Gentlemen, I am 3rd Gen-less no more! Earlier in the month I was talking guns with one of our detectives outside a courtroom while waiting our turns to testify. Knowing my background, the detective tells me he saw a nice WVSP 4006 in a local pawn shop. Naturally, on lunch recess I had to check it out.

Sure enough, the pistol was as described. Although a little dirty, it showed minor holster wear and was in very nice shape. I promptly began the haggling process and the shop generously knocked $80 off their asking price. I picked it up today an gave it a good cleaning.

The gun came with three mags and a practically new Safariland holster and mag pouch. Interestingly, the mag pouch is a spring loaded design that pushes the mag up when the flap is released. I walked out of the shop for $583 after tax. Some might think that's a little much for a used 4006, but considering the accessories and the uniqueness of the gun I found it a very fair deal.

To my knowledge, this model of 4006 was the first semi-auto carried by the WVSP after giving up their 686's in the early/mid 90's. This one has the old school adjustable sights and is decock only.












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Well done. Price is relative. If you think it fair and it fits your budget and hand, it will work for you. Try finding another with the swag that you got with it. Let us know how it handles.

that is a deal! Mine's not a WVSP - it is an M4006 "POPO" trade-in (dunno from where) with adjustable sights and it is the most accurate 3rd gen I own.

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Glen

Is that a commemorative piece or any actual issued piece? I own a brand new WVSP 4566.

I was unaware WVSP had ever issued a .40 handgun.

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Un-Reconstructed Southerner

That mag pouch was also made by Safariland, I carried one for many years when we used S&W pistols, it was called a "mag in the box", an obvious reference to the jack in the box toy. They were a little pricey compared to the regular mag pouch, and weren't a big seller, so I picked mine up on a close out special for around twenty bucks not too long after they came out, since our local LE supply stopped carrying them. Very nice pistol you picked up....

It was an actual issued piece. The 4006's were carried in the 90's after they moved from revolvers. The 4566 came some where around '00. I remember when I was in the academy that the ammo bunker at the range still had cases and cases of .38, .357 and .40 in addition to .45.


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J.W. Welcome to 3rd gen ownership. Looks like you found a rather unique piece there with some cool accessories. I know you will like it. I recently bought a 4046 and it is a great shooting pistol. Just be warned that even though it is your first 3rd gen, it will not be your last. They are like Lay's potato chips, you can't have just one. My first was a 4013 a few years and eight 3rd gen S&W pistols ago. Enjoy!

Post Office police?

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Absolutely agreed!

While this is my first personal 3rd gen, my initial exposure to the line was a WVSP issued 4566 that I had to give back when I left for greener pastures several years ago. I've wanted one ever since, but 3rd gens are rare around here.

I had forgotten just how finely made these pistols are. Can't wait to get this one to the range!


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Arik,
PO-PO is slang for Police.
J.W., nice 4006. Love the stocks with your agency's crest, it's a nice touch.

Arik - my bad, the term "popo" is a slang for police.

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Glen

Lol that I know. I thought maybe it was actually labeled POPO! Lol

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Good Deal I would have been all over that 1 too,I am a Wv Native although I have been in Florida for quite a long time I always look forward to our Wv Trips to The Hatfield McCoy Trails

Congratulations on a great find, particularly one with ties to your State. I recently saw a 3rd gen Smith on auction site listed by a resident of Ripley cant recall the model at the moment, stuck in my mind because my father-in-law's family has roots in Ripley
To echo what others have said , this may be your first 3rd gen but not likely to be your last.

Jim in Iowa

Pissed Off Police Officer or so I hear

I don't think 583 is unreasonable for what you got.

$583 is not bad at all. The mag pouch is pretty cool. Not sure if it is practical for duty, but neat nonetheless.

I never knew WVSP issued a .40 caliber, thanks for broadening my knowledge base.

While I'm not a fan of the adjustable sights, that is still a really cool 3rd gennie. I find it unusual they were issued with the emblem in the grip. Seems like an easy place for it to get knocked out of. Looks awesome though.

Overall I'd say that's a pretty good score.

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Un-Reconstructed Southerner

Very nice JW!

I'm not that familiar with the S&W pistols WV state police use but I ended up with this one from my son. It's a soft shooting .45. Like you I just like it because it's WV pedigree so to speak.

What I find interesting about the inlay is that it appears to be identical to the issued tie-tack. I wonder is the department didn't send bunch of the tie-tack to S&W and had them inlaid...?

The mag pouch is neat, but from a practical standing point I agree and don't care for it.


Your 4566 is representative of the guns being issued when I was a troop. I recall seeing a mixture of 85th anniversary guns like your's and 90th anniversary guns begin issued out to my cadet class. I got lucky and was issued a brand new 90th anniversary model. Sure wish I could have kept that one!!!


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Thanks for sharing your experience, J.W.