My Question is this this. A lot of the 3rd generation Autos are approaching 30 years of age. I would like to take one of these in my collection and carry it every day. There are some lingering concerns of mine. Let me start by saying, I have never had a single jam in any of my 3rd generations. I am a big fan of these pistols. Getting to the point, Should I be worried about any part failures, being almost 30 years old. Should I get it broke down by a Gun Smith and have him replace all the springs and check other parts for wear ? Or am I being overly concerned and these guns will last a lifetime ?
3rd Generation CCW
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StateDirector
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eckmann,
To reply to your post, yes, anything mechanical can break down. Will the guns in question break tomorrow? Not likely. A well maintained firearm will indeed function reliably and troublefree for a lifetime.
I'm guessing that you are over thirty yourself. Did you wake up broken this morning? No. The same with your Smith's. Their age is not idicative of their condition.
If it makes you feel better, by all means have the gun inspected by a good gunsmith and replace all the springs to your hearts content. You carry a gun for peace of mind, so you might as well change springs, etc., for the same reason. It probably isn't necessary, but it won't hurt the gun and it will give you confidence in your chosen weapon.
State Director
To reply to your post, yes, anything mechanical can break down. Will the guns in question break tomorrow? Not likely. A well maintained firearm will indeed function reliably and troublefree for a lifetime.
I'm guessing that you are over thirty yourself. Did you wake up broken this morning? No. The same with your Smith's. Their age is not idicative of their condition.
If it makes you feel better, by all means have the gun inspected by a good gunsmith and replace all the springs to your hearts content. You carry a gun for peace of mind, so you might as well change springs, etc., for the same reason. It probably isn't necessary, but it won't hurt the gun and it will give you confidence in your chosen weapon.
State Director
Well, I've been carrying a 4516-3, purchased LNIB for the last 12 years. I qualified with it twice a year for 9 years. Shot it in IDPA competition and at least once a month on my own time for many years. I would estimate it has a little over 6000 rounds through it.
I've only had to replace one broken part. A MIM mag catch that fractured like the cheap pot metal it was. I replaced it with a forged steel part and have not had a problem since. I HAVE replaced the dual recoil springs on that gun over a dozen times. Runs like a Timex.
I have a 3913, early production. Carried it for over 11 years off duty and to court on occasions. Qualified with it twice a year and shot it some on my off time and in two off duty gun matches. I'd estimate its round count at 3000+. No failures......ever. No broken parts.....ever. Did change the recoil spring regularly.
Also have a 4513TSW. My favorite carry gun. Been carrying it on and off duty for the last 5 years. No idea how many rounds through it as it was an LE trade in when I got it. I've shot the snot out of it. Easily 2000+ rounds. Nothing broken. Changed the recoil springs and didn't like the look of the tip of the guide rod, so I ordered a new one and replaced that. Are you seeing a pattern here?
If I were you, I'd stock up on recoil springs, buy 6 mags for your carry gun and carry it with no worries.
You hear one or three folks around here worrying about parts or encouraging new folks to not buy 3rd gen guns because the factory doesn't want to support them any longer. So that they can peddle the high profit plastic junk with the lousy triggers they now make.
I say buy a 3rd gen, shoot it, love it, maintain it. Good luck! Hope this helps! Regards 18DAI
I've only had to replace one broken part. A MIM mag catch that fractured like the cheap pot metal it was. I replaced it with a forged steel part and have not had a problem since. I HAVE replaced the dual recoil springs on that gun over a dozen times. Runs like a Timex.
I have a 3913, early production. Carried it for over 11 years off duty and to court on occasions. Qualified with it twice a year and shot it some on my off time and in two off duty gun matches. I'd estimate its round count at 3000+. No failures......ever. No broken parts.....ever. Did change the recoil spring regularly.
Also have a 4513TSW. My favorite carry gun. Been carrying it on and off duty for the last 5 years. No idea how many rounds through it as it was an LE trade in when I got it. I've shot the snot out of it. Easily 2000+ rounds. Nothing broken. Changed the recoil springs and didn't like the look of the tip of the guide rod, so I ordered a new one and replaced that. Are you seeing a pattern here?
If I were you, I'd stock up on recoil springs, buy 6 mags for your carry gun and carry it with no worries.
You hear one or three folks around here worrying about parts or encouraging new folks to not buy 3rd gen guns because the factory doesn't want to support them any longer. So that they can peddle the high profit plastic junk with the lousy triggers they now make.
