I purchased my 3953 in 1991, that after getting my required rounds thru, replaced my 669.

The 3953 has been my EDC handgun since (with the exception of when I need to pocket carry, etc, at which time my 642 takes over).

I have a Shield ready to take over (plenty of rounds down range and convinced of it's reliability) but it's a lot harder then I thought to replace the 3953 after almost 30 years.

Thank you! my point exactly friend. If they feed empties, imagine what they do to live rounds. And it is not some do some dont. Unless a 3rd gem was tampered with or worn to bits,, chances are 99.9% it does feed empties. And yes, plastic is iinerior. by far. I might recosider this when landmark battle rifles, as well as light and heavy machine guns come out in vast productions with plastic frames. I will trully be convinced when naval guns, artillery, and airforce come out with plastic turets, trails, firing platforms, and so on so forth (those would be benefited the most by the weight reduction that the plastic has to offer.) Untill then I can only say that an 870 and a 500 remain stronger framed shotguns than the indeed quality, plastic framed Nova in 12 Ga. Oh, plus heavier pistols make accurate shooting easier.

Nothing the matter with carrying what works for you. It would be foolish to do otherwise.

I use to tell my students that there are more than one way to skin a cat. If a particular hold or stance worked well for them - enabling them to get fast accurate hits - then USE IT!

I carry 3rd gen 45s because they work for me. Very well. I chose 45 because of what I witnessed working robbery/homicide. When the day comes that I can no longer shoot 45s accurately and quickly, I will go to 9mm. I own several nice ones. Or maybe a 357 snub. I have a few of those still.

I recently reevaluated my handgun needs. Lets face it, my guns are getting older - as I am and like me, they have high round counts.

And after shooting Sigs, Nighthawks, Colts, Wilson Combat, CZ and several other makes/models I didn't find one that I could shoot as fast and accurately as a 3rd gen 45. I figure I have 10 to 12 years left of carrying a gun everyday......maybe.

So, I had a local Smith go through my 4506-1 "pawnshop rescue" a 4566 and a 4516. He detail stripped and cleaned them all. And told me that I have no issues or worrys with any of them. He certified them GTG. So those are the guns that will be used by me.

And of course the minute I come across a clean 4506-1 "dash 3", with adjustable sights, I will he buying it. Regards 18DAI

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7 +1 Rounds of hope & change

Don't know why a lot of folks think there is only one way.... generally their way ...... of doing something.

I've got a lot of years and rounds down range developing muscle memory....too late to teach this old dog new tricks..... besides my eyes aren't what they use to be (bullseye for me is a thing of the past)....... but I can still get the job done...........

with my large accumulation of 3rd Gen Smith autos

for the last 3 years a 4506-1 has been my primary deer gun.

I used to carry CZ P-07 and P-09 now carry S&W 4516 - 1 w/RDS

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2 Cor 5:17
John3:16

A 642-1 is what I carry most of the time, but I do have some 3rd gens in the rotation mostly for Sunday mornings when I have a cover garment. Those include a 4513 TSW, 3953 TSW, and a 4013 TSW. I'd like to eventually acquire a CS9 or CS40 for pocket carry. I usually take at least one 3rd Gen on every range trip.

BAM-BAM there are A LOT of folks who are like that. Unfortunately, some of them call themselves "instructors".

I see it almost everyday at the gunshop. Folks come in looking for a small 380 - even though they have never shot one - because their "CCW instructor" told them it was what they needed.

And a lot of people, who have the sense to seek out training, wind up getting BAD training. And paying a lot for it too. I don't know what the solution is....?

Caveat Emptor. Regards 18DAI

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7 +1 Rounds of hope & change

4566 on my waist as we speak in a Galco Combat Master for Sig P220.
3914 in my pack.
Wandering the wilderness of Franklin County, Maine

When I used to qualify with my Glock 19, the range officers would simulate a malfunction by telling us to feed two empties randomly into the mag so we’d run through the tap rack bang drill. It wasn’t an issue feeding those empties.

Feeding empties doesn’t make a gun more reiiable. Why not take a poll here and ask if anybody has EVER had a malfunction in a 3rd gen. Nothing is perfect.

