I have never owned a semi auto handgun (except a glock 22 that I only had for a week) and am thinking of getting one. I want it for range shooting and qualifying. I like revolvers for self defense. I did not like the glock so I took it back. What is the best S&W auto for this purpose?

If you're a revolver person, maybe the best for you would be a dao third gen.

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M&P .40, M&P 9c & Shield 45

If you are looking for a DAO 3rd Gen auto, which is not a bad suggestion for a revo guy, I think Summit Gun Brokers still has some used 4043's for a great price. I like the 40 S&W for carry and home defense, and the ammo is not that much more than 9mm.

CDNN also has 5906's for a really good price too. They are the traditional double action in an all stainless 9mm. A little heavy to carry, but great range guns, and I hear they come in excellent condition for used guns.

All depends what caliber and features you are interested in. A bunch of S&W 3rd Gens have been going for less than $300 on Gunbroker lately. That's a good place to take a look around as well.

Thanks guys for the info, going to check Gunbroker right now. One of the issues I had with the Glock was how bad the plastic warped.

The Smith & Wesson 3rd gen autos are the best kept secret in the semi-auto pistol world. In the age of the polymer kings and queens, the old 3rd gen S&W bottom feeders get left in the shadows.

I think their weight is what kept them on the bench instead of in the game. But they are awesome weapons.

On the flipside - how did you warp your Glock? Didya leave it out in the car lying on the dash or what?

For range shooting and qualifying as you mentioned, I'd really look hard at the 5906 (all stainless) or 5903 (SS slide/alloy frame) or the .40 S&W caliber equivalents- 4006/4003.

If you're into 45's there are similar models. These all have the Double Action/Single Action (DA/SA) triggers and are good shooters. I prefer the 5906.

Like vista461 said, if you want to stay with a double action only pull, the above models come in that configuration.

(5946/5943/4056/4053, etc.)

There's a very nice 4053 TSW (Tactical Service Weapon) version on GunBroker right now. Usually you can find great deals form members on this forum in the Classifieds thread.

I didn't mention any of the compacts as you said your primary interest was for range/qualifying. But the above models generally come in compact versions as well.

There are older models that are great shooters like the 39-2, 539, etc., but if this is your first S&W metal framed pistol I'd stick with one of the 3rd generation models (usually a 4 digit number like 5906)

If you've got the cash ($2000) and want to go all-in, there is the current production S&W 952 Performance Center pistol which is one of the finest semi-auto pistols ever.

No one has mentioned the M&P's here as most of us are obviously biased towards the metal framed pistols on this board. The M&P's are good shooters but you are looking at a Polymer framed gun like your Glock- although a lot nicer than a Glock IMO.

No, not at all, it was some what warped when I bought it. The broker told me they all are like that so I bought it. After fifty rds thru it I decided the warp and how dirty it got from shooting that it was not going to be the one for me. It was the gen 3 which a lot of folks claim to be there best.

I am with you on the metal frame, not a fan of plastic. Thanks for the advice, I hope to find some of these models locally so I can see how they fit in my hands before I buy. The glock did fit nice in my hand I must say.

Get a model 915 if you can find one. Best kept 3rd gen secret S&W ever made. Good Luck.

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S&WCA # 2045

The G-22 didn't serve your needs and you are transistioning from a revolver. The 3rd gen S&W are great, strong but are heavy...however they are quite useable. Some aftermarket grips/sleves are avalible to give more positive grip. I like the S&W10xx series 3rd gen because of the ballistic potential of the 10mm cartridge. The 10mm with 0.400" bullets, runs from 40S&W ballistics and up into the near 41 magnum potential. The ammo selection commercially can pose some avalibility limitations, but I handload to avoid those issues.

If you prefer something lighter you may want to consider the M&P line which has interchangeable grip panels to better fit you grip feel.

I do shoot a Glock 29 10mm also which has provided exceptional service digesting even the full potential loadings of 10mm.

I would largely agree with what has already been said but would add a few points.

1. 9mm is much less expensive to shoot and with a bit milder recoil it is easier to learn to shoot well, and since this will be a first semi-auto handgun for you, I think it might be a better choice than a .40 or .45. Unless cost is not an object or you reload, you may be able to shoot a lot more 9mm than the other calibers. It is also entirely adequate for defense. Of course, if you have some specific desire for a different caliber then go with that...nothing wrong with any of them.

2. A DAO S&W, like the 5946, 3953, 4586, 4053, etc., is going to have a very similar trigger to a revolver and no safeties or decockers to learn, but there is also no "single action" mode. I happen to like the DAO guns quite a bit but for some, the ability to shoot a gun "single action" is very desirable and you might want to consider that point when deciding.

3. Check the fit of the gun in your hand. The fit of a handgun is often an overlooked point by buyers but is very important. The single stack guns offer a slimmer grip and generally shorter trigger reach than the double stack guns. If your hand is on the smaller side or your fingers are short, this can make a big difference. On this same point, the DAO S&W guns offer a shorter trigger reach than the DA/SA models.

If you are able to narrow down your interests with regard to caliber, DAO or not, single vs. double stack, etc., then I am sure we could offer some more specific recommendations.

