Jim Malone
Member
The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 4th Edition, says that there were about 100 pre-production prototypes of Third Generation pistols made, covering several models. These pre-production prototypes may have begun with serial number AIP0001, running through AIP0100, but this is not certain. Further research reveals that these models included the 3904, 3906, 4506, 5904, 5906, and 6906. A Smith & Wesson historical letter on my pistol, a Smith & Wesson 5906, serial number AIP0019 (see attached photos) stated that the total number of each of the models produced in the 100 pre-production prototypes is not known. In other words, it is not known how many pre-production prototype 5906 pistols were made, or how many 4506, and so on.
I am hoping that the members of this forum may be able to help reconstruct some of the history of these pre-production prototype, third generation pistols. Perhaps some of the members know of other third generation pistols with a serial number between AIP0001 and AIP0100. If so, it would be interesting to know what model it is, and how many of these prototypes survived or are known to exist. Thanks very much for your help. I hope you have a great day.
I am hoping that the members of this forum may be able to help reconstruct some of the history of these pre-production prototype, third generation pistols. Perhaps some of the members know of other third generation pistols with a serial number between AIP0001 and AIP0100. If so, it would be interesting to know what model it is, and how many of these prototypes survived or are known to exist. Thanks very much for your help. I hope you have a great day.
