Smith & Wesson Third Generation Pistols Question

[SwampWolf]

I am interested in buying a Smith "Third Generation" pistol chambered in 10mm. I'd like to learn any information those who've had experience with these pistols have to offer. Especially, I'm interested in the opinions and reasons (advantages/disadvantages) concerning the location of the decocking lever (slide-mounted for the Model 1006 vs frame-mounted for the Model 1026). Thanks.

 

[tommy.duncan]

I have a 1076 (SA/DA, No Safety, Decocker). I like the controls, no problem there. Built like a tank!! Will shoot "Real" 10mm no problem. It is accurate and reliable.
Now comes the problem, Finding extra mags and replacement springs.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

I have strongly mixed feelings on the 3rd Gen guns.
The plastic (Delrin) grip module also retains the mainspring, thus the spring is constantly putting pressure on the grip. As a result, they are prone to cracking at the retaining pin holes towards the bottom of the grip. I last owned one in the early '90s, before the internet was much of a thing, and sold it when the grip cracked rather than try to hunt down another one at a gunshow.

Though I prefer the 2nd Gen guns thanks to their full metal grip frames (steel and aluminum), I recently, and against my better judgement, bought another 3rd Gen 5906, which the seller had described as "mint." Yes, it was in excellent shape- except for the cracked grip module.....

Thus, I ordered two more grips, one a replacement original plastic module ($35) and an aftermarket Turkish Walnut unit ($80) Hogue also sells a hard rubber grip module.


I love the look of the wood, and the quality is excellent- but oh man is it thick. I can barely get my hand around it and no way I can reach the mag release without altering my grip. On the upside, there is much more (hopefully stronger) material around the pin holes.

In short, my opinion is they are mostly great guns, but with a serious Achilles heal- the grip design. If the grip module fails completely, the gun will be unusable. Im still on the fence about keeping this one or just giving up on the 3rd Gens and continuing my search for a 639.

 

[DR505]

We used to issue the 1076 so I have shot them quite a bit. I am trying to find one for myself I like them that much. I have not used the other models, but I really like the 1076. Also looking for a 3" S&W Model 13; we issued those as well.

 

[shoobe01]

I have strongly mixed feelings on the 3rd Gen guns.
The plastic (Delrin) grip module also retains the mainspring, thus the spring is constantly putting pressure on the grip. As a result, they are prone to cracking at the retaining pin holes towards the bottom of the grip...

There was an actual recall for this. In 1990.

RECALL: Smith & Wesson has shipped over 300,000 Third generation Pistols. We have had a very small number or reports where a dropped pistol resulted in a broken grip resulting in a failure to fire by releasing mainspring tension. Resultant testing and review have shown that a pistol dropped at a specific angle can cause a fracture of the grip.

As a result of these occurrences and our testing, we have made a change in the grip material to a thermoplastic alloy of increased durability. This new material, which is now being used on all current production models, can be identified by a dimple on the bottom of the grip, next to the large opening. Additionally, the blue product box has a green dot sticker on the label end.

We believe it unlikely that you will experience any problem with your original grips. However, in order to safeguard our customers from the possibility of such a malfunction, we will make available, free of charge, an easily installed replacement grip. Please inspect your pistol and if you have a model listed below that does not have a small dimple next to the large opening, please write us including your model and serial number or call 1-800-331-0852. If you prefer, you can send your pistol to a Smith & Wesson Warranty Station where we will replace the grip for you.

Models Affected:

3904, 3906, 3913, 3913LS, 3914, 3914LS, 1006, 1066, 4506, 4516, 4516-1, 5903, 5904, 5906, 5946, 6904, 6906 & 6946

Smith & Wesson's development process is a continuing one. We are constantly striving both to develop new products and improve existing products. We are committed to building the safest, most reliable, finest performing firearms possible.

Note the dimple. How you ID the grip is the updated one.

But aftermarket ones like wood also work fine, and the ones I have (for 9 mm, but I am sure the same exists for 10xx) has the mainspring retained directly to the grip screws, and the grip panels are a separate item.

 

[Riomouse911]

I’ve shot a few over the years; big, heavy and tough.

Like all aging designs, sometimes parts and experts to work on them are tougher to locate and dear to the wallet.

My only G-3 S&W is a 4013; stainless steel slide with an alloy grip. A bit snappy but very reliable.

Stay safe.

 

[sparkyfender]

I like the 3rd Gen, had several in the past when they were common used and inexpensive, traded them for something shinier at the time and more forgettable.
I'm down to a 3913 LS that I found NIB about 11 years ago, shoot it and carry it at times. Fits my Sig 239 holsters just fine.

