I've joined the 3rd Gen S&W cult, kinda

[Confederate]

I really wish S&W would bring back a slightly updated (still all steel) version of the 3rd gens.

Me, too, but you can forget it. If produced now, a 5906 would cost close to a grand. The design beat the older 1911 design hands down. The price of steel has gone up dramatically and S&W has cut so many corners and has passed the savings directly on to...well...S&W! It's one reason I don't buy new S&Ws. They're still good guns, but they seem to have a visceral hatred of their civilian customers.

The best days of S&W are behind them, alas. The guns simply lack the beauty and craftsmanship of its earlier models. And thei stainless guns look like they were finished by chimps with sandpaper!

 

[MR.G]

Have owned several 3rd generation S&W guns, and never had a problem with any of them. Most reliable semi-autos I have ever owned. I have been looking for a 5906 in excellent condition locally for a couple of months now. They have become really scarce around here. Wish S&W would start making them again.

 

[Big Mike]

Agree with many of the posts on the 3rd Gen S&W/TSW lines; they are good pistols. For anyone still wanting an "all steel" 9mm/.40/.45, these can be found quite easily, in varying conditions at prices that often seem too low to be true.

I sold a 6946 back to the original owner. I now own a 4043 (carrying it now) and recently picked up a 4044 for a great price.

I'm seeing more police trade-in TSWs hitting the market now (Gun Broker, various internet retailers, etc.) at equally good prices.

 

[19&41]

The law enforcement trade-ins have helped many people of modest means get set up with an excellent pistol that they otherwise would not be able to obtain. As well as they were built, they should be available for years to come. I have a 5906 and a 5946.

 

[valorius]

I had a hybrid custom 69/5906 for many years. Great pistol, very accurate once i got the trigger done:



It was my CCW for about 10 years.

 

[whatnickname]

2nd and 3rd generation fan

As a number of police agencies are re-arming there have been a remarkable number of trade-ins hitting the market. Last summer seemed to be a high water mark of sorts. I purchased a 4566 and a 4006 for $297 and $317 respectively off Gun Broker. Both cop guns with the usual amount of holster wear and, just like typical cop guns, neither pistol had been fired all that much. Overall I would rate them in the area of about 90% for condition. The guy that carried the bobbed hammer 4566 must have been a shooter. This one has a double action trigger to die for...silky smooth! Also purchased a 639. This one was not a cop gun and I paid $450 for it in about 97% condition. I had one of these years ago and always regretted letting it go. The interesting thing about all three of these pistols is that they always go bang when you pull the trigger and seem to shoot just about anything I put in them. Now for today's acquisition...a pristine 910S, in like new condition, for $325. While the prices have gone up on the average and availability has gone down somewhat there are still deals out there. Just put in your time on the auction sites. Take a look...http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=183354707

 

[avengd7x]

which 3rd gens are made with mim parts? I've got a 5906, how can I tell if its mim free? thanks

 

[AF FAL]

Dead thread revival, but a worthy topic!

I have a love affair with the third gen, I think I call once a week to S&W just to B***H that they sold out to the 1911 crowd. Anyway, since the police trade in market has become so rich I have been buying up 3rd gens as long as i have a $1 in my pocket to do so with. I have been trying to figure out the trade in value of my kids for 3rd gens. They are very well behaved kids, get compliments all the time on how good they are, the young boy is a heart breaker and sure to get at least two phone numbers an outing for the single guys. Wait, back to the topic.... (but if you're interested tell me what you have to trade)

I think I have at least 8 3rd gens so far, 3 of them being 10mm. S&W made what IMO is the best 10mm platform out there, they are simply tanks. Right now I am looking for an early 3913, before the ladysmith type frames came out. I am also buying about any decent deal on 4006's and 5906's I can find for a steal, which right now is easy. I like the early square trigger guard though, and those are not as easy to find.

Anyone know where to get the solid Stainless guide rods for the 4506/1006? Apparently S&W only made them to meet a requirement for some of the PDs that the guide rod be solid rather than the standard aluminum with the pressed on metal head. According to customer service they no longer have any of those type rods and will not be making anymore.

 

[martywj]

I have two 3rd-generation Smiths and I love them both. A 908 & 3913, both are accurate and great carry weapons. I would like to have a .40 & .45 in a single stack 3rd-generation, DA/SA. What models would they be?

 

[AF FAL]

The only .40 single stacks I know of are considered compact, like the 4013, which I have. I had hoped there was a 40 version of the 3906 which was a unsuccessful marketing of a single stack 9mm, but apparently not. I have a 3906 and love it, shoots great, easy to conceal as it is rather thin.

.45 they have the 4506, 4566, the rarer 4526, there is a 4576 but I have yet to ever personally see one so I consider it a mythical beast. I think the 4516 is single stack too, fits in the compact carry variety.

 

[DC3-CVN-72]

I have a 1006 and a 3913. LUV 'UM !

 

[benEzra]

Another 3rd-gen aficionado here...

The accuracy is pretty remarkable for its size, and mine has never malfunctioned except for a single round of Winchester White Box that was apparently missing the priming compound.

 

[dmeador]

Here's to the "cult"! I love my 6906 and I'm fighting very hard to resist adding one of the .40 variants.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

Two S&W 3rd gen guns help round out my bunch. A 1006 provides some serious backup as a vehicle gun, and a 3914 gets packed occasionally in an Alessi Bodyguard rig. I've long had the shoulder rig, with an extra holster component I picked up cheap, which was originally for a Colt Officers model. With a little wetting and forming, it now fits the 3914like a glove.

 

[Cemo]

Recently I purchased a 3913NL and I have a 4576 that I bought new.

 

[rocinante]

I got 2 police trade in 5906s last week. I had a 915 that I traded for a shotgun. Missing it already.

Beautiful guns and not covered in stupid lawyerese billboards. Honestly if you are so stupid you need to be told a gun is potentially dangerous you shouldn't have one.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

Honestly, we do not want to suggest to the powers that they test for stupidity as a qualification for owning a gun, because any of us could be having a bad day the day of the stupidity test.................

 

[CPT. Malcom]

just a note...i sent an email to smith about bringing back the 3rd gen autos IE 4506. i was told my message was forwarded to marketing. hopefully something comes of it

 

[W.E.G.]

Don't forget to add the Model 915 to the list of great third generation pistols!

+2