Have a chance to buy either (not both) a 5943 or a 5946 (for $50 more). Both in great shape. Having never shot either except dry fire in the store, can't decide without some experts' help. What do you think? This would mostly be for fun or a house gun. They're both ex LEO. Thanks.

What are the prices on these guns? The 5943 should cost a little more than the 5946 if the condition of both are equal, and both have the boxes and spare mags.

The S&W DAO trigger system is not for everyone. This feature makes the guns difficult to sell or trade. I personally like this system. I had a 5946 and still own a 3953. If these guns had a repeat pull on the trigger they would be perfect. My 5946 was a fine, robust pistol.

The third generation pistols are no longer supported by S&W. if that bothers you, consider the M&P line or perhaps another manufacturers product.

I would take the 5943 as in my neck of the woods you don't see too many for sale its mostly 5946's. Then again I'm supposed to tell you to buy the 5946 and ask where these S&W's are for sale so i can secretly get the one I would take.

5943 is $395, 5946 is $450. Both have their LEO markings on side. Have to check on box and mags.

In my area, $300.00 would be top dollar I would be willing to pay for a nice, unmarked version of either model. My S&W 3953 is import marked, I doubt it would bring $300.00.

The market may be different where you live, so my concerns are based on my experiences in my area.

I'd opt for the all stainless steel 5946 over the alloy frame 5943 because it would be a range gun vs carry for me. That said, I think the price tag is too high. GB has a few 5946 offered at lower prices. One of those three (701798175) is currently less than half the price your LGS is quoting.

ColbyBruce has a good point regarding the price differences between the two pistols. The 5943 was made in 1991 only while the 5946 had a run from 1991-99.

So no more than $350 out the door for the 5943 sound right? Looks like the 46 is way out of what they should charge.

Easy choice for me... the Model 5943. One of my 3rd Gen favorites. I own two: 1) A very nice shooter-grade 5943 w/2 magazines for $325 (no tax) and, 2) a near pristine perfect 5943 w/3 magazines for $400 (plus tax). Both came in aftermarket pistol cases... not original factory boxes.

I had the opportunity to buy an agency-marked 5946 in factory box for $400 (plus tax) but turned it down because: 1) I don't typically buy agency-marked guns, and 2) a full-size all-SS pistol in DAO doesn't really work for me. I made that mistake with my 4046, one of the first two 3rd Gens I bought, and vowed that I wouldn't make that mistake again.

The 5943 was only made for one year? Any idea how many? Just curious.

It's still a 'metal' gun and lighter, but not so light as to cause any problem at all shooting even heavy ammo.

The only difference is one is heavier. Do you want a hefty metal gun or a lighter metal gun?

My favorite aspect, other than looks and ergonomics, is the super smooth trigger.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

No idea, but your point (i.e., in production only one year) has always confused the heck out of me. Note that its alloy-framed DA/SA brother, the Model 5903, was in production just about as long as the Models 5906 and 5946.

Model 5943 pistols have come up for sale fairly regularly around Eastern MA in the past... making me think that one or more local police forces must have carried the gun.

If you are a poor shot go with the 5946. When it is empty it will be a better club than the alloy 5943.

And just found out the 43 just comes w one mag, the 46 one mag and box. FWIW. Curious that 46 were made for so long compared to 43 but still cost a little more.

Magazines by nature are a replaceable part. Have you priced spare mags for this gun? Have you priced magazine and recoil springs for this gun? How about sales tax? You are in the $400.00 range and don't have a holster yet.

Difference in condition? Is one a consignment gun? Some shops will add for the box alone, of course.

The Bible says the 5943 should be worth a bit more than the 5946, all other things being equal... but even the Bible admits it is guessing on the 5943 (apparently not enough info out there for them).

If you don't live in a "ban" state magazines are not a problem. Mec Gar still makes 59xx magazines.

Recoil springs are cheap and available. I always change the recoil spring on any new to me 3rd Gens I buy.

As to which to buy. You said it's going to be a house and fun gun. By fun, I'm guessing you mean range. In which case, I'd get the 5946 over the 5943. I have a 5906, which is a joy to shoot, but should come with a trailering kit for dragging around.

The 5943, with it's alloy frame, is much lighter and probably doesn't have all the much recoil. If I were to buy one to carry, that would be the one.

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Both used, not on consignment, LEO trade-ins. Look very little used. Very good condition. No problems with mags in my state. And yes, by fun, I meant range gun. And the one to pick up in the middle of the night, perhaps. Not for CCW. Good idea on the club, ColbyBruce. Of course, this wasn't at all what I was looking for but they're sorta creeping up on me liking them for some reason.

I haven't seen someone so excited and dying to give away their money since I walked past a mirror Monday. Like you, I could not make up my mind either. I bought both. Be sure to post a photo of which pistol you buy. My two Sig P250's.

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I just bought a very nice PD marked 5946 on gunbroker for $365. I carried a 5946 years ago as a duty gun and the trigger pull never bothered me. I have owned many 3rd gen guns, and currently own a mint 5903.

The 5946 came from a PD the next town over from where I grew up so it had that sentimental value. I shot it yesterday. Trigger nice and smooth and no malfunctions. It's a keeper.

These two both come from the PD of my hometown, as well, and are marked so. Like you, there's that extra value and cache to it for me personally. I'l' have to handle them both and see how much they'll negotiate down. Good group of guys. I'm sure I'll get a square deal if i go this route. Leaning toward the 5943 because of price and the (perceived?) scarcity even though its value and cost is a little less. But it seems like there are a lot of 5946 fans here, too....

My S&W 3953.


My old S&W 5946.


This holster was made by Alessi. With a good belt the weight of the 5946 was no big deal.

A slightly different version was used by the Mounties. I can't remember what features were different but it wasn't much.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

I believe it was Melonite coated and may have had a rail

A LGS not too far from me has a 5946 with a notation that it's a RCMP gun. Actually is says RMCP, but that's a typo. Also noted to have rubber grips. I might go by and take a look just to see if it's Melonite.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

What are they asking for the RMCP? Be Safe,

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$499.00 as I recall. That's with one magazine and "rubber grips".

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Can open, worms everywhere.

Not bad if the condition is OK. Be Safe,

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