Hey all,

I was wondering through a local shop and saw a 5944 for sale at $399. It was probably in about 80% condition, but what surprised me most was seeing a 3gen model I was unaware of. Typically I’m not a huge fan of DAO or alloy frames, but what would be a can’t pass up deal on a 5944?

5944’s do not come available that often. They were produced 1991-1992. I have 2 of them. $399 is an ok price at 80% condition. Good luck in your decision whether to purpose it or not!

Happy New Year!

Cheers!!!
David

I picked up mine at auction two years ago. My winning bid was $495.00. It's a very comfortable carry piece and it's a pleasant shooter. They are scarce but there isn't a huge demand for them so it's a judgement call on what you are willing to pay. As the years have gone by I've developed a greater appreciation for the 3rd gen autos. I didn't care for the DAO action when it came out, but I was younger and not a very experienced shooter. That has also changed. I like the smoothness of the action. I felt like I got a good deal considering that many a "used" handgun seems to be priced north of $600 in my area of Idaho.

Attached Images

img (1).jpg (66.5 KB, 102 views)

__________________
I type. Therefore I am.

5944 is a blue aluminum frame DAO variation of the 5943 silver aluminum frame DAO
or a blue aluminum frame version of the more common stainless frame DAO 5946
or a blue aluminum frame DAO version of the blue aluminum frame TDA 5904

They were made for a brief time when SW was trying to produce every variation possible with their basic 3rd generation 59xx, 69xx, 40xx, 45xx, 10xx frames but the less popular models were short lived.

They were made from 1990-1992 - most if not all had the D shaped trigger guard but with the more desirable Novak fixed sights.

I have one dated by SW as 3/1990 and in my opinion it is a very nice pistol, just as reliable as its 5906/5946 stainless brethren but a bit lighter to carry if thats your thing.

In my experience these days, if its in good condition mechanically with a decent finish and a single mag its worth the $399 you mentioned. Add a box, an extra mag, and/or better finish and it would easily bring $500+ on GB.

Only potential "negative" is the blued finish - if properly cared for it is not a problem but I have seen one with evidence of corrosion on the slide. The quality of the finish is good but if not properly cared for any blued finish on steel is susceptible to corrosion.

PS it may have originally come with a blue 14rd mag, but the replacement SW mags would be the 15rd stainless mags which are still available - Midway had them recently for about $35 as I recall.

Also check for dimple on the grip - these were made in the transition from early grips which were subject to cracking if dropped to the later improved grips which were provided as free replacements and are identified by a dimple on the exposed base of the grip. Replacement grips are also still available.

...Lucky Gunner's guide to S&W semi autos, first, second and third generation. The combinations are a plenty.

__________________
"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Well I went back to take a look at it and unfortunately it was a fair bit rougher looking on the other side. They said they’d take $350 for it but ultimately I passed and ended up picking up a near mint 411 for $300.

A shame to see such a scarce model go ragged. If anyone is interested in doing some refinish work on the slide it’s at Cabelas in Lone Tree, CO.

The flavor of the week era. As I recall Smith would do just about any combination a dealer would want. I think the minimum was 500 guns. Two tones, compact slides on full size frames, dao, sa/da, decocker, adjustable versus fixed sites, single stack, double stack, compact. The slide rule to keep track of them all (I need to get one of those).

Who knew at the time that those were the some of good ole days of S&W, when they would produce any variation of their guns in quantities of 500?

Yeah certainly a lot of variations with a lot of the different parts interchanging between calibers, but hard to believe they each became a model of their own. Aside from the shooting and handling characteristics of the S&W autos, I think the wide range of models helps me stay interested as I assemble a small collection.

The 411 is quite a consolation prize! Either way you did fine. Enjoy.

I was there today. Still there, same price!

__________________
“What you got, ain’t new.”

Curious, did it have the squared trigger guard or the round?
I have a pair of the M5944 with the (preferred) round trigger guard, and really enjoy shooting that model.
Now, if I can get my son-in-law to give me back the one I loaned to him some years back, I'd clean it up and put it away, as it was noted that you don't see this model showing up much, another unicorn in my opinion...

Gratious pic below...

__________________
.............SmithNut

You got a darn good one in that 411! It’s the .40cal brother of the 915 but they did not make nearly as many. I might even guess that the 411 is somewhat scarce.

I believe if you search every hidey hole for used 3rd Gens, the 915 will appear at a rate higher than 10-to-1 of the 411.

Mine is a great pistol!