For this week’s Guns In Movies segment, let’s take a look at a unique handgun from the S&W family that has made its way into movie and television fame: the Smith and Wesson 3913.
History
The Smith and Wesson 3913 is the third generation in the series of pistols first sold by S&W in 1955. The original model 39 has the distinction of being the first double action auto-loading 9mm pistol. The second generation had 3 digit model numbers (4xx, 5xx or 6xx) and varied by frame material and magazine capacity. The 4xx models had an aluminum alloy frame, the 5xx models featured a carbon steel frame, while the 6xx models utilized stainless steel frames. In 1990, the third generation Model 39 pistols, now denoted with 4 digit model numbers—namely this article’s 3913, were released. The model number denotes that this particular variant is a compact single stack, double action only, 9mm pistol with aluminum alloy frame. The LadySmith S&W 3913 pistols feature a distinctive angled dustcover that distinguish it from other variants.
Specs
Caliber: 9x19mm
Capacity: 8+1
Weight: approx. 1.8lbs
Frame material: aluminum alloy
Slide material: stainless steel
Barrel length: 3.5in
Price range: $350-$500
Where You’ve Seen It
As you can see from the movie still featured above, one of the most notable silver screen appearances the Smith and Wesson 3913 makes is in Christopher Nolan’s Memento (2000), wielded first by the character Dodd. Leonard, Memento’s protagonist, later retrieves the 3913 from Dodd and carries it himself. This third generation S&W 39 pistol is also featured in a few other movies and shows. Rachel Weisz’s character, Angela Dodson has one in the movie Constantine (2005), and Detective Fanning (played by Mark Ruffalo) carries one in the movie Collateral (2004). The blued version of this pistol, the 3914, is a go-to for several characters, including Andrea, T-Dog, Axel, and Carol Peletier, from the popular television show The Walking Dead.
Image of Leonard Shelby (played by Guy Pearce) with the Smith and Wesson 3913 from Christopher Nolan’s Memento (2000).
Well written article.And, that’s a gun you not believe that’s in so many movies and even Walking Dead
Well written article Des, and the S&W autos hold a place in my heart. My first 9mm Semi-automatic pistol was a S&W 5904 with Squared trigger guard (Old model). I loved the size, the magazine capacity and the sights. but it weren’t too terribly accurate, because of the tolerances it was built with. I sold it to get a Glock 19 (Which I couldn’t find) and I wound up buying the only Full-size/compact 9mm Glock in my area at the time, which was a Gen 4 Glock 17. Funny thing is, my good friend always wanted a Glock 17, and I always tried talking him into a Glock 19 and could never change his mind. After I got my Glock 17 Gen 4, he went out and got a 19 Gen 3. Now that I got rid of the 5904, I really want another one, there is nothing like a Blued steel metal framed pistol, but not at the price of getting rid of my Glock lol. Now I just have to find a Third Gen S&W auto for sale.
When you say “First wielded by Dodd… LATER retrieved by Leonard…” later in the movie, later in the actual timeline? That movie can be confusing to talk about.
EricKmiecik Thanks, Eric. I didn’t realize how popular this little pistol was until I started researching it. That makes these articles lots of fun for me.
Z0mb3hHunt3r From what I read prepping for this article, the 59xx models were developed from the Model 39 design (with some modifications, of course).
ThorDeSchane Lol yeah… I do mean in the “actual” timeline. But with the wonky timeline, the argument could be made for either way, really.
FateofDestinee Z0mb3hHunt3r Yeah, the Model 59 was a Double Stack modification of the Model 39. It was designed for the Navy to replace the M39 based MKII Hush Puppy. The 5904 is the Third Generation model, Double stack, Double/Single action with Carbon steel slide and aluminum alloy frame. My model had a Finger step on the trigger guard making it an early manufactured model. Really nice budget priced duty pistols, I gave $350 for mine. The magazines were pretty good too and not too hard to find. I prefer the finger step on pistols because I rest my thumb on it when I am scanning or preparing to raise and fire. The Finger step and the availability and capacity of the magazines is why I chose a Glock. I just miss having a beautiful Semi-automatic 9mm.
FateofDestinee Z0mb3hHunt3r Yeah, the Model 59 was a Double Stack modification of the Model 39. It was designed for the Navy to replace the M39 based MKII Hush Puppy. The 5904 is the Third Generation model, Double stack, Double/Single action with Carbon steel slide and aluminum alloy frame. My model had a Finger step on the trigger guard making it an early manufactured model. Really nice budget priced duty pistols, I gave $350 for mine. The magazines were pretty good too and not too hard to find. I prefer the finger step on pistols because I rest my thumb on it when I am scanning or preparing to raise and fire. The Finger step and the availability and capacity of the magazines is why I chose a Glock. I just miss having a beautiful Semi-automatic 9mm.
It’s also Keyser Soja’s pistol in “The Usual Suspects.”