Description
Americangunwarehouse is a Charlotte, NC-based retailer specializing in quality used and trade-in firearms. The Smith & Wesson 3913 9mm Police Trade-in Pistol is a compact, all-metal, single-stack 9mm with a proven service history. These are genuine police-issued sidearms showing honest wear. We have a limited quantity available in Fair condition for $369.99.
Reviewed by Brett Lawson, Quality Lead at Americangunwarehouse. 17 years in firearms QC, metallurgy background, hardness testing specialist.
Last updated: March 2026
What Are the Specifications of the Smith & Wesson 3913?
Before we get into the feel and function, let’s lay out the hard specs. This is where you separate marketing fluff from a real tool. I’ve personally inspected a sampling of this batch, and here’s the detailed breakdown.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Semi-Automatic Pistol (DAO/DA-SA) |
| Material (Frame/Slide) | Aluminum Alloy Frame / Forged Carbon Steel Slide |
| Manufacturing | Smith & Wesson, USA (3rd Generation) |
| Finish | Original S&W Blue / Matte (Varies – Wear Present) |
| Hardness/Quality | Forged Slide (High Hardness), MIM Small Parts (Service Grade) |
| Caliber | 9mm Luger (9x19mm) |
| Capacity | 8 Rounds (Single-Stack Magazine) |
| Magazines Included | 1 x Factory 8-Round Magazine |
| Barrel Length | 3.5 Inches |
| Overall Length | 6.9 Inches |
| Weight (Unloaded) | Approx. 26 oz. |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Condition (This Batch) | Fair – Police Trade-In. Functional with significant holster wear, finish loss, and minor surface marks. |
| SKU | AGW-3913-FAIR-PTI |
What Makes This 3913 a Standout Used Gun?
You’re not looking at a safe queen. This is a working pistol. The value here is in the design pedigree and construction you simply don’t get anymore.
- All-Metal, Hammer-Fired Reliability: This is a third-generation S&W, the peak of their metal-framed service pistols. The aluminum frame soaks up recoil better than polymer, and the forged steel slide is overbuilt. The double-action/single-action trigger is a classic, proven safety system.
- Genuine Police Service History: These were carried, qualified with, and maintained by a department. They’re mechanically sound. The wear you see is holster wear—rubs on the slide and frame edges—not neglect. It tells a story of a gun that worked when needed.
- Compact, Yet Shootable: The 3913 hits a sweet spot. It’s thin enough for concealed carry (about 1.2″ wide) but has enough grip and weight to be controllable and pleasant to shoot at the range compared to tiny polymer micro-compacts.
- No MIM Critical Parts (Mostly): On these older models, the critical components like the slide, barrel, and frame are forged or machined. Later MIM (Metal Injection Molding) parts are generally limited to small internal pieces, which is a plus for long-term durability.
Who is the Smith & Wesson 3913 Police Trade-In For?
Buy it if: You’re a shooter who values proven, mechanical reliability over a pristine finish. You want a solid, all-metal 9mm for a budget-conscious carry option, a truck gun, or a no-frills home defense piece. You appreciate the history and robustness of older S&W designs and understand that holster wear doesn’t affect function.
Skip it if: You demand a gun that looks new or are sensitive to cosmetic blemishes. You prefer the latest striker-fired triggers and accessory rails for lights. If you’re set on a mint-condition collector’s piece, check out our Used Handguns category for higher-grade options. If you want a brand-new polymer pistol with a warranty, we have those too.
Pros and Cons of the 3913 in Fair Condition
Let’s be straight about what you’re getting.
Pros:
- ✅ Proven Durability: Forged steel slide and aluminum frame construction built to last multiple lifetimes of service.
- ✅ Shootability: The weight and balance make it easier to shoot accurately than lighter, snappier modern compacts.
- ✅ Classic Design: A piece of American firearms history from the peak of S&W’s metal-framed era.
- ✅ Immediate Value: At under $370, you’re getting a functional, reliable 9mm from a top-tier manufacturer.
- ✅ Mechanical Safety: DA/SA with a decocker or manual safety (model dependent) offers a familiar, secure action for many shooters.
Cons:
- ❌ Cosmetic Wear: It’s rated “Fair” for a reason. Expect holster wear, finish loss, and minor dings. The photos are representative.
- ❌ Limited Capacity: 8+1 rounds is standard for its era but is low compared to modern double-stack compacts.
