I LOVE the third generation S&W semi-automatic pistols, especially the full-size models with the 5" barrels.

I wish that S&W would put back into production the .45 ACP full-size pistols (4506 and 4505).

I also wish for the return of the 5906. That double-stack model just "fit" my hand perfectly. (You know that feeling, the first time you pick up a new handgun and you just know this one was built just for my hand?) The 4" models are available used, though most saw a pretty hard life as police duty weapons. The one I liked best was the Super9, with a 5" barrel. That one is available used, but is crazy money, since it is so rare. The 5" barrel seems to balance and look the best IMHO.

As the owner of a 4566, I very much agree. Bring back the 3rd gen pistols. Tupperware is OK, but steel is better.

Bring back 3rd gen 1006 with a doublestack mag. The pistol is big enough for it.

definitely bring them back...all of them.Ive only seen 1 4506 locally in 6 years and that one was gone in a week.My 4006 is by far,my favorite gun.Its crazy accurate.

The 3rd generations were very strong and robust pistols...
I am holding on to mine in the 10xx series...These have handled the full potential 10mm loads that others balked on.

It is a modern tragedy that new shooters are unaware of the greatness contained in the Smith and Wesson 3rd Generation semi-autos.

It is ironic, that in two puny years of me buying and selling firearms I hear the same noise about polymer this, Glock that, XD grip safety this, tactical rail other.I almost believed the hype once, until I held a 4506 for the first time.

Sometimes in life the truth hits you like a sledgehammer.Like a train impacting a car stopped on the tracks, the truth will set you free but the process tends to be loud and messy.The moment I held a 4506 for the first time the truth hit me like a baseball bat.

Someone somewhere plugged me into a firearms Marketing Matrix designed to funnel new shooters into something with a garbage trigger contained in a cheaply made polymer cast frame accommodating a huge magazine, and a square slide profile.

The Cabelas gun clerk didn't know it, but with every dry pull of the 4506's smooth metal trigger a mental lie about handguns collapsed on itself in my mind.

"What about high capacity!"my reptilian side wailed

*pulls sweet trigger*

"The external safety is too slow to disengage!"


*hands caress solid machined steel frame as the safety slides on and off lightning fast*

"Its too big!"

*I notice the 4506 is the thinnest 45 ACP DA/SA pistol in the case*

Decision made.

Never again will I trade a metal weapon for a polymer alternative.I would swear off plastic guns period, but in 10 years' time everything in the new weapon case will be plastic whether I like it or not.