Fun Thread: What are your top 5 unicorn/rare 3rd gens?

[SVT28]

I'll go ahead and start us off.

1. 3914NL
2. 1046
3. 3904 with Novaks
4. 3913 two tone
5. Any Lady Smith that is mint


Discuss
Vince

[4506517]

My vote would be for the WVSP 4566.

[Denver Dick]

Here the ones I got lucky and found in 95%+ condition . . . and bought:

4014 (only 550 made)
4576 (only 1,386 made)
1066 (only 5,067 made)
1076 (only 13,895 made)
1006 (only 26,978 made)

. . . and honorable mention goes to the 4506-1 with factory adjustable night sights; they're hard to find.

FWIW

[mbliss57]

That I own:
1076 FBI lettered to quantico 1990
1086
4566 Melonite
4513TSW pre rail
Tie 5904/3904 lNIB

Ones I am looking for:
1046
Shorty 45
Shorty 40
45QCB
PC 45 RECON
SIG 210

[vigil617]

When you say "your top 5" do you mean "that you own" or "that you would own if they weren't rare and expensive as unicorns"?

Since this is a fun thread, I'll opt for the latter. These are the ones I would own if I could find and/or afford them, and covering the entire S&W caliber range:

1. 3566 Compact (I am proud to own one of these)
2. 3913TSW (by popular acclaim on this Forum!)
3. 4014 (a truly rare bird)
4. 1076 (verified FBI model)
5. 45CQB (18DAI reminded me of these)

[18DAI]

That I own?
Prototype PC 45CQB 4563 used in the 2001 American Handgunner article on the model.
Melonite 4566.
PC Stainless 4566 45CQB. Thanks Grinder!
4516-3
Rail free 7-round late production 4513TSW. Thanks Martya!

That I am looking for?
4503. Aluminum framed 4506 prototype.
Rail free, spurless hammer, decock only 4563TSW.
PC 4516.
KSP 4566TSW
WVSP 4566TSW

Regards 18DAI

[MgoBlue]

a Performance Center 45 Recon would have to be on the list

[James&theGiant1911]

I see you all list the 45 caliber Smiths but for some reason those do not impress me that much, in a 45 I need a 1911. The Smith 1911s are nice but the rarest 3rd gens would have to be the 40 and 9 series TSWs and Performance Center Shorties as well as the special distributed models from Horton.

[pharmer]

I'd sure like to find a 5903 with a round trigger guard and a "bobbed" hammer. Joe

[MgoBlue]

Originally Posted by James&theGiant1911

I see you all list the 45 caliber Smiths but for some reason those do not impress me that much, in a 45 I need a 1911. The Smith 1911s are nice but the rarest 3rd gens would have to be the 40 and 9 series TSWs and Performance Center Shorties as well as the special distributed models from Horton.

You obviously haven't shot a 45 Recon!

[Bartman3562]

Ones I own
4563 CQB
Shortly forty
4003, lnib non police, full hammer,
Ones I used to own
4563TSW
945 5 inch
1013
And the one i miss the most, 945-40

[BMCM]

These I have already:
4516-1
4566TSW
4566TSW no rail & clean dustcover
PC Shorty 45

These I'm on the lookout for:
PC 4566CQB
4513TSW no rail 7 shot mag version
Another 4516-1
4516-2

And the next one I'm gonna make:
4596TSW or uhh maybe I'll call it a 4566TSWSSV?

Cheers
Bill
l

[James&theGiant1911]

Originally Posted by MgoBlue

You obviously haven't shot a 45 Recon!

Your right, just my Colt Special Combat, a Nighthawk, Wilson Combat and a Les Baer custom.

I had two Novak custom Browning Hi Powers (still own 1 of them and will never sell it) . I mean, I am a third generation lover but you have to keep them into perspective.

There is not a 3rd generation made that feels as good in your hand, as accurate or better to shoot than some custom pieces worked on by craftsman. I was almost crying at times shooting my guns once I get them back from Novak's. It is like the bullet goes where you want it to go down to the mm.

