S&W Autoloaders - Which Is Best ?
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SwampWolf
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As much as I like most Smith autos (and I have a couple of "Third Generation" variants as well as a Model 41 and a Model 52), the Model 945 gets my vote too for being the "best of the best".
Capt. Ct.
Member
Wow. There are lots of good S&W pistols out there. I now carry a Shield 9mm. One of the worst mistakes I ever made was letting my 3913 get away. A wonderful carry gun. I saw one in a gun shop the other day for $800. Sorry just too much even for that nice little gun. I also kick myself for letting my beloved model 19 revolver get away. :banghead:
Gun Master
Member
Best S&W Auto ?
After visiting the current S&W web site, I was disappointed . The selection was limited, all just different versions of a few models, and very..y..y slow . A few M&P's looked good, but not enough info (DAO ?, Decocker ?, etc.). I'll keep looking . My current favs are 1911 and P-38, and would like to find some of the same features . As of now, SIG-Sauer and Springfield XD are more of what I'm looking for .
After visiting the current S&W web site, I was disappointed . The selection was limited, all just different versions of a few models, and very..y..y slow . A few M&P's looked good, but not enough info (DAO ?, Decocker ?, etc.). I'll keep looking . My current favs are 1911 and P-38, and would like to find some of the same features . As of now, SIG-Sauer and Springfield XD are more of what I'm looking for .
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snooperman
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I have the model 41 as well as several 3rd gen guns, 3913, 5903, 5906 and 6906[my favorite]. I like them better than the newer guns made now.
It depends on what you want.
If DA/SA is what you're looking for, then SIG would be my choice. P22X series and SP2022 works well.
With S&W, used 3rd generation is the only choice if you want DA/SA, but unless you go DAO, then you have to deal with slide mounted levers. Good thing about S&W 3rd generations is that they have excellent DA trigger, even smoother and less resistant than that of SIG which are pretty good or at least it used to be. The bad part is the slide mounted lever, which I cannot think of a single good thing about it, and that the design is more older than that of SIG, etc., so more work involved for disassembly, etc. Unless you go with a TSW models, it is hard to mount weaponlights, if at all.
Also, except for a few models, most 3rd genrations are all steel: Heavy.
My choice is M&P40. I do not want manual firing inhibitors that requires another manipulation separate from firing, and I wanted a consistent one mode of trigger pull around 3 kg with not so long pull distance. It is whole lot more ergonomic than similar pistols of other makes like Glock, and the M&P trigger works better for me.
FYI S&W also makes 1911 models.
If DA/SA is what you're looking for, then SIG would be my choice. P22X series and SP2022 works well.
With S&W, used 3rd generation is the only choice if you want DA/SA, but unless you go DAO, then you have to deal with slide mounted levers. Good thing about S&W 3rd generations is that they have excellent DA trigger, even smoother and less resistant than that of SIG which are pretty good or at least it used to be. The bad part is the slide mounted lever, which I cannot think of a single good thing about it, and that the design is more older than that of SIG, etc., so more work involved for disassembly, etc. Unless you go with a TSW models, it is hard to mount weaponlights, if at all.
Also, except for a few models, most 3rd genrations are all steel: Heavy.
My choice is M&P40. I do not want manual firing inhibitors that requires another manipulation separate from firing, and I wanted a consistent one mode of trigger pull around 3 kg with not so long pull distance. It is whole lot more ergonomic than similar pistols of other makes like Glock, and the M&P trigger works better for me.
FYI S&W also makes 1911 models.
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Gun Master
Member
Older S&W Autos
Thanks
I like the older S&W's too . What is a good online source for used S&W autos ?
Thanks
Most all of the 3rd generation semi's are really good, under rated guns. The 4 digit guns such as 4006, 5906, 4506, 1006 etc. Numbers ending in 6 are heavy stainless steel models that seem unbreakable. Our local city PD carried the same 5906's for more than 20 years and had no real problems with them.
It is not that the older guns were bad, I just think they got everything figured out just right on the last versions.
