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03-17-2020, 06:35 PM
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What is your favorite full size S&W Semi-Auto Handgun(s) and why?
I like the S&W 5906 and 4506. Apparently I prefer the stainless steel frames, but also the trigger, accuracy and faultless reliability. What are your favorites? My 4506 was my second full size S&W semi-auto. I bought it on a lark at a gun show 10 years ago that was closing and I talked the dealer down to $350. What a great pistol. The 5906 is the 9mm equivalent. Pictures please! S&W semi's all look alike only to the uninitiated. Thank you and God bless all here.
Last edited by HOUSTON RICK; 03-17-2020 at 06:37 PM.
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03-17-2020, 06:51 PM
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3904/3906 - the single stacks feel the best to me.
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03-17-2020, 06:54 PM
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Today.......I'll put another vote in for the 5906.......I call it the "Sherman Tank" of the semi-auto world. Durable, reasonably accurate, fun to shoot, reliable and easy to maintain.
The LE castaways are inexpensive and easy to rehab, and have a lot of life in them:
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Last edited by armorer951; 03-18-2020 at 02:45 PM.
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03-17-2020, 06:57 PM
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The 39's are close to my heart. I run some rounds thru the 39-2 this past weekend. I had almost forgotten how sweet that thing is, the way it fits just right. For now the 639 is just for lookin at!
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03-17-2020, 07:10 PM
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got to agree with storyman. A real classic that works every time. Mlke
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03-17-2020, 07:14 PM
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Browning Hi Power! Looks great, feels great, shoots great, historical lineage (John Moses Browning), effective caliber, 13 round magazine. What's not to like?!!!!
Sorry! I see now that it says "favorite S&W"
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Last edited by otis24; 03-17-2020 at 07:29 PM.
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03-17-2020, 07:47 PM
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My 5906 police surplus but that's because it's the only full size S&W 3rd Gen or any Gen, actually, that I own!
Picture someday soon. Not that's its special but we all like pictures........
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03-17-2020, 07:48 PM
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I had to think a bit cause it’s a real problem for me coming up with a favorite full size S&W Semi. Like my kids they’re all my favorite. 
I would have to say though, my favorite has to be my 845 Limited. It handles like the first S&W auto I ever bought, (my 4506-1,) and has even more accuracy potential and just plain “fun factor” than my Performance Center Special 745. Plus, most people who aren’t into S&W’s can’t tell what it is cause it does NOT have a Billboard or any model number on it. Once they shoot it they know it’s special and the explanation begins.
Jim
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03-17-2020, 07:54 PM
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Absent Comrade
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Full size? Easy, 4506-1. Bet your life reliable, very accurate and looks good doing all that.
In St Peters favorite caliber too!  Regards 18DAI
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03-17-2020, 08:00 PM
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I have a 4506 lower with a 4516 upper that I just love. The lower end still gives me the 8-rounds mags and the full-length grip while this upper makes it easier to handle with the shorter slide and barrel than the longer 5" barrel it originally came with. Plus I can still use the extended 10-round mags if I feel like it. It is essentially a home-assembled 4596 like what Lew Horton had. My very favorite 3rd Gen and my favorite .45 as well.
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03-17-2020, 08:13 PM
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03-17-2020, 08:28 PM
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I like the weight and comfortable grip on my 5906. Cleaning is a chore because I can't stand to leave a speck of crud
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03-17-2020, 08:29 PM
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1076.. No explanation needed..IMO.
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03-17-2020, 08:43 PM
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Of course it's my 5906 because it's all stainless and purdy.
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03-17-2020, 08:43 PM
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My S&W all SS 1911! Why because it's a full size SS 1911 in 45 ACP! What's not to like? There I broke the 1911 ice jump in.
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03-17-2020, 08:46 PM
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S&W 639. I've had mine more years than I can remember, never had a hiccup with it. Reliable, easy to shoot, stainless. The only thing I would like better is if Smith would have made a single stack like this in .40 or .357 Sig. Just my opinion but Smith autos went downhill beginning with the third generation models. There were more changes made to cheapen production cost than there were to improve the product.
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03-17-2020, 08:48 PM
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My full-size favorite would have to be my 5906 after I had it polished as demonstrated in the 4-part Gunsmithing the S&W 3rd Generation Pistol.
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03-17-2020, 08:53 PM
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My mod. 39, carried it for years, then factory re-blue, re-worked by George Maynard and engraved at the factory while I was there. A real sweetheart!!
Replaced by my Mod 952-1, the most accurate center fire pistol I have ever shot. Over 30,000 rounds, not one problem. Absolute pure love!!
Last edited by Ed Fowler; 03-17-2020 at 09:11 PM.
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03-17-2020, 09:13 PM
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I would have to say I like all the full sized 3rd gens, but if I have to pick 1 that would trump them all??? It would be the 1026...
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03-17-2020, 09:15 PM
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Absent Comrade
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Model 39-2
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03-17-2020, 09:27 PM
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Banned SCAMMER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Its a really long list.
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03-17-2020, 09:38 PM
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Probably my 1006s.
But I am pretty fond of my 4566s also. And the 4506-1 that I have set up for .45 Super aint too shabby either.
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03-17-2020, 09:54 PM
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Banned
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Best
Model 52. It is a TARGET pistol. Best out of the box trigger period.
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03-17-2020, 11:31 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RalphMP9FS
Of course it's my 5906 because it's all stainless and purdy.
