Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Semi-Automatic Pistols > Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols
o

Notices

Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols Other Smith & Wesson Semi-Automatic Pistols from the 1950's to Present


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 04-11-2018, 01:35 AM
HOUSTON RICK HOUSTON RICK is offline
Member
Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: HOUSTON, TEXAS
Posts: 10,123
Likes: 7,091
Liked 14,253 Times in 5,366 Posts
Default Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store

Thought that I would post this 2015 article that I found - just as true today:


https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/used-sw-semi-autos/
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 04-11-2018, 11:24 AM
TNZ71's Avatar
TNZ71 TNZ71 is offline
Member
Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store  
Join Date: May 2016
Location: In transit
Posts: 820
Likes: 1,397
Liked 2,335 Times in 509 Posts
Default

Refer to the chart all the time.

Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store-d89d5dcc-75b8-4e86-8d75-8aeb8b3b2aa5-jpg
Attached Images
File Type: jpg D89D5DCC-75B8-4E86-8D75-8AEB8B3B2AA5.jpg (66.5 KB, 1254 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following 9 Users Like Post:
  #3  
Old 04-11-2018, 09:35 PM
HOUSTON RICK HOUSTON RICK is offline
Member
Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: HOUSTON, TEXAS
Posts: 10,123
Likes: 7,091
Liked 14,253 Times in 5,366 Posts
Default

I had not seen the chart, Thank you.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 04-11-2018, 09:57 PM
TNZ71's Avatar
TNZ71 TNZ71 is offline
Member
Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store  
Join Date: May 2016
Location: In transit
Posts: 820
Likes: 1,397
Liked 2,335 Times in 509 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by HOUSTON RICK View Post
I had not seen the chart, Thank you.
I go two articles confused the chart actually comes from this article and it’s a good one too.

https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/g...omatic-models/
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #5  
Old 04-11-2018, 10:44 PM
GaryS's Avatar
GaryS GaryS is offline
Member
Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Republic of Texas
Posts: 11,345
Likes: 9,368
Liked 17,263 Times in 6,632 Posts
Default

The 457 is the most under rated 3rd Gen. Hands down. Essentially it is a 4513TSW without a rail. I'm on the lookout for a stainless version.
__________________
Can open, worms everywhere.
Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
  #6  
Old 04-12-2018, 09:47 AM
MattyD380 MattyD380 is offline
Member
Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store  
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Cincitucky
Posts: 301
Likes: 317
Liked 353 Times in 161 Posts
Default

From the article:

"Finally, I’ll admit something else–these guns aren’t match grade accurate."

Really? I guess it depends on what he means by "match grade." But... I haven't really noticed a big gap in accuracy between my Berettas/Sigs/3rd Gens. My 6904 always impresses me with the groups it's capable of. Same with my 1076 and 645.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #7  
Old 04-12-2018, 10:01 AM
URIT URIT is offline
Member
Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store  
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: New Bern NC
Posts: 2,451
Likes: 7,467
Liked 2,329 Times in 1,100 Posts
Default

LG has a lot of good articles that forum members can appreciate. One, the ballistics testing, is a go-to article when I consider replacing my carry ammo.

https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/sel...llistic-tests/
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #8  
Old 04-12-2018, 11:26 AM
GaryS's Avatar
GaryS GaryS is offline
Member
Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Republic of Texas
Posts: 11,345
Likes: 9,368
Liked 17,263 Times in 6,632 Posts
Default

Except for a few PC guns, they weren't designed for match grade accuracy. That the the ones that came off the regular production line are ALMOST that accurate is one of the best features of these guns.

Accurate, reliable, not ammo fussy. Oh, and durable. We're lucky to have JohnHL, Fastbolt, and others who can guide us on the few maintenance and repair issues that crop up from time to time.

There's an interesting article in a recent Shooting Illustrated about "service life". The author says that most police service weapons are turned in while they still have plenty of life left in them. They aren't used by decades as are military handguns.

Some of that seems to be "planned obsolescence" because the manufacturers make sexy new guns with "advanced features" and convince LE agencies that they need them.

