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01-14-2020, 09:19 PM
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Collecting Classic S&W Automatics
For many years, I accumulated firearms because I thought they were cool or that my chance to have them was closing or the history they entailed. From bolt-action turn of the century mausers to Colt M4s I meandered getting what I could afford without much real direction. I wouldn't call it collecting as there wasn't a focus.
I obtained my first S&W classic automatic pistol. It was a foreign service 3913. It has a US ordnance flaming bomb stamp on the frame which I have been told meant it was government security service, whether that was CIA or embassy security, there's no telling. But the other classic S&W's came soon after. A model 59 was next, an original Model 39 with box and papers. Since then the collection has grown to include multiple examples from every base model type generation one through three and even a couple examples from 'the dark years,' of the S&W Sigma. I genuinely enjoy collecting them because of the diversity in size and calibers. Unlike collectors of 1911s and Lugers, there's so many variants of the all-metal Smiths.
Finding them at gunshows is part of the fun, but also doing pawn shop crawls in hopes of finding something new and interesting. Smiths are still reasonably priced and reasonably available, so its rare I don't find something at least cool enough to look at and ponder. They're well made, durable, and parts are easily available for fixing the odd bad ejector and so on. They've been on a lot of TV shows and movies from the A-Team to the Terminator and of course Miami Vice. They always fired magic bullets that dropped the bad guys without having to aim much and looked so cool.
My luck the prices will start going crazy and the supply dries up, thats been my luck with most things I start collecting. But while thats not the case, I sure enjoy collecting Smiths, especially old cop trade-ins with the department numbers and marks on them. Its the golden age of classic Smith collecting. Now's the time to have fun without breaking the bank.
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01-14-2020, 09:46 PM
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Until you post pictures of the nice collection that you described, I will put up my starter set.
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01-14-2020, 10:17 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HOUSTON RICK
Until you post pictures of the nice collection that you described, I will put up my starter set.
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Get a CHP 4006 TSW as your next one. Its reasonably priced and a cool cop gun.
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01-15-2020, 02:51 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by S&W59
For many years, I accumulated firearms because I thought they were cool or that my chance to have them was closing or the history they entailed. From bolt-action turn of the century mausers to Colt M4s I meandered getting what I could afford without much real direction. I wouldn't call it collecting as there wasn't a focus.
I obtained my first S&W classic automatic pistol. It was a foreign service 3913. It has a US ordnance flaming bomb stamp on the frame which I have been told meant it was government security service, whether that was CIA or embassy security, there's no telling. But the other classic S&W's came soon after. A model 59 was next, an original Model 39 with box and papers. Since then the collection has grown to include multiple examples from every base model type generation one through three and even a couple examples from 'the dark years,' of the S&W Sigma. I genuinely enjoy collecting them because of the diversity in size and calibers. Unlike collectors of 1911s and Lugers, there's so many variants of the all-metal Smiths.
Finding them at gunshows is part of the fun, but also doing pawn shop crawls in hopes of finding something new and interesting. Smiths are still reasonably priced and reasonably available, so its rare I don't find something at least cool enough to look at and ponder. They're well made, durable, and parts are easily available for fixing the odd bad ejector and so on. They've been on a lot of TV shows and movies from the A-Team to the Terminator and of course Miami Vice. They always fired magic bullets that dropped the bad guys without having to aim much and looked so cool.
My luck the prices will start going crazy and the supply dries up, thats been my luck with most things I start collecting. But while thats not the case, I sure enjoy collecting Smiths, especially old cop trade-ins with the department numbers and marks on them. Its the golden age of classic Smith collecting. Now's the time to have fun without breaking the bank.
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I love my 39-2
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01-15-2020, 03:48 AM
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3rd Gen Collection
It is addictive, & fun, for many of the reasons the OP states.
The last year or two, with an exception here & there, it's been a little harder to find something exciting locally.
I took a group picture several years ago when I was just starting & it was hard enough to get the height above to get them all in.
I think I'd need a drone nowadays to get them all in one shot.
.
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01-15-2020, 05:31 AM
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They keep going up , I picked a FBI 459 , NYPD mint 5946 , 645 . The nice ones are drying up .
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01-15-2020, 09:54 AM
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I've said it before, buy any and all 3rd gens you can afford. The day's coming you'd wished you had.
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01-15-2020, 11:57 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 03hemi
I've said it before, buy any and all 3rd gens you can afford. The day's coming you'd wished you had.
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I agree with 03hemi, get them while you can, they will only get harder to find and will go up in price.
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01-15-2020, 12:58 PM
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I couldn't agree more! I started collecting these classic Smith & Wessons (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Gens) just a few short years ago and already that collection has grown to a few dozen. I love them. I can't get enough.
