
  38. 19:04639 Rear Sight Drift Issue
  39. 20:22Final Thoughts on 639
  40. 21:273913 Paper Test
  41. 21:44Group Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the Smith & Wesson 639 and 3913 pistols?

The S&W 639 is a full stainless steel, heavier duty pistol with an 8-round magazine. The 3913 is a lighter, more compact model featuring an aluminum alloy frame and a 7-round magazine, often favored for concealed carry and plainclothes duty.

What safety features are common to both the S&W 639 and 3913?

Both the S&W 639 and 3913 are equipped with a hammer drop safety, which safely lowers the hammer and creates a dead trigger. They also both feature the magazine disconnect safety, which prevents the pistol from firing if the magazine is removed.

How do the triggers of the S&W 639 and 3913 compare?

The 639 is praised for its beautiful, short, and crisp single-action trigger reset. The 3913's trigger has a two-stage feel with a distinct fake wall before the actual break, and the presenter noted some questionable behavior with its first-round single-action pull.

Which of the two vintage S&W pistols is considered more reliable?

The presenter found the 639 to be a reliable firearm, purchased new and consistently performing well. In contrast, the 3913 exhibited sluggish slide operation and inconsistent trigger behavior during testing, leading to a conclusion of unreliability for defensive use.

What were common use cases for the Smith & Wesson 3913?

The S&W 3913 was often used by plainclothes law enforcement officers, detectives, and for concealed carry due to its compact size and lighter weight, allowing it to be easily concealed in a shoulder holster under civilian clothing.

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