Gen 3’s are Coming back !

cometpx4 · #1 10-09-2022, 07:25 PM

Got it from reliable source. Starting with 59 series and then 45 series. My dealer got it from Smith. Not sure when the flow will start. Also not sure if they will be TSW versions which were the last versions made. Stay tuned.

stansdds · #2 10-09-2022, 07:40 PM

What? Lemme pop some popcorn, this should be interesting.

SHOOT1SAM · #3 10-09-2022, 07:51 PM

Sing it to the tune of REO Speedwagon…

Heard it from a friend who,
heard it from a friend who,
heard it from another
they’ll be coming around…

And while I certainly don’t wish to bring anything down, weren’t the “Original” M&P’s…revolvers? I’d wait until there is something SOLID from S&W, with pictures (‘cause without ‘em, it doesn’t count, right?) before getting our hopes up.

Sam

4T5GUY · #4 10-09-2022, 08:05 PM

I had to look just to confirm what I thought.

Nope it’s not April 1st.

Jim

cometpx4 · #5 10-09-2022, 08:13 PM

Ok here is the story. Major dealer (biggest in New England) with range has range rental gen 3 needing repair. it was a 6906. Contacts Smith, because this dealer does so much Smith volume they will exchange worn out models with something new. This time Smith says no need to exchange, we will fix it because we have parts now because we are reintroducing the line up. The dealer owner is a client of mine and told me this.
I have represented him in many personal matters over the years. So,I know this was told to him or he would not have told it to me. Whether they will do it I guess remains to be soon. But there were now 6906 parts available for the first time in a long time.
We shall see

stansdds · #6 10-09-2022, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cometpx4

Ok here is the story. Major dealer (biggest in New England) with range has range rental gen 3 needing repair. it was a 6906. Contacts Smith, because this dealer does so much Smith volume they will exchange worn out models with something new. This time Smith says no need to exchange, we will fix it because we have parts now because we are reintroducing the line up. The dealer owner is a client of mine and told me this.
I have represented him in many personal matters over the years. So,I know this was told to him or he would not have told it to me. Whether they will do it I guess remains to be soon. But there were now 6906 parts available for the first time in a long time.
We shall see

Holy smokes! Guess we will have to wait and see.

SVT28 · #7 10-09-2022, 08:33 PM

Not saying I don’t believe it, I’m just trying to understand how this would be a profitable move for the mothership.

New “3rd gens” will cost more to produce than their other semi auto lines, and I suspect MSRP to be 700-900 dollars. I don’t see thousands of people lining up at the door to buy these especially when a little patience can yield an as NIB 3rd gen on Gunbroker for well under that MSRP still.

The market for DA/SA guns is pretty saturated too, Sig has done a great job with some of their recent p226/p229 releases, and even those haven’t been flying off the shelves. Factor in inflation, an economy on the downturn, and market conditions for a steel/alloy DA/SA pistol, I just don’t see this happening.

I do hope I’m wrong, I’d buy a new production integral rail melonite 4563TSW in a heartbeat.

SVT28

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

kbm6893 · #8 10-09-2022, 08:34 PM

Could happen. Colt brought back the Python and charged nearly 2 grand for one. I'd LOVE it if they brought back the 3rd Gen's. I have 8 of them. But I'm not looking to spend a grand on one. If Beretta can produce a 92X and SIG a 226 for less than $800, S&W better do the same.

But I'd be happier if they just supported them with warranty repair and parts. Tons of them out there, already. No real need for a whole new 5906 when there are so many out there.

Heymatt · #9 10-09-2022, 08:35 PM

Very interesting��

Charlie Foxtrott · #10 10-09-2022, 08:39 PM

It sounds like somebody is pulling someone else's leg.

LostintheOzone · #11 10-09-2022, 08:43 PM

When pigs fly. Sorry, but the market is polymer strikers.

I'm purposely buying Sig P series pistols because I think they won't be coming back, once they disappear.

There will always be after market parts available from independent suppliers. Probably what's going on here.

I'd call S&W service before I got too excited. Dealers aren't the most reliable source of information.

LostintheOzone · #12 10-09-2022, 08:46 PM

Deleted.....

