3rd generation auto love.

[H1500308]

Bought my first 3rd gen S&W handgun a couple months ago. An LE trade in 4586 from Buds for $259.

After shooting this and some other 3rd gen Smith autos (3913,wow, 5906, etc.), I have come to the conclusion that these models are superior in construction to most of the popular guns today. I own and shoot a lot of Glocks, M&Ps, CZ, etc, but this was my first 3rd gen smith and It could become my favorite.

What are some other thoughts? Right now, I'm thinking I need to start buying as many of these as I can afford especially since they're not making any more.

 

[Landric]

I think that the 3rd Gen S&Ws are probably the most underrated autos of our time. They are reliable, accurate, and extremely well made. They are not as "cutting edge" as the various plastic pistols, but that sort of thing is meaningless to me, because they work.

I'm mostly a revolver guy when it comes to concealed carry (and my department makes me carry a Glock 23 on-duty), but when I do carry an auto on my own time, its either a S&W 3953 or 4553TSW. If I could pick my own duty weapon it would be a 3rd Gen .45 ACP with a steel frame.

 

[paddling_man]

I'm kicking myself at missing those 4586s for $259 at Bud's. (Not to worry... several folks from Louisville are now hitting the boards and selling them for $375 to $425. )

I've got a 4506-1 and a Chief's Special .45. Of the HKs, Sigs, Glocks, Steyrs, Springfields, etc that I own/owned, the 3rd gen S&Ws are becoming my favorites. I would really like to find a 4513 or 457S.

Congrats!

 

[carbuncle]

I love them, great guns. I'm prioritizing the 3rd gen for my collection right now, I want to get decent examples while they're still around. Have a 6906, 5906 is on layaway. Looking at CS9 and 45XX next, then maybe 40XX and a 10XX (if I can find one).

 

[Janos Dracwlya]

I love the 3rd gen Smiths. I've owned two and never had any problems with them.

The only things I don't like about them are the magazine disconnect and the safety (since it needs to be pushed up to deactivate).

 

[potmetal]

I was at a gun show today and found a nice 5904 with 3 mags, the box, and a holster for $300 OTD. It's in 90-95% condition. I'm really glad I found it.
I'd like to add a .45auto to the collection too.

 

[Wishoot]

I'm kicking myself at missing those 4586s for $259 at Bud's.

You had better really like DAO's if you get a 4586. I bought one from Buds and found I could barely hit the broadside of the ground with it. I'm sure with time, practice and patience I would of gotten better, but I really didn't feel like committing the time, money and resources to making this a gun worth keeping.

It cycled everything just fine however.

 

[wow6599]

I just got rid of a never fired 4506-1. I can't stand safe queens and I was told by S&W's customer service (and a S&W armorer) that part production for 3rd Gen guns will be ceasing soon. Also, when the TSW line stops (in his words "a couple of years from now") they will only back them up for 10 years......then all parts for S&W steel framed guns, except for 1911s, will be up to you, the consumer, to find.

Total crap? Who knows......but that's what S&W told me.

 

[modifiedbrowning]

I have a 2nd generation 745 that I bought this summer and it is a great pistol. I can now understand the appreciation of S&W autos. I would like to pick up a 5906 in the future.

 

[Onward Allusion]

Yup, some of the best dang semi auto pistols ever made. Best deals around for the LE trade ins. Dependable, good-looking, & performs. What more could a guy want?!


If you can still get your hands on the 910's, do it... The 910S (stainless) was probably the best deal out there that no one knew about. It kills me that S&W discontinued the 910 series. I try to pick a 59XX up every 6 months or so. They will very likely increase in value. Additionally, they will last forever.

Finally, how the heck can you properly pistol whip someone with a ploymer???

H1500308
3rd generation auto love.
Bought my first 3rd gen S&W handgun a couple months ago. An LE trade in 4586 from Buds for $259.

After shooting this and some other 3rd gen Smith autos (3913,wow, 5906, etc.), I have come to the conclusion that these models are superior in construction to most of the popular guns today. I own and shoot a lot of Glocks, M&Ps, CZ, etc, but this was my first 3rd gen smith and It could become my favorite.

What are some other thoughts? Right now, I'm thinking I need to start buying as many of these as I can afford especially since they're not making any more.

 

[samurai]

I have a CS9, 3931NL and a 6906. I hope to stop now.