I'm quite impressed with the S&W 1911's too. Another gun that rarely gets talked about, but I'd rate it better than Springfield Armory, Colt or Kimber.
It is not that the older guns were bad, I just think they got everything figured out just right on the last versions.
I'm quite impressed with the S&W 1911's too. Another gun that rarely gets talked about, but I'd rate it better than Springfield Armory, Colt or Kimber.
I have no use for SW autoloaders anymore. Its like they've "gone corporate" or something, and their heart just isn't in it anymore. The M&P is pretty popular, but if you're a real enthusiast you start to notice things about it that just... suck. The trigger, for starters. It has the weakest, vaguest reset I've ever felt. There's just no excuse for that. Next, try detail stripping the slide. You have to remove the rear sight and mess around with a tiny spring flying all over the place to get at the firing pin safety. Compare detail stripping an M&P slide with a Glock slide and you'll see what I mean.
I hear the 1911's are great, but they're ALL series 80 and they have external extractors. There's nothing wrong with those things, but it would be nice if they had something for the 1911 enthusiast/purist crowd.
Now wheelguns?? Different story altogether. SW still makes the most awe inspiring revolvers ever.
I hear the 1911's are great, but they're ALL series 80 and they have external extractors. There's nothing wrong with those things, but it would be nice if they had something for the 1911 enthusiast/purist crowd.
Now wheelguns?? Different story altogether. SW still makes the most awe inspiring revolvers ever.
wally
Member
Backed by the best customer service in the industry. Can't go wrong with S&W IMHO.
M&P is my favorite polymer pistol.
That is no longer the case with recent production ones.
What makes or breaks the shot is the pull not reset.
Because you detail strip a slide after every range trip?
I know many pistols that have more complex disassembly than M&P, but I do not say they suck for that reason.
I like my M&P auto loaders, I have a an M&P9Pro, M&P9JG, and an M&P40.
In its day, the Model 39 had a good reputation as did the double stack Model 59, or was it the Model 69.
I would love to have a Model 52. maybe someday i will find one that I can afford.
As far as other S&W semi auto pistols, I do not have any experience.
In its day, the Model 39 had a good reputation as did the double stack Model 59, or was it the Model 69.
I would love to have a Model 52. maybe someday i will find one that I can afford.
As far as other S&W semi auto pistols, I do not have any experience.
Gun Master
Member
When it only takes 10 seconds to do, yes. The easier the breakdown procedure, the more thoroughly you'll clean it. A clean gun is a happy gun.
saturdaynightpolitics
Member
'Best' being a relative term, I would still have to recommend the M&P in 9mm. I have a a lot of experience with that and the .45 model, and both were excellent but the 9 seemed to come back on target better.
I had a sigma in .40 years ago and couldn't stand it. I didn't care for the trigger; that being said my dad has the SD9 (the sigma's descendant I believe) and he just loves it (not as much as his M&P but love all the same).
I also had a 3rd gen in 9mm and while it was very heavy compared to the other few I mentioned, it was excellently made and had a certain look about it!
I had a sigma in .40 years ago and couldn't stand it. I didn't care for the trigger; that being said my dad has the SD9 (the sigma's descendant I believe) and he just loves it (not as much as his M&P but love all the same).
I also had a 3rd gen in 9mm and while it was very heavy compared to the other few I mentioned, it was excellently made and had a certain look about it!
Queen_of_Thunder
member
I picked up a M&P40 VTAC last month because I was very happy with my M&P9 so I added the M&P40 which brought me up to two S&W semi auto firearms. Well I was not happy with it as the trigger was not up to what I had come to expect from S&W. It was down right garbarge. Well a trip to my gunsmith and all is well.
Since nobody mentioned it, I'm gonna throw out the M&P22 !! LOL
No, seriously the only Smith semi auto I've kept over the years has been my old 659 9mm. The trigger sucks ass but it's super accurate and one tough gun. I threw on a set of Pachmayr grips just for my liking. I just got a new M&P9 FS but had to dump money into it on an Apex FSS and Trijicon HD sights. Now it's basically a Glock wearing an S&W badge....
