Anyone here USING 3rd gens?
- Thread starter 18DAI
- Start date
To expand on my earlier post. The CS9 is what I carry when I don't want to hang a gun on my belt. Since I worked four days this week, I was using it so I could put it in my gun vault before I get out of the truck at a client. I was just lazy this morning.
My go to belt gun is the pre rail 3913TSW.
The truth is, in my state if "something happens" I can likely kiss my guns goodbye. All of them. So there is no benefit to carrying a cheaper plastic gun.
OTOH, if I go out of state, I'll often bring my Sprinfield XDE in 9mm. If something happens there, it might come back to haunt me in MA, but maybe not since the laws are different in the southern states where I try to spend my vacation time.
The XDE is much like a 3913, so it's not hard to adjust to carrying or shooting.
Once in a while, I'll carry one of my 457s at home.
For holsters I've been mostly using FIST IWB leather holsters, but my 457s ride in Fist Kydex holsters and I'm thinking of getting one for my 3913TSW as well. The leather just doesn't hold it's shape as well and makes reholstering a bit of chore.
My go to belt gun is the pre rail 3913TSW.
The truth is, in my state if "something happens" I can likely kiss my guns goodbye. All of them. So there is no benefit to carrying a cheaper plastic gun.
OTOH, if I go out of state, I'll often bring my Sprinfield XDE in 9mm. If something happens there, it might come back to haunt me in MA, but maybe not since the laws are different in the southern states where I try to spend my vacation time.
The XDE is much like a 3913, so it's not hard to adjust to carrying or shooting.
Once in a while, I'll carry one of my 457s at home.
For holsters I've been mostly using FIST IWB leather holsters, but my 457s ride in Fist Kydex holsters and I'm thinking of getting one for my 3913TSW as well. The leather just doesn't hold it's shape as well and makes reholstering a bit of chore.
I'm twiddling with a 3913 grip on my CS9.
The cutting/grinding is pretty much done.
If I can incorporate a pocket-clip on the
right grip panel, and make the safety lever
a bit more belly-friendly, it may well become
the daily carry.
The cutting/grinding is pretty much done.
If I can incorporate a pocket-clip on the
right grip panel, and make the safety lever
a bit more belly-friendly, it may well become
the daily carry.
I admit that I am stuck in the twentieth century, a brand loyalist, and an S&W Gen3 fan-boy. I am buying, collecting, and using S&W Gen3s. I mostly use a 3953 or 4053 for EDC.
My CS40 and 69XXs get some time out of the safe, but I favor the single stack DAOs for EDC. I feel more comfortable with the DAOs in a crisis situation because I carried revolvers for 33 years on the job and my training and muscle memory favors this KISS option.
I have accumulated quite a few Gen3 9s and 40s in the last few years. I'd need to buy an additional safe if I started buying 45s. I currently own only one plastic, striker-fired gun - a Walther PPS40 which is my only non-Smith and it sees duty on those rare occasions I wear a blazer or suit.
My wife complained that I need a 12-Step group so I slowed my buying to four guns in 2019 - all Gen3s. My last purchase, a nice 3953TSW pre-rail, was picked up from my FFL on New Year's Eve Day.
A nice way to end the year.
My CS40 and 69XXs get some time out of the safe, but I favor the single stack DAOs for EDC. I feel more comfortable with the DAOs in a crisis situation because I carried revolvers for 33 years on the job and my training and muscle memory favors this KISS option.
I have accumulated quite a few Gen3 9s and 40s in the last few years. I'd need to buy an additional safe if I started buying 45s. I currently own only one plastic, striker-fired gun - a Walther PPS40 which is my only non-Smith and it sees duty on those rare occasions I wear a blazer or suit.
My wife complained that I need a 12-Step group so I slowed my buying to four guns in 2019 - all Gen3s. My last purchase, a nice 3953TSW pre-rail, was picked up from my FFL on New Year's Eve Day.
A nice way to end the year.
Not everyday, but I do have a 4516, a 4040, and a CS40/10 in somewhat frequent rotation with my P239. I’ve got a Milt Sparks VMII for the P239 and it works pretty well for the others too.
That One Guy
Member
I carried a 3913 as my ccw, and a 59 when I wanted a higher capacity gun, until about 3 years ago. I never cared for Glock’s or the M&P 1.0’s, so I never bothered to upgrade until the 2.0’s came out. I am a huge fan of the 2.0’s, and carry those almost exclusively. The only time I carry a 3rd gen anymore is when I get a hankering to carry a .45.
Around the place I generally carry a revolver, I like having some snake shot mixed in the cylinder, but off the place I pack my 6906 in a lined Bianchi #19? or a Gordon Davis rig.
Im a 9mm guy and I tried carrying a 5906 P/C but it was a tad heavy and really wasn't any advantage in accuracy over the Shorty 9 , so just added the extension and modified the grips to have 16 rds in my 6906. Been carrying it over 20 years and it shows, HA.
Im a 9mm guy and I tried carrying a 5906 P/C but it was a tad heavy and really wasn't any advantage in accuracy over the Shorty 9 , so just added the extension and modified the grips to have 16 rds in my 6906. Been carrying it over 20 years and it shows, HA.
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ancient-one
US Veteran
My carry gun has gone from a 6906 to a P320 Compact. It may change back, we will see.