GaryS · #13 10-09-2022, 09:01 PM

In 2012 someone at the S&W pro shop leaked a picture of the Shield which was to be introduced the next day.

That person was fired, pro shop and range wer both closed to the public.

I'd be shocked to find that someone in CS had pre release information and told even a dealer.

An easy test would be to call and ask if they had something like a 4566 recoil spring in stock.

Sevens · #14 10-09-2022, 09:22 PM

I'm well beyond skeptical. Happy to eat my words and a plate full of crow if that is what ends up being served. In the mean time, I say fat chance.

pharmer · #15 10-09-2022, 09:27 PM

Well, put me down for a 5903 with a bobbed hammer and a decocker without safety. Hubba-hubba. Joe

4T5GUY · #16 10-09-2022, 09:32 PM

Well I can’t see it happening. But…..

If is remotely true, I hope that todays “PC” doesn’t attempt to make the quality pistols that the original PC made. Yes I know “Sevens”, the real PC’s were not true 3rd Gens.

Imagine if the people making current “PC” Model 41’s and such were making 845’s.

Being a Ford guy, (mostly hot rod Fox and SN95’s Mustangs,) I didn’t believe Ford was going to re-introduce the Ford GT. Well they did.

Jim

wyo-man · #17 10-09-2022, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kbm6893

But I'd be happier if they just supported them with warranty repair and parts. Tons of them out there, already. No real need for a whole new 5906 when there are so many out there.

I agree. Just parts and repairs would be a great step for us.

wyo-man

40459 · #18 10-09-2022, 10:12 PM

Yeah I'll believe that when pigs fly. All those machines were scrapped long ago. I know we all here would be scrambling to pick up new production 3rd gens, but we are a very very small segment and SW wants to make money.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryS

In 2012 someone at the S&W pro shop leaked a picture of the Shield which was to be introduced the next day.

That person was fired, pro shop and range wer both closed to the public.

I'd be shocked to find that someone in CS had pre release information and told even a dealer.

An easy test would be to call and ask if they had something like a 4566 recoil spring in stock.

lol. No. Having lived in the area and frequented the range and
been close with several workers there at the time, nobody was fired (for anything). The range/shop was eventually closed after a suicide on the range.

Sevens · #19 10-09-2022, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4T5GUY

Imagine if the people making current “PC” Model 41’s and such were making 845’s.

I'd puke my face inside out.

mauser9 · #20 10-09-2022, 10:39 PM

Interesting for sure. Was surprised to see the metal CSX even in S/A. Granted the price will be high but so is everything else these days and many willing to pay the money. Keeping tabs on this one!!

MattB · #21 10-10-2022, 01:51 AM

Interesting. I always thought S&W gave up on the metal framed pistols too soon. If Sig, CZ, Beretta and others can be successful with metal frames, why did S&W stop? I’ll be curious to follow this one.

Gunhacker · #22 10-10-2022, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mauser9

Interesting for sure. Was surprised to see the metal CSX even in S/A. Granted the price will be high but so is everything else these days and many willing to pay the money. Keeping tabs on this one!!

And that's why I'm kinda optimistic about the possibility of it being true... after all, no one saw the metal framed CSX coming out of left field.

Unfortunately, if it is true... it will be a moot point for Californian's unless our "safe handgun roster" law and firing pin micro- stamping is overturned in court.

ugrey · #23 10-10-2022, 03:11 AM

A 17 round Mec-Gar magazined, stainless or melonite TSW 5903 competes. A 15 round Mec-Gar magazined TSW 6906 in melonite, or stainless, competes. A TSW 3913 competes. A non value line, TSW CS9, with delrin grips, competes! DO IT S&W!!!!!

Rlg#17 · #24 10-10-2022, 07:57 AM

This is just my opinion but here goes. Smith should have stopped at Gen 3’s, OR developed Gen 4’s etc. I cannot tell how many Gen 2s and 3’s I have owned, carried and shot over the years. They were and are superb…

Then GLOCK came along and destroyed Smiths share in the LE market. So, smith tries to copy the Austrian bombshell and comes out with the ****** Sigma. Nasty lawsuit, then they continue coming out with “improved” versions of their ideal polymer pistol!

Several other manufacturers do pretty well on all metal pistols, really well. And we have a new offering from the mother ship with the CSX, which again imho cannot hold a candle to the previous Gen 3, or even a Gen 2 pistol.

