3rd gen prices

[vigil617]

Hi everyone. I'm new to the forum. I had a question about what prices to likely expect for a 3rd gen semi auto S&W. I've read about people picking up cheap pistols ($$ not quality) and how if you don't want to purchase a pistol at m&p or glock prices then 3rd gens are a great way to go. I've done some internet searching and honestly from what I've seen these are going for the same prices or more then brand spanking new M&Ps. Is this really what the Market is or am I looking in the wrong places (like gunbrokers and buds gun shop). Actually buds lists everything 3rd gen as out of stock. I really have an inkling for a 3rd gen 45 (4516 or something similar) but can't justify paying the same for a thirty year old discontinued used pistol as I would pay for brand new one. Last summer I bought a brand new M&P 9c for $520 so don't want to pay the same or more for a 3rd gen compact. Lots of fun shops around Denver but they seem to rarely list used stock and I used to think that thrifty Nickle used to list firearms but I guess no more. I'm not new to shooting but am new to buying. Any suggestions?

Well, if you haven't figured it out by now, you've stepped right into the hottest of the hotbeds of Third Gen afficionados, my friend.

We might be a tad opinionated on the subject.

It's your money. Spend it how you think best. We simply want to encourage you that if you dip your toe into our waters, you might just find a type of pistol that will speak to you. And, that will not lose you money if you decide it's not for you.

My personal advice, based on 45ACP Third Gen experience, is to start with a 457 -- technically a Second Generation, but for all practical purposes a Third Gen, IMHO -- at $400 to $500 for an excellent condition model. Try it, see if you like it, and then decide if you want to move into, say, a 4513TSW or 4516 (aluminum frame vs. steel frame) in the $550 to $650 category.

It gets even better from there. Not in reliability or value-for the dollar -- as all of these rank high in those -- but in desirability and cachet and best-of-the-best quality. Think Shorty 45, the Performance Center version of the 4513TSW, in the $1,200 to $1,500 range.

I get ahead of myself.

Welcome to the Forum.

 

[1775usmarine]

Nothing against them at all. In fact, a CZ 75BD (or similar variant) currently resides at the very top of my 2017 Possibilities List despite the fact that it is illegal for a dealer to sell me one here in the crazy People's Republic of Massachusetts (I'd have to luck out and obtain it via a private F-T-F sale).

My point was simply that Sig's all-metal pistols are the logical successors to the S&W 3rd Gens in terms of a decent, full-line selection of American-made, all-metal, DA/SA pistols. If you can't buy a brand new S&W 3rd Gen pistol any longer, at least you can still buy a Sig. You can include Beretta in that mix if you'd like but I can't think of too many others without going to imports. Plastic & striker-fired has almost completely taken over the semi-auto pistol world.

Sounds like you need to retire to a more gun friendly state like Indiana. I was able to score two surplus CZ 75's and 85's from cdisales for under 400 with ship and FFL. I have since added some CGW parts and they seem to feel better than when I first got them. Eventually i will fully cajun them, but one piece at a time.
I would think you would have to look to the imports for all metal options, as Sig, Beretta, and CZ all have their roots overseas. Unless you consider the 1911, but I would assume you are wanting the ability to have a full size, compact, and sub compact made entirely of metal like our beloved 3rd gens. As well as the ability to have several caliber options in these models.

 

[HCH]

That doesn't mean you won't find something you want, but you may burn up a lot of time and gasoline in your hunt.

I call around to save a lot of driving, but when I asked the one place if they had any S&W 3rd. Gens. in their used case, the guy told me they might have a second gen around, but he didn't think they made 3rd. gens yet.

 

[tirod]

And just came back from the local gun show. They had three 3Gens on the tables, 3913 comes to mind, all under $400.

Checking GB of 12 listed, only one is under $400.

 

[TTSH]

Sounds like you need to retire to a more gun friendly state like Indiana. I was able to score two surplus CZ 75's and 85's from cdisales for under 400 with ship and FFL. I have since added some CGW parts and they seem to feel better than when I first got them. Eventually i will fully cajun them, but one piece at a time.
I would think you would have to look to the imports for all metal options, as Sig, Beretta, and CZ all have their roots overseas. Unless you consider the 1911, but I would assume you are wanting the ability to have a full size, compact, and sub compact made entirely of metal like our beloved 3rd gens. As well as the ability to have several caliber options in these models.

Retirement property is already bought. I'm stuck here. I fully expect to die here.

A nice used CZ 75/85-anything is a rare bird here in MA. You pay big for the privilege of owning any non-list gun in this loony state (but especially a CZ because 10-round factory packages are so rare).

 

[GaryS]

Point of order. The 457, like all "Value Line" guns is a 3rd Gen. Don't let the 3 digit model number fool you. For reasons that probably made sense to S&W, they decided to use a different number series for the "Value Line" guns.

9 = 9mm
4 = 40 S&W
45 = 45 ACP

The other numbers indicate magazine capacity.

