Selected Handgun Detail

Manufacturer
	Smith & Wesson More Info

About the Gun

The 3900 series consists of a variety of 9mm Luger 'Third Generation' pistols derived from the Model 39 and 439, the so-called 'First Generation' and 'Second Generation' patterns. They all have single column magazines. These are double-action semi-autos utilizing the well-tried Browning locking mechanism.

Production

Production of this model began in 1990 and continued until 1999.

Market value

The last MSRP was approximately $750 when new. The current used market value ranges between $450 and $550, depending on specific condition and market demand.

Cartridge Specifications
Cartridge:	9 mm Luger
Alias:	9 mm Parabellum
More Info

Analysis

The base Model 3913 earned a reputation as one of the most reliable compact 9mm pistols of its era, with owners frequently reporting thousands of rounds without malfunctions across various ammunition types, including defensive hollow points. Its slim alloy frame and stainless slide provided excellent corrosion resistance and a balanced feel that many preferred over bulkier contemporaries like the Glock 19 or SIG P228, especially for all-day concealed carry where minimal printing mattered more than capacity. The DA/SA trigger offered a deliberate first-shot pull with crisp follow-ups, appealing to those who valued traditional controls in an increasingly polymer-dominated market. While the aluminum frame limited sustained +P use to prevent accelerated wear, standard-pressure loads delivered soft, controllable recoil and consistent performance. Discontinued in the early 2000s amid the shift to higher-capacity designs, the 3913 now holds strong collector and user interest on the used market as a benchmark for slim, metal-framed defensive handguns that prioritized concealability and proven mechanics over modern trends.