That's good for us, I guess.

Quote:
Originally Posted by MattyD380 View Post
From the article:

"Finally, I’ll admit something else–these guns aren’t match grade accurate."

Really? I guess it depends on what he means by "match grade." But... I haven't really noticed a big gap in accuracy between my Berettas/Sigs/3rd Gens. My 6904 always impresses me with the groups it's capable of. Same with my 1076 and 645.
__________________
Can open, worms everywhere.
Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
  #9  
Old 04-12-2018, 11:35 AM
MattyD380 MattyD380 is offline
Member
Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store  
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Cincitucky
Posts: 301
Likes: 317
Liked 353 Times in 161 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by GaryS View Post
Except for a few PC guns, they weren't designed for match grade accuracy. That the the ones that came off the regular production line are ALMOST that accurate is one of the best features of these guns.
Interesting... so, would you say that other production guns (Glock, Sig, Beretta, etc.)... are?

Making that statement, Chris seemed to suggest there's something different about the 3rd gens (in terms of accuracy) vs. other mainstream guns. Obviously they're not P210s--nor does anyone expect them to be. But neither is a Beretta or a Glock.

And I agree... regardless, 3rd gens have merits in other areas where it counts. I've never had a hiccup with my 6904, 645 or 1076.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #10  
Old 04-12-2018, 11:46 AM
GaryS's Avatar
GaryS GaryS is offline
Member
Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Republic of Texas
Posts: 11,345
Likes: 9,368
Liked 17,263 Times in 6,632 Posts
Default

I can't say. I've had one Sig 2340, that was okay except it was fussy about ammunition. I've had one Glock, a Mdl 23, that had decent accuracy, but was more snappy than I liked.

I will say that all of my 3rd Gens are very accurate and other than the three TSWs are all regular production.

Quote:
Originally Posted by MattyD380 View Post
Interesting... so, would you say that other production guns (Glock, Sig, Beretta, etc.)... are?

Making that statement, Chris seemed to suggest there's something different about the 3rd gens (in terms of accuracy) vs. other mainstream guns. Obviously they're not P210s--nor does anyone expect them to be. But neither is a Beretta or a Glock.

And I agree... regardless, 3rd gens have merits in other areas where it counts. I've never had a hiccup with my 6904, 645 or 1076.
__________________
Can open, worms everywhere.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #11  
Old 04-12-2018, 07:11 PM
lhump1961's Avatar
lhump1961 lhump1961 is offline
US Veteran
Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store  
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: The Great Midwest
Posts: 2,541
Likes: 1,716
Liked 2,367 Times in 1,003 Posts
Default

All of my guns are more accurate than me, 3rd gens included. Very few shooters have the skill to demonstrate an accuracy difference among most guns. What is more important IMHO as to how well you shoot a particular gun is how well it suits your preferences in grip size, sights, trigger and weight.

Just because I may shoot one gun better than another doesn't mean it's more "accurate"...mostly I'm just more comfortable with it.
Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
  #12  
Old 04-13-2018, 06:48 AM
BigBoy99's Avatar
BigBoy99 BigBoy99 is offline
US Veteran
Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store  
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: SE Wisc.
Posts: 3,489
Likes: 782
Liked 6,601 Times in 2,081 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by TNZ71 View Post
Refer to the chart all the time.

Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store-d89d5dcc-75b8-4e86-8d75-8aeb8b3b2aa5-jpg
Where can one find a copy of the chart? I'd like to keep a copy in my computer but don't know where to go to find a down loadable copy. Thanks.
__________________
Bill
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 04-13-2018, 06:53 AM
James&theGiant1911 James&theGiant1911 is offline
Member
Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store  
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: on farm nowhere
Posts: 998
Likes: 84
Liked 575 Times in 299 Posts
Default

There is a notable difference between performance center pieces and regular production guns in third gens. Not so much between regular smiths and the tsw/ tactical models.

