Brooklynite
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I know cops around here still carry them...
3rd Gen parts - I'm afraid we're on our own Gents
- Thread starter BMCM
- Start date
I know cops around here still carry them...
I'm still waiting on my CS9 springs from Midway, they are listed as 'overdue.' It's a good sign that most of the 3rd gen parts have an expected date of arrival at Midway, even if they won't do backorders on them.
Lots of hand wringing here. Wondering if some of that isn't a bit overblown. One of the reasons I like 3rd gens so much, is how damn robust they are compared to most everything else. Parts failures? Sure, but hardly a common occurrence in my personal experience. I have (or had - some traded or sold now) plenty of examples of 3rd gens with high four or even five figure round counts that have had zero parts failures. Rode many of them like a rented mule and nothing ever broke.
I'm not shooting nearly as much as I'd like to these days, so I'm less worried than ever about my low to moderate round count remaining 3rd gen shooters going the distance. These guns are rugged little beasts and I tend to baby older faves more than in the past, now that stupid cheap prices for 3rd gens have played out. I've also found the more guns you own, the less you shoot anyone one gun. Good reason to keep buying more! Call me cynical, but I'm starting to think those fanning the flames of worry the most are really secretly hoping that fear mongering will get people to dump guns that likely will never wear out or break from use -- so they can pick them up on the cheap.
Someone here mentioned Jack First Gunshop (see: Jack First Gunshop - First in Gun Parts - Rapid City, South Dakota). This is one example of a place that not only stockpiles parts, but has three machinists on staff to crank out parts and is a business that claims to "specialize in making high-quality, difficult-to-find, difficult-to-make gun parts." Guide rods are cake work for a even the poorest of machinists. Other parts might be a bit more challenging, but certainly do-able for most small parts. DIY parts making projects are more possible than ever with places like TechShop (access to the cool tools you can't afford to own) popping up in major metro areas. (see: TechShop is America's 1st Nationwide Open-Access Public Workshop -- What Do You Want To Make at TechShop?). We have some really talented machinist haunting these pages, and if so inclined (or nudged), could probably have a great little sideline business.
The third gen party ain't over folks. Yeah, you may want to stockpile a few critical parts for easy replacement later, and you should be mindful of changing springs before you needlessly batter your pistol, and you should keep them cleaned and lubed, but I wouldn't let some irrational fear of breaking something that can't be fixed, stop you from shooting your 3rd gens and adding more to your collection. Party on third geners!
I'm not shooting nearly as much as I'd like to these days, so I'm less worried than ever about my low to moderate round count remaining 3rd gen shooters going the distance. These guns are rugged little beasts and I tend to baby older faves more than in the past, now that stupid cheap prices for 3rd gens have played out. I've also found the more guns you own, the less you shoot anyone one gun. Good reason to keep buying more! Call me cynical, but I'm starting to think those fanning the flames of worry the most are really secretly hoping that fear mongering will get people to dump guns that likely will never wear out or break from use -- so they can pick them up on the cheap.
Someone here mentioned Jack First Gunshop (see: Jack First Gunshop - First in Gun Parts - Rapid City, South Dakota). This is one example of a place that not only stockpiles parts, but has three machinists on staff to crank out parts and is a business that claims to "specialize in making high-quality, difficult-to-find, difficult-to-make gun parts." Guide rods are cake work for a even the poorest of machinists. Other parts might be a bit more challenging, but certainly do-able for most small parts. DIY parts making projects are more possible than ever with places like TechShop (access to the cool tools you can't afford to own) popping up in major metro areas. (see: TechShop is America's 1st Nationwide Open-Access Public Workshop -- What Do You Want To Make at TechShop?). We have some really talented machinist haunting these pages, and if so inclined (or nudged), could probably have a great little sideline business.
The third gen party ain't over folks. Yeah, you may want to stockpile a few critical parts for easy replacement later, and you should be mindful of changing springs before you needlessly batter your pistol, and you should keep them cleaned and lubed, but I wouldn't let some irrational fear of breaking something that can't be fixed, stop you from shooting your 3rd gens and adding more to your collection. Party on third geners!
Just called S&W and ordered some 3rd gen parts that were in stock, no problems. It was my first time calling the mothership and I'm impressed with how quick and easy it was.
I definitely should have done this sooner! My new (to me) CS9 hasn't been out for a walk all summer, waiting on a recoil spring from Midway. At least I'll get her out for the last few weeks...