Do I see a return to the Gen 3 pistol? Not likely. Would I love to see that Gen come back? Absolutely! S&W shot them selves in the foot on this one.

Regards from the Bluegrass,
Rick Gibbs

kbm6893 · #25 10-10-2022, 08:23 AM

The more I think about it, the less I believe it is true. Yeah, Beretta, CZ, and SIG keep making metal framed guns, BUT, they never stopped! Where is the machinery for the 3rd Gen guns? Can’t imagine they kept them. So they’d have to make new ones. Lot of investment for a small return. But I’d love to be wrong!

Old_Cop · #26 10-10-2022, 08:53 AM

Interesting, but I don't see it happening.

BAM-BAM · #27 10-10-2022, 08:54 AM

Who saw the CXS coming ????....... metal frame, SA trigger..... 10/12+1.... not a bad price point.

Everything seems to recycle......
Small striker fired were popular before WWII..... returned in the 80s
Colt 1911....... resurgence in interest in the 50/60s
"Wonder-9s" in the mid-80s. Beretta 92s Compacts have been a recent resurgence in interest with the Wilson Combat and LTT guns now with w/ 15/17/18rd mags from Mec-gar and factory.

"Things" get smaller ... then larger again. Look at the Sig 365, newer larger versions being introduced.

Maybe we will see a SA/DA Gen4 based on the CXS frame and slide??????????

Gun sales have been off from their highs in 2020(?) New products mean new sales.

We're looking at 5th Gen Glocks and where there was only a Glock 17 we now have IIRC Glocks 17s-43 or is it 44s??????

Another "New and Improved" gun

SHOOT1SAM · #28 10-10-2022, 09:01 AM

Wonder if there’s even a minute possibility that this may be a foreign contract that fell through, so Smith decided to put them out on the American market?

Sam

SHOOT1SAM · #29 10-10-2022, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kbm6893

Could happen. Colt brought back the Python and charged nearly 2 grand for one...

That’s a good point, but maybe it was influenced by the fact that even half-worn out Pythons were going for ASTRONOMICAL prices at the time.

Sam

Heinz · #30 10-10-2022, 09:12 AM

maybe the OP's second post just means they are just making new parts available, not going back into full production?

kbm6893 · #31 10-10-2022, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SHOOT1SAM

That’s a good point, but maybe it was influenced by the fact that even half-worn out Pythons were going for ASTRONOMICAL prices at the time.

Sam

Have you seen the prices for 3rd Gen’s? Try to buy a 4506 for less than $900, and it surely won’t look new. Guns that were $250 10 years ago are now nearly triple that.

Frank Black · #32 10-10-2022, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cometpx4

Ok here is the story. Major dealer (biggest in New England) with range has range rental gen 3 needing repair. It was a 6906. * * *

But there were now 6906 parts available for the first time in a long time.

If that’s true about S&W making “new” 6906 parts, I’d expect also to see new factory 12-rd magazines for the 6900s as well.

Maybe also other magazines for the old 3rd Gen models.

Not holding my breath though.

WR Moore · #33 10-10-2022, 10:32 AM

While I've got doubts, I expect that if the frames were MIM, production costs would go way down-at least after mold costs are covered.

Ameshawki · #34 10-10-2022, 10:42 AM

Skeptical. Highly skeptical. Can't see a ready market. Price tag will likely be north of a grand. Still plenty of used guns on the market to satisfy the itch. Unless this is something in the Classic line and even there I'm not seeing a viable market. I suppose they kept all the tooling so reopening the line is probably doable. I just don't see why. FWIW I own all three gens and like them.

malph · #35 10-10-2022, 11:13 AM

There are a lot of metal parts in a 3rd Gen. There is a lot of machining in the frame and slide.

I'm a fan of the platform but I just can't see Smith tooling up to build 3rd Gens again.

Maybe they've produced some new parts or contracted with someone who did???

Maybe they've figured out there is money to be made keeping these old guns running???

I'd love to see new 3rd Gens but I'm pretty skeptical as of new.

If they do come out with new 3rd Gens I'd expect a lot of complaining about the price by people who expect them to be priced like they were in the 80s.