Sigs house guns are not much better than their production models.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #14  
Old 04-13-2018, 06:55 AM
Ballanrk Ballanrk is offline
Member
Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store  
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 31
Likes: 5
Liked 15 Times in 9 Posts
Default

Original, downloadable chart link

https://loungecdn.luckygunner.com/lo...el-chart-1.jpg
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #15  
Old 04-13-2018, 07:22 AM
Minorcan Minorcan is offline
Member
Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store  
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Georgia
Posts: 244
Likes: 533
Liked 292 Times in 138 Posts
Default

I have a few. My favorite is my 39-2. It is an ex FBI gun and is very accurate. Not as much so as my competition 1911s but for the barrel length and set up accuracy is very acceptable. It’s a good looker as well as a good shooter. Folks at the range have tried to buy it off me without success. Folks also don’t realize these were the first DA semiauto pistol made in USA. S&W did it right.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #16  
Old 04-14-2018, 05:05 PM
HOUSTON RICK HOUSTON RICK is offline
Member
Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: HOUSTON, TEXAS
Posts: 10,123
Likes: 7,091
Liked 14,253 Times in 5,366 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by BigBoy99 View Post
Where can one find a copy of the chart? I'd like to keep a copy in my computer but don't know where to go to find a down loadable copy. Thanks.
I took a picture with my cell phone and printed it off on the fancy presentation computer at work. It looks pretty good.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 04-14-2018, 09:36 PM
NCSUPackman NCSUPackman is offline
SWCA Member
Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store  
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Liked 114 Times in 9 Posts
Default

I don't know if people are starting to appreciate them or they are getting harder to find but I've seen the prices starting the creep up.
At a local gun show today I saw several 3rd Gens and people were asking $400-450 for them; just the gun and 1 magazine.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 04-14-2018, 10:39 PM
mikem mikem is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 267
Likes: 38
Liked 238 Times in 95 Posts
Default

I had grown weary of shooting striker fired polymers and wanted to get a DA/SA semi-auto like I had owned in the past. At one point I had a Sig P226 Sport, or Supersport or something like that.

What a beauty it was. I bought it right and sold it better to a guy who just had to have it. I made some nice dough, but regretted selling it. Still do,

Anyway, I did a little reading, okay, a lot of reading and talked to some guys I know who like the older semi-autos.

I decided a 3rd Gen. Model 915 would be just the thing.

I started out at the farthest gun store from my home and worked my way back. I hit 3 gun shops and 3 pawn shops. These guys are all pretty large dealers, lots of used firearms in stock.

In the first five stores I found one 915. It looked to be in rough shape and the kid working there wouldn't let me field strip it and he declined to do it for me. I doubt he knew how to do it. Don't think he knew how to shave either.

So at the last place, the one closest to home and the store and owner I know best, I found one in pretty nice shape and snagged it.

The point of all this is, yeah, the older ones are out there, but not like they used to be, is what some of the storeowners and workers said.

If you want one and see one a good one, maybe you better grab it. The one I got was on the bottom shelf of a case tucked away in a corner.

I have the feeling if it had a more prominent place in the showcase it would have been long gone.

Last edited by mikem; 04-14-2018 at 10:42 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #19  
Old 04-15-2018, 05:22 AM
HOUSTON RICK HOUSTON RICK is offline
Member
Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: HOUSTON, TEXAS
Posts: 10,123
Likes: 7,091
Liked 14,253 Times in 5,366 Posts
Default

I have a soft spot for the classics
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 9MM SW 5903 (2).jpg (99.1 KB, 48 views)
File Type: jpg 9mm SW 915.jpg (117.0 KB, 48 views)
File Type: jpg 22LR SW 22S.jpg (112.4 KB, 46 views)
File Type: jpg 45 ACP S&W Model 4506.jpg (119.3 KB, 45 views)
File Type: jpg CD45 & CS9.jpg (39.1 KB, 50 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
  #20  
Old 04-15-2018, 03:15 PM
18DAI's Avatar
18DAI 18DAI is offline
Absent Comrade
Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: GSO NC
Posts: 6,106
Likes: 23,604
Liked 13,182 Times in 2,860 Posts
Default

You dont see many 3rd gens coming up for sale in the gunshops anymore. Those that have them, generally, are keeping them.