3rd gens are great. I’m only left with two. I like them because of the features. But I don’t feel any less reliably armed with my Shield or Ruger LC9S.

Not debating plastic guns here fellas. Use what works for you, as has already been stated.

Please take it to PMs or start another thread. Thanks! Regards 18DAI

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7 +1 Rounds of hope & change

Disparaging other guns is awfully funny when you consider that it was the 39/59 that ushered in the era of the pistol in to American law enforcement, and with it about a billion guys who would NEVER consider any new fangled bottom-feeder to replace their rock-solid revolver.

S&W 3rd Gens stand on their own merit and pedigree.

A friend of mine asked me what he should buy for his first handgun. I made the mistake of assuming that he intended it for carry. I told him to get a 442. Silly me, he wanted it for home defense only.

I probably should have told him to get a Model 10, even though I think something like a M&P9 would have been better. The problem being that he is absolutely convinced, despite having shot a number of my 3rd Gens, that revolvers are more reliable.

Now, he's thinking of a small 9mm. If he's going to use it for home defense, I'll recommend the M&P. If he's actually going to carry, it will be a shield, maybe even an EZ-9.

He's been a friend since we were kids, but sometimes when he gets a wrong idea in his head, it's nearly impossible to change his mind.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

I am a LEO in California, My 4516-1 was bought brand new in the early 1990's. I strictly use it for range and home defense. I have a leather custom holster made for it.

My agency currently uses the Sig Sauer P226, 40 Cal. rail with streamlight . I purchased my former non rail Sig P226 40 cal and carry it off duty to and from work in the winter.

Summer months I carry a Sig Sauer P365 off duty when its warm. I carry a Ruger LCP if Im mowing the lawn doing yard chores.

I have a Glock 17 Gen 2 which was purchased new in the mid 1990's.

summary, all my guns are reliable and trustworthy or they get sold .

I don't. There was a time early in my career where I carried a 3913 off duty and as a backup for many years. I dabbled with a PC5906 as a duty gun for a short time as well, as I did with a 4506. I just kept going back to the Sig platform and eventually moved to 1911's which is what I've stuck with for about the last 17 years or so.

The Smith 3rd Gens are fantastic pistols - currently have my old 4506, 3913 and a 4006 - but for me, they are range use only and simple enjoyment of the older guns from early in my career. I think it's great for anyone currently carrying one. They are super reliable, well built, accurate and have some of the best triggers out there.

I can relate. I was trained on the Weaver stance with my 681 many moons ago. Weaver comes very natually to me and works great with my autos as well. Before I retired, we had a new deputy chief who was always busting on my stance, I didnt hold the gun like a little puppy up against my chest and push it out when I was ready to fire, I didnt "SCAN" (moving your head robotically to the left and right after you shoot), but I always used cover and shot in the upper 90s. I finally told him one day that some of this **** sounded like some Guns and Ammo magazine armchair warrior ****. If something works, let it work. As long as there is no safety issue, GO FOR IT. IF the gun comes out, Im pointing it at someone, not holding it up close like a fat chick holding a cup of java.

Current carry, 6904 with 124 gr Federal HST

My normal off duty carry has been a 3913 since I bought it a few years ago. Lately for training reasons I have been carrying the M&P 2.0 9 for both. I do still prefer real steel, but this 2.0 shoots and carries really well.

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Plastic has no soul

I carry my 6906 on work and personal road trips, and even walks to the 7-11 for snacks and soda. Carried it today to do the walk from my apartment, two blocks to the local store, and back. Federal 147gr HS loads. Never had to pull it, don't want to, but I trust it.

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Heavily armed old man.

Moderators take notice please. I want a milllion likes on this post on my behalf please. Thank you.

I use my S&W 3953 quite often.

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I spent a great deal of my working life in sketchy neighborhoods working with and around sketchy people so that I could raise my family in good neighborhoods with good schools.

More than a few situations could have gone horribly wrong, but for the grace of God, somehow did not, and no weapons were presented.

Never was robbed, but one night, a fellow was caught trying to break in to the dealership.

The burglar was nothing, if not a good father, for he had brought his 7 year old son with him.

Now in retirement, I am blessed that I may spend nearly all of my time in areas people tend to move to, rather than move away from...