I say buy a 3rd gen, shoot it, love it, maintain it. Good luck! Hope this helps! Regards 18DAI
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I agree with StateDirector & 18DAI. If they're of the "little used" variety & all original, I'd give them a good cleaning/lube and replace the recoil, firing & mainsprings, then go to the range for some confidence firing.
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bigchuck83
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From my limited experience i say as long as you change the recoil spring when needed and otherwise maintain them like you should the 3rd gen guns will likely outlast you.
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I generally put a new recoil spring in if they are going to be carried. The two that tag along with me are at least 25 yrs old, and the next failure they have will be the first witnessed by me, so I don't worry about it too much. Anything mechanical can fail. I'm just betting those suckers won't!
vigil617
US Veteran
As for recoil springs, the ones that were produced by Sprinco (see other threads for more info) might not ever need to be replaced. The material used and the method of cryogenically treating the spring steel creates a product that, in other applications, has reportedly lasted for more than 25,000 rounds without failure.
We've only had access to these for a couple of years, so the lifetime of these springs hasn't fully been tested in S&W Third Generation pistols, but all mine have Sprinco springs now and I don't plan on ever needing to replace them.
We've only had access to these for a couple of years, so the lifetime of these springs hasn't fully been tested in S&W Third Generation pistols, but all mine have Sprinco springs now and I don't plan on ever needing to replace them.
My primary concealed Carry guns since the early 90s are a 3913NL,3914 and a PC 690x........they get carried a lot more than they get shot. Well carried for they could pass for 5 year old guns in my opinion..bluing shows some minor wear on the high spots.
I have a back up for each and in some cases backups for the backups.....easy to accumulate over 25 years at "too good to pass up" prices.......
I have a stock of mags and recoil springs.......I'm good to go for another 30 years.........
My Dad carried and used his first duty gun; a 6 inch 1939 Colt New Service in .357magnum will into the 80s....he only stopped using it when he "borrowed" a 4" 686 of mine....that Colt is still good to go today.........
I have a back up for each and in some cases backups for the backups.....easy to accumulate over 25 years at "too good to pass up" prices.......
I have a stock of mags and recoil springs.......I'm good to go for another 30 years.........
My Dad carried and used his first duty gun; a 6 inch 1939 Colt New Service in .357magnum will into the 80s....he only stopped using it when he "borrowed" a 4" 686 of mine....that Colt is still good to go today.........
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bigggbbruce
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I drive my 1965 Riviera and carry a 1076. I'm good.
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Buy extra Magazines and Grips if needed , they are getting hard to find.
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My 3913 is less than half my age, I am confident that it will perform as advertised. Practice and maintain as required.
KSDeputy
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I bought a CS 45 new, and have carried it for over 20 years. I recently bought yet another new magazine for it. I carry 25 rounds with me, loaded in magazines. I have qualified with it in the past, I know it will work if I need it. I would not trust any handgun made today, like I trust my gen 3 handguns.
Define "lifetime".
Shooting a box of 50 or so every month? Sure the gun lasts a "lifetime".
My friend Ernie shoots his service G22 at least 200-300 rds a week down at our range, and has so for many years, with a minor tweak here and there.
Lot's of holster wear or safe storage, that must be the new definition of lifetime use.
Shooting a box of 50 or so every month? Sure the gun lasts a "lifetime". My friend Ernie shoots his service G22 at least 200-300 rds a week down at our range, and has so for many years, with a minor tweak here and there.
Lot's of holster wear or safe storage, that must be the new definition of lifetime use.
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Arik
Member
Age itself should not matter
I really can't add anything here; so many before me have said it very well! I will say this, though: the only reason I carry a poly pistol is because I would hate to be involved in a bad scenario & have one of my beloved 3rdGens rattling around in an evidence locker. Otherwise, I would be carrying my 4513TSW. It's the six shot, early non rail model, very light & easily concealable. I might start carrying it yet!
This thread has convinced me to order a set of replacement springs for my 3913NL. It probably has less than 200 rounds fired since new, but $20 for a complete spring kit is cheap insurance, and you can't put a price on peace of mind. It's not carried everyday anymore since my Shield took over, but I think I'll bring it out more often once I get the main springs replaced. I love that gun.
Exactly that. A poly wondergun can be had for under $500 and nobody will feel bad if it's tied up in evidence.
To each their own...
In line with what others have said...bought my 3953 for the mandatory "semiautomatic transition course" in 1990. I have no qualms when I carry it today. It has been properly maintained, recoil spring replaced as appropriate and I am sure it will keep right on ticking.
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Most 3rd Gens with a little wear (or even no wear) can be had for the same price. So buy two!
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