In the fairly large gunshop I have worked in part time for the last 2 years, we have had only two come in. A 3913 and a 5906. Neither ever made it to a display case. One good customer who happened to be standing there when the 5906 walked in walked out with it. Another cop who works there part time snagged the 3913.

And most local shops keep a list that they call when 3rd gens wander into those stores. Thanks Gary! So those guns never make a display case either.

Great guns that were sometimes underated and mostly under appreciated. I still use them daily for serious purpose. Bet your life reliable, accurate and being they were made when gun guys and manufacturers still cared about asthetics, they look good doing all that. Regards 18DAI
__________________
7 +1 Rounds of hope & change

Last edited by 18DAI; 04-15-2018 at 03:16 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 8 Users Like Post:
  #21  
Old 04-15-2018, 03:32 PM
GaryS's Avatar
GaryS GaryS is offline
Member
Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Republic of Texas
Posts: 11,345
Likes: 9,368
Liked 17,263 Times in 6,632 Posts
Default

I think it's cyclical. Right now a LGS has a CS9 (black) that has been sitting for quite some time. In fact, it was there back in January (I think), when I bought my 457 from them. They also had a couple of 40xx guns, and a couple of 2nd Gens.

Yesterday, they listed a 3913, so we'll see how long that lasts. It took me over a year to sell my CA DOC 3913 on a very busy local gun forum.

The 3914 that I PMed you about a few months back finally sold about three weeks ago. That sat for a while.

There are a few 6906s floating around in other shops as well. I think a shop I've never bought from had a few 594x guns sitting in the display case. I'd have to look at their website to see if there were all stainless or allow frames.

Then there is a CS45 (black) with four 6 round and a throw in 8 round magazine on that same local gun board. It's listed at $450.00 and I'm trying hard not to start negotiating for it.

The 3rd Gens that seem to go fastest right now are the 457.

Of course it's likely also regional. Since we can't bring "off roster" guns into MA, we have to be sharp eyed and expect to pay a premium. You should see what the few available Glocks go for!

Quote:
Originally Posted by 18DAI View Post
You dont see many 3rd gens coming up for sale in the gunshops anymore. Those that have them, generally, are keeping them.

In the fairly large gunshop I have worked in part time for the last 2 years, we have had only two come in. A 3913 and a 5906. Neither ever made it to a display case. One good customer who happened to be standing there when the 5906 walked in walked out with it. Another cop who works there part time snagged the 3913.

And most local shops keep a list that they call when 3rd gens wander into those stores. Thanks Gary! So those guns never make a display case either.

Great guns that were sometimes underated and mostly under appreciated. I still use them daily for serious purpose. Bet your life reliable, accurate and being they were made when gun guys and manufacturers still cared about asthetics, they look good doing all that. Regards 18DAI
__________________
Can open, worms everywhere.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #22  
Old 04-15-2018, 04:54 PM
Mattcrockett Mattcrockett is offline
Member
Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store Used S&W Autos: The Most Underrated Pistols at Your Gun Store  
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Fox Valley area WI
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times in 2 Posts
Default

I just absolutely dig the S&W 3gen. Easy to shoot and keep on target for speed and tactical drills. The CHP tsw .40 rocks and just scored a like new 5906tsw . Ill run the 5906tsw and my USP.40 trough the drills at Fox Valley tech
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
How to store pistols in safe skipnsb S&W-Smithing 24 04-13-2017 11:02 PM
22 magnum rifles - underrated or extinct? Jim L Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics 62 12-15-2016 01:50 PM
Most efficient manner to store pistols in a safe JustinL The Lounge 20 08-20-2016 01:37 PM
Most underrated 1911, the Billboard PA Guns & Ammo Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols 26 11-18-2015 07:34 AM
How do you store your pistols? weeha1966 S&W-Smithing 26 02-08-2012 12:57 AM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:33 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)