I definitely should have done this sooner! My new (to me) CS9 hasn't been out for a walk all summer, waiting on a recoil spring from Midway. At least I'll get her out for the last few weeks...
03Fatboy
Member
Just a friendly update. I just got a call from S&W regarding one of my three orders, two of which were made over a year ago. The orders are all for small 3rd Gen parts, primarily springs etc.
Anyways, I needed to provide updated CC information since it was expired and one of my orders is shipping. That is good news and I appreciated the phone call!
Anyways, I needed to provide updated CC information since it was expired and one of my orders is shipping. That is good news and I appreciated the phone call!
GatorFarmer
Member
ProMag might be a solution for replacement magazines. If memory serves, they offered a specialized magazine to sit flat in the older 39 series autos. Their quality is better than it used to be. Keep Shooting.com might be another source, they made their own HK P9 mag batches etc.
I believe Mecgar still makes 5900 series magazines.
I believe Mecgar still makes 5900 series magazines.
Yeah, I just got an email notifying me part of a back-ordered shipment was received and is going out, but I still have a couple different 3rd gen parts as active back-orders. Some parts are getting harder (taking longer) to get.
As an update, my order arrived from S&W last week, which put it at just under a month for 'in-stock' items. A little longer than I was thinking, but they did have to collect the items from different warehouses before sending.
My CS9 mag springs seem to be a darker color of red than others I have seen (maybe because they are new).
I also had a backorder of 457 guide rods come in from Midway, they were the 1-piece design with plastic plunger, and no 'flat' on the lug, as had been reported with some 45 guide rods (IIRC).
My CS9 mag springs seem to be a darker color of red than others I have seen (maybe because they are new).
I also had a backorder of 457 guide rods come in from Midway, they were the 1-piece design with plastic plunger, and no 'flat' on the lug, as had been reported with some 45 guide rods (IIRC).
He does indeed have 3rd gen 59 and 69 standard grips but he doesn't ship period. I just got off the phone with him.
At the start of this thread...
I contacted several known suppliers of parts including S&W and only got one answer back which was 'no parts'.
I contacted several known suppliers of parts including S&W and only got one answer back which was 'no parts'.
Ouch!!!
++++++++
ETA: A trivia question: Can anyone tell me how many different versions (sizes) of the black 3rd Gen wrap-around grips were made?
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I am originally from Jefferson City and still have some connections there. I may be able to hook up with someone who would ship to me or may get by there myself in the next few months. I don't think I know this gentleman, but may know some of his relatives.
ricw91756
Member
4004 Hammer
I would like to find a used long spur hammer for a 4004 (blued finish) in really good condition. they were still available from S&W about 3 yrs ago. Don't know if they still are or not but they were 47.00. I'm hoping to find one for about 25.00
I'd also like to find a trigger and a slide lock lever in really good condition for a 4004/4006. I want the blued finish. Any leads appreciated.
I would like to find a used long spur hammer for a 4004 (blued finish) in really good condition. they were still available from S&W about 3 yrs ago. Don't know if they still are or not but they were 47.00. I'm hoping to find one for about 25.00
I'd also like to find a trigger and a slide lock lever in really good condition for a 4004/4006. I want the blued finish. Any leads appreciated.
schneiderguy
Member
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That's a good price for those, especially new. I've seen used ones listed for more.
In a similar note, I called S&W today to order a set of side plate screws for my Model 64. While I had the CS rep on the phone I asked him about flat base plates for 3913 magazines. He said they were listed as out of stock, but a back order was OK. He didn't say when they might come in, but at least he didn't laugh and say "Lots of luck."
I can start the calendar from today and see if and when they actually show up.
The screws are in stock, but that's a different story.
In a similar note, I called S&W today to order a set of side plate screws for my Model 64. While I had the CS rep on the phone I asked him about flat base plates for 3913 magazines. He said they were listed as out of stock, but a back order was OK. He didn't say when they might come in, but at least he didn't laugh and say "Lots of luck."
I can start the calendar from today and see if and when they actually show up.
The screws are in stock, but that's a different story.
Thanks for the links. I just purchased a 5906 which I have been wanting ever since I traded my 1st for a Sigma back in 98. Only problem in the right side of the safety/decocker is missing and so far internet has not yielded any results.
New to the forums today and will continue to research here on the forums.
New to the forums today and will continue to research here on the forums.
I bought the 4506 way back in 1991, IIRC, and to date have never had to replace any parts other than a mainspring for maintenance only, and mag springs just to make me feel better.
