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).
