Originally Posted by VTHokiesDuckHunter

For range shooting and qualifying as you mentioned, I'd really look hard at the 5906 (all stainless) or 5903 (SS slide/alloy frame) or the .40 S&W caliber equivalents- 4006/4003.

If you're into 45's there are similar models. These all have the Double Action/Single Action (DA/SA) triggers and are good shooters. I prefer the 5906.

Like vista461 said, if you want to stay with a double action only pull, the above models come in that configuration.

(5946/5943/4056/4053, etc.)



There's a very nice 4053 TSW (Tactical Service Weapon) version on GunBroker right now. Usually you can find great deals form members on this forum in the Classifieds thread.

I didn't mention any of the compacts as you said your primary interest was for range/qualifying. But the above models generally come in compact versions as well.

There are older models that are great shooters like the 39-2, 539, etc., but if this is your first S&W metal framed pistol I'd stick with one of the 3rd generation models (usually a 4 digit number like 5906)

If you've got the cash ($2000) and want to go all-in, there is the current production S&W 952 Performance Center pistol which is one of the finest semi-auto pistols ever.

No one has mentioned the M&P's here as most of us are obviously biased towards the metal framed pistols on this board. The M&P's are good shooters but you are looking at a Polymer framed gun like your Glock- although a lot nicer than a Glock IMO.