915 is a 15 round gun, the 910 is a 10 round gun, 908 is an 8 round gun , the 411 is an 11 round gun, the 410 is a 10 round gun, and the 457 is a 7 round gun.

The CS guns are also "Value Line" guns, but are named, not numbered.

Well, if you haven't figured it out by now, you've stepped right into the hottest of the hotbeds of Third Gen afficionados, my friend.

We might be a tad opinionated on the subject.

It's your money. Spend it how you think best. We simply want to encourage you that if you dip your toe into our waters, you might just find a type of pistol that will speak to you. And, that will not lose you money if you decide it's not for you.

My personal advice, based on 45ACP Third Gen experience, is to start with a 457 -- technically a Second Generation, but for all practical purposes a Third Gen, IMHO -- at $400 to $500 for an excellent condition model. Try it, see if you like it, and then decide if you want to move into, say, a 4513TSW or 4516 (aluminum frame vs. steel frame) in the $550 to $650 category.

It gets even better from there. Not in reliability or value-for the dollar -- as all of these rank high in those -- but in desirability and cachet and best-of-the-best quality. Think Shorty 45, the Performance Center version of the 4513TSW, in the $1,200 to $1,500 range.

I get ahead of myself.

Welcome to the Forum.

 

[Maccabeus]

As others have said, you CAN find 3rd gen guns at a deal of a price, but you may be limited in your choices at the lower price points or you need to stumble into a deal.



I've been toying with selling my 4513TSW for the last couple years and the average price point on gunbroker right now is around $550 + shipping for the pre-rail model. I've noticed that 4506s are selling even higher.

(Of course, I never actually sell mine, because when I come on here to read, I always find a thread where 18DAI waxes eloquent about the virtues of the 4513s and then I keep it for another 6 months).

Sent from mTalk

 

[18DAI]

Maccabeus working as a part time instructor/RO and in a high end gunstore, I get to handle AND shoot A LOT of guns. Glocks, Knighthawk, Les Baer, Colt, Kimber, Dan Wesson, Walther, Springfield, s&w ect.

The more I shoot the customers XD's, XDs 45, Kimber Ultra, Colt Defender, Colt Agent, m&ps, shields, Glock 30, Glock 36 ect, the more I am convinced that the early rail free 4513TSW is one of the finest compact carry 45s ever made, by anyone and I will take mine in the box with me when I go.

Hang onto yours. You will be glad you did. Regards 18DAI

 

[Maccabeus]

Maccabeus working as a part time instructor/RO and in a high end gunstore, I get to handle AND shoot A LOT of guns. Glocks, Knighthawk, Les Baer, Colt, Kimber, Dan Wesson, Walther, Springfield, s&w ect.

The more I shoot the customers XD's, XDs 45, Kimber Ultra, Colt Defender, Colt Agent, m&ps, shields, Glock 30, Glock 36 ect, the more I am convinced that the early rail free 4513TSW is one of the finest compact carry 45s ever made, by anyone and I will take mine in the box with me when I go.

Hang onto yours. You will be glad you did. Regards 18DAI

See, there you go again.

Well, at least it saves me the time and effort of taking pictures, fielding buyer questions, and worrying about transaction details.

 

[Disabled1]

I bought my LE trade in 5906 in the the first week of December 2012. 1 week later the Sandy Hook incident happened (God Bless them all!). I paid $275 ($250+hand picked/extra mag), $303 total. It came with (2) mags and a blue S&W plastic case.
After that incident, I noticed 3rd Gens started sky rocketing. Around here in my part of the South, a LE trade in sells for about $425-$450. You can forget about the $275-$300 prices any more. I have seen private owners selling their originally bought 5906 with box and papers for $600 +.
I like posting pics of mine. It's brand new ever since member BMCM went through it and bead blasted it.

 

[Elkins45]

I went to a show yesterday. 3rd gens ranged from a 910, 5904, 5906 and a 4046. Asking prices ranged from$350 to $500. The guy with the 4046 wanted $500--I suspect he will be waiting for a while.

I think the competition for the title of least marketable 3rd gen is between the 4046 and 4043.

 

[TTSH]

I think the competition for the title of least marketable 3rd gen is between the 4046 and 4043.

Ha!!! One of the first two 3rd Gens I ever acquired (I purchased two together) was a Model 4046. What a boat anchor!!! But I couldn't resist the deal. The cost per pound is still the lowest I ever paid for a 3rd Gen pistol.

 

[capdaddy222]

New guy here.
if you dont mind dealing online:
915 for $330

5906 for $350
I have no idea on the condition what "truck gun" grade looks like but it might be worth a try if you aren't having luck locally OP.

 

[0849]

And just came back from the local gun show. They had three 3Gens on the tables, 3913 comes to mind, all under $400.

Checking GB of 12 listed, only one is under $400.

As some of us like to follow where the 3rd gens are showing up, can you share what state that local gun show was in?