Hi my name is Chris and I'm a 3rd gen-aholic.
Honestly, I just own one right now, a 6906. I am currently in the hunt for a 3913NL (or LS) right now. After that I'd like to find one of the CS45s, but I am willing to bet it would be nigh impossible.
My one concern is that I want to shoot and/or carry the guns I buy. So I was wondering if any of my fellow "3gens Anonymous" addicts have any advice about the situation of getting one fixed? Of course they're wonderfully reliable (part of our love, right?), but with shooting things are going to wear down and need to be replaced, even if nothing "breaks". What are the chances that in 5 years I can't get a 3913 worked on? Will S&W still be able to repair it for me or will there be parts I can order? Would a local gunsmith be able to do it?
The reason I ask is because I did see another thread where people were talking about the unavailability of parts for the 3rd Gens already now. So many people are saying to buy two and use one as a parts gun, but I can't really afford that policy. I saw a different thread where a guy apparently sent a Model 39 (2nd gen?) in for repair and it only cost about 100 bucks! I'd be willing to pay 100 bucks to get a my 6906 or a 3913 (if i find one) fixed if it ever came down to that.
What say you gentlemen? Should I assume that I'd never be able to fix it and try to cure my addictions with an M&P, or rely on S&W to be able to fix something "old" if it breaks or has normal wear and tear?