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smiling-face-with-sunglasses_1f60e.png.....that is some serious bling
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03-18-2020, 12:20 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 357larry
S&W 639. I've had mine more years than I can remember, never had a hiccup with it. Reliable, easy to shoot, stainless. The only thing I would like better is if Smith would have made a single stack like this in .40 or .357 Sig. Just my opinion but Smith autos went downhill beginning with the third generation models. There were more changes made to cheapen production cost than there were to improve the product.
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A 639 was my first. It was sorta the Lays Potato Chip of guns for me. 
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03-18-2020, 01:06 AM
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411 and 915, in that order. Good guns at a modest price point.
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03-18-2020, 01:17 AM
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Banned
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The 4506 has the highest stopping power and if you can’t do it with 8, you’re probably dead anyway!
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03-18-2020, 01:26 AM
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As you can see from the thumbnail on the left.....
....I have a 5943 but I would really like to have a 5906.
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03-18-2020, 02:42 AM
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My 1006, sure I'd love to have a 1026 or 1076 but they'd be guns I'd be hesitant to shoot often whereas I'd be taking the 1006 to the range every chance I get. If I could get my hands on a 4566 or 4006 TSW they'd be up there too.
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03-18-2020, 02:54 AM
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My Model 39-2,that I bought in late 79 and was my duty gun as a Deputy Sheriff back then.
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03-18-2020, 05:25 AM
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39-2. It's the look and feel of it in your hand that does it for me.
If they had just developed it now, SIG or Springfield woulda figured out how to put 26 rds in that mag, too!
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Because of the metric system?
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03-18-2020, 05:47 AM
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I no longer have one but my favorite full size Gen 3 is the 1006.
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Last edited by CH4; 03-18-2020 at 06:48 AM.
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03-18-2020, 05:59 AM
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The top of my list is my 4" M&P 45. It's like a 1911 Commander with sights I can see. Second on the list would be my wifes 6906. That is still her favorite range gun and was here CCW pistol until went went to a revolver.
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03-18-2020, 06:53 AM
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My 539. Fits the hand perfect.
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03-18-2020, 07:11 AM
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I guess if I had to pick just one, it would be my 439. Reasonably compact in size, 8-rounds in the mag, easy to grip, much lighter in weight than my 645 or any steel/stainless steel receiver pistol.
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03-18-2020, 07:28 AM
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9mm would have to be a 915 unless I can count my custom 6915s as full size
I like the 5906 but it doesn't get carried.
.45 4566 Commander size.
Last edited by BAM-BAM; 03-19-2020 at 07:36 AM.
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03-18-2020, 08:42 AM
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5906, hands down. Accuracy, easy to clean. Looks great. Just flat out, Superb in my Estimation.
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03-18-2020, 08:47 AM
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Easy ... my 1006.
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03-18-2020, 09:52 AM
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1006 or 1076? Hmmm, both.
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03-18-2020, 10:01 AM
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4596. Why, because it's the only one I have but it's good enough that it's all I need.
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03-18-2020, 10:16 AM
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For me it’s the 5946 I carried as a Patrolman
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03-18-2020, 10:25 AM
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I like all the 1st 2nd and 3rd S&W pistols.
These are the only ones left in the herd though. 539 and 559.
Jim
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03-18-2020, 12:40 PM
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Well, all you guys that did not mention the model 39 are just flat out
wrong! Not an opinion, just fact. WINK! Mike
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03-18-2020, 12:48 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bigggbbruce
1076.. No explanation needed..IMO.
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Agreed!! I love my Model 52, but it wouldn't be my first choice in a fight.
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03-18-2020, 01:14 PM
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My favorite S&W auto is my 2nd favorite auto of all time after the BHP, and it's the Model 39. I have a 39 and a -2, and they've been retired from any carry in favor of my 4006.
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03-18-2020, 01:15 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gmborkovic
Well, all you guys that did not mention the model 39 are just flat out
wrong! Not an opinion, just fact. WINK! Mike
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I mentioned it! 
Jim
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03-18-2020, 01:19 PM
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For me it would be one of the 927 steel-framed Model 39s. The even all-blued finish and the wood grip panels make it especially attractive.
Alternately, the nickel alloy-framed Model 39 is attractive, the blued Model 39 with anodized alloy frame somewhat less so.
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03-18-2020, 04:56 PM
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Doesn’t seem quite fair to compare production guns to Performance Center guns, but I’ll give three answers.
My second run “Model of 1998” Performance Center 845 Limited is unquestionably my answer, and I’ve got a heap of full size S&W pistols. I really love nearly every one of them, but my 845 stands out and this isn’t a tough decision.
Seems to me that PC isn’t really fair. My very late TZT-prefix Model 52-2 is the quickest answer I have for a regularly catalogued handgun. This particular one amazes me every time I take it out and I shoot it a lot! I also take it hunting on a trip each year... for prairie dogs. 
But a 52 is also a completely hand fitted gun! So my best answer for a full production “made a bunch and all are production grade”, it’s gonna be my DVC-prefix IPSC Anniversary Model 745. Classy good looks, a short pull single action only trigger and just ear to ear grins with each squeeze ‘n bang. I could list a dozen for honorable mention but the 745 is my favorite full-production S&W handgun and that too is an easy choice for me.
Great topic! I hope to add pictures later.
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03-19-2020, 06:46 AM
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Banned SCAMMER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Another one i truly love.
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03-19-2020, 08:17 AM
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My favorite full size S&W handgun is the 645. If it had been made with a double-stack magazine, it would be the perfect handgun for me! I liked my first one so much, I had to get another.
To me, the 3rd Gen S&W are not full-size as they are just cut down versions of the real full size guns.
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Last edited by BigBoy99; 03-19-2020 at 01:01 PM.
Reason: Typo!
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