Other Pistols Similar to S&W 3rd Generations

Redcoat3340 · Dec 17, 2022

Some idle wondering: what other pistols would you say are similar to Smith 3rd Gens -- all metal, hammer fired, either single stack or double stack, not 1911s.

I'd guess some of the Sigs ala my 9mm 220 or P6, Beretta 92s, Walther P5, Taurus 940, Sig 220 in .45, CZ75....others? I keep looking at buying something new to me, and then realize I've got a Smith that is as good or better...like a Taurus 917 or 911, nope, got compact 39s and 69s.

(It's a Saturday night, just recovering from a very mild bout of COVID and the single malt has been just the thing...and I'm simply curious.)

rimfireshooter · Dec 18, 2022

CZ Shadow 2 is probably the best one I can think of
Ruger P series
Colt double eagle

petepeterson · Dec 18, 2022

If I were going to revisit the TDA thing, I think I would start with CZ, then maybe some SIG.

robvious · Dec 18, 2022

Daewoo K5 / DP51... sooo close

D Brown · Dec 18, 2022

The brand has already been mentioned, but no pictures so far.

CZ 75 SP-01

This one has been upgraded with a set of TRU-GLO sights.

stansdds · Dec 18, 2022

Hungarian firearms manufacturer, FEG, had what could best be described as the offspring of a wild night between a Hi-Power and a S&W Model 59. I have not seen one in decades, but I was tempted back in the early 1990's when they were available. Glad I didn't, they were not produced for very long and parts are hard to find.

Today, a good option for a DA/SA pistol in 9mm would be the CZ-75 and it's variants. You might also consider the EAA Witness line, but their customer service used to have a bad reputation, don't know if they ever fixed it.

If you want something with a hammer drop safety, the Beretta 92 immediately springs to mind.

BAM-BAM · Dec 18, 2022

Beretta 92
Sig P series
CZ

Browning Hi Power ... you didn't say DA/SA

LVSteve · Dec 18, 2022

The original all steel Baby Desert Eagle probably fits the bill. DA/SA with a slide mounted decocker safety. The early ones came with polygonal rifling. I have one, it was the first handgun I bought. It is more accurate than me and even impressed the Glock fanboy buddy I used to shoot with. Oh, and if you run out of bullets, you can beat the miscreant and his horse to death and not damage the gun. 40 oz of brute steel.

Another candidate from that era is the Ruger P89. Yes, they rattle and the sights are oddly small, but they go bang every time. The polymer replacement (P95 series) is worth owning just as an example of how it is possible to overbuild a polymer gun. P95s make good training guns for new shooters as they are easy to rack and gentle in recoil.

PeteC · Dec 18, 2022

D Brown said:
The brand has already been mentioned, but no pictures so far.
...

I like the SP01 too, but it would be a tough comparison, even with the smaller 16 round magazine, (first pic below). The P01 is easier to compare to a 3rd Gen 6906, aluminum frame, almost identical sizes (2nd pic). I wonder if the CZ75 Compact (made from 1993) would make the best candidate for a comparison, but I do not own one. Opinions?

BAM-BAM · Dec 18, 2022

I'd have been a big CZ fan if they'd hit the US Market 5 years earlier.

Have two a 9mm 75 and a .22 kadet ...... the 75 Compacts I've held would be first rate CC options!!

Jimmyjones · Dec 18, 2022

They're discontinued, but I was once told "if you like the 39xx series you should check out the Sig P239". I did, and now have 3, 2 in 9MM and one in .357Sig/.40.

https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/a-tribute-to-the-sig-p239/

Sevens · Dec 18, 2022

stansdds said:
Hungarian firearms manufacturer, FEG, had what could best be described as the offspring of a wild night between a Hi-Power and a S&W Model 59. I have not seen one in decades, but I was tempted back in the early 1990's when they were available. Glad I didn't, they were not produced for very long and parts are hard to find.

The model you describe really does fit your description but at the same time they offered a single stack .45 in two different sizes and my experience with a massive sample (of only one!

) is that this sucker was/is a total sleeper.

Low, low money, really impressive build quality and a darn good looking finish but the real draw has been it's functional reliability and accuracy! No joke, this GKK-45 outshoots my standard 3rd Gen guns in small group shooting. The double action trigger is scary heavy, the single action is not bad at all. The sights leave a lot to be desired and the razor sharp angles inside the pistol can draw blood but on the whole, this one delivers at easily double the price I paid for it. They go for more these days and magazines aren't easy to grab either but the GKK-45 not only fits this discussion, it's a humdinger.

mainegrw · Dec 24, 2022

Sevens said:
The model you describe really does fit your description but at the same time they offered a single stack .45 in two different sizes and my experience with a massive sample (of only one! ) is that this sucker was/is a total sleeper.

Low, low money, really impressive build quality and a darn good looking finish but the real draw has been it's functional reliability and accuracy! No joke, this GKK-45 outshoots my standard 3rd Gen guns in small group shooting. The double action trigger is scary heavy, the single action is not bad at all. The sights leave a lot to be desired and the razor sharp angles inside the pistol can draw blood but on the whole, this one delivers at easily double the price I paid for it. They go for more these days and magazines aren't easy to grab either but the GKK-45 not only fits this discussion, it's a humdinger.

The FEGs are nice, I wouldn't however classify them as a contender to 3rd Gen S&Ws though, but first or second gen, absolutely! Very similar feel in my opinion.

I am a huge fan of the 5906, I love the weight of the solid stainless frame and slide. The closest I've come to it in another brand is the full stainless model of the Sig P226. Very similar look and feel to 5906. Both are big winners in my book.

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

Sevens · Dec 24, 2022

He surely did not ask for contenders. He asked for similar pistols. It is that.

It is also more similar than a Sig P-series, considering how different the decocker system is designed and where the safety is located.

pasound · Dec 24, 2022

Disclaimer, I own a 6906 that I love, and miss a 39 and a Ruger P89 I long ago had to sell. No one yet mentioned the Taurus PT92 in blue or stainless? My neighbor upstairs had a nickled PT92 for years. She sold it before I had a chance to make a better offer. Before anyone decries Taurus, they bought the Beretta factory in Brazil, including all tools and design drawings, and theirs are quite good. I would not turn one down at a gun show or store case, if I had the cash.

jdh · Dec 24, 2022

Sevens said:
It is also more similar than a Sig P-series, considering how different the decocker system is designed and where the safety is located.

The 5924 and Sig M11A1 in my safe are so similar it is not funny.

Other Pistols Similar to S&W 3rd Generations

Redcoat3340

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rimfireshooter

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petepeterson

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robvious

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D Brown

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stansdds

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BAM-BAM

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LVSteve

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PeteC

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BAM-BAM

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Jimmyjones

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Sevens

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mainegrw

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Sevens

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pasound

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jdh

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