S&W metal-frame autopistols - What's left? Which one?

[cluttonfred]

Despite the frequent S&W bashing that goes on here and elsewhere, I am a big fan of the S&W metal-frame DA/SA and DAO automatics. It seems though that many of them are out of production and getting harder to find, at least new The popular 908 series of economy 9mm pistol seems out of production (no prices listed anymore) as do many others.

What's left in the S&W metal-frame DA/SA and DAO line? And which would be a good choice in general purpose pistol for range, home defense or perhaps even CCW use? I have small hands, so I like the single stacks, 9mm or .45 ACP. I believe the CS9 and CS45 are still in production...any others I should consider?

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

There are not many left, except in the "TSW" line. That is an awful lot of money to pay for a riveted-on, vestigial light rail and the word "Tactical" emblazoned on the slide.

There are still plenty of "pre-owned" ones around. In 2007 I found a 3913LS that appeared to have hardly been fired for $449, at Cabela's, no less.

 

[highorder]

There are still plenty of "pre-owned" ones around.

That's almost an understatement.

S&W 3rd generation autos were very popular with LE in the 90's. There are indeed plenty of lightly used models running around. You should be able to find a good deal on 5904's, 5906's, 4003's, 4043's, and 4506's.

 

[agtman]

S&W 3rd generation autos were very popular with LE in the 90's. ***

And some of the best deals (steals?) are now on S&W 56XX, 45XX or 10XX-series LE "trade-ins."

Most of these pistols were carried a lot and shot very little by the rank and file cops to whom they were issued, except for the annual qualification ritual or those infrequent exercises that pass for use-of-force "training."

Regardless, these former LE 3rd Gen S&W autoloaders are still some of the best deals going. Look a candidate over carefully: it'll probably show some holster wear on the slide, but if the internals look good, it will clean up remarkably well and be an outstanding shooter.

 

[AJChenMPH]

Bump to the top -- from what I can tell, the 39xx series and the 69xx series are compact 9mm pistols, with the 39xx series being single stacks and the 69xx series being double stacks; yes?

Can someone help me with the last two digits for each of the series? Best as I can tell, the 3913s and 3914s are DA/SA while the 3946 is DAO, and similarly the 6906 is DA/SA and the 6946 is DAO. Or am I completely barking up the wrong tree?

Muchas gracias...

 

[KewToo]

Can't help much, but: I have a "3904", mid-size, alloy frame, single stack police issue from the '80's. First auto I owned - still have it and it's a keeper (in the current market one could almost call it "slim").
I am now looking for a 6904 or 6906 (I think the -04 is like a service pistol; the -06 all stainless. Could be incorrect on the specs. Anyway, I'm looking. I have somewhere in my web archive a technical site detailing all S&W models.
I think all the -04, -06 etc. are DA/SA; at least my 3904 is.

 

[KewToo]

One detail I forgot: I think all the -04, -06 etc. are DA/SA; at least my 3904 is.

 

[Tom B]

Recently I purchased a used 3913. After the first range visit I am impressed.

 

[BlindJustice]

The only current production 3rd Gen S&W DA/SA pistols are the
908 and 910 - the 908 is an economy external finish version of
the CS9 which is a shortened version of the 3913 which
succeeded the 39-2 - The 39-2 was the improved in terms of
rliability over the original 39.

Randall

 

[BlindJustice]

Oh, for the O.P.... if you want to figure out the
sometimes Goofy S&W numbering scheme I'd suggest
joining the S&W Forum - and ask on the sub area
S&W Semi-Atuomatic Pistils

Randall

 

[Storm]

A used 3913 would fit the bill nicely. It is an incredibly good shooter and a smaller single stack 9mm. Each time that I shoot mine I'm amazed by it.

If you aren't wed to the idea of a 9 or 45 you might consider a 4040 AirLite PD. They are relatively rare but well worth considering. It is a .40 S&W pistol the same basic size and shape of the 3913 but features a Scandium alloy frame that is airweight. You'd think that .40 plus a Scandium frame would be a snappy combination, but I have found it a very smooth shooter. Much of the recoil is absorbed by the same basic Hogue rubber grips that you find on the CS series pistols. They were only produced for a short time due to production cost and the resulting pricepoint.

For a .45 I would strongly recommend the 457. It was part of the Value Line, but that has no effect on quality. It is an exceptional pistol well worth considering. I am also quite fond of the 4516. For a full size .45 the 645 is hard to beat.

 

[Argus4040]

Second on the 4040

I can second the post recommending a 4040PD Airlite if you can find one and it fits your other requirements. I purchased mine used for $525 with just a little holster wear at the front of the slide but mechanically excellent.

It's a terrific CCW pistol. It doesn't "stack up" (no pun intended) to some pistols with more magazine capacity since it is 7+1. But the gun is sweet to hold and shoot, it has very nice sights, the grips feel great, and is easy to conceal. I'll be keeping mine for a long, long time if I have anything to say about it. Do try to make sure you get a second magazine with the pistol or have one lined up for purchase when you do.

You won't be disappointed with it.