So far I like what I have heard of the DAO so leaning that way for now. 9 mm or 40 cal is what I am thinking I will like. I agree with you on the fit in hand, its a big deal. I am 6'3" so I have larger hands if that helps you guys out.
Thanks!

10ring nailed it - maybe a little more succinctly than in my original post.

Again, I think the best overall choice for you might just be a 5906/5903. Both are full sized, double stack 9mm's but with a comfortable grip size. The 59 series is easy to get serviced and easy to get parts for, holsters, etc. Also you can readily get Hogue rubber grips and very nice Hogue wood grips.

While I shoot 9's, 40's and 45's; I mainly prefer the 9mm at the range for the reasons stated above by 19ring, and then like to carry a compact .40 S&W. I'd stick with a 9mm for your stated purpose.

The 5903 with alloy frame is lighter than the 5906, but not so much that it not still a joy to shoot. It's a good pistol if you want to carry a full size gun but appreciate the weight savings.

The 5906 is one of the great range pistols of all time. I've owned two and my brother owns one also. I can't ever remember a FTF or problem in normal use, and they're just a pleasure to shoot and easy to keep on target.

+1 on the 915. VERY underated pistol.

If polymer is your thing, an HK USP is as good as it gets in that class. Good luck with your search! Regards 18DAI

I like the looks of the 5906, might just be the one. I am going to hit all the LGS to see if I can run across one to check out the fit. Thanks

My 3rd gen S&W grail guns are a 1006 and a 4506 in that order. You might see if you agree.

K5:

the 5906, like many guns in these series, came with squared off trigger guards (some call these "combat" trigger guards) or more rounded off ones. I have both, and like them equally well.

Attached is a photo I have handy of my 5906 with a squared off trigger guard (and it has checkering/serrations on the outside front part of the trigger guard). Below it is a compact 4014 with a rounded trigger guard.

Someone mentioned the H&K USP as a good choice in Polymer framed guns, and it is a great one. But the OP asked "which is the best S&W semi-auto pistol.......for range and qualifying...."

If that's the question - then it's the S&W 5906's, 5903's, 915's, 952, and other metal framed 2nd and 3rd generation S&W's; the very nice S&W M&P (polymer framed) and the most excellent S&W owned Walther P99 and PPQ; (and PPS model for Concealed Carry)

Note: all of the latter group are polymer framed guns and are only offered as striker fired weapons- not hammer systems.

If you like hammers with your polymer guns - then you are moving on to the H&K USP mentioned by one of our members above, or the very nice FNH guns, a few Sigs, etc.

OP- to make it simple - my opinion and coaching is -if you want a metal gun get a 5906 or 5903.

If you want a polymer framed gun get an M&P 9 or a P99.

Attached Images

S&W 5906 & S&W 4014 ph.2 June2011.jpg (58.4 KB, 32 views)

Even though its been said i would tell ya to get a 5903 or a 4006 and a 6906 love mine, and TSWs are real neat to.

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Boomer Sooner

6906 or 6904 or the 5900 series.

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God save the SOUTH

For what you have described and with large hands a 5946 sounds perfect. If carrying it concealed was an issue, then perhaps a 5943 (alloy frame), but I do like the all steel guns. Once you have one you will probably want more anyway, so perhaps it doesn't matter exactly which model you get.

Since this is a first for you, I have a suggestion....pay extra to get a nicer one and not one of the many police trade ins out there. Or at least try to get a really clean police trade in. There is nothing wrong with most of them and many don't look too bad, but if I were in your position I would want a really clean gun.

For me personally, I would look for one of the later round trigger guard guns. I think they look better (but that's entirely personal) and it can be a bit easier to find holsters for them.

If looking for a more recent polymer gun then I gather the S&W M&P series are nice. I just happen to like the older metal guns.

Got this one $375 LNIB on GunBroker. It was from an individual who had had it in his safe for years. Came with box, all papers, 3 factory magazines. It was not a PD trade in gun.

These deals are out there. Also there are some good ones from time to time in the classifieds thread of this forum.

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Tim's 5906 photo 2.jpg (78.6 KB, 50 views)

Man that's a great deal, nice gun. Not finding anything yet but the hunt is on. lol

Found NIB 5946 on gunbroker for over $800, sounds high to me. What do you think?

Does sound high to me as DAO guns aren't in as high of demand as TDA guns.

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M&P .40, M&P 9c & Shield 45

I don't think I want to go much over $500.00. So anyone wanting to sell a 5946 or 5906 in good shape, let me know. lol

OK, I need help here. When you say that the plastic warped on the Glock, exactly where was the warping occurring? I own Glocks, Taurus's, S&W's etc. and they are all polymer guns. I don't think I've ever had a gun warp. Am I missing something here?

It was warped all along the slide. It was a Gen 3 Glock 22. I looked at several new ones that looked good and tight, this one the plastic bowed in and out and no longer matched up to the slide. I liked the gun but could not get past that. It was my first auto and it showed me a bad habit I had from shooting revolvers all my life. The first shot out I learned not to cross my thumb over my shooting hand anymore! lol

K5, just a side note. If you get one of the square trigger guard models, you may have a slightly tougher time finding the type of holster you like. The square trigger guards were on the ealier 3rd Gen models and most of the holsters listed these days are for the round trigger guards. There was a post just last week on the subject. You should check it out. Having said that, I think the square trigger guards are the cooler looking of the two. And, that has to count for something, right?