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01-15-2020, 01:25 PM
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I agree too. My collection has grown to over two dozen and that is with me limiting it to 9mm and .40S&W. I'd need a much bigger gun safe for .45s alone if I started buying them.
I've developed a fondness for the S&W Gen3 single stacks as my carry choices but still enjoy shooting the higher capacity pistols on range days.
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01-15-2020, 01:27 PM
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In a world of plastic strikers, the 3rd Gen DA/SA pistols really stand tall. It's not unusual to hear of some still in service after 30+ years and going strong with round counts nearing 6 digits.
These three little single-stack 9's nestle honorably among my CZ's and SIG's.
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01-16-2020, 12:00 PM
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Quote:
It has a US ordnance flaming bomb stamp on the frame which I have been told meant it was government security service, whether that was CIA or embassy security, there's no telling.
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I would like to know more about this, please. Can you post a picture? Do you have an historical letter from Roy on this gun? TIA.
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01-16-2020, 01:25 PM
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I thought this Thread was going to be about real classic autos.
From 1954-1980.
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01-16-2020, 01:40 PM
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I agree, now is the time to be collecting any and all S&W semi-auto's. The prices have been steadily rising over the past couple of years and the selection is definitely dwindling. A lot of the variants are extremely scarce too with only a couple of hundred made.
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01-16-2020, 02:27 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gmborkovic
I thought this Thread was going to be about real classic autos.
From 1954-1980.
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C’mon Mike! Add up all our ages and we still don’t catch you!
Classic is what ya make of it.
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01-16-2020, 03:37 PM
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39-2
In the late 80's I bought a 659. I always liked the look of the 39 but being young, I went for the mag capacity. Never really jelled with it so it was traded off.
But I never lost the desire for the 39. I was curosing the auctions this weekend and saw one listed by a local seller. I won the bid and picked this 39-2 up this morning.
It is better condition that what the auction pics showed.
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01-16-2020, 06:11 PM
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The Model 39 isn’t loved by everyone out there, many folks who are die-hard 1911 guys and die hard revolver guys have never really been impressed by the Model 39.
But I will say this..
I don’t know many folks who like any 1-2-3rd Gen S&W pistols and also don’t LOVE the Model 39/39-2!
I love my three 39’s!
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01-16-2020, 06:23 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sevens
The Model 39 isn’t loved by everyone out there, many folks who are die-hard 1911 guys and die hard revolver guys have never really been impressed by the Model 39.
But I will say this..
I don’t know many folks who like any 1-2-3rd Gen S&W pistols and also don’t LOVE the Model 39/39-2!
I love my three 39’s!
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The 39 is my only non 1911 semi auto , (excluding .22s and Glocks) and I have always considered myself as a revolver guy. To me the 39 has a similar appeal as a Hi Power. Not the best of the best today considering more modern/refined designs but definatly a classic design.
And it just feels good in the hand. Can't wait to shoot it.
Tim
Last edited by tt66; 01-16-2020 at 06:25 PM.
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01-16-2020, 07:02 PM
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Sevens, You hurt me dude! Yea, wait a minute, I am old. The 39 platform is the basis for all these little piddly 2nd and 3rd gens that followed.
Add rails, change the finish or caliber, you still have a 39. best, Mike
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01-16-2020, 08:00 PM
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About a m0nth ago, I picked up my first S&W semi auto. It’s a M-4006 TSW CHP. I was so smitten by it, I purchased two more in mint condition. I guess I’m collecting S&W semi autos now...lol.
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01-16-2020, 08:19 PM
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I never expected to hear a 39-2 described as a "classic" when I was carrying one on the job, but as far as I'm concerned S&W never made a better semi-auto.
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01-16-2020, 08:42 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HOUSTON RICK
Until you post pictures of the nice collection that you described, I will put up my starter set.
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What . No 39
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01-16-2020, 10:29 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave.357
What . No 39
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All my 9mm full size autos take the S&W 59XX magazine. I prefer the larger grip/magazine. I do have a 59.
I certainly understand those who like single stacks.
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01-18-2020, 11:43 AM
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I'll echo what has already been said. All gen 1-3 semis are becoming scarce in my area. Not long ago I could count on seeing a few on every trip to my LGS's. Last week the only semi I saw was a nice 39-2, that I should have bought, because two days later it was gone. And now I never see 2nd Gens and if a 3rd Gen pops up, it is usually a 5906. Get em while you can.
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01-18-2020, 11:51 AM
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Sounds like I had better get started. I'm late to the game!
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01-18-2020, 01:35 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Babysitr
Sounds like I had better get started. I'm late to the game!
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Amen brother!
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01-18-2020, 06:08 PM
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If you ever see another police turn in sale of S&W 's, PLEASE let me know.
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01-19-2020, 08:19 AM
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Summit Gun Broker still has some CHP trade-in 4006TSW, now with two mags.
Gun Prime has some police trade-in 5906 with one mag.
