farscott
August 30, 2003, 09:47 AM
I came across a very interesting S&W 4006-NS in the VMMxxxx serial number range. It was originally an issue weapon of the Alaska Department of Public Safety and is so marked (with both the agency shield and a tracking number). The tracking number is in the format "DPS0xxx" and is marked on the barrel hood, frame, and slide. The additional markings appear to have been done by S&W. In my mind, this alone makes it an interesting pistol, but there is more.
The pistol itself also has some features I have not seen before on S&W 3rd Generation autoloading pistols. The pistol is TDA with a twist. The usual slide-mounted safety is a decocker only; the levers return to the fire position when pressure is removed. The left side of the frame just below the muzzle is marked with "Caution -- Decocking lever automatically returns to the ready to fire position" in block letters. The standard 3rd Generation magazine safety is present and functional.
There are also front cocking serrations machined into the slide that exactly match the standard rear cocking serrations. The grips are pebbled neoprene, not Xenoy or Delrin, and do not sport the S&W markings. The grip profile is a light arch very similar to the original 1911A1. The grips attach to the frame with two small screws. These are the most comfortable grips I have ever seen on an S&W autoloading pistol.
Like most police weapons on the market, the only real wear is cosmetic. The rear sight bluing is polished at the corners, and the stainless steel slide and frame show some signs of holster wear. However, the internals are spotless. The bore looks clean and shiny, and I suspect this pistol was fired very little, if ever. The night sights are bright, so I suspect the sights are less than ten years old. Since it is an all-steel pistol, I expect it has a lot of life left in it.
I would appreciate any information about these unique (to me) pistols. Since the price is right (less than $375), I am considering purchasing another one.
The pistol itself also has some features I have not seen before on S&W 3rd Generation autoloading pistols. The pistol is TDA with a twist. The usual slide-mounted safety is a decocker only; the levers return to the fire position when pressure is removed. The left side of the frame just below the muzzle is marked with "Caution -- Decocking lever automatically returns to the ready to fire position" in block letters. The standard 3rd Generation magazine safety is present and functional.
There are also front cocking serrations machined into the slide that exactly match the standard rear cocking serrations. The grips are pebbled neoprene, not Xenoy or Delrin, and do not sport the S&W markings. The grip profile is a light arch very similar to the original 1911A1. The grips attach to the frame with two small screws. These are the most comfortable grips I have ever seen on an S&W autoloading pistol.
Like most police weapons on the market, the only real wear is cosmetic. The rear sight bluing is polished at the corners, and the stainless steel slide and frame show some signs of holster wear. However, the internals are spotless. The bore looks clean and shiny, and I suspect this pistol was fired very little, if ever. The night sights are bright, so I suspect the sights are less than ten years old. Since it is an all-steel pistol, I expect it has a lot of life left in it.
I would appreciate any information about these unique (to me) pistols. Since the price is right (less than $375), I am considering purchasing another one.