However, on that rare occasion when I may find myself in less than secure surroundings, there is a Smith 2nd (or more likely 3rd) gen with me.

Other than that it is just practice, practice, practice.

And pray.

John

I have a 5906 with black controls and Pachmayr grips, and just got a CS9 for CC. I love 3rd gens, they're like the muscle cars of handguns.

I carry either a 3914 DAO or a 6946 on a nearly daily basis.
And, if I have a breakage issue, most parts are still available.. If not, I have more than one of each to either switch to the second gun or use for parts.
I think they will outlast me (and maybe my kids) with no problem.

My 3913 or modded 6906 rides the same Stoner IWB 99% of ccw duty....when I acquired my 4513TSW I had envisioned it seeing carry time but just can't put into that role yet....but still seems to find it's way to the range on every visit there....45 carry duty is filled very adequately by an HK .45c...

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witty signature goes here

I switch my daily carry between a 3914DAO when I need to dress up a bit and tuck in a shirt for work to a 6946 when a T-shirt will cover it just fine. I swap them both into the same belly band at 1oclock and carry a full sized spare mag at 11oclock. A good ratchet type belt keeps proper retention just fine.

Those new ratchet style gunbelts are great! Last year I mentioned to a friend that I needed a new gunbelt. He told me to try Nexbelt.

Nexbelt makes several different style belts - a reinforced gunbelt among them. Kinda pricey, but it WORKS. Using a Nexbelt ratchet gunbelt and an Aker Flatsider pancake holster makes carrying a 4506-1 for 12 to 18 hours VERY comfortable.

Best gunbelt money I ever spent. Nexbelt gunbelts are 18DAI approved! Regards 18DAI

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7 +1 Rounds of hope & change

User. Not collector just for the sake of collecting.

I own a (3) 9's, and a pair each of .40's & .45's. I believed in putting my 3rd gen's through their normal paces for use on working ranges when I was working as an instructor, and they saw off-duty (and now retirement) carry roles.

However, I less frequently wear belt guns and more often pocket holster one of my several J-frames.

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Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer

I've been pocket carrying either my CS9 or 642 more frequently of late. Just a matter of circumstance.

I generally lock my CS9 in my car when I got to client sites. No requirement, but it's how I decided to deal with that.

On days when I'm not working, I like to wear my pre rail 3913TSW, but I might start adding a 457 to that mix.

I carried my 642 during a recent hunting trip in Texas. Where we were hunting had deer, hogs, coyotes, and... rattle snakes . We were warned that if we had to go out of the bunk room at night, to make sure the automatic lights came on and to look for snakes before stepping out. That was because they'd killed more than one on the concrete pad outside the door.

That's when I loaded the five rounds of shot shells. The owner of the property said that was a good idea.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

I'm using Kore Belts currently, both dress and gun belt.
For me it became I had collected enough of them that I was becoming so familiar and confident in the system it just made sense to start carrying them also.

I've taken my S&Ws pretty much out of my "rotation" because I've decided I need the ability to hang on a light and/or screw on an rmr. I may return my 6946 to the mix as a daytime only gun, but right now it's just my "locked in the car while I'm at work" gun and doesn't really see much use.

Buy an adapter plate for an RDS and carry a flashlight.

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2 Cor 5:17
John3:16

3913 still on duty

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Some assembly required..

That would certainly work if I was determined enough but I'd prefer to try to keep two hands on the gun at this point. Though I do carry a loose flashlight as well.

Decided against the dovetail mounts for serious use. I could find someone who would cut a 3rd gen slide but I'd rather have any gun of mine be the hundredth that they did, not the first. And that extractor retaining pin looks like it could be an issue for milling the slide.

If you're a fan of 40, 45, or especially 10mm, it's hard to beat the venerable 'ol Smiths.
But when S&W dropped the 3rd Gen's, I think many dedicated fans of S&W metal-frame hammer-fired DA/SA migrated to SIG and CZ. CZ's 9mm's are excellent, priced less than Smiths 30 years ago, and can be easily milled for RDS from any number of good shops. Superbly reliable, accurate, and ergonomic....my 28oz CZ-75 P-01 Compact 14+1 (or 16+1 with +2 Mecgars) with RDS milled by CZ Custom.