[Badkarma 1]

What? No 10mm?! For shame doc!
1086
1026
1046
1066
4567
4553
PC4013 (built on a 6900 frame)
And one I like to build, 3903
And one dream gun, 5006, 4506 chambered in 50GI.
Fun thread SVT28, thanks!
Dale

[J. W.]

For me a 4013 TSW or 4513 TSW. Either of these two would quickly become off duty guns. I'm also interested in some of the various full size .40's and .45's. particularly the melonite versions.


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[smithscott]

Here are mine (all in 9x19) in no particular order:

1) M952-2 with six-inch slide and barrel (does this count as a 3rd Gen pistol?)
2) M5946 (love the all-stainless, 9mm, early DAO action)
3) M5944 (same as above with blued slide and alloy frame)
4) M3906 (single-stack goodness)
5) M3913NL (even more single-stack goodness)

[finesse_r]

4513TSW No rail
3913TSW No rail
4013TSW No rail
5906
4003TSW No rail

[MgoBlue]

Originally Posted by James&theGiant1911

Your right, just my Colt Special Combat, a Nighthawk, Wilson Combat and a Les Baer custom.

I had two Novak custom Browning Hi Powers (still own 1 of them and will never sell it) . I mean, I am a third generation lover but you have to keep them into perspective.

There is not a 3rd generation made that feels as good in your hand, as accurate or better to shoot than some custom pieces worked on by craftsman. I was almost crying at times shooting my guns once I get them back from Novak's. It is like the bullet goes where you want it to go down to the mm.

Bravo for your collection . . . you've got above-average 1911s. Probably I'd be more drawn to the Brownings, however, or my P210. But, my point still stands. The 45 Recon is most certainly not like any 3rd generation you've fired.

[James&theGiant1911]

Originally Posted by MgoBlue

Bravo for your collection . . . you've got above-average 1911s. Probably I'd be more drawn to the Brownings, however, or my P210. But, my point still stands. The 45 Recon is most certainly not like any 3rd generation you've fired.

Your right that would belong to my 1076 Novak trigger job Smith and Wesson. It is smooth as silk and a cannon of a firearm. I realize the ones owning the 45 Smiths are the ones singing their praises. Smith and Wesson is a master of the 40 and 10mm calibers and really they should have left the 45s to 1911s hence why they only make 1911s in 45s today.

[ladder13]

Anything without a front bumper aka rail, built in or bolted on.

[redrock]

Originally Posted by James&theGiant1911

I see you all list the 45 caliber Smiths but for some reason those do not impress me that much, in a 45 I need a 1911. The Smith 1911s are nice but the rarest 3rd gens would have to be the 40 and 9 series TSWs and Performance Center Shorties as well as the special distributed models from Horton.

Reminds me that the truly rare 4536 has been missed here. Around 600 produced of these frame mounted decocker variants of the more common 4516.

[Chief-wahoo]

That I own a beautiful 147A
What im looking for a 1047!!!

[jfd]

Managed to acquire one each of my favorite PC semi-autos's this year:
1) Shorty45
2) Shorty40
3) Shorty9
Yep, I like the Shorty's!

[SVT28]

A lot of good stuff so far, a few questions for a novice. What models were made in melonite? Whats the deal with these brand new nypd 3914 on gunbroker? What were the production numbers on the chiefs specials and shortys? They are pretty scarce

Vince

[18DAI]

SVT28 the 4566, 5906, 5946 and IIRC 5944 all had small runs done in Melonite. I'm told there was also one 4506-1 prototype done in Melonite as well. All these runs of Melonite guns are quite small and those guns are scarce. When found they bring a premium over the standard models.

There was also 100 or so Shorty 45's that were made in black. A member here owns one. I don't know if it was a black coating or Melonite on those guns though. Shorty 45's ARE scarce. I don't know if anyone knows a definitive number on how many were produced. Counting the two runs of Shorty 45's plus the recently discovered run of black Shorty 45's I'd guess it is still under 600 guns total.

I couldn't hazard a guess on the Chief's Special models. I know the CS40 was discontinued first, so there will be fewer of those. The CS45 and CS9 were produced for LE orders for some years after the "official" end of production. While there were more of those CS guns made than the PC Shorty models, I wouldn't hazard a guess at how many were made other than to say they are rather plentiful in comparison.

