5946

smithman 10 · Sep 30, 2023

Saw a bunch of pretty nice looking 5946s the other day at a LGS for $399. Was tempted but resisted, telling myself they'll be there awhile if I decide I want one.

I had a 4046 one time but soured on the cartridge and traded it. These 5946s seemed in fine working order and decent cosmetically. Heavy as a tank but makes shooting 9mm feel mighty comfortable I would think.

Anyone own one and care to share their thoughts on this old model?

Posted this in the wrong forum. Can it be moved? Thanks.

rwsmith · Sep 30, 2023

Thoughts on 3rd generation pistols...

I think they are about the best pistols ever made. There are some other 'best' pistols by some great manufacturers but S&W nailed it with the third gens. They make tons of variations, I'm the proud owner of two, a 5943 and a 5903 (my last acquisition). These are the alloy framed versions, I wanted a 5906 but could afford the 5943. As to me it's a range gun or at most 'home' defense, I wouldn't care about the weight. About the only thing I can find fault about is the clumsy takedown, but that's really neither here nor there as far as shooting and operation goes. As said in another recent post, there are several ways to skin that cat and make the job easier, so big whoop.

I'd encourage you to try again with the 9mm. In fact, it would be great if EVERYBODY had at least one 3rd gen, but make sure there's plenty left for me.

I've got a full sized Sig Sauer that to me is about the same as the 3rd gen S&Ws and I'm sure it cost more originally. (I got it used like most of my guns). If I had all kinds of money, I'd have a safe full of 3rd gens. Both the full and compact versions, different actions, mostly 9mm but a few other calibers as well, .40, 10mm and .45 cal.

PS: I THINK the moderators would want this on the 'S&W Semi Auto Pistols' forum but I'm sure they'll let you know.

fiasconva · Sep 30, 2023

What part of VA was this LGS if you don't mind? Any other info will be appreciated too.

smithman 10 · Sep 30, 2023

Location

Southern Gun World, Rt. 60 Midlothian Turnpike

just plain joe · Sep 30, 2023

I have a 5946 & a 5906. Excellent pistols. Built well and excellent shooting platforms. I shoot my reloads as well as Federal 115 +P+. Both pistols cycle flawlessly for me provided they are lubed sufficiently. I prefer the curved grips as my hand beds better and pointability (for me) is enhanced.

With the 5946 I like the fact that you only need master one trigger press, compared to the DA/SA of the 5906. In my early years in law enforcement I recall that many police departments liked that feature also, along with the fact that all shots required a long trigger press similar to the traditional double-action revolver.

Years ago I kind of looked down my nose at the S & W 9 m/m pistols and favored the Sig P-226, the Glock 17, and Beretta 92F. Now I see how wrong I was in not keeping an open mind.

Good luck with your 5946!

JohnHL · Sep 30, 2023

Not a bad deal!

John

shamuscull · Sep 30, 2023

Was my duty weapon in the NYPD. Still makes every range trip with me.

kbm6893 · Sep 30, 2023

I have three 5946’s, two 3953’s, and a 6946. That should tell you my answer.

gunny4053 · Sep 30, 2023

I haven't had that particular model, but I can attest to the 3rd Gen guns in general, and they're great. I've had a 4053TSW, a couple 3913's, and currently sporting a beautiful 5904. I'd run back and grab one of those while I could, once they're discovered they'll disappear quickly. Here, let me tempt you, you know you want one.

DUSTYDOGDAN · Oct 1, 2023

That Old Pistol will never fail to go bang for you. They also are great to teach new shooters because the weight really helps the recoil for a new shooter. Go get it! PS there are new factory 15 round mags on Midway for a good price.

jrog100 · Oct 1, 2023

whenever I find a S&W 3rd Generation (or 2nd Geb, or 1st gen) at a reasonible price, I always jump on hit. I bought a brand new unfired 5946 with 4 mags for $325 a couple weeks ago.

fiasconva · Oct 1, 2023

Thanks smithman 10.

inimicalone · Oct 1, 2023

I have a 5946 that was part of the NYPD t&e program before they were adopted. Rumor has it that the t&e guns were built by the performance center. I'll dig it out of the safe and post a picture.

rwsmith · Oct 1, 2023

I forgot that the Mounties used.......

inimicalone said:
I have a 5946 that was part of the NYPD t&e program before they were adopted. Rumor has it that the t&e guns were built by the performance center. I'll dig it out of the safe and post a picture.

...some iteration of the 9mm 3rd gen. I think my 5943 is a close relative. It has the magazine disconnect. I'll have to look up exactly what version that was. If anybody knows before I get back here, I'd be happy to hear it.

Update: Yup, it was the 5946, which is the all stainless version of my alloy framed 5943. I'm not sure why they eschewed the SA/DA in favor of the DA only, except that it has a great trigger, just long on the pull. And I supposed people trained but expected to run into violent encounters can do without the safety with a good holster.

DesertFox · Oct 2, 2023

Glad that area is a bit out of my range otherwise I'd be on it like Blue Bonnet!

Redcoat3340 · Oct 14, 2023

My 5946 got worked on at the suggestion of one of our gunsmith-members here (he did work on a few of my 3rd gens and he does FINE work) and we (he) converted it to DA/SA. It's one of my "never-sell" pistols.

Adventurer104 · Oct 14, 2023

My 6946

Bedside companion
Walkway tape to enhance my elderly grip on the slide

Great gun!

mrmike7189 · Nov 13, 2023

The 5946 was carried by thousands of police, and corrections officers worldwide. I think the NYPD& RCMP carried them for along time? I fired a LEO 5943 which is lighter aluminum frame , but handled recoil just fine. The all metal 5946 must be even better? S&W made some nice triggers .

cherrypointmarine · Nov 13, 2023

I have 2 9mm's , 40 and a 45 in DAO . At first I didn't like them , I was dead set on not liking them . But the more I shot them the more they grew on me . It didn't happen overnight , it was a gradual thing . Thinking back on the numerous DAO S&W's I sold or traded off , I could kick myself in my posterior .

kbm6893 · Nov 13, 2023

mrmike7189 said:
The 5946 was carried by thousands of police, and corrections officers worldwide. I think the NYPD& RCMP carried them for along time? I fired a LEO 5943 which is lighter aluminum frame , but handled recoil just fine. The all metal 5946 must be even better? S&W made some nice triggers .

The NYPD authorized them from 1993 to around 2013, maybe a bit later. I was down in the city last week and saw an officer carrying one. She looked to have about 12-15 years on the job.

5946

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