 

[wvshooter]

I've got a 5906 and a 4046 and love them both. Tremendous shooters. I've got polymer and other steel guns to choose from for carry but there's just something about these guns.

 

[hemiram]

Wishoot- I have no idea why, I've only shot a DAO gun a few times before I got my 4586 from Bud's, but once I figured out where the impact point was, I shot it very well, almost to the point I was shocked at how easy it was to put them in the center of the target from about 40' away. It was the gun, because when I switched to my Beretta 92, I shot as badly as I had been shooting lately, mostly due to a severely messed up shoulder. Odd thing is, I don't like the grip on the 4586 at all, it's too narrow and too deep. But, I can't complain about how it shoots.

 

[potmetal]

I took my 5904 out today. Great trigger, smooth, accurate, and no problems. It's a very well made gun.

 

[Nico Testosteros]

I posted a while back about my 5903 police trade in from Bud's. It flawlessly handled all the ammo I fed it (aluminium Blazer, Monarch steel cased stuff and Federal FMJ from Wallyworld).
It ain't a looker, but it sure is a shooter. I've considered having S&W refinish it but at $150....

I'd love a 3913 or 6906.

 

[Topspeed]

I love the 3rd generation Smith autos. I own a 4506, 3913, and a 4516-1. All are excellent, reliable shooters.

 

[sidheshooter]

Just bought an extremely clean 3953 this week, myself (photos will soon follow, for sure)!

It's like love at first sight-consider me in agreement with the OP and others of like opinion. I also have a second gen (669) that has fed it all over the years, with zero malfs. The 3953 adds better sights, a consistent (DAO) trigger pull and slim line ease of carry to the mix; I'm already thinking that this will be my new favorite CCW arm.

Often times, the old saying "they sure don't make them like they used to" is either hyperbole or outright BS.

This is not one of those times.

 

[bobbb]

Been using an M&P9c for my EDC but have replaced it with a 3913 and just snared a 6906 in 95% condition for $395...now the M&P9c is for sale.

 

[sidheshooter]

So here is the 3953 I just bought. This thing is very clean–the gun looks almost unfired. Well, at least it did when I took these pics... that changed pretty quick.



totally reliable with 3 brands of ball and two JHP loadings over about 300 rounds so far. I doubt that record will change much as the round count goes up.

 

[alde]

I bought one of the Bud's 4586's and fell in love with 3rd Gen Smiths. I have since picked up a 4516-1 a 6946 and just last night picked up a 908 (budget 3913) from my FFL. I have not shot the 908 yet but I put it in an IWB holster and carried it around the house until bedtime. Once it's proved reliable it will be my primary CCW. It is the perfect size and weight. I do want a 3913 but the 908 will do very nicely for now.

 

[SwampWolf]

In terms of the important things that make up a quality firearm, including reliability, accuracy, workmanship, material, design (did I mention reliability?); do a "search" and I can assure you that you won't find many serious, experienced and knowledgeable shooters dissing Smith&Wesson's fine line of third generation pistols. As others have noted, these pistols have to be the most under-rated firearms ever made. And the plus side is, for the time being at least, they are readily available and eminently affordable.

 

[agtman]

This one's a lightly-used, "pre-owned" L.E. 4566 (4.25" "Commander" length).

Shoots beautifully and is absolutely reliable with anything fed it. Had it refinished in hard-chrome. Novak Trijicons are still quite bright.

Looks like it just came out of the box ...

 

[18DAI]

I'm fortunate to have a large collection of pistols. I own many premium Colts, Kimbers, HK's, and Sigs among others.

The pistols I stake my life on are my S&W 3rd generation. Reliable and accurate, as well as durable.

The 3913 is my constant companion. My 4566 does house gun duty. My 3906 guards the truck.

I hope that they remain the under appreciated handguns they are. it keeps the price down! TJ

 

[rscalzo]

was told by S&W's customer service (and a S&W armorer) that part production for 3rd Gen guns will be ceasing soon

Production ceased a few years ago. Parts availability is sketchy at best. We have department 659's with frame cracks that cannot be repaired. S&W has no replacement frames. At best they will offer a M&P at a discounted price. What was disturbing was that the units with the frame cracked had round counts probably no more than 3000 rounds of factory Winchester. Cracks are not unheard of and morwe than a few 669's had areas around the rails drop off.