I'm not 3rd Gen tapped out but my main goals were satisfied in the past year with a blued CS-9 that a nice member of this Forum turned me onto in North Carolina and a 6906 that I obtained a couple of years ago. Mostly I am into revolvers but I do love 3rd Gens so I have just a few; I wish I still had my M457 but it went to a friend in need and I still have my CS-45.

So, seeing all of the remarks above, and the 3rd Gen lovers in this thread, I have an interesting question, namely:

I have a new in the box safe queen 5903 SSV. Picture attached. I bought it new, retail, right before the high-cap gun ban went into effect and it remains unfired. I am not sure if I am ready to sell it which is why I am not putting it on the WTS Forum. But I am curious what the market is for it so if I can do a thread hijack, because I think it will be fun, I'll just ask that question here. With apologies for the thread hijack!!

Attached Images

5903 SSV 002.jpg (112.2 KB, 52 views)

I came across a 4513TSW, many years ago at a gun show, that someone had personalized & polished, which wasn't attractive to me and not long ago a CS45 that had more wear & tear than I thought it's high price warranted. Both only had one mag & I thought those are hard to find mags for. I'm ready now, if one pops up.

.

__________________
Waiting for the break of day

.....I know someone that did...perfect in box with 3 mags for $650.....it came along at the exact same time that I was seduced by an H&K 45C with 4 mags for the same price.....in the back of my mind I think I knew I would be hesitant to use it because it was as new...and Homie don't do safe queens....but I still feel like a dumbass

__________________
witty signature goes here

4505. A couple of years ago there was one on gunbroker w/ a buy it now of $550 & I passed like an idiot. I knew what it was & that I should have bought it but I kept talking myself out of it. It went to 2 rounds of no bids before someone finally did the BIN. Soooo stupid.

2nd is a WVSP 4566TSW, if they ever switch guns & sell them off.

For such an uncommon & desirable 3rd Gen that's still brand-new-in-box, I haven't a clue. But if you do ever decide to sell it, be sure that I know about it! Whether I can afford it or not, I'd at least want an opportunity to be in on the bidding.

They do pop up from time to time on that large firearms auction website... but the bids soon rise to well above my "no wife pre-approval required" price ceiling. Perfect in box with 3 magazines for $650 sounds quite reasonable to me. I'd beg for permission and then go after a deal like that for sure!

He who hesitates generally tends to lose out. I know that result myself all too well.

Picked up this 4516-2 recently $475 w/2 mags and unfired in the box. 3/96 production per SW.
Need a couple more mags. Also have a 4046.
I recently discovered these and although not a "collector" I have found there are many very interesting variants of these guns.
So I now keep an out for them when looking. So far this one has 300 down range and all is good.
PS this was just after the range hadnt cleaned her yet.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Still want to add that 9MM Tactical I fired at the S&W range back around 2000. At the time the CS-9 won out.

I'm actively looking for a 4566TSW. I probably wouldn't pass on a minty 5906 if I happened to come across one at the right price.

I'll take it! 457 or 4516-2 in trade?





digiroc

digiroc

For those still hunting one, there is a pre rail 4513TSW up for sale on the Guns International auction board. Looks to be in good shape, 1 mag, $499.

There also is a 4553TSW listed in the classifieds here. Hope this helps!

As far as duplicates or spares go, I sold every one of mine EXCEPT the pristine 4513TSW back up to my Pre rail 4513TSW EDC. Neither of those guns is going anywhere. Regards 18DAI

__________________
7 +1 Rounds of hope & change

I buy more revolver's these days, and I am look for more second generation S&W's than third, but my favorite 3rd generation that I do not have would be the nine millimeters from the performance center such as the 5906 and 6906 and related variants.

That pre-rail 4553TSW looks awfully nice, but the asking price is way beyond my means, especially right now. I'm a little confused as to why the magazine appears to be hanging low but could be that it wasn't fully seated for the pix.

The pre-rail 4513TSW appears to be in reasonable enough shape for a carry gun but a bit short of premium grade in my book... which explains the relatively modest price for such a fine, in-demand 3rd Gen. Tempting, but I think I can restrain myself.

