S&W's "Value Line" Third Generation Pistols

[Guevera]

The thread below by the happy owner of a model 908 pistol prompted questions about this group of pistols called the "Value Line."

S&W's Budget 3913: The 908!

I don't know enough to recount the models, but I assume that many S&W pistols had their corresponding "Value Line" models, apparently with a few less niceties, like checkering, the substitution of some plastic parts, and a configuration that required a few less manufacturing steps.

Nevertheless, every thread I see my 908s mentioned is always favorable, and personally I am delighted with mine, considering it a terrific value in a crowded field.

Could any old hands here comment on how these less expensive pistols were marketed or advertised? I have a few S&W catalogs from the late 1980s and early 1990s, and often the poor old "Value Line" doesn't seem to get any press.

I would be curious to hear how they were presented, if they got any marketing attention at all.

[jsbethel]

From the 1993 S&W catalog -




From the 1994 S&W catalog -



An advertisement from the 1996 S&W catalog -

[D Rock]

Thanks jsbethel, Guevera!

I picked up a 915 a few months ago and it is a beautiful pistol to fire. I've seen a few of what are called 3rd generation pistols and very few of them seem to have been fired very often. More for us!

Dave

[Pioneer461]

I picked up a 457s 3+ years ago and absolutely love it. S&W calls it a budget gun, but it shoots as well as any of my more expensive pistols. It is my primary off duty carry pistol. The only modification I made to it, was to replace the plastic factory sights with XS 24/7 night sights. It goes "bang" with every pull and press of the trigger, with every kind of ammo I've ever fed it. Confidence is high. Great gun, I highly recommend them.

[slammr]

I don't know why they call it value line. The 908's are more expensive new than the "higher tech" M&P. I went with the M&P compact instead.

[ecrawmer]

Pioneer461, can you show me a close up picture of your 457 with those sights? I'd like to show my father-in-law them. His eyesight isn't what it used to be and I think he might like them.

Thanks

[EMT Edu]

I'm very happy with my 915, although my son shoots it now more than I do.

[Center Villian]

I have a 410 and a 457. They are good quality guns. As said before they have some plastic parts but mine both function flawlessly. The only parts I replaced were the disconnectors on both guns. I had a plastic one break once at the range and it caused the gun to stop firing. I believe they are still easy to find @ reasonable prices.

[Yellowstone]

At work we changed to bottom feeders in 1995. The M13 was our detective agency's standard issue. We later had brand new 915s. I had trouble with the slide mounted decocker, and a few sharp edges to get used to, but that thing still rocks and rolls, and the gun is built to last.

I kept both the M13 (3-inch) and the 915 after they were replaced.