As a product myself of the 1990’s, I recall seeing a lot of affection for the S&W 3rd generation automatics. In particular the 9mm single stack models 3913/3914 and their DAO siblings the 3953/3954.

I got thinking, what does the current new gun market offer that resembles the 3953 / 3954 the closest in dimension (BL 3.5”) without a reduced magazine capacity less than 8 rounds.

The G43X seems to be closest with a barrel length of 3.41” and the 10 round mag capacity. The height and length are also ridiculously close.

M&P Sheild comes in with both a shorter barrel and a lower mag capacity.

P365 is right there, but looses with the shorter barrel.

Kimber EVO, G43, PPS, APX all come in short.

What other 9mm single stack am I missing in this rough comparison?

Maybe the Springfield XDS? The Sig P239 was close but that’s out of production now too.

There really isn’t an equal to those old guns still made these days. The era of the metal frame DA/SA is long gone, save for a few mainstays like the Beretta 92 and Sig 225,226, and 229.

I have a 3913 and it’s just an awesome gun. I bet if S&W made them they’d probably sell. But not in the numbers of something like the Shield. Most companies these days are after pure profit, and the nostalgia doesn’t matter much to them. They make what sells millions of units.

 

Walther CCPm2

 

Lots of today’s pistols are about that size...

 

Keeping mine, but an all black 48 is tempting.

 

I always felt that the G43 (especially with the larger baseplate magazine inserted) was the successor to the S&W 3953. My G43 is only used with factory six-round magazines, putting it at a two round disadvantage compared to the 3913/3953. But, the G43's downrange performance is far-superior. And, there is no trigger play spring exiting the gun every 2,000 rounds. Or aluminum frame to crack from too much +P ammo. Or fitted extractor to chip. I still own a 3953, but it is a safe queen. I had an initial dislike of the G43 because my first was a stinker with a minor trigger problem. I was also reluctant to trust the new "Gen 5" design. Fast-forward @3 years. I've since acquired two more G43s. One of which is now my off-duty, and occasional on-duty gun.

The 43X, which I just tried for the first time this week, IS the reincarnation of the 3953. Add Ameriglo "Bold" sights and you have a SERIOUS concealable weapon.

As for me though, I prefer the G43. I can carry it in a DeSantis pocket holster with the flat-bottom magazine. The extended baseplate magazine is perfect for IWB or OWB carry. I installed Defoor Tactical sights with the tritium front.

If I do acquire a G43X in the future, it will have the Ameriglo Bold sights factory installed. I'm waiting for the black slide.