In a place like highly-restrictive moonbat Massachusetts, you take what you can find as a handgun collector... and then you upgrade when a better condition gun shows up. That's how I ended up with so many duplicates. Still, I'm not ready to start selling off any of my all-metal guns right now, especially my beloved 3rd Gens.

It will be interesting to see what my beloved 3rd Gen collection will bring locally, assuming I start selling them off before I kick the bucket and don't try to take them with me. Asking prices are up for sure, but I'm not seeing any big rush to snatch up the few that are currently available locally (virtually all duplicates to what I already own). It might be that Internet sales will make the most sense money-wise... not to mention probably faster too.

There's a pretty "minty" Model 5906TSW for sale not far from me but the shop sure as heck isn't giving it away. They want more for it than what any have sold for on that large firearms auction site in the last several months.

I'm still fairly interested because it comes with the factory box and a couple 10-round factory magazines (which are getting almost impossible to find anywhere anymore). I just asked the shop about layaway this past week and they were agreeable to it. That might be the tactic that makes it work but the price still ends up above my "no wife pre-approval required" threshold so guess who has the final say on it?

For whatever reason, sales of "vanilla" versions of the 3rd Gens are a bit sluggish right now. It took me a few months to sell my 3953 and I barely broke even on it. Not that I was looking to make a profit on it, but a few dollars above what I paid for it originally would have helped offset some of the improvements I put into it. (recoil spring, magazine spring, cleaning and lubing)

My 3913 is languishing on a local firearms forum. It will sit there and move eventually as I'm under no pressure to sell it.

My 3rd Gen and other S&W "wish list" is pretty much complete. Model 13-4 3", Model 18, 3913TSW(s), 3953TSW (no rail), Model 36-1 3" are all in the safe (or on my hip).

The ones I noted in a previous post are on the "wish list", but are unlikely to fall out of 3rd Gen heaven.

__________________
Can open, worms everywhere.

Id put the 5906TSW in layaway TTSH. Then point out to the wife that its a 9mm NOT a 40.

Or just break up the payments so they do not exceed the wife notification threshold.

Lifes too short to go without the gun. Especially if you are as advanced in age as you say you are. Regards 18DAI

__________________
7 +1 Rounds of hope & change

And of course when the wife sees the gun and asks, "Is that a new gun?" you can truthfully say "No, it's old."

It's new to YOU, but that's not what she asked, is it?

__________________
Can open, worms everywhere.

It's not just how old I am (and yes, I am old!)... but it's how old I've been feeling lately. Work and myriad issues relating to our "under-development" retirement place are truly draining me. I'm no spring chicken any longer... that's for sure!

Believe me when I tell you that I have tried every trick in the book to get the cash outlay down below the "no wife pre-approval required" threshold. I'm getting closer negotiation-wise, but still no dice. And yes, I even thought about making some kind of side deal with the shop so that the gun receipt would show a number that complied with our family rules... but the shop owner wouldn't play.

If it were a .40, I wouldn't even be having this conversation. Those are all out for the foreseeable future, even including the CHP 4006TSW. A deal to obtain one of them may come later, but that's going to take some serious negotiation and trade-offs with the good wife.

Yeah, well, it doesn't work that way in the TTSH household. The good wife knows everything. Sometimes, I think she knows more about our collection than I do.

Keep an eye on CDI Sales on Gunbroker. They had a bunch of 5926s and a few 6926s for sale over the past year. They get regular shipments of surplus guns from Israel, so you may get lucky and they'll have a few more.

I want one of the very, very rare 5906TSWs with the integral rail. They match the configuration of the CHP 4006TSWs that are all the rage right now, but they're in a much more likeable caliber. As I understand it, there are no more than 100 floating around, so I'm unlikely to find one.

I'll settle begrudgingly a for CHP .40S&W, but if any of your have one you're getting rid of (and I know a few people here have them), let me know.

A 639 and a 3906 are also on the list, though they're a much lower priority.

It does seem that way here in moonbat Massachusetts. Carl has had some for sale for months now. Same with that other shop down the road (that I've stopped doing business with).

Of course, I have to wonder how much of that is just the fact that you and I aren't buying much these days since our collections are pretty full, already including many duplicates? Sometimes, I think we create our own micro-markets by buying a bit too aggressively.

I think it's also the fact that folks in MA are getting more comfortable with buying from on-line sources as witnessed by the number of shops promoting their low incoming transfer fees.