Early on I ordered six more magazines and factory springs along with a dozen recoil springs for the future. Of course, this pistol only has a tad over 800 rounds through it so, I'm probably good to go for the next twenty years. It's resided under my pillow for the past ten years and I only get it out maybe once or twice a year, take it down and relube and back under the pillow. With eight 200 gr CorBon hollow points in the magazine I sleep real good at night.
Early on I ordered six more magazines and factory springs along with a dozen recoil springs for the future. Of course, this pistol only has a tad over 800 rounds through it so, I'm probably good to go for the next twenty years. It's resided under my pillow for the past ten years and I only get it out maybe once or twice a year, take it down and relube and back under the pillow. With eight 200 gr CorBon hollow points in the magazine I sleep real good at night.
And stop all the "Me, too" production of ARs and 1911s.
The last thing the world needs is another AR and 1911 maker.
The market for those is saturated. Everybody and his brother makes them.
And also stop making the Sigmas (SD) and glorified Sigmas (M&P) and the Kel-Tec rip-offs.
I expect better from S&W. They were an innovator. Now, they're just an imitator. No better than Norinco. (That should get some hackles up)
I can't believe this is the same company that made the 27 and 52.
It's like they've turned into Taurus.
How long before they rip off the Jennings J22?
Now is the time for the aftermarket to step up.
While I'm on the subject of things that should be brought back-Speer 200 grain Flying Ashtray.
Screw the .45 Gold Dot. Bring back the Flying Ashtray. It is an amazing bullet.
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I have to agree. Those were near and dear to my heart and had I known the equipment that made those bullets would break down and Speer not be able to get parts for it would bring about it's demise I would have stocked up.
I still have a box of those and the ones Corbon made at 1050 fps. Speer use to offer those bullets as components for reloading...still have some of those as well and jealously guarded. I have eight of those in my 4506 tucked under my pillow. We'll never see them again, unfortunately.
I have an almost full box of those flying ashtray bullets squirreled away. Next time I load some .45's I probably should load some. My heirs won't know what they are any will probably throw them out.
As an update, I just ordered a whole slew of 3rd gen parts from S&W, and they had almost everything I needed in stock. They even had 4506 sideplate assemblies, despite some rumors I had heard that they were no longer being made, as well as 4506 butt plate catch assemblies. 457/4516 outer recoil springs were in stock, but the inner springs were backordered.
I talked to a very nice lady about the situation, and she told me that the 3rd gen parts were not going out of production anytime soon. I am really hoping she's right, but stocking up on parts just in case.
I talked to a very nice lady about the situation, and she told me that the 3rd gen parts were not going out of production anytime soon. I am really hoping she's right, but stocking up on parts just in case.
This is encouraging news. I have some 3913TSW magazine bottom plates on order. If those show up, I'll be convinced!
I also have some parts on order at Midway and with luck I'll get a notification soon that they are available.
ETA: I just checked my Midway Wish List and the recoil springs for the compact 9mm guns are listed as expected 11/01/2014. The magazine springs are listed as "overdue".
I also have some parts on order at Midway and with luck I'll get a notification soon that they are available.
ETA: I just checked my Midway Wish List and the recoil springs for the compact 9mm guns are listed as expected 11/01/2014. The magazine springs are listed as "overdue".
As an update, I just ordered a whole slew of 3rd gen parts from S&W, and they had almost everything I needed in stock. They even had 4506 sideplate assemblies, despite some rumors I had heard that they were no longer being made, as well as 4506 butt plate catch assemblies. 457/4516 outer recoil springs were in stock, but the inner springs were backordered.
I talked to a very nice lady about the situation, and she told me that the 3rd gen parts were not going out of production anytime soon. I am really hoping she's right, but stocking up on parts just in case.
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In my case in recent months it was the other way around. Our orders must've crossed paths on the opposite ends of their vendor shipments.
I got the inner springs first, but the outer springs were on back-order for another month, finally arriving a little while ago.I suspect a lot of their periodically replenished 3rd gen parts are being sold-out to vendors almost as quickly as they arrive, and some to folks wanting to order factory-direct, and then they go back on back-order status.
I still have a few parts in back-order land. Fortunately, they're not something I NEED for any immediate repairs, but just some bits & pieces of some types of extra parts I'd not ordered in any great amount of numbers over the years when 3rd gen guns were current production.
