I own and shoot quite a few S&W revolvers. But with the exception of the Model 41 and 22A, I am a novice to S&W autos. I now own a 1006 and a 4006 and as everyone seems to say "are built like tanks". What changes were made to make these 3rd gen guns? Were first gen guns 39s and 52s etc.? Please some of you more experience folks educate me.

The first gens were the 2 digit models... 39, 52 & 59. Then the 3 digit 2nd gen pistols... 459, 559, etc.

What were the differences? Internally there's more similarities between them than differences, with many parts being carried forward to the 4 digit 3rd gens.

There were subtle changes like the shape of the trigger, ambi saftey lever attachment changed from a screw to a spring loaded plunger, hammer spur shapes changed.

The notable changes are in the frames which were beefed up, the trigger guard changes shapes, grips going from 2 panels attached to the frame with screws like a revolver to a 1 piece grip that incorporates the seat for the hammer spring, fixed barrel bushing instead of removable, and fixed rear sight style changes are what I can remember off the top of my head.

On the slides there is the addition of a firing pin safety and trigger disconnect, barrel hoods became wider, ejection ports enlarged, extractor shape and length.

Like S&W revolvers, many changes overlapped between the old/new version, so there are transition versions.

So that's it in a nut shell, and there are more changes that I know I'm forgetting to mention.

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Conrad
SWCA #1830 SWHF #222

Thank you, that is a good start to understanding the differences.

Good info. Is there a listing of the models and what the numbers mean?

This has a link to this thread:

S&W semi-auto model designations?

This a link to a page I found helpful in that regard. it doesn't cover every single model, such as the ones ending with the numeral 4, but it explains a lot.

Since the site is outside the U.S. I thought about copying and pasting the info, but I didn't want to run afoul of any copyright rules and get a ding.

Modern Firearms - S&W 39, 59 and others