3RD Gen Activity

[timn8er]

Lately there's been a lot more happening in this section of the Forum, & I for one am glad to see it! New people posting, rare 3rd Gens found, just a lot more going on. Anyone that knows anything about me knows that I'm definitely a big fan. I don't have as many as I want, but I have a few. Hardly anything piques my interest as much. I'll probably pick up another wheel gun "one of these days" to keep my lonely 686-2 company, and if I ever had a chance at a BHP in 40(that didn't involve trading an arm & a leg for!)I would pick one up. Other than that its 3rd Gens I'm looking for. I've got three left on the Grail Gun List!

[loeman]

Yeah, totally agree about the increased activity here on 3rd Gens. It's great! And I particularly enjoy the posts, comments and discussions from 18DAI. Right now there's a great thread going on DAO.

I'm one of the old timers who's finally come around to the fact that these are really fine guns that can sometimes be purchased for a really nice price. True, I've had a 4516-2 since 1996 but I never gave that gun much of a chance until recently when I finally became determined to learn how to be competent with it. Now I love it! But not as much as my 4506 no dash that I've had for less than a year. It's always in my bag when I head to the range. I'm also super happy with my ANIB 5906.

[vigil617]

Originally Posted by timn8er

Other than that its 3rd Gens I'm looking for. I've got three left on the Grail Gun List!

And which might those three be, sir?

[ColbyBruce]

I know nobody listens to me, but I will say this one more time anyway. A S&W 3953 is the absolute bestest carry gun in the whole wide world. And then, second, a S&W 1006, for the big, bad and ugly things out there.

[18DAI]

I listen to you sir! I put a 3954 in layaway yesterday. Regards 18DAI

[vigil617]

Originally Posted by 18DAI

I listen to you sir! I put a 3954 in layaway yesterday. Regards 18DAI

Now there's a fellow who'll put his money where his mouth is!

[timn8er]

Originally Posted by vigil617

And which might those three be, sir?

I know that you know at least one of them. And another thing:since you are no longer a glove maker to penguins, what happened to my order? How am I going to tell them that I won't be able to deliver what I promised them? Have you ever seen a depressed penguin???

[ColbyBruce]

I saw a 3914 (slanted dust cover, no markings, single side safety lever) in VGC for $389.99 a few days ago at a pawn shop near home. I did not see a box or spare mag.

[skjos]

Originally Posted by ColbyBruce

I saw a 3914 (slanted dust cover, no markings, single side safety lever) in VGC for $389.99 a few days ago at a pawn shop near home. I did not see a box or spare mag.

It's hard for me to resist a one-year-gun (3914NL). I'll have some posts in the future describing a few recent one-year-gun aquisitions, but I'll keep you guys in suspense for now.

[Kadonny]

Originally Posted by 18DAI

I listen to you sir! I put a 3954 in layaway yesterday. Regards 18DAI

Get out! I've been on the lookout for one in good condition for months and months. Where did you find her?

Great snag.

I'm waiting for my 5943TSW to arrive.....any day now.

[ISCS Yoda]

I brought my newly acquired 6906 re-import to the gunsmith over the weekend. I also brought my CS-45. I handed him the .45 first. "Feel the trigger", I said. "Y'all did that for me years ago. Now press the 9mm's trigger." He allowed that it was kind of rough. I said his job was to make the DA pull on the 9mm equal to the .45. Why?

Because I am a revolver fan, first and foremost. But 3rd Gen Smith & Wessons trip my trigger and I want to carry a 9mm that I can shoot as well as that .45 (and I shoot it VERY well). They're nearly the same size, fit the same holsters, and as far as I am concerned, 3rd Gen pistols are IDEAL for a host of uses.

So, yep, I agree, nice to see discussions about them.

***GRJ***

[Ransom]

For now I'm satisfied with my two 3rd Gens: a 3914 that I carry and 4006 that I simply enjoy owning and shooting. Right now I'm saving my $$$ for a new motorcycle, so don't tempt me to buy any more--especially with a CS9!

[vigil617]

Originally Posted by timn8er

I know that you know at least one of them. And another thing:since you are no longer a glove maker to penguins, what happened to my order? How am I going to tell them that I won't be able to deliver what I promised them? Have you ever seen a depressed penguin???

My market research was faulty. Someone insisted penguins have hands, and I foolishly believed it. Thankfully, the plant was only built but not yet tooled-up, so all I have to do is get rid of the real estate and chalk the whole thing up to experience.

So back to my original question, but let me put it another way: Are either of your other two Third-Gen Grail Guns not Performance Center pieces, not compacts, and not in .45?

Riddle us that.

[timn8er]

Originally Posted by vigil617

My market research was faulty. Someone insisted penguins have hands, and I foolishly believed it. Thankfully, the plant was only built but not yet tooled-up, so all I have to do is get rid of the real estate and chalk the whole thing up to experience.

