3rd Generation .40 S&W

T

tomklra14

Member
Joined
Aug 2, 2008
Messages
19
Reaction score
4
Location
El Paso
Thinking about picking up a 3rd Generation in .40 S&W because I don't currently have a pistol in that caliber. This will be a range/HD gun and not for regular use as a CCW, so I am looking at full size, all metal pistols. Based on my research, I believe that the following models would meet my requirements: 4006, 411, 4046, 4043 and 410.

Are there any other models I should consider?

Am I correct that all the above models can use the same 10 or 11 round magazines?

Did S&W make any mid size models in .40 S&W - is there such a model as a 4066, 4063 or a 4086?

Anything in particular I need to be aware of when looking - this won't be my first 3rd Generation S&W but I am far from an expert.

Thanks,
 
Yes, mostly all will use the 4006 11-round (or if the anti-gunners infringe upon our rights again, 10-round) magazine, with the exception of the 4013 (older model) that was designed as a single-stack version.

Gunsamerica has some used California Parks Department-marked 4006 models they are listing with 4 each additional magazines at a decent price, around $439.00 plus shipping. If I had the funds, I'd be scarfing one up myself. For a HD weapon, you may want to look at the Tactical model that have the attached rail for mounting a light or laser.

S&W didn't manufacture a mid-sized model that I am aware of but, I'm not an expert on the 4000 series. I'm sure that one of this forum's top-notch members will come along and add their knowledge to your question.

Good luck in your pursuit of this excellent pistol!

-Jim
 
JWS3 is correct. Gunsamerica is where I found my Model 4006
Cali Bear. Matching box, four magazines, Whats bad? Plus
you would most likely be dealing with Robertson Trading Post,
who I recommend highly, having purchased two 3rd Gens from
them.
 
Last edited:
410 and 411 are second generation S&Ws, but good shooters in .40 caliber from what I've read.

The 4006, first of the third generation 40's, has a stainless slide, stainless frame, and 4" barrel, so it comes built like a tank. With a full mag it's a heavy pistol, which is good in some ways, not so good in others, but since you're not using it for CC, then the weight might overall be your friend. It sure is fun to shoot -- a "hand cannon" that's accurate and substantial. 20 years of service with LE agencies like the CHP and California Parks Dept. proved its durability and reliability.

Some 3rd Gen. .40's like the 4013 have stainless slides and aluminum-alloy frames, which reduce the weight while retaining durability, and also have 3.5" barrels for a more "mid-size" option, comparable in physical size to the later M&P 40C polymer frame. There's additional weight reduction too -- 27 oz. for the 4013 vs. 39 oz. for the 4006.

The 4043 3rd Gen. .40 is stainless slide, aluminum-alloy frame, with 4" barrel. 28 oz. Not as compact as a 4013, but not as heavy as a 4006.

Hope this is helpful. Source is the General Catalog of S&W, 2006 edition.
 
timn8er said:
JWS3 is correct. Gunsamrica is where I found my Model 4006
Cali Bear. Matching box, four magazines, Whats bad? Plus
you would most likely be dealing with Robertson Trading Post,
who I recommend highly, having purchased two 3rd Gens from
them.
Click to expand...
Is it me or are the sellers on GA far and above out of their minds with some of the prices? Now, the deal mentioned above is a pretty good one, considering you are getting four magazines. But the pics are B/W and you can't judge the amount of wear on a SS gun without a color pic.
 
You can't go wrong with any of the 4000/400 series of pistols; as others have said the 4006 will certainly get the job done in style. I just wanted to add a couple of models that others have left out:

4003/4003TSW: This is the full size aluminum framed counterpart to the 4006, It saves about 10 ozs. in weight over the 4006. It is a great pistol, however they are getting a little hard to find. Here is an example:

4003.jpg


Secondly don't overlook the various models from the Performance Center; pistols like the Shorty Forty (technically a 4006). There are a host of others that come out of the PC that would serve equally well. Here is an example, this may be considered a mid-sized pistol:

ST40-1.jpg


Cheers,
Sam
 
sniper47 said:
Is it me or are the sellers on GA far and above out of their minds with some of the prices? Now, the deal mentioned above is a pretty good one, considering you are getting four magazines. But the pics are B/W and you can't judge the amount of wear on a SS gun without a color pic.
Click to expand...

Yes, I agree. It would be nice to post a color-photo of the firearms there and I'm not sure what's up with that but they don't.

Robertson's are great people to deal with. At least they show many photo's at various angels to include inside the bore photos. I have not purchased a firearm from them but have bought many accessories and have talked with them on the phone many times. Very helpful people and courteous as well.

-Jim
 
Last edited:
JWS3 said:
Yes, I agree. It would be nice to post a color-photo of the firearms there and I'm not sure what's up with that but they don't.

Robertson's are great people to deal with. At least they show many photo's at various angels to include inside the bore photos. I have not purchased a firearms from them but have bought many accessories and have talked with them on the phone many times. Very helpful people and courteous as well.

-Jim
Click to expand...
I agree Robertson's is a stand-up organization, as I purchased a used Model 66 revolver from them a couple of year ago and it was pristine. But that was on GB and with color pics. Needless to say, I would trust the condition of the gun, I just like to see it in color.
 
Tenn2 said:
Just checked my 4013 and it is a double stack magazine?
Click to expand...

Tenn2, is your 4013 a Tactical or a .40 Tactical? The original 4013 single stack 8 round mags were made on a .45 frame similar to a 4513. When the Tactical models were introduced they were built on a 9mm frame similar to a 6906 and used a 9 round double stack mag.
 
What's involved in converting these back to SA/DA? Is it just a matter of swapping back a hammer with a spur on it?

Also, do these have MIM or forged hammer/trigger?
 
Don't forget the 4026. Similar to the 4006 but with a decocker. Only a few hundred of these made though, IIRC.
 
On those Cali Parks Smiths, does the bobbed hammer and/or the Cali Park stamping affect the resale value of the pistol?
 
I think the police trades for the most part are good deals. With the laser printing and holster wear, it can shink your pool of buyers IMO.
Guys like me buy them to shoot, not look at.
I carry my LE 4006 almost every day. It's one of my favorite tools.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

K
For the 2nd and 3rd Generation Fans...
2
Replies
20
Views
1K
DUSTYDOGDAN
D
demkofour
Bitten by the S&W Generation Gap
Replies
5
Views
654
Tntcwg3
T
A
3rd Generation Pistol Manufacture Dates and How to Get them.
Replies
1
Views
814
ACEd
A
G
SW99 QA .40 S&W
Replies
8
Views
650
3rdgenfriend
3rdgenfriend
A
3rd Generation Match Marking of Frame, Slide, Barrel
Replies
6
Views
1K
AlHunt
A

Latest posts

Back
Top