Brinks 4046: I really, really didn't need it, but I bought it.

Redcoat3340 · Nov 24, 2021

One of the vendors on the big auction site apparently has a bunch of 4046s. And the price has been what I thought pretty good for a 3rd generation Smith, under $290.

And every time I clicked on the site I'd tell myself, "It isn't a gun I need. I've got a 4006TSW CHP and a few other .40s (like a Sig 226 and SW99), I won't carry it, and I could spend the money on ammo or upgrades or some nice steaks."

And I'd go away for a bit....but then come back to it.

Well, tonight I ended the self-talk and should I or shouldn't I attitude: I set $261 as my top offer, hit "Bid" and walked away from the computer.

And tomorrow I'll be paying for the gun and eagerly awaiting the call from my FFL telling me it's in.

How could I resist? I bought another Brinks gun from them (a 5946TSW that BCMC converted to a DA/SA) that was just fine and I expect this one will be as well. And with a price like under $275 how can anyone say No? I clearly couldn't.

I"ll post some pics after the gun comes in and my background check is completed.

(Sure gun prices are clearly still crazy, but there's good stuff out there if you're patient.)

Heymatt · Nov 24, 2021

A deal is a deal, they don’t always show when you want one. But they will show when you weren’t looking! Great score!

TAROMAN · Nov 24, 2021

Ha! I was bidding on the same one!
$234 was my top number.
Had a 3953 that I loved. Just like 40s more.
I would like to hear how it works out for you.
Rear sight condition is why I didn't go higher on that one.
Just what I need...another project gun.

imjustadam · Dec 4, 2021

I picked one up for under 300 shipped from Gunbroker. It needed a good cleaning, and some Flitz and elbow grease, but cleaned up well.

grcoffman104 · Dec 4, 2021

What did Brinks go to?

JohnHL · Dec 4, 2021

grcoffman104 said:
What did Brinks go to?

Check out post #17 and #21 by xfarfuldog in this thread:4046 Tactical Brinks

It should answer your question and give you a bit of history of the Brinks guns.

John

HOUSTON RICK · Dec 4, 2021

All of the Brink's guns that I have looked at have been in great shape with a little honest holster wear, I do not think they were fired often, but that is my speculation from looking at the guns. I also scratched that itch with a very nice CHP 4006 TSW. One advantage of age is a greater reluctance to give into temptation. I hope that you enjoy it for many yeaqrs.

Baxter6551 · Dec 4, 2021

Brinks

To answer GRs question above Brinks went to FN509s. There was nothing wrong with the S&W they had but with them going out of production and lack of parts availability they changed. Big expense for guns / mags / Ammo / holsters etc. The FNs don’t have a Brinks logo.

swolff · Dec 13, 2021

I picked one up for 280 and a tear down detail clean, new spring set, and a new pair of grips it cleaned up quite nicely. Not bad for the current market

Redcoat3340 · Dec 14, 2021

Well, I cleared the WA state background check and I got my 4046 home; did a field strip to clean it and I was pleasant surprised, it was pretty clean. So I lubed it some and put it back together. Hopefully I'll get to the range in the next few days.

The gun had a bit of holster wear but it isn't bad at all. And the rear sight was a bit dented, but nothing horrible. Of course the lights are out, so I guess someday I'll get around to relamping.

It's got Hogue rubber grips which seem a bit thick. I gotta look in the grips box to see what's there. I seem to recall at least a 5906 (gotta check if that fits) and maybe something 3rd gen in wood. I'm thinking of upgradng the grips if I can figure out what's a thinner alternative.

The DAO triggers is a lot shorter pull than I expected, very smooth, and about 8 pounds on my cheap gauge. I read somewhere that 10 is what one gets with a 17# hammer spring, so I probably don't need to change that out, although 6#s would be nice for a range gun.

It came with two mags so I probably don't need another.

