S&W Third Gen Pistols - All steel construction options?

Model · Sep 11, 2023

I recently picked up a Model 4006TSW CHP and have found myself bit hard by the Third Gen bug. This is my first Third Gen pistol and I am absolutely astounded by its fit and finish, accuracy and overall ergonomics. Needless to say, while it is my first, it certainly won't be my last.

Anywhoo, as I go down the Third Gen rabbit hole, I wanted to ask if anyone knows of a resource or has a short list available which details every Third Gen model that S&W produced that features both a steel slide and frame?

At this point, I'm ignoring caliber, form factor, rarity, etc. as I am mostly curious what other all-steel Third Gen's S&W has offered. Thanks!

VASCAR2 · Sep 11, 2023

Here is a list of the different model numbers and how to decipher the model numbers. My favorite of the steel frames are the 745 and 4506 45 ACP’s. My preference are for the alloy frame 9 MM’s but don’t dislike any of them.

BMCM · Sep 11, 2023

See here...

https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/guide-smith-wesson-semi-automatic-models/

In four digit model numbers...Pretty much anything with a 6 as the last digit will be all 400 series stainless steel construction. A 3 denotes aluminum frame whereas a 5 denoted carbon steel and a 7 will be two tone.

Notable exception - the 6906 which is aluminum frame.

Happy gun shopping

Cheers
Bill

StephenWhoDat · Sep 11, 2023

Welcome to the addiction, my friend. Mine started off with a 1st Gen Model 59. Then I got a 3rd Gen 5906. Since then the obsession couldn't be stopped. I know have more than two dozen 3rd Gens, as well as some 1st and 2nd Gens in the collection. Good luck, sir!

SVT28 · Sep 11, 2023

Models 4506, 3906, 1006, 4516, 639/539 are what you seek/desire. Take my word for it

SVT28

kbm6893 · Sep 11, 2023

Don’t rule out the DAO versions. I have three 5946’s (the DAO 5906), and two 3953’s(DAO 3913), and the 6946(6906 in DAO). I have a 5906 and a 4566. I’d love a 4586.

BAM-BAM · Sep 11, 2023

Get yourself a copy of the "Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson" 4th edition.

A must have!!!

GaryS · Sep 11, 2023

I think that you are limiting yourself if you stick to only all steel models. Especially so if you plan to carry one for self defense.

oldman10mm · Sep 11, 2023

more charts

Jeppo · Sep 12, 2023

Words to the wise…

That’s your first?

My advice is sell it and run! These are the Lay’s Potato Chips of handguns.

Brian Parrish · Sep 12, 2023

Info

I use Genitron for this.
I start by launching any search engine (usually Google.)
In the search box I type the make and model of the pistol I want to know about and then the word Genitron.
"Smith 4006 genitron"

You may also try starting on the Genitron.com homepage.
Select menu item database then drop-down list item manufacturers.
Scroll down to click Smith & Wesson. On that page you will find four columns of information. The second column is calibre from which you can navigate to a page with a photo and summary of every pistol or revolver they made in that caliber. You can see by scrolling the photos which models are 3rd Gens. The third column shows all the pistol links and the fourth column is revolvers.

Hope this helps!

Model · Sep 12, 2023

VASCAR2 said:
Here is a list of the different model numbers and how to decipher the model numbers. My favorite of the steel frames are the 745 and 4506 45 ACP’s. My preference are for the alloy frame 9 MM’s but don’t dislike any of them.

Awesome! Thank you! regarding models like the CS40, which do not have a fourth digit, or Models that have a "0" in the fourth place (like the Model 4040), what finish and material are these made of?

oldman10mm said:
more charts

Holy cow, nice! Did you put these together?

Jeppo said:
That’s your first?

Hah, yes. A little late to the party, lol.

Brian Parrish said:
I use Genitron for this.
I start by launching any search engine (usually Google.)
In the search box I type the make and model of the pistol I want to know about and then the word Genitron.
"Smith 4006 genitron"

This is an awesome resource you've shared. Thank you so much for this!

oldman10mm · Sep 12, 2023

Model said:
Holy cow, nice! Did you put these together?

No, it was just one big list. I just separated the 9s', 40s', 10s, &45s' into their own lists.

4T5GUY · Sep 12, 2023

Let’s give skjos credit for the lists.

I anyone hasn’t visited his data site you should.

skjos.net

Jim

BLUEDOT37 · Sep 12, 2023

...or two of his comprehensive related threads right here on this forum:

The Complete 3rd Gen Model List
. . .
The Complete 3rd Gen PERFORMANCE CENTER Model List

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BLUEDOT37 · Sep 12, 2023

Model said:
...Third Gen model that S&W produced that features both a steel slide and frame?

...I am mostly curious what other all-steel Third Gen's S&W has offered.

In the compact medium frame class (3.5" or <) the only "all steel" 3rd Gen is the pre-rail 4056TSW (37oz). All the rest have alloy frames.

The 4040PD (25oz) has an aluminum/scandium alloy frame, of which is the only one.

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GaryS · Sep 13, 2023

Is the 4516 a compact?

BLUEDOT37 said:
In the compact class (3.5" or <) the only "all steel" 3rd Gen is the pre-rail 4056TSW (37oz). All the rest have alloy frames.

The 4040PD (25oz) has an aluminum/scandium alloy frame, of which is the only one.

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BLUEDOT37 · Sep 13, 2023

GaryS said:
Is the 4516 a compact?

LOL, yes it is but it's a large frame & the barrel is actually 3.75" long.

I should have added the qualifier to my statement that the pre-rail 4056TSW is the only .40 compact medium frame all steel 3rd Gen pistol, which is what I usually attribute to it's uniqueness. My error.

PS: Really no all-steel compact (3.5"<) 9s either with the except of the rare 5967 which is a 3914 slide on a 5906 steel frame, a factory FrankenGen.

.

Brian Parrish · Sep 13, 2023

Is the 4516 a compact?

GaryS said:
Is the 4516 a compact?

I think there is some confusion on the exact meaning of that term by young shooters today. I have always thought in 1911 terms, ie. "duty-sized," "officer-sized," "commander-sized," etc. but this way of thinking is now considered obsolete by the younger men. I saw a YouTube on this subject which I cannot find now, sorry. There are so many options out there that there is literally no clear line of demarcation between the size classes. There also seems to be no consensus on whether or not the sizes should be used differently. If anything they are all assumed to be used in the same role, AIWB concealed. Do you have any thoughts about this subject GaryS?

I would say yes, the 4516 is a compact. It's Commander-sized. Model 4506 would be duty-sized and the CS45 would be the Officer's.

Crossbreed Holsters shows a chart of seven different sizes of Glock pistols not including pocket sized unless that is the one they call "slimline". Wilson Combat shows seven sizes of 1911 pistols not including "micro". A quarter inch of barrel length, or one round change in grip length makes a new size.

BLUEDOT37 · Sep 13, 2023

A Commander barrel is 4.25" long & an Officer is 3.5".

A 4566 is 4.25", a 4516 is 3.75" & a CS45 is 3.0".

I think we're getting into the weeds.

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S&W Third Gen Pistols - All steel construction options?

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