My guess is that the PC Shorty 40's were made in the largest numbers as I see more of those than any other versions.

The NIB 3914 DAO's you are seeing are overuns from NYPD orders. Contrary to popular belief, the current company calling itself S&W still makes 3rd generation pistols for those customers who have no use for their plastic guns. (and for less than the astronomical prices that S&W apologists claim it would cost to make these guns! )

The 3953TSW, 4566TSW, 5946, 4006TSW and 3914 are the models still in limited production for LE, that I'm aware of. However S&W won't sell them to the great unwashed. Who would buy their plastic guns if they could have a new 3rd gen pistol? So we are fortunate that some dealers are putting the surplus guns up for sale on the auction sites. Hope this helps! Regards 18DAI

[James&theGiant1911]

The PC Shorty 40s where made in 3 runs from 97-2001ish, only 3 batches of 500 pieces each and they are numbered. You see certain Smiths coming up for sale at the same time which makes me believe either the same companies or people hold on to them and put them to market at the same time as not to inflate the prices.

Either way, the Chief Specials, Shorties and TSWs are limited in quantities and all are not that easy to find.

[Gunhacker]

I have just two:

Performance Center 4006 IDPA (12 made)
4566 Melonite

What I would like... a big pipe dream for someone in CA:

Performance Center 4006 Tactical (5" bbl)
PPC9

[Snakeshift]

Originally Posted by James&theGiant1911

Your right, just my Colt Special Combat, a Nighthawk, Wilson Combat and a Les Baer custom.

I had two Novak custom Browning Hi Powers (still own 1 of them and will never sell it) . I mean, I am a third generation lover but you have to keep them into perspective.

There is not a 3rd generation made that feels as good in your hand, as accurate or better to shoot than some custom pieces worked on by craftsman. I was almost crying at times shooting my guns once I get them back from Novak's. It is like the bullet goes where you want it to go down to the mm.

I fear that you are mistaken sir.

This PC 945-1 feels better than any custom 1911
( Baer, Nighthawk...) I've ever shot/held.

[snw19_357]

I'll go with:

5904TSW
5946 with Melonite finish and integral rail
5904 chambered in 9x21mm
5906 Modelo Militar
5904 w/AIP prefix

[ILLWIND]

I have a few of the rare birds...all by accident of course. The 4536 is a wonderful gun, along with the 4014 and 4053. I Love them all. They get slobbered on at the range by hapless admirers.
My wheel guns are my favorites though; a 629-1 3" and a 625-4 SAC, a transitional mod 28-2 recessed, not pinned and a 28-2 "DPS 25xxx". All shooters, but well cared for. My favorite I would like to find is a 4506 with adj sights. Had one, but sold it. Too expensive now days...unless I happen across one. A blind pig can find a truffle now and then.

[4506517]

I forgot to mention one you rarely, if ever, see mentioned or discussed.

The 4505.

Very limited production.

I love mine.

[cpeblue]

Originally Posted by snw19_357

I'll go with:

5904TSW
5946 with Melonite finish and integral rail
5904 chambered in 9x21mm
5906 Modelo Militar
5904 w/AIP prefix

Wasn't there a guy from Thailand that had and posted pictures of a 5904tsw on the forum ? And that has been the only one I have seen.

[snw19_357]

Originally Posted by cpeblue

Wasn't there a guy from Thailand that had and posted pictures of a 5904tsw on the forum ?

Could be. Can't remember. But I have posted pics of one.

[cpeblue]

Originally Posted by snw19_357

Could be. Can't remember. But I have posted pics of one.

Now THAT is a Grail pistol . Now I can say I've seen 2. That brings the covet out in me , I am truly envious of you sir and if I owned one I would hang it on the wall and stare at it all day.

[AkSaber]

In no particular order:

5946 RCMP
3953 RCMP
5946 NYPD
1086
3914 NYPD

Apparently I long for DAOs...

An honorable mention goes to the Colorado State Police 4006. To me, it's the most beautiful form the 4006 had.

