S&W semi-auto model designations?

Outrider · Aug 27, 2010

Could we get a sticky on what each of S&W's semi-auto numerical designations means?

It would be a handy reference -- both for newcomers to the Smith line and for geezers with slip-sliding memories...

For instance, not to admit to geezer-hood, but sometimes I forget the difference between a 4553 and a 4556.

Frame size and barrel length -- as well as other features -- would be great. For instance, is a 4516 the same frame size as a 4553?

Someone most likely already has these put together on a PDF file -- and it would be a simple matter to post it for ready-reference at the top.

Muchos gracias!

Denver Dick · Aug 27, 2010

Outrider said:
. . . and for geezers with slip-sliding memories. . .

Hey! Hey! Just be careful there when you start talking about . . . about . . . Uh, what were we talking about again? It seems to have slipped my memory.

Seriously, though, regarding four digit 3rd generation pistols:

FIRST TWO DIGITS
39: 9mm
59: 9mm
69: 9mm
10: 10mm
40: 40S&W
45: 45 ACP
35: .357 TSW

THIRD DIGIT
0: standard model
1: compact
2: standard with decocker
3: compact with decocker
4: standard with DAO
6: nonstandard barrel length
7: nonstandard barrel length with decocker
8: nonstandard barrel length with DAO

FOURTH DIGIT
3: aluminum frame with SS slide
4: aluminum frame with carbon steel slide
5: carbon steel frame and slide
6: SS frame and slide
7: SS frame and carbon steel slide

*** Source SCSW, 3rd Ed.

Of course, the exception proves the rule. Take the 6906. It should be the 6903, but go figure . . .

And then there's the three digit 3rd generation Value Line.

Shadow1006 · Aug 27, 2010

3rd Generation Model Codes

Here are some I had in a document...

3rd Generation Model Codes

39xx = single stack 9mm
59xx = double stack 9mm
69xx = compact double stack 9mm

10xx = 10mm
40xx = .40 S&W
45xx = .45 ACP

xx0x = full length barrel TDA
xx1x = compact barrel TDA
xx2x = full length barrel Frame Decocker
xx3x = compact barrel Frame Decocker
xx4x = full length barrel DAO
xx5x = compact barrel DAO
xx6x = mid size barrel TDA
xx7x = mid size barrel Frame Decocker
xx8x = mid size barrel DAO
xx9x = Special Order

xxx0 = Scandium frame
xxx3 = Alloy frame silver
xxx4 = Alloy frame black
xxx5 = Steel frame blue
xxx6 = Stainless frame
xxx7 = Stainless frame Slide Decocker
xxx8 = Special Order

It is actually a very effective coding system for administrative purposes. The only problem is that the Performance Center also makes custom guns based on the 2nd Generation frames, which used a 3-digit code.

Outrider · Aug 28, 2010

Awright! Thanks!

Thanks, gents!

So the 4553 is alloy framed versus the 4556, which is stainless.

Both are compact, DAO.

How short are the 3rd Gen compact barrels -- 3 1/2 or 3 3/4 inches?

I think what I really want is a 1056 -- the Smith equivalent of a Glock 29.

But it looks as if I might have to settle for a 4553 or 4556 -- or a 4053 or 4056.

FirebirdV8 · Aug 28, 2010

Outrider said:
How short are the 3rd Gen compact barrels -- 3 1/2 or 3 3/4 inches?

The length depends on the model. For instance my Mod 4040 (which doesn't fit the number system by the way, think of a 4013 single stack with a scandium frame) is a 3.5 inch barrel. My 4516-2 is a 3.75 inch barrel. In general the 9mm & 40 cal will be 3.5" in the compact frame and 4" full size frame. The 45 cal will be 5" full size, 4.25" Mid size and 3.75" compact. The barrel lengths in 10mm are the same as the 45's but, saddly, they never released the compact 10mm. Remember, with S&W there is always an exception to the general rules (like a 6906 having an alloy frame or some special production model that doesn't have a standard barrel length).

