My new S&W model 411

Slufstuff · #1 12-16-2024, 04:22 PM

I have been concentrating on US military S&W handguns lately, but I could not pass up a Model 411 .40 S&W at the local gun show this weekend. It is an early 90's vintage Value Line pistol. I bought it as used, but the seller believed it to be unfired, and I see no reason to doubt him. It looks brand new in every respect. It was late in the day on Sunday, so I was able to get it for $300 OTD. Best 3rd gen deal I have run across in a while! I do have a question for the experts. Did the value line 411 come with one or two magazines? This had only one mag (but new unfired looking). TIA

P.S. the picture makes the frame look kind of purplish, but it is dark black.

Aukula1062 · #2 12-16-2024, 06:06 PM

I bought my 411 in 1996 brand new in the box. It came with one 11 round magazine. I bought it for an LE reserve academy and sold it when I graduated. Regretted having to let it go. Here is the one I bought last year to replace it. Hope you enjoy your 411 as much as I enjoy mine!

rjm6120 · #3 12-16-2024, 06:10 PM

I have one of the 411's also, in about the same condition as yours. Rescued it from a pawn shop a couple years ago, but I think I paid $400 for it with one 11 round mag, no box. You got yours at a great price, congrats.

Frank Black · #4 12-16-2024, 07:21 PM

Bought mine pre-COVID in October 2019 also for about $300. Not LNIB, as it did show carry wear and some chips in the finish. It came with the original box, papers, and three 11-rd mags.

It’s been a great shooter, which is what I bought it for.

Pic attached.

Brian Parrish · #5 12-16-2024, 08:21 PM

My 411, which I obtained in similar condition and similar price as yours is the most accurate firearm I own, using Winchester Ranger 165 grain hollow points. Lately, it is very difficult to get those rounds as they have been replaced years ago by the 165 grain t-series. I have not shot any of those yet. Lucky Gunner Labs tested this particular round and showed a five shot consistency like no other 40 caliber round they tried.
I do get reasonable accuracy from other 165 grain loads and I practice with PMC 165 grain FP, but all 180 grain loads are inconsistent in my handgun.

Congratulations!
Best to you!
BrianD

Brian Parrish · #6 12-16-2024, 08:32 PM

I forgot to mention if you don't mind. I would like to clarify the difference between the "American Pride Series" which includes the 411 and the 915, and the Value Line Series which includes the 410 and the 910.
"American Pride" guns were made to compete with Glock for the LE market. However, they were too late and were not cheap enough to succeed in that really.

With the Clinton gun ban, the new Value Line models were released with much cheaper parts. The 410 is noticeably cheep-er than the 411 and the 4006. You might enjoy searching some of the threads here on that subject.

Of course, the only proper way is to own all three, the 4006, the 411 AND the 410.

:-)

Slufstuff · #7 12-16-2024, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Parrish

I forgot to mention if you don't mind. I would like to clarify the difference between the "American Pride Series" which includes the 411 and the 915, and the Value Line Series which includes the 410 and the 910.
"American Pride" guns were made to compete with Glock for the LE market. However, they were too late and were not cheap enough to succeed in that really.

With the Clinton gun ban, the new Value Line models were released with much cheaper parts. The 410 is noticeably cheep-er than the 411 and the 4006. You might enjoy searching some of the threads here on that subject.

Of course, the only proper way is to own all three, the 4006, the 411 AND the 410.

:-)

Thanks for the clarification! I did not know that. You learn something new every day!