S&W Auto suggestions

[SASS44439]

I am looking for suggestions on a S&W auto. I would like to get a 3"-4" barreled Smith in 9MM or .40 as a range gun and just to add to the collection.

I would prefer an all metal frame. I would like to use it as a range gun only, but I will not rule out the possibility of using it as a carry gun.

Thank you in advance for helping me narrow down the models or telling me I am wasting my time with a S&W auto.

 

[C-grunt]

The most accurate pistol I have ever fired was a SW 910. I could consistantly hit soda cans while standing at 25-30 yards.

 

[thebaldguy]

Try the 908 or 910 for a 9mm, and a 410 for .40 S & W. They're available in both blue and stainless finishes. They're hundreds cheaper than their nicer counterparts, and shoot just as well.

 

[HankB]

From your .sig line, I see you already have Glock and Kimber autos . . . before you buy an S&W (other than their 1911) consider that 1) the grip frame is very different, and may not be very "pointable" in your hand; I find this to be the case myself, but only you can make this determination. 2) Many S&W autos have a magazine disconnect - I've been told that unlike the Browning HP, it's more difficult to rid S&W's of this abomination. 3) Many models have a safety that needs to be pushed up.

As you may gather, I'm not a big fan of most S&W autos, primarily because - in my hand - the "pointability" is terrible . . . the models 41, 52, and SW1911 are the only ones that suit me.

Still, it's been my observation that most of the ones being made today are FAR more reliable than the early jammamatics like the old M59 . . . or inconsistently executed designs like the more recent Sigma and SW99.

Good luck . . .

 

[OH25shooter]

This is the mentioned model 908. They come in blued, 908; or stainless, 908S. It's the younger brother to the 3913. It has one decocker on the left side. Mine cost $480 NIB. Maybe a tad high, but S&W autos aren't cheap. It's reliable and S&W (if needed) has excellent customer service.

 

[phonesysphonesys]

I have used and carried a S&W 411 for years. It has fired every time I have pulled the trigger. No malfunctions or jams. It is very accurate. I don't know what the new model number is but it would be in the 4 series.

Check it out.

Phonesysphonesys

 

[Srigs]

I have several Smiths and here is the one I carry the most.

A 6946 is a 12 shot, DAO, 9mm medium AL frame with SS slide and weights about 24 oz unloaded. Very accurate, concealable and 100% reliable. You can pick them up used from 250 to 350.

Another good option is 39xx, 59xx 40xx, 4xx or 9xx series guns 3rd generation guns. I have owned 39xx guns and they are very good.

 

[JoeHatley]

SASS44439,

I had a case of "wanna have's" with almost the same criteria as yours.

Picked up this 639 last year.



Fun shooter, that will probably never be carried, but it's sure a lot of fun at the range.

Good Luck...

Joe

 

[SwampWolf]

You'll never regret adding a 6906 to your inventory. More of a carry gun than a "range" gun but this little pistol is as reliable as the sunrise and accurate to boot. Get one while you still can and thank me later.

 

[ShelbyV8]

CDNN has police trade in S&W. I have bought a couple over a period of time and they have been very good and very clean. Download their catalog http://cdnninvestments.com/

 

[SouthpawShootr]

By far my favorite S&W auto is the 6906. In my view they're the best of the 3rd generation autos. I've had 2 (let one go in a fit of stupidity) and I can't remember a malfunction occurring with either. Unfortunately, this model is been discontinued (and has been for some time). So, unless you run across a really pristine 6906, my next preference would be a 5906 or 5946 (depending upon whether you like DAO or not). These models saw extensive popularity and continued into the TSW line. I'm not sure what TSW autos are still around, but it should be pretty easy to find an decent 5900 series auto.

 

[Alan Fud]

 

[Ala Dan]

Ditto the S&W model 6906~! I had one for awhile, but just recently
had too give it up to sue the funds towards financing my brand NIB
Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special .45 ACP. However, if we still
have it on Thursday (Feb. 16th-06) I may have too try and get it
back~!

Att: Joe Hatley My Friend-

Very nice Joe, I know you are proud of that newcomer.

 

[SACOLT]

Funny you mention this. I handled the M&P today. I really like the ergonomics on this pistol. I'm trying to keep myself from buying it.

 

[Kramer Krazy]

My wife has a 5903 (ex-cop gun) and a 669 that she bought used. Both are in near mint condition, were $348 and $310, respectively, and have functioned flawlessly. The 5903 is quite accurate. If you want a non-alloy frame, the 5906 is the same as the 5903, but is all stainless. Those types of S&W firearms are known for their durability, reliability, and ruggedness.......Missashot also has the 4566 that she got as an ex-cop gun (it's a 45ACP).

 

[TC-TX]

908s... you will NOT regret it!

 

[SASS44439]

Thanks for the input everyone.

Y'all have given me a lot to work with so far. I have just noticed in the past two days that there are a few new Smith autos in the gun shops I have visited lately and even fewer used ones. I did get the chance to check out a CS9 (didn't feel right) and a 910 (felt very good in the hands.)

HankB, You make a very good point about the mag safety disconnect if I ever did carry it (I forgot they came like that.) Thumb safety is not an issue. I always carry with a chambered round and safety off anyway except for 1911s. Condition one there. Thanks

 

[Srigs]

I like the mag safety disconnect. I carry more than one gun. So, if you are about to loose your primary drop the mag and then the gun and pull your secondary or BUG while the guy trys to figure out why he can't shoot you!

Many stories of police doing this very thing and saving their lives.

 

[S&W 910]

i love my 910

 

[Rexrider]

Here is another vote for the 908s. It is not the smallest 9mm you can get but it does carry fairly well. It also happens to be my wife's second favorite handgun to shoot, second only to her Ruger 22/45.

It also has proved to be as reliable as my Glock 21 (which is saying a lot).

 

[JoeHatley]

Very nice Joe, I know you are proud of that newcomer

Thanks Ala Dan. I'm a late commer to the whole S&W model 39 family. I'm just now realizing what great guns I've been passing over all these years.

Joe

 

[nero45acp]

I recently picked up a near mint condition S&W 539. Beautiful bluing (the pics don't do it justice), all steel, accurate and reliable.

nero