 

[SwampWolf]

Thanks everyone for your helpful inputs. Assuming I can find either one in good condition (I will be attending more gun shows once the pandemic becomes a relative non-issue), I'm curious as to what the location of the decocker means in terms of its function (the model 1006 being slide-mounted and the model 1026 being frame-mounted). The safety/decocker levers on my Smith & Wesson Third Generation models 6906 and 4006 are (as is typical for this genre) located on the slide, which means the safety has to be moved in the "wrong" direction (up) to fire. An advantage (at least for some, including me) of the Taurus iteration of the Beretta Model 92 pistol, is that the safety/decocker on it is mounted on the frame (as opposed to the slide location of the Beretta), resulting in the down to fire direction of the Taurus, while, like most da/sa Third Generation Smith autos having a slide-mounted safety/decocker lever, the Beretta Model 92's lever is moved up to fire.
So my question is, likewise, does the same difference in terms of which direction the safety is moved to the fire location exist between the models 1006 and 1026? Again, thanks.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Thanks everyone for your helpful inputs. Assuming I can find either one in good condition (I will be attending more gun shows once the pandemic becomes a relative non-issue), I'm curious as to what the location of the decocker means in terms of its function (the model 1006 being slide-mounted and the model 1026 being frame-mounted). The safety/decocker levers on my Smith & Wesson Third Generation models 6906 and 4006 are (as is typical for this genre) located on the slide, which means the safety has to be moved in the "wrong" direction (up) to fire. An advantage (at least for some, including me) of the Taurus iteration of the Beretta Model 92 pistol, is that the safety/decocker on it is mounted on the frame (as opposed to the slide location of the Beretta), resulting in the down to fire direction of the Taurus, while, like most da/sa Third Generation Smith autos having a slide-mounted safety/decocker lever, the Beretta Model 92's lever is moved up to fire.
So my question is, likewise, does the same difference in terms of which direction the safety is moved to the fire location exist between the models 1006 and 1026? Again, thanks.

Pretty sure the frame-mounted lever is a decocker only and springs back up, similiar to a P-series Sig and the slide-mounted lever will decock, then remain in the "safe" downward position until flipped back up to fire. The latter is how mine operates.

I could be wrong about this. I seem to remember there was also a model with a slide-mounted decocker which would spring back up, but I could be confusing it with one of the Beretta variants.....

 

[shoobe01]

Yes, the SIG-clone Smiths have a frame mounted decocker. Only. No frame mounted safety.

The slide mounted safety lever cylinder is still there as it's integral to retaining the firing pin and... maybe drop safety stuff? I forget, been too long. Same blanked version is on DAO guns though.

Supposedly (I can't find a solid reference this far in the future) Sig sued them for stealing too much of the mechanism design. Supposedly all a rush job because FBI basically wanted Sigs in 10 mm and chose S&W to make them (over simplified!!!).

1006, with safety/decocker, for comparison:

 

[Rock185]

I've had 1076s, 1006s, and 1026s, a total of about half a dozen of the 3rd. Gen 10MM pistols. I'm down to one 1026 now, acquired LNIB some years ago. The decocking lever on the 1076 and 1026 is pushed down to decock, then springs back up. I've also owned some 3rd. Gen. Performance Center pistols, with the slide mounted decocker, that springs back up after being pushed down to decock. I have a slight preference for the decocker only type levers, whether slide or frame mounted. I did carry a S&W PC pistol with the slide mounted, spring loaded, decocker full time for a few years. I trained and qualified with it, along with standard S&W 3913 pistol with traditional slide mounted safety. The decocker only type lever was a bit simpler to use during training.

 

[shoobe01]

...I've also owned some 3rd. Gen. Performance Center pistols, with the slide mounted decocker, that springs back up after being pushed down to decock...

/really/? Googled now, and neat, first I have heard of what I'll call "g-model" (for the Beretta) decocker-only versions. Apparently first made for CHP, never model numbered, but available on request even as just a mail-it-in service action for existing guns.

Be super interesting to see what they do to make that, if you could install the parts or if it requires machining of the slide. Not that I have a slide mounted safety one myself but still neat, interesting how they can stretch the bounds of the existing gun.

 

[Gordon]

This CHP TSW is a decocker only

 

[SwampWolf]

This CHP TSW is a decocker only

If I'm understanding this correctly, the decocker lever returns ("springs back") to its place after decocking the gun, so the pistol is always in the double-action "fire" mode; there being no safety to operate manually?

 

[Gordon]

If I'm understanding this correctly, the decocker lever returns ("springs back") to its place after decocking the gun, so the pistol is always in the double-action "fire" mode; there being no safety to operate manually?

Notice the red " off safe " dot ,yes it is a decocker only . The training was after engagement "decock and lower your weapon" .

 

[.455_Hunter]

I am very happy with my 1006.

 

[Zahn]

I have a 1076 (SA/DA, No Safety, Decocker). I like the controls, no problem there. Built like a tank!! Will shoot "Real" 10mm no problem. It is accurate and reliable.
Now comes the problem, Finding extra mags and replacement springs.
View attachment 999910

Wolff Gunsprings has springs for the Smith and Wesson numbered series pistols, including your 1076.