Phish · #36 10-10-2022, 11:35 AM

I hope I can hold out long enough to it. Very interested for sure!

Laketime · #37 10-10-2022, 11:35 AM

[QUOTE=LostintheOzone;141583601]When pigs fly. Sorry, but the market is polymer strikers.

True but as mentioned Colt has brought back their revolver line

mauser9 · #38 10-10-2022, 11:58 AM

Still bet they would sell a lot at first especially for those who prefer hammer fire and metal. Price will be up there but many paying big bucks for most everything today anyway.

GeoJelly · #39 10-10-2022, 12:13 PM

Great news if it’s true. I am sure not a machinist, but I am guessing the CNC/machining center only has to be programmed once for each part. Lots of keyboard and CAD time for a frame and a slide, then they put the correct sized forgings in, click OK and have a Starbucks. Just an old farm boy, but with more than a couple of 3rd Gens (not that it matters ) but my money says it’s true. Oh, and it just continues a trend they have had for about a year: CSX, then metal-framed M&P, and now 3rd Gens. I don’t think the machining centers care whether the part is forged or investment cast …

Sevens · #40 10-10-2022, 12:48 PM

The way S&W does their QC these days, I would hate to see the fine history of 3rd Gens besmirched by modern manufacturing.

easymoney72 · #41 10-10-2022, 01:35 PM

I would like a CS9 with a double stack magazine. 10 or 11 round magazine.

jaguargolf · #42 10-10-2022, 02:06 PM

I'm in. I think they were good guns gone too soon.

TNZ71 · #43 10-10-2022, 03:34 PM

Not saying it won’t happen but

CH4 · #44 10-10-2022, 03:45 PM

Not holding my breath, but if the new 3rd Gens are anything like the old Sigs vs. new Sigs, I wouldn’t be interested. Looking for nice, vintage guns is half the fun of collecting. The new Python notwithstanding, l’ll stick to vintage iron.

Jon651 · #45 10-10-2022, 04:00 PM

If this story is true (and that's a big IF...), those of us who know and love 3rd Gens would have only ourselves to blame. Many times my friends who all seem to have striker-fired plastic pistols have fired any of my 3rd Gens and have quickly fallen in love. For many who grew up on nothing but strikers and polymer, the difference - and the experience - can be, ahem, striking (pardon the pun...).

Every so often the latest generation always seems to rediscover the "What's Old Is New Again" concept as well. This probably explains why when I shave with a blade I use a safety razor.

I can see plenty of reasons why a manufacturer would want to take advantage of that sentiment, and all of them involve a healthy profit motive!

quikdraw67 · #46 10-10-2022, 04:17 PM

I've gone through my share of 3rd gens in the last 2 years. What I have left are what I like best. 3914NL, 3914DAO, 5946 NYPD, 4006TSW CHP, 4013TSW, 4043, 4516-1, and a 469 just because.

I'm sorry, I just don't see this happening. I was surprised to see the metal framed CSX come out.

I think that pricing to make it worth S&W's ROE would be cost prohibitive.

And besides relics like us, who would buy the new 3rd gens?

Trooper224 · #47 10-10-2022, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by malph

If they do come out with new 3rd Gens I'd expect a lot of complaining about the price by people who expect them to be priced like they were in the 80s.

Factoring for inflation, the price will probably be equivalent.

That's assuming it's true, which I'm highly skeptical of.

Telecaster · #48 10-10-2022, 05:07 PM

IF it's true, it gives the millions of new gun owners who bought plastic something to move up to. I can see the reasoning, but they'd have to be "Gen 4" designs if there's anything to improve or streamline.

Maybe the frames are made by cheap offshore labor, or in Europe where the exchange rate has taken a dive.

SmithNut · #49 10-10-2022, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cometpx4

Got it from reliable source. Starting with 59 series and then 45 series. My dealer got it from Smith. Not sure when the flow will start. Also not sure if they will be TSW versions which were the last versions made. Stay tuned.

It's a little early for April fools day isn't it??

edit... I guess Jim got to this conclusion first...

Ethang · #50 10-10-2022, 06:01 PM

I too am very skeptical, but Smith did in fact just release a metal frame M&P with a price point of $900...Not sure how that one is selling but they had to think there was a market for it.