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My 5904-2.jpg (69.5 KB, 17 views)

Thanks, good food for thought. And you are right, looks count for something, just don't want my wife to find that out, she might just leave!

Way too high. Prices are inching up and supply is dwindling, but I think $400-$500 is a good price, $600 if you are in love with a really pristine specimen, but no way would I go near that price range.

I was surprised by the price so I just went and looked. I think the seller is placing a high price on the gun because the gun box says it is an nypd order or something. he is looking for a collector to put a high value on it.

Don't get to excited about a "new" gun. You know how it is, the first time you put a round downrange it isn't new anymore. A really nice used gun for about half the price of that one is where I would be looking.

I agree 10ring, I saw that and thought maybe this is not such a good idea after all. Like I said, I can't justify much over $500 for this project.

A little bit of patience and you will get there...should be no problem finding a nice 5946 for under $500.00.

Put a WTB ad in the want to buy classifieds and see if that helps. Also keep an eye on the guns for sale ads here.

In the meantime there are some ugly rumors about Obama wanting to do something with gun control. Don't know that he would succeed, but if you have decided on a 5946, might want to keep an eye out for some full capacity mags at a good price. Meg-Gar mags also work well if you can't get a good deal on S&W mags.

Definitely WAY too high. You should be able to find one LNIB for under $500, and NIB for $500-$600.

You can sometimes find Shorty 40's for $800-$1000. $800 is way too much in the way of market price for a 5946/5906. (although when you really think about it, this would be a good and fair price if they were being manufactured today-look at MSRP's for the current Sig lines that are similar to a 5906)

It's your call on the DA/SA or DAO trigger. I personally like the DA/SA much better for range work and SD. And I switch back and forth between semi auto pistols and revolvers with no problem. Some of us feel that DAO is a choice that is forced on LEO's more than it is neccessitated for range use/SD.

Finally- having both square trigger guard (STG) and round models I can confirm it's a little more difficult to find holster for STG models - but not that difficult. I use a Galco model that works great.

Speaking of holsters, Tim Thurner of TT Gunleather is making me an IWB model now for a 3rd gen compact. I'll post photos when it arrives!

Sounds great, heading out now LGS to see what the might have. Thanks for the advice.

Thanks so much everyone for the input and advice! We spent all day today looking for a 5906 or a 5946 and had no luck. But thru the process we looked at a lot of different guns and talked to lots of folks. We were looking at a Beretta 92fs when a guy walked up and said buy that gun it is awesome. After telling him what we wanted to do with it I told him that we really wanted a 5906 and he said I have one. So we followed him out and he showed us the 5906 and his Beretta. He said they both are great guns but he preferred the Beretta for various reasons. Well after holding both guns the Beretta seemed to fit my hands and more important my sons hands much better. Since the ultimate goal in all this is to do this with my son I let him decide. He liked the Beretta so we went to Academy and bought a new one. I really wanted to get a Smith as they are the only guns I have ever been real happy with but I have never owned a Beretta. Time will tell I guess. Thanks again guys for the help, I have learned a lot in a few days that is for sure. K5

The Beretta is a solid choice. Congratulations.

That was a very great choice OP. I like the Beretta's a lot and they are solid, reliable guns.

I currently dont own a 92FS but would buy another one in a heartbeat. I had a Beretta Silver Pigeon Over/Under sotgun for many years that is one of my favorites- it's a solid company.

it's of course easy to find a new Beretta 92 as you did. This now gives you the luxury of savinig up for your next gun, and as you already have one very nice pistol, you can take your time looking for the S&W.

I'd keep looking on the classifieds on this forum, and create a serach engine on GunBroker and Guns America. There are also services like Arsmlist and gunlistings.org where you can often find some good local deals and buy FTF.

Warped? Are you talking about the visible gap between the slide and the frame? If so, that is a design feature of the gun, not a warp.

Thanks guys, my thoughts exactly. Might even keep an eye out for a 4506 as well.

Nope it was where the gap is though, it waved in and out looking down the frame, much more gap than other Glocks I had seen. It was a police trade in and maybe that had something to do with it.

On a side note it took a lot of will power to stay on the mission. I ran across a Smith Model 19 that was just beautiful, my all time favorite revolver. It was my first pistol I ever owned and like the idiot I am, I traded it for Browning A5 light 12 15 years ago and regretted it ever since. I spent about 3 months looking for one earlier this year with no luck. I Settled for a 386 Sc/s because it fit my hand much like the 19. I had to get out of that gun shop fast in order to stay with the mission. I did not even see all he had to offer! LOL

How about a PC 1911? Then you could get a Marvel .22 conversion for it.

Zombie thread alert!!

How has that Beretta you bought two years ago worked for you? Any complaints? I don't have one but I hear they are nice guns.


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Kirk / Spock 2020