Selected Handgun Detail

Manufacturer
	Smith & Wesson More Info

About the Gun

The Smith & Wesson Models 3953 and 3953 TSW are compact, third-generation 9mm pistols built on a single-stack platform with an aluminum alloy frame and stainless steel slide. Both operate in double-action-only mode with a bobbed hammer and no external safety or decocker, resulting in a streamlined profile suited to concealed carry. The standard 3953 features a conventional dust cover, while the TSW variant incorporates an integrated accessory rail forward of the trigger guard, along with updated frame rails.

Production

Production ran from 1990 to 1999.

Market value

Original MSRP was around $600. Current used market value in 95% condition ranges from approximately $450 to $500.

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

Analysis

The 3953 series provides a slim, lightweight option for defensive applications, with manageable recoil and a long but generally smooth double-action trigger pull that supports consistent shot placement for many users. Frame rail wear on aluminum models remains a noted consideration over extended use or high round counts, though regular maintenance mitigates this. The TSW's rail adds mounting options for accessories without significantly altering balance or concealment for most carriers, while the manufacturing refinements contribute to tighter tolerances in some examples. Overall, both variants deliver dependable function in a compact format, with market interest centered on the third-generation DAO design rather than major distinctions between the standard and TSW configurations.