And let's face it: Asking prices are up. Bargains are rare. Even I would be buying more if prices would moderate... but it hasn't happened yet that I can tell.

Hey Everyone
So here's my "gotta get" list, it's short as I have a bunch already. I know it's probably the ugly weird step-child to most of you but I've got a strong hank'rin for a 4040PD. Most of what I buy is LNIB or there about's so condition is paramount to price. If you got one I'm listening!!!
Thanks,
T & B

I only own two 3rd gens, a 6906 and a 4506. But, if I could pick one more, it would be this beauty:

__________________
Music/Sports/Beer fan

4596 & 3904

So, when he lists that 4513TSW pre rail, I can just saunter on in?

It does seem that some shops are getting a bit more comfortable with some hand gun transfers. OTOH, I stopped into a newish shop near me and the owner gave me an "It depends" on whether or not he'd do a 3913 transfer IN state.

I also found out that my niece is working at a new FFL in the general area. I've got to text her to find out when she's working so that I can go out, look at the shop, and meet the owner. I'll feel a bit more comfortable (as he likely will) discussing that.

__________________
Can open, worms everywhere.

LOL!!! Heck, we all know you will beat me to it. Only question is by how many minutes?

Some shops remain very squeamish (or at least pretend to be so maybe you'll buy something from them instead) and even question guns on the approved roster (due to the AG lady's separate anti-gun rules)... but at this point I'm pretty sure that I'd be able to get in my long-sought-after Model 6946 one way or another.

Not always true. We're even, I think. You got the 3953 and I got the 3913TSW. Welllll, sort of even.

I don't doubt it. There is a lot of paranoia over transfers. Some of that is justified. At least some of it.

__________________
Can open, worms everywhere.

Oh yeah... right! Tell me another funny story!

Thanks for the heads-up. Trying to restrict myself to local sales only is the best way I can try to keep things in-check. Otherwise I'd need to buy another safe.

.

__________________
Waiting for the break of day

I'd still probably go for a decent 4506-1, with the intention of using it for 45 Super. I would also pick up another 4566TSW for this conversion, if the price was right.

Wouldn't mind a 3913NL either, though I certainly have enough 39xx guns in the collection. A NIB 3953TSW for conversion to TDA would be nice (though they seem to have dried up). I have also toyed with the idea of getting a 4516-1 or -2 and finding a 4566 slide to put on top...


While I haven't priced them lately, a few years back most 4513TSW pre-rails I saw online were going for right around $500, maybe closer to $525. I got mine for just under $500, though it has some fairly significant surface wear in spots.

LOL, that's why I bought my 4586 ...pending a nice 4566.

.

M4586

(-01b)

.

__________________
Waiting for the break of day

I love my 4040PD and think it's a beautiful example of 3G guns. The Scandium frame earns it the AirLite title.

The angled dust cover like the 39xx LS & NL gives it a touch of class.

digiroc

LOL if it just didn't have the "Billboard" and wasn't a .40...... it would be on my short list!!!!!!

My exact thought. I have to wonder if S&W pushed .40S&W so hard because it was their "baby"?

It seems to have been a long lasting fad, which only now is subsiding. Some departments are moving to either .45 or 9mm and dropping .40.

Besides when was the last time any gun forum had a good 45 vs 40 or 49 vs 9 debate?

That aside, the 4040PD is a beautiful gun. If only it were available in either .45 or 9mm.

Maybe that's the dream 4th Gen gun that Smith should make.

__________________
Can open, worms everywhere.

Nothing wrong with the Model 4040PD in my book. My only regret is that I didn't snag one for cheap when I had an opportunity to do so. But at the time, I was all about "bright-finished" 3rd Gens and had zero interest in the black ones. By the time I wised up, that 4040PD was long gone.

Seem to recall seeing one when they first came out...... and getting all excited until I saw the billboard..... which I might have lived with ...... but then saw it was a .40.

For me kind of up there with the 7shot .357 mountain gun........

My only .40 is a used Sig 229 that came with both a .40 and .357 Sig barrels.
My just in case there's no 9mm or .45 or .38 or .357 or .380 or .32 or....... on the store shelves .... gun.

