BEST Alloy DA/SA Hammer-fired Compact Single Stacks EVER??

[Mercs]

I had to post up my beloved companion here, another S&W 3rd gen - the 4040PD (3914LS on top, and 4040PD bottom in the photo). Has the rare Scandium alloy frame, so it’s actually even lighter and the same size as a 3913, while being chambered in .40!

I’ve found it to be the most accurate 3rd gen I’ve ever fired also, likely due to the fact that it was one of the late production models. It had all the refinements made over the years to the manufacturing process, and closer tolerances than the early models




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[Goju]

Another vote for the P6 here. Liked and shot the first one so well, that I bought another when they were dirt cheap. Sent them both back to SIG when they they had their refurbishing deals - complete disassembly, cleaning, all springs replaced, SIG Lite sights installed - all for $150 shipped. I added the short reset and short trigger factory updates, and like them even better.  Yes, they are bigger in every dimension than my P-01, but they are superbly reliable, and I shoot them as well or better than any other pistol I own. Second place is the 3914 that I sold to a friend, third place is my P7M8 - that is the only safe queen I own.

[david s]

Have a lightly modified S&W 639 two tone, black slide stainless frame, so I guess that it's the Smith side for me. Not alloy though.

[DOC 1500]

P225/P6

With all due respect...I'm just curious why? Almost 1/2 lb heavier than the Smiths with same capacity.
Interested in learning other's experience.
P.S. For anyone interested..I found this very thorough article about history, differences between P225 versions and updating a P6:
https://www.realgunreviews.com/sig-sauer-p6-west-german-bargain-now/


Thought someone might suggest SIG 239. Or maybe SIG P224??

My first S&W was a 4006 TSW CHP chambered in 40 S&W. Yes is a very robust heavy gun, BUT , it's not so bad to carry when I bought a really decent Don Hume OWB  leather holster.
It is very comfortable. Next I purchased a 4516 - 1
Chambered in 45 ACP. I am using the same holster that I used for the 40 S&W, and it too is very comfortable to carry. I was carrying P - 09 in an Alien Gear iwb , and I honestly really don't notice the extra weight.
As far as shooting an all stainless steel pistol,
Let's just say I don't think I'll go back to carrying polymer again.

[Vinny]

I had to post up my beloved companion here, another S&W 3rd gen - the 4040PD (3914LS on top, and 4040PD bottom in the photo). Has the rare Scandium alloy frame, so it’s actually even lighter and the same size as a 3913, while being chambered in .40!

I’ve found it to be the most accurate 3rd gen I’ve ever fired also, likely due to the fact that it was one of the late production models. It had all the refinements made over the years to the manufacturing process, and closer tolerances than the early models




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Thanks for the images. VERY nice indeed!  I especially like the slanted dustcover on the 3914 LS and those handsome wood grips on the 4040PD. I consider myself very lucky to have found a 90+% very early production 3913 NL (no LS logo) that came with black grips. I don't think they really knew what they had.
Yes, you can still find some excellent 3913/14's and other fine 3rd gen pistols for short $ if you look carefully; but collectors have caught on and the best ones are getting snapped up. I think it's harder to get a steal on the SIGs as most dealers know what they have. 

[DOC 1500]

About the 4006 TSW CHP
This is a very informative, and interesting read.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/525162-s-w-4006tsw-california-highway-patrol-chp-information-post139636293.html?525162=#post139636293

[Vinny]

I still have an S&W 3913 in the safe but for a single stack 9mm alloy frame I'll take my Sig P225-A1 hands down anytime. The reliability of both is undeniable but the Sig is more accurate and with a set of added X-Ray 3 sights and the factory short reset trigger it's just a more refined platform than the S&W.
I started out with S&W 3rd gen guns when they were fairly new on the market and I even still have stoning fixtures for trigger work. Most guys discovering the S&W's now are late to the party since they have been out of production for about 14 years now and S&W discontinued parts production not long after that so should parts be needed they may not be readily available such as they are for guns still in production.

Thanks for your knowledge and experience of both 3913 and P225-A1.

The availability of upgrade parts and sights for either platform can make a big difference.

Those SIG X-Ray-3's are an excellent upgrade over the Sig-Lites. My little P290rs was beating up the Sig-lites and after the 3rd warranty claim SIG replaced mine with X-Ray-3's. Same thing happened on the early SIG P365's. So much better and no more failures (so far).

The 3rd Gens were produced with a very short trigger reset; but the SIG upgraded trigger on my P-229 Legion RX is so sweet. I can imagine how well your P225-A1 is with that upgrade too.

Although the 3rd Gen Smiths are long-ago out of production, Novak still offers quite a few sight upgrade options, and because there were so many produced and because of their durability; there are still many in service today. I suspect someone will be offering wear parts like springs, mags, etc. for many years to come.

A former LEO I met at our range recently showed me his sparkling stainless 5906 service pistol he purchased from his Department with well over 80,000 rounds. He sent it to S&W under their 'Lifetime Service Policy' offered back in the day. After a slight bit of arm-twisting they replaced the barrel, ejector, springs, etc. and polished it up beautifully all for Gratis and a Thank You for his service!

Whether you prefer the SIGs or S&W's (or CZ's, Berettas, HK's for that matter), these hammer-fired metal-framed DA/SA pistols along with some parts upgrades and a little TLC will provide many more years of great shooting!