So back to my original question, but let me put it another way: Are either of your other two Third-Gen Grail Guns not Performance Center pieces, not compacts, and not in .45?

Riddle us that.

One of them is not a compact or a PC gun & its smaller than a bread box and is not a 45!

[portcop]

I too give high praise for the 3953 but it does have one draw back-- I WISH I COULD GET A LASER SIGHT FOR IT. Does anyone out there have a solution for me and many others with the same wish list.

[18DAI]

Don't forget when you are at the range this weekend and all the kids with their tactical plastic guns finish shooting your 3rd gen, and start asking all those questions, to tell them about this board.

More sharing experiences and learning about truly fine handguns is what its all about. Regards 18DAI

[Fastbolt]

I finally had an opportunity to exchange my issued 4513TSW for a 3913TSW, which I've wanted to be able to do for some time.

[timn8er]

Originally Posted by Fastbolt

I finally had an opportunity to exchange my issued 4513TSW for a 3913TSW, which I've wanted to be able to do for some time.

I'm lucky enough to have both...they'll probably be buried with me!

[Fastbolt]

Originally Posted by timn8er

I'm lucky enough to have both...they'll probably be buried with me!

I own a late production 3913 (from about the same time the original TSW was introduced) converted to decock-only and an original 4513TSW.

I liked the thinner 3913TSW (NIB/unissued until I got it) more than the thicker 4513TSW (current production), so I jumped at the chance to changeover my issued weapon.

If I owned the 3913TSW I'd probably remove the rail, if only to let me use my other holsters for my own 3913.

[S&W1006]

I am a 3rd gen fan too. I have 4 but I am not done as long as I can find more in my price range. Every once in awhile I run across a 3rd gen for a fair price but the prices seem to be climbing. I'll snag up every one I can before they are gone.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk

[vigil617]

Fastbolt, just curious:

Was the 4513TSW the no-rail, seven round mag version? Do I remember correctly that these were LE issued only?

[loeman]

Originally Posted by 18DAI

Don't forget when you are at the range this weekend and all the kids with their tactical plastic guns finish shooting your 3rd gen, and start asking all those questions, to tell them about this board.

More sharing experiences and learning about truly fine handguns is what its all about. Regards 18DAI

I was at the range this morning for my CCW requal shooting test. Most of the guns used there were new black plastic of indeterminate origin. I did see a Model 29 and two Ruger revolvers. The instructor checked in my two guns (Md 4506 no dash and Md 681 no dash) and made a comment. "Goin old school huh?" I said "Yep". After blowing out the center circle with both guns the lady next to me asked if she could borrow the 4506 to qualify with a semi. I said "Sure". And never having had a 4506 in her hands, she proceeded to do pretty much the same with her target. A very satisfying morning for "Old School".

[timn8er]

Those 4506's are magic, I tell ya! If I can shoot well with one they have to be magic!

[Fastbolt]

Originally Posted by vigil617

Fastbolt, just curious:

Was the 4513TSW the no-rail, seven round mag version? Do I remember correctly that these were LE issued only?

Mine was railed, because they were apparently ordered in default configuration, it seems. LE orders could get them sans rails (and without the rivet holes), if desired.

[Shorty 45 MK2]

I'm a recent convert to 3rd gens and and wish I could have got one sooner.

I wanted to get a 3913 when I first got my CHP, but fell to the lies of the plastic crowd. I hope to still get a 3913, guess my Shorty 45 MK2 will have to do for now.

Glad this place is here so that more people that are new to 3rd gens can learn more about them.

[cobra357]

Originally Posted by vigil617

Fastbolt, just curious:

Was the 4513TSW the no-rail, seven round mag version? Do I remember correctly that these were LE issued only?

Weren't the non-railed all 6 round like the CS45? Unfortunately they don't use the same mag.

[vigil617]

Originally Posted by cobra357

Weren't the non-railed all 6 round like the CS45? Unfortunately they don't use the same mag.

Cobra, there is a 7-round non-railed 4513 TSW that is extremely rare, but member Laddy Smith has one that he shared a picture of in this thread:

4513 Pricing?

I don't know if I'm ever likely to see one "in the wild" but I'm always looking, just in case! Same with the non-railed 4566 TSW.

[Kadonny]

Just received my 5943 TSW on Friday. Another rare 3rd gen to the stable. Great guns.

[gunhobbit]

Originally Posted by 18DAI

I listen to you sir! I put a 3954 in layaway yesterday. Regards 18DAI

Yesterday? I've had one for years!

Oh well, better late than never.

Good choice - you won't regret it!

[Badkarma 1]

Long time 3rd Gen advocate here. Been out for awhile but I'm home now and enjoyin my old metal framed Smiths again!
That "enabler" 18 put me in the path of a Melonite finished 4046, and I got it, plus my local shop just took in a 3914, CS9 DAO, and a 457S. I got the 457S!
Have noticed the prices climbing too! Ya don't think we're the cause if it do ya? In any event I'm not done buyin em...not by a long shot!
Dale