Hello all. I tried searching for this info, but couldn't find it.

Can anybody tell me the main differences between the 3rd gen and 2nd gen semi-autos.

I have several 3rd gens, and just saw a nice 659 that I am interested in getting to keep my 5906 company.

What is the difference between the two of them besides the 2 piece stocks.

Thanks,

Stu

__________________
NRA Benefactor/Cert Instructor

The 3rd gen is slightly more refined, has a different grip configuration, has a dovetailed front sight and is equally as awesome. I prefer the 3rd Gen myself but only because I can install night sights on them.

What exactly is more refined?
Can anybody help me with the actual differences?

Stu

__________________
NRA Benefactor/Cert Instructor

According to the authors of the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Ed. (p. 277), there were many changes to the 3rd Generation pistols that came primarily from input by pistolsmith Wayne Novak. His suggestions which were incorporated into 3rd Generation pistols were: "recurving the backstrap, using thinner grips, radiusing the front of the frame, redesigning the ambidextrous safety, beveling the magazine wells, extending the floor plate of the magazine beyond the frame, eliminating the sharp edges and providing a dull sandblast finish to eliminate glare." Much of this resulted in what some have called a "refined" look and feel.

In addition to the above, an outstanding Novak fix sight system was adopted. The 2nd Generation fix sights were poor, at best. I think that's why one finds so many 2nd Generation pistols with the distinctive adjustable sights that carried over to the 3rd Generation pistols. IMHO there is no comparison between the 2nd Gen fix sights and the Novak Lo Mount Carry sight system; the Novaks are light years better.

IMHO, the only 2nd Gen worth hunting down to own is the 645. It is a remarkable "big boy." I have a beautiful example, it is the only 2nd Gen I own; however, I own 18 3rd Gens.

The best way to appreciate the difference would be to take your 5906 in and do a side by side comparison to the 659. Examine them, handle them . . . feeeeel them. I believe the truth will reveal itself to you.

HTH

Dick

Thank you.

Stu

__________________
NRA Benefactor/Cert Instructor

Stu, I have a 459 and 559, along with a variety of 3rd Gens.

As you mentioned, the biggest difference is the grips. The improvements with the fixed sights would be the next.

Ergonomically, the shape of the flash chromed trigger/hammer of the early 3rd Gens are not that different feeling, the half cock notch was eliminated in the hammer.

The black mim trigger and hammers are thinner and the edges rounded, that adds to the trigger pull feeling different.

The right side ambi-safety lever on a 2nd gen is bulkier from being affixed by a Philips head screw.

Front sight blade on a 2nd gen slide is a integral serrated ramp (like a revolver, they lend themselves to having a colored insert installed).

1911 style barrel bushing was eliminated on the 3rd Gen.

The side plate on a 3rd gen eliminated the frame mounted stud that the slide stop lever plunger engages.

I like having the prior generation pistols, it's just like having and appreciating 4 & 5 screw non model numbered revolvers just for their differences with the newer 3 screw models.

__________________
Conrad
SWCA #1830 SWHF #222

Conrad

Thank you too for the additional information.

Stu

__________________
NRA Benefactor/Cert Instructor

You will also notice a marked improvement in the double action trigger pull on a 3rd Gen vs. 2nd, and that the "belled muzzle" and fixed barrel bushing of the 469/669 series was carried over to all the 3rd Gen pieces.

While I agree with Denver Dick that the 645 is worth the hunt, the 469/669 are also in the running too!
Dale

__________________
"Long live the S&W 3rd. Gen.!"

The 639 is a beauty to own and shoot as well.

I like the 469 and 669, too (I actually owned and shot a 669 for awhile), but not enough to actively hunt one down. Now, if a really nice one comes under my nose at a really great price, well . . . I've jumped before. On the other hand, the 645 was, IMHO, the pinnacle of 2nd Gen production. I mean . . . look at this beauty . . . come on . . . admit it . . . it's got your heart racing a bit, right?

Yeah the 645 is firearm perfection. Period. No other firearm can compete in any caliber.

Next year is my hunt for a 645 to keep my only 45 a 4506-1 company. I like the orange insert and love the fact my gazillion 4506 mags I have slowly been acquiring will work fine.
I heard another difference between the 2nd and 3rd gen was the switched to a new tooling which made the clearance much tighter on the 3rd gens. I heard this from a guy who said he was a smith armor when the days were good. I don't know figure add some more fuel to the fire.