Detailed Disassembly and Inspection of a Used 3rd Gen S&W

[Hrfunk]

Here's one for anyone who might find it helpful.

Howard

https://youtu.be/N79azb0xSWw

[Vinny]

Thanks Howard!
Another great video that's both timely and helpful.
I recently acquired a couple of stainless 3rd Gen Smiths that fit a void for small single-stack metal hammer-fired DA/SA's. There seems to be a renewed interest in these venerable pistols that are known for reliability, durability and accuracy; and they can still be found at bargain pricing on the used market. Midway or Numrich seem a good source for the few wear parts like recoil springs, mag springs/followers, etc. to keep 'em ticking. Your video is most helpful.
My Compact 3913NL and Sub-compact CS9s with non-ambi decocker/safety just on left side. Novak's upgraded my front sights to FO $62 installed including shipping. With the custom TercGen grips (re-worked 3913's) the CS9s is only just a tad over 22oz and 1" wide, really quite pocket-able.

[Hrfunk]

Nice pistols Vinny. I have a CS9 that I really like, and once upon a time I had a 3914 that I should have kept! Thanks for watching.

Howard

[Hrfunk]

Here's a quick follow-up.

Howard

https://youtu.be/Vosp8-u-yAY

[jwc007]

Excellent Videos with great attention to detail!   

[Hrfunk]

Thank you!

Howard

[Flip18]

Awesome info, though I'd never totally break down my 539 and/or 39 no dash. Nope.

[DOC 1500]

Look forward to your Leo qualification with the 3rd gen , great videos Howard.
I've got a 4516 - 1 that I absolutely love, and carry everyday. And also recently put an RDS on it. Sorry I can't post pictures.

[Hrfunk]

That 4516 is a great little carry piece. Replace the recoil spring and the magazine springs about every 5000 rounds, and it should last a long, long, time!

Howard

[Vinny]

Nice pistols Vinny. I have a CS9 that I really like, and once upon a time I had a 3914 that In should have kept! Thanks for watching.

Howard

It was your video from several years ago with your CS9 knocking down a bowling pin at 50 yards that inspired me to look for one!      The 3913/14 and especially the 7+1 - 22oz CS9 is a fine little carry piece indeed! 

[burley]

Nice and informative videos, Howard.

I have a 3913 LS I'd like to make de-cock only if possible.

Do you have any thoughts on that and is this the part I'd need?

https://www.gunpartscorp.com/products/1419350

[Hrfunk]

I won't say that turning a TDA into a de-cock only is impossible, but it's not something I would try. Particularly since the parts for both types of actions are getting harder to find. The spring on the safety in the link requires a corresponding hole to be drilled into the slide. Again, I wouldn't try it.

Howard

P.S. We were shown that style of de-cocker in one of the armorer schools I attended, but I don't believe S&W ever actually manufactured pistols with it. If they did, I never heard of/saw one. There might be a reason for that.

[burley]

Thanks, Howard.  That makes sense.  I still may have to buy that part just to have.
It's only $37, and my under standing is that it doesn't have to be permanent.

[Vinny]

Howard, as a multi-department instructor perhaps you can confirm whether this was true....Apparently some departments forbid their Officers to carry S&W's with the 'safe' on; and were instructed that decocking was always a two-step motion requiring the safety off when decocked. With the pistol in DA mode, there was NO reason to have the redundancy of a safety. Thus drawing and firing would be same whether S&W, Glock or other Traditional DA pistol.  ??

[DOC 1500]

Many pistols built by Smith and Wesson specifically under the criteria of many law-enforcement were made without a safety and are decock only with Bobbed hammers.
From what I understand mainly because they wanted the weapons ready to go, and a bobbed hammer would keep them from going directly into single action,  which could necessarily create a negligent discharge.  The agencies want the double action first shot as their safety. My 4006 TSW CHP Was made this Way and created for California Highway patrol.