A unique 4006 gets even more unique...

Gunhacker · #1 03-30-2012, 03:07 AM

Several years ago I bought a unique 4006 that lettered only as a 4006 Performance Center Production, shipped to Lew Horton. I emailed LH Distributing about it and got a reply back saying that it was 1 of 4 total that they distributed.

The S&W factory records could not verify it, but I was told by the previous owner that only 12 total were made, and they were supposed to be the 4006 IDPA. But .40 S&W is not at all a good caliber for IDPA, with 9mm being the majority of the pistols, I guess it never got off the ground.

One of the things that has been a mystery to me is how the grip fits the frame. Unlike a regular 4006, the cutout in the frame that the bottom of the grip fits in, is wider so there is a space on both sides of the grip between the frame.

A few days ago I was doing a search for some 3rd gen parts and in the results was a hit from a place called Power Factor Shooting, clicking on the link I got a surprise.

Listed as a close out/discontinued item was a Performance Center magwell. I ordered one and it arrived today... I just spent the last few hours hand fitting it, and now I know what the heck those spaces are for

mlk18 · #2 03-30-2012, 09:27 AM

That is awesome! Both the gun and your finding the mag well. I love it when things work out like that.

18DAI · #3 03-30-2012, 09:47 AM

Nice find! Very nice 4006!! Congrats!

Regards 18DAI

amazingflapjack · #4 03-30-2012, 10:45 AM

What a Gem! Maybe you would know what the "heavy barrel" designation specifically means on my 4006, I have been unable to get the story on it, even after emailing S&W 2 times, who just ignored my requests for information(?). Flapjack.

novalty · #5 03-30-2012, 11:22 AM

Love the speed-chute. Thanks for keeping us updated. Amazing photos!

Gunhacker · #6 03-30-2012, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amazingflapjack

What a Gem! Maybe you would know what the "heavy barrel" designation specifically means on my 4006, I have been unable to get the story on it, even after emailing S&W 2 times, who just ignored my requests for information(?). Flapjack.

I think I remember your post and previous one by other owners asking the same question... IIRC there looked to be no differences in their outward appearance with the "regular" barrels.

I was scratching my head on that too, all I've found with internet searches is a closed Gunsamerica auction listing of a 4006 with the same 104400 product number.

The description mentioned it was early production and also that it was a former CHP 4006, but as with all auction listing descriptions, I tend to take them with a grain of salt (sometimes with the addition of a lime slice and Tequila).

So the mystery continues...

RightArm · #7 03-30-2012, 05:09 PM

I saw a Lou Horton 4506 (if I remember the model correctly) on gunbroker. I considered it and had I seen the pics of your beautiful 4006 I would have hurt my credit card. I think they were only asking $550, but my memory often fails me. Nice 4006. That magwell takes it a step beyond.

9146gt · #8 03-30-2012, 07:48 PM

I believe that Power factor shooting is a Rep for Briley, and all the magwells for the PC guns were made by Briley.

Tom

OK Hog Shooter · #9 03-30-2012, 11:39 PM

WOW and WOW! As a big (no pun intended, given my girth) 4006 fan... that's very impressive. If l were to find a 4006 like that for sale... I'd jump all over it!

Gunhacker · #10 03-31-2012, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9146gt

I believe that Power factor shooting is a Rep for Briley, and all the magwells for the PC guns were made by Briley.

Tom

Interesting... it makes sense with the Performance Center also utilizing the Briley spherical barrel bushings for their builds, thanks for that info.

THE ROLLING STONES · #11 04-01-2012, 12:37 PM

Gunhacker,

Would you have the product code from the box and also the letters of the serial number?

Sincerely,
THE ROLLING STONES

Gunhacker · #12 04-01-2012, 03:10 PM

S/N letters PCZ, no product code to be found. The gun came to me in a Performance Center aluminum attache case, no other label than this one on the fired casing envelope.

THE ROLLING STONES · #13 04-01-2012, 03:50 PM

Gunhacker,

Thanks for the info. I have a S&W PC 4006 40 S&W IDPA model that I bought direct from S&W back on Febuary 17, 2000. The serial number is PCZ0XXX the finish is black Melonite. It is just like my 5906 9mm IDPA model except the finish and the caliber. I will post pictures one of these days. When one of my daughter show me how to post pictures.

THE ROLLING STONES

Badquaker · #14 04-01-2012, 04:57 PM

This is my Lew Horton 4006 "shorty 40". It has the spherical barrel bushing as well.

Mosinguy · #15 04-01-2012, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Badquaker

This is my Lew Horton 4006 "shorty 40". It has the spherical barrel bushing as well.

Nice gun, but that bore!

Don't be afraid to brush it out real well after a day at the range, and be very generous with the Hoppe's!

Badquaker · #16 04-01-2012, 06:12 PM

I know, I shot it last weekend, and have not cleaned it yet....

edit to add: it is now clean, but it appears I left a piece of lint or two

[IMG]

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Gunhacker · #17 04-01-2012, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THE ROLLING STONES

Gunhacker,

Thanks for the info. I have a S&W PC 4006 40 S&W IDPA model that I bought direct from S&W back on Febuary 17, 2000. The serial number is PCZ0XXX the finish is black Melonite. It is just like my 5906 9mm IDPA model except the finish and the caliber. I will post pictures one of these days. When one of my daughter show me how to post pictures.

THE ROLLING STONES

Now that's really interesting... does yours look exactly like mine except for the Melonite finish?

I checked in my files and found the email I got from the previous owner, says he bought it NIB at Gander Mountain in 2/2009, Product code is 170195.

My factory letter shows it was shipped by S&W to Lew Horton 12/17/02, so yours coming out of S&W predates mine by 2 years.

PM'ing you with info and questions.