2nd and 3rd gen S&W autos

[Gunsmithattheguncloset]

In my part of the country recently some of the used gun dealers have had just a slew of 2nd and 3rd gen Smith autos. I only owned one back in the 1990's. So i guess my question is in the world of polymer that we now live in, does anyone still carry or prefer to carry the older smith autos for either duty or CCW?

Part two (after thought)....why do second gen smith autos command higher prices than the later 3rd? was the quality higher in the 2nd gen?

Trey

 

[18DAI]

I stake my life on S&W 3rd generation pistols. I'm currently qualified with the 4566, 645, 4516 and 3913 for on and off duty. Next qualification I will add the 3906 and Shorty 45 MKII.

I own a few 2nd generation S&W pistols. There is no quality difference in either the 2nd or 3rd generation pistols to my eyes.

I would say that the 3rd gen have numerous improvements in build - grips, no screws holding on the safety decocker ect.

As far as polymer - unless it is TDA and says HK on the grip you can keep it!

If you come across a 4506-1 with adjustable sights in any of those trade ins your dealer has, please PM me! Regards 18DAI.

 

[Gunsmithattheguncloset]

4506-1 Will do if i see one. I know that some of the guys down this way have several 4566's and there is a pawn show with a nice 645.

 

[WNC Seabee]

I love my 4566. It is a regular participant in my carry rotation. It DOES get heavy after a while, but a good belt and holster minimize that greatly.

 

[snw19_357]

...does anyone still carry or prefer to carry the older smith autos for either duty or CCW?

ABSOLUTELY!!!!! I wouldn't trade my 5904 for anything!

...why do second gen smith autos command higher prices than the later 3rd? was the quality higher in the 2nd gen?

It could just be supply and demand. A lot of the 'trade-ins' that are showing are 3rd gens. The 2nd gens were replaced a ways back.

 

[Chuck Jones]

I do.

1026, 4546/86, 4046, 5946, 5943, 3954

/c

 

[Matt C.]

3rd Gen

I carry a 3953 daily.

 

[mlk18]

While I am transitioning to the M&P, my 5943 will continue to serve with me for a long time to come. 3rd Gen Smith autos are alive and well in many police holsters.

 

[427mach1]

I carry my 4013TSW and wouldn't trade it for anything (almost). I also have a 9mm M&P that I bought for my wife but I prefer metal guns. It feels like a GUN in my hand!

 

[Gunsmithattheguncloset]

It's good to know. 15 years ago, I owned a S&W 915. It is all that I could afford at the time and remember that i enjoyed shooting it very much. I didn't know if they had all been supplanted by the plastic fantastics.

 

[mlk18]

My first duty gun was a 915. Everything you needed and nothing you didn't. There may not be as many S&W fans running around the internet and demanding everyone drink their koolaid but rest assured the S&W auto still has a large following.

 

[Shorty4T]

Definately have 3rd generation pistols in my carry rotation. I've been carrying my 1st generation Shorty 40 for the last week or so since the weather is getting cooler.

I do have an M&P40c that gets a lot of duty in the summer time, however it doesn't have the feel of my ol' 3rd gen guns. The M&P is accurate, I shoot it well, and it's easy to carry. However given the preference I'd rather carry a 3rd gen pistol.

Cheers,
Sam

 

[boingboing]

I have only one plastic gun and it's an HK. Only thing plastic worth carrying. On the other hand, I have 3 3rd Gen's that I carry on duty; A 5906TSW with the integral rail that I got from Scotter260 that I'll carry in the summer, a 4046TSW that I carry in the fall and spring and a 4583TSW that I carry in the winter The very first auto I owned was a 5904 and I still have it. I'm a traditionalist, I like metal guns and metal badges and I just prefer S&W's. Don't know why, just do. They're built like tanks, plenty accurate, feel good in the hand and S&W's CS can't be beat. As a matter of fact, I should be getting my 4046 back from them any day after sending it back for night sight replacement under warranty. And, what I carry on duty I carry off duty.

 

[smitty_bs]

Dont' forget the lighter framed versions! Here's a 4563TSW. ANIB.

 

[VAdoublegunner]

An HK USPc is my only plastic gun too. But it's a pretty decent one..!

I have a few 3rd Gen S&Ws ... a 4053 that gets carried on occassion, a 4516-1 that stays ready at home, a 1006 when I need a big field auto, a 3913 that the new lady shooters just love to shoot when they are at the range. Some models are good home defense, duty sized ones, others practical for carry, even a few that are heavy lifters like the 1006 or 4506. Yep, nothing wrong at all with a S&W 3rd Gen. And compared to that "other brand of butt ugly plastic pistol", quite handsome in appearance!

 

[Fastbolt]

There were continuing machining and design improvements in the model lines.

There have been noticeable improvements and refinements even within the 3rd gen model lines. Some of the early 3rd gen guns received machining that was operator controlled, versus the later CNC ISO compliant manufacturing used in the newer production 3rd gen guns. Even the newer production parts benefited from revisions, refinements and production improvements.

As far as older models being "more preferable" or costing more? I'd think that just depends on the market and the potential buyers. There are still a lot of S&W enthusiasts that liked the original 1st gen guns, which included their own revisions. Some of the older models may require parts that S&W no longer produces or orders from vendors, so parts availability can become an issue with the 1st gen guns (and even some parts & components in a few older 3rd gen models, for that matter).

Personally, it think S&W really hit their stride in the 3rd gen guns starting in the late 90's and running through the present. I've seen some continuing revisions and machining changes incorporated in the TSW's produced within the last couple of years, for example.

I've experienced excellent service with a lot of 3rd gen guns for the last 20 years, and I'll continue to respect and trust my collection of personally-owned 3rd gen guns. I've always felt they don't receive the respect they deserve for the standard they set before the plastic pistols entered the scene.

 

[boingboing]

Not to mention the fact that with the exception of maybe a 1911, the 3rd gen guns are just plain sexy.

 

[jimbo-indy]

My most common carry gun:
2nd Gen 639
Sights had to be reworked due to a previous owners ham handed gunsmithing but at least now they are dovetailed

 

[JayPee]

I transitioned from revolver to M4006 in 1991. Our transition course was 1,260 rounds of full-bore WW Ranger LE 165 grain JHP's in two range days. I fired another couple thousand rounds in mine before retiring. I have since owned three 4006's and a 5906, and have never had a failure with any of them. I carried the 4006's as a primary carry gun for years and can no longer tolerate the .40's recoil, so the 4006's are retired but the M5906 is soldiering on.

Light weight is a convenience only when carrying and can be a hindrance when firing. If you don't believe that, just try a good case of arthritis and see how effective you are with the plastimatics. Once the shooting starts, I want a steel pistol to mitigate recoil and get back on target fast - the 3rd generation Smith and Wesson autos are simply outstanding guns and were the standard others were judged by for over 50 years. You can't beat them.

Here's my 5906.

JayPee

 

[reuben]

I don't carry an auto much for daily wear, although I like auto's a lot.... I do have a hankerin to carry my 6904 for some reason......
Darn fine gun....

reuben..