I gotta check in the am but does the S&W do "trigger jobs" any more? It's gonna be on my list for BCMC for after the holidays, but I have no idea how busy he is right now, so I figure I'd look for a backup...anyone have any other suggestions. (I can do a disassemble and polish the trigger bar, but I wouldn't mind it getting a complete overhaul.)

Pics tomorrow.

TAROMAN · Dec 14, 2021

Would love to see what BMCM can do with one of these.

matteekay · Dec 14, 2021

I snagged one of these, too! Not because I'm running a "Miami Vice" IDPA match... but also not NOT because I'm running a "Miami Vice" IDPA match.

(Yes, I know it's not the screen-correct gun. But close enough.)

This is also my introduction to 3rd gen Smiths. I stripped and cleaned it, installed a new spring kit, and popped new grips on. Gotta say, I'm impressed with how shootable it is and I actually like the double-action (I'm a revo guy). I might try to track down a nice 9mm model now.

wnycollector · Jan 3, 2022

After reading this thread, I decided to take the plunge. I already own a bakers dozen 3rd gen guns, but none are DAO. I had to rectify that. Once it ships, I will post pics.

raygixxer89 · Jan 3, 2022

imjustadam said:
I picked one up for under 300 shipped from Gunbroker. It needed a good cleaning, and some Flitz and elbow grease, but cleaned up well.

I have a Brinks 4046 just like yours. I really, really like the trigger action. I still haven't had a chance to shoot it.

Jon651 · Jan 4, 2022

$290??? That is a great deal. If I didn't already own one I would be all over that in a heartbeat - especially in this market with it's crazy prices.

My Brinks 4046TSW (which I paid almost $100 more for BEFORE the pandemic) cleaned up wonderfully with a little elbow grease and a new Hogue grip and set of recoil springs. I also had a stainless guide rod made. It looks great and shoots like a dream.

matteekay · Jan 4, 2022

Jon651 said:
$290??? That is a great deal. If I didn't already own one I would be all over that in a heartbeat - especially in this market with it's crazy prices.

My Brinks 4046TSW (which I paid almost $100 more for BEFORE the pandemic) cleaned up wonderfully with a little elbow grease and a new Hogue grip and set of recoil springs. I also had a stainless guide rod made. It looks great and shoots like a dream.

I didn't realize Smith made a TSW version. Great; now I HAVE to track down one of those, lol.

Jon651 · Feb 11, 2022

matteekay said:
I didn't realize Smith made a TSW version. Great; now I HAVE to track down one of those, lol.

Allow me to oblige...

All of the ones I've seen were Brinks pistols. Apparently they traded them in en masse.

ACEd · Feb 11, 2022

matteekay said:
I didn't realize Smith made a TSW version. Great; now I HAVE to track down one of those, lol.

Lots of Brinks 4046TSW (and 4046 non TSW and 5946TSW) out there.
I can account for 3 P/N on the 4046TSW - dated 2000-2005 - all with attached rails and most if not all with night sights

TDS6xxx P/N 102958 dated 2000 by SW not Brinks

TDS8xxx P/N 148908 dated 2000 by SW marked Brinks
TDU7xxx P/N 149409 dated 2002 by SW marked Brinks
VJL4xxx P/N 148908 dated 2003 by SW marked Brinks
BDH9xxx P/N 148908 dated 2005 by SW marked Brinks

Also there are TDU87xx and VJL546x with No Brinks marking, but which may be Brinks pistols based on similar TDU73xx-80xx and VJL545x marked Brinks

matteekay · Feb 11, 2022

Thanks for the info, folks! I'm trying to not start a 3rd gen collection but that might be impossible...

Makman90 · Feb 11, 2022

Here’s my brinks 4046 289 special off gb…

Tear down, sandblast parts, polish internals, new spring upgrade kit from Wolff, 745 mag catch, extended slide stop, sig Romeo and some beautiful front slide serrations from guzz! (S7)

life's garden poem

Brinks 4046: I really, really didn't need it, but I bought it.

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