- ❌ Magazine Availability: Factory magazines can be pricier and harder to find than for current production models.
How Does It Stack Up Against Other Options?
Let’s put this 3913 in context against two common alternatives you might be considering.
| Feature | S&W 3913 Police Trade-In (Fair) | Budget Polymer Pistol (e.g., Taurus G3C) | New Premium Compact (e.g., Sig P365) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Forged Steel Slide / Aluminum Frame | Stamped Steel Slide / Polymer Frame | Stainless Steel Slide / Polymer Frame |
| Quality/Finish | High, but worn service finish | Basic, functional parkerized or Tenifer | High, modern Nitron or PVD coating |
| Compatibility | Limited aftermarket; OEM parts still available | Good holster support, some accessories | Extensive holster & accessory ecosystem |
| Shipping | Same-day from NC | Varies by retailer | Varies by retailer |
| Lifespan/Durability | Extremely High (Proven Service Life) | Good for casual use | High (Modern Materials & Design) |
| Price Point | $369.99 | ~$250 – $300 | ~$500 – $600 |
The 3913 trade-in sits in a unique spot: it offers higher-tier materials and proven durability than a budget new gun, at a price significantly lower than a new premium compact. You’re trading modern features and a perfect finish for bedrock reliability and metal-frame feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Fair Condition” mean on a police trade-in?
“Fair” indicates a service pistol with significant cosmetic wear but functional mechanics. Expect holster wear (rubbing on slide and frame edges), loss of bluing or finish in high-contact areas, and possible minor surface scratches or dings. The bore, chamber, and critical internal components are inspected for function and safety. These are used working guns, not display pieces.
Is the 3913 double-action only (DAO) or double-action/single-action (DA/SA)?
This specific batch of police trade-ins includes models that are primarily traditional double-action/single-action (DA/SA) with a decocking lever. Some may be DAO variants. Both are classic police configurations. The product photos generally represent the typical style received. All function as designed with a first-shot double-action pull and subsequent single-action pulls, or a consistent DAO pull.
How does it shoot compared to a modern polymer pistol?
The all-metal construction makes a noticeable difference. The 3913 has more weight (about 26 oz. unloaded), which reduces felt recoil and muzzle flip. The grip is thinner than many double-stacks, which can aid in concealment and comfort for shooters with smaller hands. The trigger is a classic service trigger—longer and heavier in double-action, crisp in single-action—different from today’s striker-fired breaks.
Are parts and magazines still available for the 3913?
Yes, but planning is wise. Factory magazines and common replacement parts (springs, extractors, etc.) are available from Smith & Wesson and several reputable online parts suppliers. They are not as ubiquitous as parts for current production models, so it’s a good idea to source an extra magazine or two when you purchase the gun.
Will this 3913 have department markings?
It’s possible. These are police trade-ins, and some may have inventory numbers, agency initials, or other discreet markings engraved or stamped on the frame or slide. This is part of the gun’s history and does not impact function. We do not alter or remove these markings.
Where can I buy 3913 9mm police trade-in pistols online?
You’re in the right place. Americangunwarehouse (americangunwarehouse.com) specializes in sourcing and vetting quality used firearms like these Smith & Wesson 3913 police trade-ins. We inspect, describe, and ship them with full transparency on condition.
What is your shipping and transfer process?
We ship same-day on in-stock items to your chosen FFL (Federal Firearms License) holder. You must provide your FFL’s contact information at checkout. The firearm ships in discreet, secure packaging. Once it arrives, your FFL will conduct the required background check and transfer the pistol to you per federal and state law.
Ready to Own a Piece of Proven History?
✅ In stock — ready to ship today
✅ Same-day shipping from Charlotte, NC
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns (unfired, in original condition)
✅ Secure checkout
This is a straightforward opportunity to own a robust, American-made 9mm with real character and a service pedigree. You’re getting a tool, not a trophy. If the honest wear tells a story you appreciate and you trust in overbuilt mechanics, this 3913 is waiting for its next chapter.
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About this review: This assessment is based on hands-on inspection of multiple units from this specific batch of Smith & Wesson 3913 police trade-in pistols by Brett Lawson, Quality Lead at Americangunwarehouse. Descriptions of condition, materials, and performance are factual and derived from professional evaluation. Last updated: March 2026
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