NYPD 3983 Prototype- UPDATED to: Where Are the Other Five?

demkofour

demkofour

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About a week or so ago I was flipping through GB and came across something interesting- a Smith and Wesson 3983 with apparent NYPD providence. Like most I think, I'd never heard of this model and tried some research here and with the SCSW. There is very little documented about the 3983, although member and NYPD firearms SME RM Vivas posted a picture of one here several years ago. The Bible reports that 10 were made by the Factory for possibly adoption by the NYPD.
I figured I was the only person who was watching the auction, as the opening bid of $1000 remained open. Then, a post here by one of our well known Third Generation experts caught my attention as it was referring to the auction. Needless to say I figured the secret was out and the bidding war would begin for an apparently scarce pistol. But no, still no bids throughout the days leading to yesterday.
With about 40 minutes left in the auction I bid the minimum and after a few other bids and counter bids I won the auction!
I contacted Mr. Vivas yesterday and he confirmed that he has one in his collection. The guns were prototypes for an off duty piece. Ten were made and shipped to the outdoor range but never adopted. After apparent testing, they were returned to the Factory and somehow disposed of.
I'll contact the seller for hopefully more background but Roy confirmed shipping in January of 1997. Born on date appears to be January 07. More to come…
 

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Ahh, the thread is alive again. Although we suspected why it went away it was confirmed.

What a very special pistol on so many levels. It's so different having the apparent "stepped" grip frame of the early non railed TSW's but accepts the 8rnd magazines.

I'm glad you got it and have shared , (and still will,) all the info you can.

Jim
 
This acquisition fills a significant whole in the history of the 3rd Gens. The SCSW 3rd Edition had a passing reference to a 3913 DAO for the NYPD, and the fourth expanded on it.

Now we have confirmation that there were 10 made and that they went back to the factory. We even have a production date and a Product Code.

The letter should prove interesting.

I'll get a bit off topic and suggest that if S&W really IS going to bring back the 3rd Gen guns, this is the pattern they should use. SA/DA and DAO versions would be really cool. :D
 
I was high bidder for 42 seconds, I'm glad a member of the forum brought it home. I've changed my list to show the model as a 3983 rather than a 3913DOA with a NYPD serial number. A few questions I have (when you get it):
1) The description in the SCSW P366 states "no magazine safety", but in the auction pictures it looks like it has one?
2) Is it double strike capable?

Thanks
 
skjos said:
I was high bidder for 42 seconds, I'm glad a member of the forum brought it home. I've changed my list to show the model as a 3983 rather than a 3913DOA with a NYPD serial number. A few questions I have (when you get it):
1) The description in the SCSW P366 states "no magazine safety", but in the auction pictures it looks like it has one?
2) Is it double strike capable?

Thanks
Click to expand...

The pistol is on the way and should be at my FFL in a few days. Happy to oblige!
And, thank you for your incredible 3rd. Generation work!
 
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Congratulations......seems you and I were basically the only ones interested in Bidding on the S&W 3983! We did bid each other up some....hope you enjoy the pistol!

Cheers!!
David
 
Sorry for the late update, but the pistol arrived two days late…

I'm happy to say that the 3983 arrived safe and sound at my local FFL yesterday. I got to check it out a bit, but until I get a purchase document next week, it's at the shop.
The pistol honestly appears unfired with no evidence of being handled! Not a mark or a blem to be found. It arrived in an original "compact" blue box with an extra magazine and all papers.
The pistol does have second or double strike capability and does have a magazine disconnect. As seen in the pictures, the slide stop is cut down and abbreviated, with no serrations and the grip tang/ beaver tail is much smaller than normally encountered. More to come once I get the pistol in hand.
I'm happy to add this very unique 3rd Gen pistol to my accumulation and as previously noted, RM Vivas and I now can account for 20% of the presumed/ reported production (10 units total) of the 3983. I will be getting it lettered for more info.
 

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I was watching that auction and was sorely tempted. I'm retired from that department and I have over 10 NYPD guns. I have an early 3953 TSW that I bought from a retired officer. Once the budding started climbing I bowed out. How high were you willing to go for it? I really liked the NYPD serial number and that it was the last of the run.

Don't know why it was t adopted. They authorized the 3914 DAO and the 3953 TSW. No sense why it wasn't adopted.
 
Engine49guy said:
Very neat ,
Solves all the things I hate about my 3953,
Second strike capability and no ugly long slide .
That one they should definitely bring back.
Click to expand...

I've started to appreciate the DAO models. I have a 3913. Like it very much. I prefer the 3953. Never needed double strike and I doubt I ever will. At least not in semi auto rounds. Some of my .38 special reloads have needed a second strike.

But I agree they should bring it back. I really wanted it. Once in a lifetime purchase but I had a feeling it was gonna go way high.
 
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The 3953 is my only dao 3rd gen,
Started out years ago with a Model 39-2 and a Model 59 for Miami trips,
Would trade the 3953 for a 3913 LS In a heartbeat mostly because I'm an old fart and used to the 39/59 Manual of arms,

Have debated polymer ccw's but prefer metal guns with actual hammers not strikers.
 
This is excellent. Never seen a real live 3983. What a cool NYPD / third generation pistol.

It's interesting that 3983 is double strike capable. The 3953 is not. The 3914 (DAO) for NYPD is double strike capable. Maybe that was a NYPD requirement.

Have to say, I would have been all over that auction if it were on my radar. Good score. Kinda wish that 18DAI was here chime in with more info. I would like to learn more about this model.
 
Double strike seems to have been a requirement. Looking at the differences between the 3983 prototypes and the 3914DAO production gun I think it's likely that cost was a factor.

I suppose that I can hope and wish that S&W would produce a 3983 like pistol, but it's less likely than me hitting the Mega Millions tomorrow night. :(

NCBeagle said:
This is excellent. Never seen a real live 3983. What a cool NYPD / third generation pistol.

It's interesting that 3983 is double strike capable. The 3953 is not. The 3914 (DAO) for NYPD is double strike capable. Maybe that was a NYPD requirement.

Have to say, I would have been all over that auction if it were on my radar. Good score. Kinda wish that 18DAI was here chime in with more info. I would like to learn more about this model.
Click to expand...
 
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