Bingo!!...a Scandium frame 4545 PD TDA.. 4th Gen. with single side spring loaded decocker....Thread drift I know...but I'd buy one..maybe 2

__________________
witty signature goes here

I admire your enthusiasm, optimism, and firm grasp of the numbering system.

__________________
Because of the metric system?

Well, the one I found was long before the good wife imposed/requested that I stop buying .40's (don't worry - I've got plenty!)... and the billboard silliness didn't enter into my decision at all. It really was all about the gun's black finish.

Now I know that it was a big mistake to walk away from one of my best potential deals ever... but such is life. Wasn't the first time I blew it and won't be the last.

It is extremely unlikely that I would ever sell that 5903 SSV to anyone NOT on this Forum. That would be churlish and unfair as far as I am concerned. I have found all of my grail guns but one on this Forum so the least I can do is reciprocate when the time comes.

One Forum member, in a discussion some time ago, offered me $1,000 but, as noted, I am still not prepared to part with it.

For fun I will post the pictures of my other 3rd Gens. I only have these three besides the SSV - these three get shot and carried. The only reason I am not carrying a K frame snubbie as often as I used to is because I acquired the CS-9 for EDC and the 6906 for social situations where I think high capacity is useful. I used to carry the CS-45 at such times, actually.

Attached Images

	CS-9 left side.jpg (68.3 KB, 30 views)
	CS-9 right side.jpg (67.1 KB, 27 views)
	6906.jpg (222.9 KB, 31 views)
	CS 45 001.jpg (146.6 KB, 27 views)
	CS 45 002.jpg (176.1 KB, 26 views)

If only I had not been in my 25-year deep sleep during the glory days of 3rd Gen production. That could have been me with one or more fine, unfired, brand-new-in-box specimens to enjoy.

I know of a pawn shop right now locally that has a 4040pd for $700.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

PC 5906. I have 12 3rd gens, from the 5906 I bought new in 1989... to my second 4563 CQB i picked up a couple of months ago. I bought both CQB's while looking for a 4" 5906 PC. It has been my grail gun for a very long time. But every time I run across a reasonably priced 3rd Gen with "that bushing" I find it hard to resist.

My 4040PD is a favorite and it's the only "billboarded" Smith that I care for. The "Tactical" and others are too flashy and are overdone in my opinion.

While the .40 seems to be much maligned now a days I still prefer it to a 9mm in a defensive situation. Bigger and faster is better in my opinion so the .40 accomplishes that.

I'm not very recoil sensitive so I'll accept the bigger bark and bite of the .40 in a carry gun. In fact I consider the 10mm as the optimum caliber to carry if the SHF.

I just wish my 547 was chambered in 10mm, more bang for the buck.

digiroc

No argument here. While I only carry super-lightweight, super-compact 9mm's and .380's these days, I have long said that if I ever knew for certain that I was headed into trouble, I'd wish I had my CS40 with me... or any other compact .40 (or .45) for that matter. But one sometimes makes compromises for convenience, practicality and/or comfort.

But collection-wise, the good wife requested and I have agreed: No more .40's for the foreseeable future. It's an investment thing... goes along with no more cheap plastic wonders either.

Never have and never will own or carry a plastic gun. Any gun I carry will be all metal and that includes the bits and pieces that are "featured" on the value line Smiths.

digiroc

It's funny. I couldn't sleep last night due to an unfortunate combination of many factors... so I laid in bed for a while thinking, among other things, about how few handgun manufacturers are left who aren't betting the farm on cheap plastic. Very depressing, really, when you actually pause and think about it. Outside of the 1911 specialist folks, it's practically nil.

Poor old TTSH is very old and getting older every day. His "day" has clearly come and gone. My time left is short. It's a rapidly changing world and here I am collecting old, used things because the new things mostly suck... well, at least in my mind they do.

While there are still a few semi-affordable 3rd Gens models still out there for me to collect, where I go after that is not clear to me. I've got a few Sigs, Berettas and CZ's but I'm not going to try to make any of those brands my main priority. Hi-Powers are still way too expensive for an old man living on Social Security. So where to turn for the three remaining "good years" I've got left?

Maybe to "bird watching" like my good wife wants me to do?

Watch her and drive her nuts.. LOL!

__________________
Eccentric old coot