-Mike
S&W 659 with Pachmayrs ... MP22 with Dawson Sights & Pachmayr Glove .... MP9 FS with Apex FSS trigger and Trijicon HD sights ....
No, seriously the only Smith semi auto I've kept over the years has been my old 659 9mm. The trigger sucks ass but it's super accurate and one tough gun. I threw on a set of Pachmayr grips just for my liking. I just got a new M&P9 FS but had to dump money into it on an Apex FSS and Trijicon HD sights. Now it's basically a Glock wearing an S&W badge....
-Mike
S&W 659 with Pachmayrs ... MP22 with Dawson Sights & Pachmayr Glove .... MP9 FS with Apex FSS trigger and Trijicon HD sights ....
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jeff-10
Member
Personally I love the 3rd generation ones and wish they never stopped making them. Right now I have a 4006 and a 1076. They at first feel bulky and unergonomic but they grow on you and actually fit most people's hands well. Most men anyways.
They are super reliable, shoot very well and are are as durable as anything ever made. The 4006 was one of the original handguns chambered for the 40 S&W and mags are very cheap. The 1076 likewise was an early 10mm. For clsoe to two decades, after the Glock 22, the 4006 was probably the most prolific police sidearms in the US chambered for the 40. For a period of time it may have it may have been more common in police circles than the Glock. Also the S&W 1000 series were issued to both the FBI and local agencies. Not sure if any other 10mm's were in any large numbers. Including Glocks.
I believe they have discontinued almost all if not all of the 3rd generation S&W's, which IMO is a shame. I honestly prefer Glocks over M&P's and new Ruger revolvers over new S&W revolvers, so I won't be buying S&W handguns new anytime soon.
They are super reliable, shoot very well and are are as durable as anything ever made. The 4006 was one of the original handguns chambered for the 40 S&W and mags are very cheap. The 1076 likewise was an early 10mm. For clsoe to two decades, after the Glock 22, the 4006 was probably the most prolific police sidearms in the US chambered for the 40. For a period of time it may have it may have been more common in police circles than the Glock. Also the S&W 1000 series were issued to both the FBI and local agencies. Not sure if any other 10mm's were in any large numbers. Including Glocks.
I believe they have discontinued almost all if not all of the 3rd generation S&W's, which IMO is a shame. I honestly prefer Glocks over M&P's and new Ruger revolvers over new S&W revolvers, so I won't be buying S&W handguns new anytime soon.
krupparms
Member
I am happy with my 915 . It is still one of my favorite carry guns. And the S.D.series, which are great for the price. The only upgrade I needed for it was night sights. JMO.
Look they could not keep making them and stay competitive in the industry only SIG-Sauer
can do that because SIG fanatics will pay prices asked for them.
If you like modern DA/SA pistol try Walther P99AS. The DA trigger pull is better than found on typical alloy or steel-framed S&W semi-auto.
S&W Autoloaders
For me, it's a split decision between the new M&P line and the discontinued 3rd gen models.
I have an M&P9c that's an excellent compact yet has 12+1 capacity. It's what I take to the range when I have to qualify to renew my CHL every few years and it's very easy to shoot accurately.
I also have two 3rd gens; a 3913 and its ugly stepsister, the 908. Both excellent pistols in their own right and very similar single stack compact 9mms. Again, easy to shoot accurately and I have to admit that I prefer the slimmer grips on a single stack. I also like the DA/SA action.
Which is best?
Heck, flip a coin. It's all good.
Gun Master said:
For me, it's a split decision between the new M&P line and the discontinued 3rd gen models.
I have an M&P9c that's an excellent compact yet has 12+1 capacity. It's what I take to the range when I have to qualify to renew my CHL every few years and it's very easy to shoot accurately.
I also have two 3rd gens; a 3913 and its ugly stepsister, the 908. Both excellent pistols in their own right and very similar single stack compact 9mms. Again, easy to shoot accurately and I have to admit that I prefer the slimmer grips on a single stack. I also like the DA/SA action.
Which is best?
Heck, flip a coin. It's all good.
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