I have been looking at a model 6906 and have been reading the posts regarding this model and noticed 6906 CAI import,Is the 6906 made in USA I just assumed it being a smith & wesson it was,what about the rest of the third generetions.Thanx for imput.

6906 is made by S&W in the USA.

They're made in the US. These particular ones were originally exported, then brought back in by CAI.

Probably was a export gun originaly and just brought back to the states. I see this a lot with revolvers like model 10s' & 64s'..

CAI is Century Arms International (also Century International Arms), a firearms importer. All imported used guns have to have a stamp from the company that brought them in.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

thanx you for the input. any particular place I should look for the stamp.

Is the stamp removable? Can it be washed off with cleaner, solvent, etc?

I think these marks are required to be an actual stamping into the metal so no, they can not be washed off.

I don't know about revolvers but I have a 645 auto that was originally sold in Belgium then imported back into the US. The importer marks on it are on the frame just above the front of the trigger guard on the left side.

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Expect no quarter.

I've got a couple pistols repatriated, both are stamped on the frames, albeit somewhat discretely. They're not roller stamped, but rather look like a series of light center punch marks (neatly done). Neither distract much from the appearance of the pistol.

As a FFL whe these transfers come in legally per the ATF. The importer sa CAI. When it's logged in. The manufacturer is CAI, model is S&W 6906 then Serial number, caliber. Removing the importers stamp isn't a good idea.

For what it’s worth, from the beginning I’ve been drawn to import/repatriated guns. The different stamps are a kind of a dog eared passport patina that gives them a unique level of depth and backstory.

I’ve chased a few. ��

As I recall the Import Markings were required to be "permanently marked" in a "conspicuous location" and removal of markings was a punishable offense.

I would assume the markings would be on the frame as that is where the serial number is and that is what is considered to be the defining element of the pistol.

I dont know when this requirement began and whether it has been loosened, but I have seen some pretty inconspicuous markings at bottom edge of magwell in small print.

Most often I have seen on forward area of the frame immediately below the slide. I have also seen on the forward metal face of the grip area and on the bottom of the trigger guard.

And I also have several imported Walthers (post war P38, P1, PP, PPKS) that have no import markings - or at least none that I can find. Possibly brought in before the requirement, or possibly individual bring-backs as opposed to Imports.

But as earlier noted, all the 3rd Gen S&W were made in the USA - either Springfield, Ma, or Houlton, Me. Many, however were exported - to foreign Police Depts and many to Israel.

In general the 3rd gens with Import Marks are considered by most to be less desirable unless there is a specific Pedigree such as the Brazilian 5906M Modelo Militar or the Canadian 5946 RCMP.

No. They are engraved.

As I recall the markings are supposed to be permanent and it would be illegal to remove Import Markings