Grog · Aug 29, 2010

Outrider said:
or a 4053

Then you get to remember that there are two versions of the 4053, the single stack 8rd guns and the newer double stack version.

Easy, right?

timn8er · Nov 25, 2012

Thanks for the info! Is it safe to say that the Model 6906
is kind of a "wild child" as far as classification goes?

K-framer · Nov 25, 2012

Don't forget the 3rd generation "Chief's Special" pistols ! CS9....CS40....CS45. These completely do NOT fit in with the (bewildering) numbering system. But, they are still considered to be "3rd generation" guns.

shawn mccarver · Nov 25, 2012

Shadow1006 said:
Here are some I had in a document...

3rd Generation Model Codes

39xx = single stack 9mm
59xx = double stack 9mm
69xx = compact double stack 9mm

10xx = 10mm
40xx = .40 S&W
45xx = .45 ACP

xx0x = full length barrel TDA
xx1x = compact barrel TDA
xx2x = full length barrel Frame Decocker
xx3x = compact barrel Frame Decocker
xx4x = full length barrel DAO
xx5x = compact barrel DAO
xx6x = mid size barrel TDA
xx7x = mid size barrel Frame Decocker
xx8x = mid size barrel DAO
xx9x = Special Order

xxx0 = Scandium frame
xxx3 = Alloy frame silver
xxx4 = Alloy frame black
xxx5 = Steel frame blue
xxx6 = Stainless frame
xxx7 = Stainless frame Slide Decocker
xxx8 = Special Order

It is actually a very effective coding system for administrative purposes. The only problem is that the Performance Center also makes custom guns based on the 2nd Generation frames, which used a 3-digit code.

I used to have this memorized, but now it just makes my head hurt.

GaryS · Nov 25, 2012

timn8er said:
Thanks for the info! Is it safe to say that the Model 6906
is kind of a "wild child" as far as classification goes?

My gues is that the 6906 was built to be a campanion to the 5906 and the model number was tweaked to avoid confusion among police chiefs. You know some of them get confused by complicated complex numbers.

Following the system exactly, the 6906 should be the 6913, I think.

GWK4667 · Nov 9, 2014

GaryS said:
My gues is that the 6906 was built to be a campanion to the 5906 and the model number was tweaked to avoid confusion among police chiefs. You know some of them get confused by complicated complex numbers.

Following the system exactly, the 6906 should be the 6913, I think.

Number it what you want but in my honest opinion the 6906 is the closest to a perfect CCW that has ever been made!!!!

I can get closer groups at the range with my 5906 and I still carry it as a duty weapon but my 6906 goes on in the the morning when I get dressed and comes off when I go to bed 365 days a year.

GaryS · Nov 9, 2014

I agree, except for the weight issue. I love shooting my 6906 and if I lived in a place where open carry was legal, I'd probably carry it a lot.

GWK4667 said:
Number it what you want but in my honest opinion the 6906 is the closest to a perfect CCW that has ever been made!!!!

I can get closer groups at the range with my 5906 and I still carry it as a duty weapon but my 6906 goes on in the the morning when I get dressed and comes off when I go to bed 365 days a year.

GWK4667 · Nov 9, 2014

GaryS said:
I agree, except for the weight issue. I love shooting my 6906 and if I lived in a place where open carry was legal, I'd probably carry it a lot.

If I was going to open carry it would be my 5906 - - - a little heavier and a couple more rounds - - - it is still my on duty sidearm! With the 6906 under my left arm for back-up that I hope I will never need!

S&W semi-auto model designations?

Outrider

Member

Denver Dick

US Veteran

Shadow1006

Member

Outrider

Member

FirebirdV8

Member

Grog

Member

timn8er

Absent Comrade

K-framer

Member

shawn mccarver

GaryS

GWK4667

US Veteran

GaryS

GWK4667

US Veteran

Similar threads

Latest posts