Like I've said before, it's not like 3rd gen armorers ever really needed a LOT of spare/repair parts, as the guns were rather robust and durable ... even when used and abused by cops.
I've seen more occasional need for replacement recoil & mag springs more than anything else, especially in hard-used & aging pistols.
I'm sure most of the spare parts I've ordered and put back over the years will never actually be needed, though.
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I hope your Midway stuff comes through soon Gary. I've personally lost faith with Midways' backorders, and have cancelled them in favor of ordering through S&W direct. I know that the mothership had CS9 recoil springs in stock on multiple occasions while my Midway order remained unfulfilled, and I recently had a bad experience with their customer service dept. as well.
@Fastbolt - yeah, we hit the ying and the yang on those recoil springs. Luckily, it's not a pressing need for me either. I still have 2 new Sprinco sets in reserve, with recent production factory new sets in my guns.
Some of my order was stuff I need now, like various model side plate assemblies, but the majority of it is for my spare parts bin. Finally got some trigger play spring rivets, but both the M/S body plungers & springs are backordered, and I'm on thin ice in that department. I also got caught up on my factory recoil springs, as I've changed my mind about Wolff extra power recoil springs in my 3rd gens. I still plan on using their mag springs though, mainly for my 4040.
@Fastbolt - yeah, we hit the ying and the yang on those recoil springs.
Luckily, it's not a pressing need for me either. I still have 2 new Sprinco sets in reserve, with recent production factory new sets in my guns.Some of my order was stuff I need now, like various model side plate assemblies, but the majority of it is for my spare parts bin. Finally got some trigger play spring rivets, but both the M/S body plungers & springs are backordered, and I'm on thin ice in that department. I also got caught up on my factory recoil springs, as I've changed my mind about Wolff extra power recoil springs in my 3rd gens. I still plan on using their mag springs though, mainly for my 4040.
How'd you end up needing sideplates? Tweak the legs that do around the head of the sear pin ion one or more of your guns? I can see wanting to have a spare for each different model I might own that doesn't share them with others, though.
I've only ever needed M/S body plungers or body plunger springs due to a 'sudden departure' when the manual safety assembly was being removed (and rarely, at that). It's not like those parts are known to wear out or break.
The older ambi safety levers and their semi-shouldered plungers are harder to get, I'd think. The older 3rd gen ambi levers won't accept the newer ambi lever plungers with wider heads (designed for the newer levers).
Recently I've become more aware of my sideplates, and have discovered that some of them are bent away from the frame on the upper leg. My 4040 is bad enough that the slide stop plunger is getting caught and stuck in the down position, even with a factory new empty mag in the well.
The prongs on the sear pin ends are all good, but I feel better about installing factory new sideplates than just bending back the old ones. I don't have any guns that I designate as 'range only.'
I figure I can keep the old ones and bend them back to use in a pinch.And I have indeed lost a few M/S body plungers that have shot out, apparently into another dimension because I can't find a trace of them. I've been swapping plungers between guns lately, so hopefully S&W gets these back in stock soon. I have a few extra plunger springs already, so those are pretty much backup springs and no rush.
Thank you for the info on the old safety lever plungers! I just checked my old-style 3914 and see what you're saying, they almost look like the M/S body plunger but with a flatter head. I have a number of the new-style lever plungers, but will have to get my hands on some of those old-style ones as well. I bet that's what Numrich had in stock at the beginning of the Summer, dangit!
Bunch of different threads have touched on this over the last few years ...
http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-...s/128559-need-some-advice-changing-grips.html
http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/178188-grip-removal-5906-a.html
Just make sure the side notches slide over the inside of the frame windows (and there isn't an opening on either side, at the front of either side in the middle ... the rear of the grip is fully forward under the frame tang (not sticking slightly backward) ... and that in the process of sliding the grip forward, the top upper/left corner of the grip slides over the front of the sideplate, not up under it, jamming it upward and bending the bottom "legs" (prongs) secured around the sear pin.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-...s/128559-need-some-advice-changing-grips.html
http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/178188-grip-removal-5906-a.html
Just make sure the side notches slide over the inside of the frame windows (and there isn't an opening on either side, at the front of either side in the middle ... the rear of the grip is fully forward under the frame tang (not sticking slightly backward) ... and that in the process of sliding the grip forward, the top upper/left corner of the grip slides over the front of the sideplate, not up under it, jamming it upward and bending the bottom "legs" (prongs) secured around the sear pin.
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