I carried a 1911 on duty for years then I carried a 4566TSW when they came out and my agency disallowed the use of single action handguns and everyone began carrying plastic fantastic. I tried but I prefer heavy metal over trendy plastic. I still have the 4566TSW and carry it during the winter months. During the warmer months, 10 out of the 12, I carry a 4053TSW in an *** holster. Under a fishing shirt you can’t tell I’m carrying unless I bend over. I own a business in SW louseyana and we teach everything from concealed carry and church security to some pretty advanced stuff that makes SWAT cops sore the next day. I teach with that 4566 and get called a dinosaur but have yet to be out shot on any course of fire. As long as the gun holds up I’ll use it/carry it. Not to worry, my 3rd gen collection is well stocked. I just bought one of those Brinks trade in 4046TSW’s as a project gun and may even use that. Who knows. The only place for combat tupperware is in the cabinet.

Like my wife, I know what's inside (6906), I just can't decide what to wear. Joe

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Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

Certainly !

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Only carry the best...... I did the same from 1996 till 2020. Thinking on retiring mine in favor of the 6915 that Squidsix built. As I now have two 6915s. One night sight and one fiber optic.

But have to admit the past couple of cold months have found me carrying my other "old tech" gun a Beretta 92 Compact paired with Mec-gar's "new" 15 rd flush fit magazines (using a full size magazine base plate to eliminate the pinky extension), ultra thin G-10 grips and a spare 18 rd Mec-gar mag with a Farrar collar. Gives me 3 rds more in the gun and 3 more in the spare. The thin G-10 grips really are a game changer.

Just ordered 4 more of the 15 rd mags from Craig Cote for $25 each.

i have been looking for a 4566 for years without any luck i want one with roll mark stamping PS my search is biased on years of reading your posts thank you Sir

My CQB got carried every working day for a few years. The 3913 still gets carried. I'm not a collector, but have a few more 3rd. Gens just used recreationally.

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NRA Life, COTEP 640

3913...carried every day....Still the King of CC!!!

Randy

Amen brother! Regards 18DAI

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7 +1 Rounds of hope & change

Yes and yes, actually, I'm picking up a 4566TSW at lunch today.

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Dave Ramsey Cultist

I had a bout of anxiety with regards to my newly acquired 945 and finding a holster.....

Well come to find out she fits perfectly in the 1026 holster so she will become part of the woods walk rotation..

And some further investigation the shorty 9 and .40 will fit the 4013 holster (summer special) I have as well as the 5906 fits in the summer special made for the 1066

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This is the way....

I have been carrying a 6906 for quite a while now. I recently ran across a low milage 4046, but it was pretty dirty. It has a 5 digit number lasered on the left side of the slide, but no other markings. Do the Brinks guns have Brinks on them?

I cleaned the insides well and wiped off the outside, then gave it a good lube job and ran two boxes through it. I can get used to this trigger pretty easily I think. It came with 3 mags and I just bought 3 more.

Anyway, It got another wipe down and I slipped it in a Sticky Holster (IWB), and have been carrying it for a week now. I like having about the same number of a larger round on me. And I actually can't feel much difference between the 4046 and the 6906, in bulk or weight I often carry the 4516 because I love a 45, but a 40 will certainly work for me.

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This thread caused me to dig out my original 1989 (TEBxxxx) 3913 modified with a full hammer (5906) and Hogue checkered wood grips, looks like a hard chromed "chopped" 39............................or the Trapper/ Devel I always wanted ............

.........for a walk with the dog in Penn's woods.......

Miami Vice shoulder rig and 2 spare 8rd mags on the off side...... this works better than a standard bobbed hammer gun as the full hammer gives better retention with the thumb break.......................

Light comfortable.....25 rounds of 9mm.....easy to get to under my jacket.

Pictures?? or it doesent exist lol??m

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This is the way....

"poooooooooooof"

Update: Here she (4566TSW) is with new shoes on and together with her cousins in a family photo of the 3rd gen collection (so far).

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Dave Ramsey Cultist

Okay, silly question: you are talking 3RD Gen S&W. What generation are my 39-2's???