Not including links but they're easy to find.
Last edited by cbunix23; 01-19-2020 at 08:41 AM.
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01-21-2020, 10:25 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 03hemi
I've said it before, buy any and all 3rd gens you can afford. The day's coming you'd wished you had.
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Like I said. I happened across this over the weekend and, well, you know the rest.
Came with 7 mags and it's a 4566 "Fresno Sheriffs Department 150 yrears Anniversary Edition" (new to me) anybody got any info I'd appreciate you sharing it with me, i.e. production numbers, etc.
In it's dirty state here, I pick it up next weekend.
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01-21-2020, 10:48 AM
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Well, today I have learned the true meaning of "gun nut" !
Happy collecting fella's. Ha Ha!
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01-21-2020, 11:47 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kwill1911
I would like to know more about this, please. Can you post a picture? Do you have an historical letter from Roy on this gun? TIA.
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I am also anxiously awaiting pictures and more info on this!
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01-21-2020, 12:39 PM
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Only have one, but i feel it is the ultimate in S&W pistol design.
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01-22-2020, 09:54 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 03hemi
Like I said. I happened across this over the weekend and, well, you know the rest.
Came with 7 mags and it's a 4566 "Fresno Sheriffs Department 150 yrears Anniversary Edition" (new to me) anybody got any info I'd appreciate you sharing it with me, i.e. production numbers, etc.
In it's dirty state here, I pick it up next weekend.
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What a beautiful lady!
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01-23-2020, 06:46 AM
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S&W59 is my kinda guy. I've done a similar thing.
Somebody, I think it was the Lucky Gunner web site, had a chart with all the S&W 1 - 3 Gen pistols listed. Somehow I decided I'd get one of each generation...not collectors' guns, but shooters I could afford.
Over the years I've gotten one 39 & 59; a 639, 659 and 645; a 3904, CS9 and 3914; 4566 and 4513; 5906 and 6906; plus I'm about to jump on a 4013TSW and I'd like a 4506TSW CHP in honor of my best pal, a retired CHIP who just passed away from cancer. And I have one M&P in 9 and one in 40. And a 1911SCe.
So far I'm resisting adding 10mm to the caliber collection. .
My only regret is there are so darn few folks who appreciate that group of guns. I can't display them for security reasons so they sit in the safe; if I drag them out and show off to company half the neighbors think I'm some sort of a gun wacko; and it's usually a long haul to our annual S&W yearly get-together. Which makes this forum all the more valuable. There ain't a lot of us, but quality here makes up for quantity.
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01-23-2020, 08:25 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Redcoat3340
S&W59 is my kinda guy. I've done a similar thing.
Somebody, I think it was the Lucky Gunner web site, had a chart with all the S&W 1 - 3 Gen pistols listed. Somehow I decided I'd get one of each generation...not collectors' guns, but shooters I could afford.
Over the years I've gotten one 39 & 59; a 639, 659 and 645; a 3904, CS9 and 3914; 4566 and 4513; 5906 and 6906; plus I'm about to jump on a 4013TSW and I'd like a 4506TSW CHP in honor of my best pal, a retired CHIP who just passed away from cancer. And I have one M&P in 9 and one in 40. And a 1911SCe.
So far I'm resisting adding 10mm to the caliber collection. .
My only regret is there are so darn few folks who appreciate that group of guns. I can't display them for security reasons so they sit in the safe; if I drag them out and show off to company half the neighbors think I'm some sort of a gun wacko; and it's usually a long haul to our annual S&W yearly get-together. Which makes this forum all the more valuable. There ain't a lot of us, but quality here makes up for quantity.
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+1 ^^^^^^ Which is the best?? I dunno, I like quite a few of 'em. LOL
For those of you who might like to collect one of each.......Here's the link to Lucky Gunner's Guide to S&W 1st, 2nd, 3rd Gen Models: https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/g...omatic-models/
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01-23-2020, 09:22 AM
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Somewhere (probably here) I seem to recall reading that almost 300,000 39-2s were made over about 20 years.
I never bought one because I read in one (or more) of the Gun Rags of the day (late 70s) that the extractor could/would break at the most inopportune time.
My Asst Chief of Security carried one off duty and qualified with it 2X per year............ 95% or better.
It was only after joining here that I learned the truth...... but by then the 3rd Gen guns were out and in my holster......... that said I don't seem to be able to get by without at least one 39 in the safe.
The only S&W auto I don't like..... but owned one for 6 or 7 years is the 469 which to me has the grip of a 2X4.
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01-23-2020, 11:37 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cbunix23
Summit Gun Broker still has some CHP trade-in 4006TSW, now with two mags.
Gun Prime has some police trade-in 5906 with one mag.
Not including links but they're easy to find.
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Thank you. If you find more tell me, please.
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01-25-2020, 02:59 PM
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