Fun Thread: What are your top 5 unicorn/rare 3rd gens?

[redrock]

I see you all list the 45 caliber Smiths but for some reason those do not impress me that much, in a 45 I need a 1911. The Smith 1911s are nice but the rarest 3rd gens would have to be the 40 and 9 series TSWs and Performance Center Shorties as well as the special distributed models from Horton.

Reminds me that the truly rare 4536 has been missed here. Around 600 produced of these frame mounted decocker variants of the more common 4516.

 

[Chief-wahoo]

That I own a beautiful 147A
What im looking for a 1047!!!

 

[jfd]

Managed to acquire one each of my favorite PC semi-autos's this year:
1) Shorty45
2) Shorty40
3) Shorty9
Yep, I like the Shorty's!

 

[SVT28]

A lot of good stuff so far, a few questions for a novice. What models were made in melonite? Whats the deal with these brand new nypd 3914 on gunbroker? What were the production numbers on the chiefs specials and shortys? They are pretty scarce

Vince

 

[18DAI]

SVT28 the 4566, 5906, 5946 and IIRC 5944 all had small runs done in Melonite. I'm told there was also one 4506-1 prototype done in Melonite as well. All these runs of Melonite guns are quite small and those guns are scarce. When found they bring a premium over the standard models.

There was also 100 or so Shorty 45's that were made in black. A member here owns one. I don't know if it was a black coating or Melonite on those guns though. Shorty 45's ARE scarce. I don't know if anyone knows a definitive number on how many were produced. Counting the two runs of Shorty 45's plus the recently discovered run of black Shorty 45's I'd guess it is still under 600 guns total.

I couldn't hazard a guess on the Chief's Special models. I know the CS40 was discontinued first, so there will be fewer of those. The CS45 and CS9 were produced for LE orders for some years after the "official" end of production. While there were more of those CS guns made than the PC Shorty models, I wouldn't hazard a guess at how many were made other than to say they are rather plentiful in comparison.

My guess is that the PC Shorty 40's were made in the largest numbers as I see more of those than any other versions.

The NIB 3914 DAO's you are seeing are overuns from NYPD orders. Contrary to popular belief, the current company calling itself S&W still makes 3rd generation pistols for those customers who have no use for their plastic guns. (and for less than the astronomical prices that S&W apologists claim it would cost to make these guns! )

The 3953TSW, 4566TSW, 5946, 4006TSW and 3914 are the models still in limited production for LE, that I'm aware of. However S&W won't sell them to the great unwashed. Who would buy their plastic guns if they could have a new 3rd gen pistol? So we are fortunate that some dealers are putting the surplus guns up for sale on the auction sites. Hope this helps! Regards 18DAI

 

[James&theGiant1911]

The PC Shorty 40s where made in 3 runs from 97-2001ish, only 3 batches of 500 pieces each and they are numbered. You see certain Smiths coming up for sale at the same time which makes me believe either the same companies or people hold on to them and put them to market at the same time as not to inflate the prices.

Either way, the Chief Specials, Shorties and TSWs are limited in quantities and all are not that easy to find.

 

[Gunhacker]

I have just two:

Performance Center 4006 IDPA (12 made)
4566 Melonite

What I would like... a big pipe dream for someone in CA:

Performance Center 4006 Tactical (5" bbl)
PPC9

 

[Snakeshift]

Your right, just my Colt Special Combat, a Nighthawk, Wilson Combat and a Les Baer custom.

I had two Novak custom Browning Hi Powers (still own 1 of them and will never sell it) . I mean, I am a third generation lover but you have to keep them into perspective.

There is not a 3rd generation made that feels as good in your hand, as accurate or better to shoot than some custom pieces worked on by craftsman. I was almost crying at times shooting my guns once I get them back from Novak's. It is like the bullet goes where you want it to go down to the mm.

I fear that you are mistaken sir.

This PC 945-1 feels better than any custom 1911
( Baer, Nighthawk...) I've ever shot/held.

 

[snw19_357]

I'll go with:

5904TSW
5946 with Melonite finish and integral rail
5904 chambered in 9x21mm
5906 Modelo Militar
5904 w/AIP prefix

 

[ILLWIND]

I have a few of the rare birds...all by accident of course. The 4536 is a wonderful gun, along with the 4014 and 4053. I Love them all. They get slobbered on at the range by hapless admirers.
My wheel guns are my favorites though; a 629-1 3" and a 625-4 SAC, a transitional mod 28-2 recessed, not pinned and a 28-2 "DPS 25xxx". All shooters, but well cared for. My favorite I would like to find is a 4506 with adj sights. Had one, but sold it. Too expensive now days...unless I happen across one. A blind pig can find a truffle now and then.

 

[4506517]

I forgot to mention one you rarely, if ever, see mentioned or discussed.

The 4505.

Very limited production.

I love mine.

 

[cpeblue]

I'll go with:

5904TSW
5946 with Melonite finish and integral rail
5904 chambered in 9x21mm
5906 Modelo Militar
5904 w/AIP prefix

Wasn't there a guy from Thailand that had and posted pictures of a 5904tsw on the forum ? And that has been the only one I have seen.

 

[snw19_357]

Wasn't there a guy from Thailand that had and posted pictures of a 5904tsw on the forum ?

Could be. Can't remember. But I have posted pics of one.

 

[cpeblue]

Could be. Can't remember. But I have posted pics of one.

Now THAT is a Grail pistol . Now I can say I've seen 2. That brings the covet out in me , I am truly envious of you sir and if I owned one I would hang it on the wall and stare at it all day.

 

[AkSaber]

In no particular order:

5946 RCMP
3953 RCMP
5946 NYPD
1086
3914 NYPD

Apparently I long for DAOs...

An honorable mention goes to the Colorado State Police 4006. To me, it's the most beautiful form the 4006 had.

 

[rwsmith]

You guys tell me.....

I don't think it's rare at all, but I've got a 5943 SS slide/aluminum frame DAO. I don't know very much about it or who used it. It doesn't sound like the RCMP gun. Can someone tell me about it? Thanks!

 

[davek610]

I keep hoping I'll stumble across a 4054 that's priced cheap.

 

[vsp537]

My only venture into unicorn country has been buying my 4505.

Right place / right time, and all that. I think I got it for a super deal, and it's damn near perfect.

 

[ruhip]

Lady Smith 3913 without the Lady Smith logo and without the NL markings. Just marked 3913 and the serial number.

 

[beuford]

Favorite 3rd gens...

I'll go with:
5904 w/AIP prefix

Guess I should have hung on to that one!

My favorite hard-to-find 3rd gens:
3913NL
3906
5906 that is NOT a police trade-in (indestructible!)

I don't know why the 3906 isn't on more lists; these rarely come up for sale and really nice to shoot.

Beuford