[rwsmith]

I don't think it's rare at all, but I've got a 5943 SS slide/aluminum frame DAO. I don't know very much about it or who used it. It doesn't sound like the RCMP gun. Can someone tell me about it? Thanks!

[davek610]

I keep hoping I'll stumble across a 4054 that's priced cheap.

[vsp537]

My only venture into unicorn country has been buying my 4505.

Right place / right time, and all that. I think I got it for a super deal, and it's damn near perfect.

[ruhip]

Lady Smith 3913 without the Lady Smith logo and without the NL markings. Just marked 3913 and the serial number.

[beuford]

Originally Posted by snw19_357

I'll go with:
5904 w/AIP prefix

Guess I should have hung on to that one!

My favorite hard-to-find 3rd gens:
3913NL
3906
5906 that is NOT a police trade-in (indestructible!)

I don't know why the 3906 isn't on more lists; these rarely come up for sale and really nice to shoot.

Beuford

[dacoontz]

What, no RSR guns.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-w...54-1-10-a.html

I'm still looking for these:

-6450, 6452 (almost had one last month), and a 6453.
-An affordable ASP or Devel custom.
-And like everyone else, the coveted 1046 and unicorn 1016.

[indymike]

Originally Posted by snw19_357

Could be. Can't remember. But I have posted pics of one.

Now that is just cruel and unusual punishment posting that. That is the ultimate S&W 3rd gen gun in my opinion.

[ladder13]

Originally Posted by 4506517

I forgot to mention one you rarely, if ever, see mentioned or discussed.

The 4505.

Very limited production.

I love mine.

Just the other day

S & W MODEL 4505 - SOLD PENDING FUNDS

[GWCustom]

Ones I own:
1086
1026
3953TSW
1076
4505
Ones I still want:
1046 & 845

[TexasG]

RSR6690 - kind of a low number unicorn.

[J. W.]

Frankly, just about any of the .45 3rd Gen's are a unicorn for me right now. I haven't touched one since I left the WVSP 3 years ago. I love my current gig and I like my issued G22, but I miss my old .45!

I sure wish S&W would crank out a few of the new WVSP style 4566's for the civilian market. Heck, I'd even go for a CHP 4006 with the integral rail.


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[Texasboy]

Originally Posted by dacoontz

What, no RSR guns.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-w...54-1-10-a.html

I'm still looking for these:

-6450, 6452 (almost had one last month), and a 6453.
-An affordable ASP or Devel custom.
-And like everyone else, the coveted 1046 and unicorn 1016.

I have a RSR 6454 . new to site

[Texasboy]

Not sure I am replying correct but I do have a RSR6454

[Sevens]

Necro thread, but interesting topic. Don't intend to be a "fun killer" but when we talk about normal(ish) production guns that they happened to make a precious few of -- my favorite ones are the guns that YOU GUYS own. Enthusiasts, who take great pictures and share the fun.

They are great to read about & see but I couldn't keep one. It's only "special" because it's extremely short-printed. It literally isn't capable of anything different than the mainstream one in the common size/finish that they made 300,000 of... So for me, it's a very cool thing that ties up money and can reduce the size of that money if I put wear on it, so my best use of them is to ogle the ones you guys have.

My rarest S&W pistols:
1006 (maybe 20,000 of these made)
745 (around 5,000)
845 (...650 of them?)
639 with fixed sights

My 5906 isn't rare and shows tons of LE duty carry wear, but it is one of the bright (not brushed/matte) finished 5906's.

Five I want most:
952-2 Long Slide
PPC9
5" DPA5906
-any- PC single action with 5" barrel, any caliber
Model 52-2

Problem is that (especially the Long Slide 952) is worth such ridiculous cash... there is no possible way I could justify the purchase unless it was a steal. And if it was a steal, would be almost impossible to not sell it for market price and use that $$$ to chase multiple great handguns.

Seriously, didn't intend to be a downer!

[625smith]

Well here are the five that I have in no order.

4567



4596



4505



952



3906



Not really sure what is next but I will know it when I see it!!!!