Picked up a S&W 6944

1ActuaL3 · #1 09-15-2021, 10:04 PM

Found a M6944 on Armslist with the TVD prefix. Did some research and ended up picking it up for my collection. Piece is pretty dirty, but will get to cleaning it when I have some more time. Sure is one unique 3rd Gen, especially with the “Mod 6944” etched into the inside of the slide.

GaryS · #2 09-15-2021, 11:32 PM

That's a nice find. Fairly rare as it was replaced by the 6946 after a couple of years.

I have a 6946 and it's a nice shooting firearm. Very accurate as well. Makes me look like I know how to shoot.

robrossk · #3 09-16-2021, 05:32 AM

Nice find and welcome from Missouri.

kbm6893 · #4 09-16-2021, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1ActuaL3

Found a M6944 on Armslist with the TVD prefix. Did some research and ended up picking it up for my collection. Piece is pretty dirty, but will get to cleaning it when I have some more time. Sure is one unique 3rd Gen, especially with the “Mod 6944” etched into the inside of the slide.

I have a 3953 with the etching in the slide. Is there something special about them?

stansdds · #5 09-16-2021, 06:57 AM

Nice! I've seen lots more 6946's than I have 6944's. I have a 6946, it's my EDC for many years now. I'd say the one thing about the blued 3rd gen pistols is the poor quality finish S&W gave the slides. I know there was no need for polished flats, but the bluing itself is thin and not very durable, which makes the blued 3rd gen slides look pretty shabby after the pistol has been carried and used. That's really my only gripe against the 3rd gen S&W pistols.

Since this was bought as an obviously used pistols, did you clean it thoroughly, flush out the extractor channel, and install a new recoil spring? Enjoy that 6944, take care of it and it should provide you with excellent service.

ACEd · #6 09-16-2021, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryS

That's a nice find. Fairly rare as it was replaced by the 6946 after a couple of years.

I have a 6946 and it's a nice shooting firearm. Very accurate as well. Makes me look like I know how to shoot.

Actually the 6944 and 6946 were both introduced in 1991 though I have a 6946 as well as a 6944 with SW production dates in 1990. The 6944 was discontinued while the 6946 continued production thru 1999.

As to the 6944, there were apparently 3 or possibly 4 production groups - the initial TFB group with the early D shaped trigger guard made in 1990, the TVD group with the late curved trigger guard which dates from 1992-93, the TZB group similar to the TVD also dating 1992-93 and at least one TZZ with a reported Manufacture (Ship?) Date of 7/22/1993 (TZZ3317) per SW.

The slides of the TFB group were also marked Model 6944 but on left outside and right side of slide marked "Model Number on Parts Must Agree"

Some early 6946 were similarly marked "... Parts Must Agree" on outside of slide and later 6944 and some 6946 and 3953 have model number inside slide like original post.

ColbyBruce · #7 09-16-2021, 12:48 PM

There is a gun shop near me that had a box of used magazines for $15.99 each if you need spares.

stansdds · #8 09-17-2021, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ColbyBruce

There is a gun shop near me that had a box of used magazines for $15.99 each if you need spares.

That's a smokin' deal on x69/69xx magazines if they are genuine S&W and in good condition.

ColbyBruce · #9 09-17-2021, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stansdds

That's a smokin' deal on x69/69xx magazines if they are genuine S&W and in good condition.

I posted about it a week or so ago.

ACEd · #10 09-21-2021, 10:15 PM

6946 TFJxxxx similarly marked on outsides of slide
6946 TFNxxxx no markings on outside but inside on slide marked 6946

Heymatt · #11 09-22-2021, 07:39 AM

6946 TEY4*** marking on both sides of slide, no internal markings

GaryS · #12 09-22-2021, 10:20 AM

My 1993 6946 has no marking on the inside of the slide, so at some point S&W stopped doing that.

This cost me $325.00 including tax out the door at an FFL. The bonus was that it was listed as having one magazine, but when the counter man brought out the box, we found a second one.

I used this for my SC CCW qualification back in March. Now, I just need to find some property so I qualify for an non resident.

Dave Baird · #13 09-22-2021, 01:25 PM

Nice shootin'!!!!

GaryS · #14 09-22-2021, 01:58 PM

The gun gets the credit. I had shot that gun only twice before I took it to SC for the class. I was slightly nervous but felt that it was the best option even though I have a lot of 3rd Gens.

The gun didn't let me down.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Baird

Nice shootin'!!!!