S&W 3rd Gens are all that I use, whether for carry or as a nightstand gun. The whole reason I started collecting them was for CC due to the manual of arms, safety of operation, and reliability. The fact that they are also usually very affordable on the used market and just plain fun to learn about and collect simply adds to the experience! 
I have a nicely-used 3913TSW with the rail removed that has been in my holster more often than not lately, though in the Summer I will rotate between a 3913TSW pre-rail and my CS9. Others that get into the rotation during the colder months include a late-production 457, 6904 Long Slide, 915, 4040PD, and occasionally a 4566TSW. My nightstand gun is generally a 5906TSW with a bobbed hammer, 20-round mag, and a Streamlight TLR-1.
I wound up making some leather IWB holsters, one that fits all of my 39xx guns as well as my 4040PD, and another that's specifically made for my CS9. OWB holsters are generally old-stock DeSantis models that I've sniped off of eBay over the years, specifically made for S&W 3rd Gens and found at very nice prices.
I have a nicely-used 3913TSW with the rail removed that has been in my holster more often than not lately, though in the Summer I will rotate between a 3913TSW pre-rail and my CS9. Others that get into the rotation during the colder months include a late-production 457, 6904 Long Slide, 915, 4040PD, and occasionally a 4566TSW. My nightstand gun is generally a 5906TSW with a bobbed hammer, 20-round mag, and a Streamlight TLR-1.
I wound up making some leather IWB holsters, one that fits all of my 39xx guns as well as my 4040PD, and another that's specifically made for my CS9. OWB holsters are generally old-stock DeSantis models that I've sniped off of eBay over the years, specifically made for S&W 3rd Gens and found at very nice prices.
I have a 6904 that I carried for a few years during flannel shirt weather. I purchased a M&P 2.0 C and switched to that. I am back to a DA/SA CZ75D PCR which has far better ergonomics than the third generation Smiths.
vigil617
US Veteran
Well, at the risk of disappointing any of my valued, fellow Third-Gen aficionados here, I'll be up front and say that I don't carry one or regularly shoot one as so many of you do.
I do, however, always carry them to the range when I go (which is not as often as I'd like), and my round of choice is "God's caliber." It's what is loaded in my HD gun -- the WVSP 4566TSW I found recently -- that makes me feel well-protected in my castle and don't hesitate to bring along if I'm traveling.
What I have with me every day is a Kimber Micro-9, primarily for its size, weight, and acceptable capacity given the largely non-threatening environments I frequent.
Of course, in my heart of hearts, I'm an S&W guy all day long.
I do, however, always carry them to the range when I go (which is not as often as I'd like), and my round of choice is "God's caliber." It's what is loaded in my HD gun -- the WVSP 4566TSW I found recently -- that makes me feel well-protected in my castle and don't hesitate to bring along if I'm traveling.
What I have with me every day is a Kimber Micro-9, primarily for its size, weight, and acceptable capacity given the largely non-threatening environments I frequent.
Of course, in my heart of hearts, I'm an S&W guy all day long.
SWCZSIG-Vinny
Member
I prefer DA/SA pistols for SD and HD and local competition; and have a nice assortment of CZ's and SIG's, most with RDS. However, it's been difficult to find a good 'pocket-sized' DA/SA for hot summer carry (which is pretty much year-round in FL) so I settled for a DAO SIG 290rs. Then I recently re-discovered the CS9 which is among the ONLY DA/SA that at 22oz is still quite pocket-able. Wish there were better sights available but just added Novak's FO front, thin modified 3913 grips (thanks TercGen!) and a few spare mags and wear parts (thanks Midway!). I think it will be replacing the SIG.
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Trooper224
Member
I'm a big fan of the 3rd Gen. Smiths, currently owning a 4506 and a 4566 and always on the look out for more. I love them, but I don't carry them for only one reason: lack of support. I'm a high volume shooter compared to most and I give my carry guns a work out. While I have managed to accumulate a decent cash of spare parts and magazines, if I crack a frame or blow a barrel the guns are paperweights. Consequently, my 3rd Gens are occasional shooters. I've owned the 4506 for about two years and it's seen about two/three thousand rounds, give or take. At that rate it should outlast me. However, run it as hard as my usual carry gun and sooner or later I'm going to be faced with a problem that may not be fixable. It's a shame since I love them, but the lack of steady product support is a deal breaker for me.
I like the CZ autos..... but only have a 75B and a Kadet (.22)
If I hadn't been so heavily invested in 3rd gen Smiths by the time CZ became
readily available in alloy and Compacts......I'd probably have more CZs.
Love their Rifles.......17 22lr and .22 mag to 5.56.... wonderful mini Mauser's.... with Full/mannlicher stocks
Just got back from the range where I test drove Mark's newly cobbled up '1014'. On my belt rides my tuned up 4506 in a Kramer #2. I find myself carrying the 4506 more than anything else lately. I'm not particularly bothered by the weight, in fact it's a non-issue and it has a wonderful trigger, supremely accurate and will plop those fat bullets one after another in the same ragged hole with boring regularity so long as I do my part.
Other than a 4506, I occasionally hang my own '1014' on the belt or my SFF mk2 and every once in a while my CS9. Frankly speaking, for me, the 4506 is just more comfortable to carry than the smaller guns. I think that comfort has something to do with the larger holster spreading out the pressure over a wider area of my hip.
So yeah, anyway, 3rg gen every day all day and those are the only guns I carry and trust. Besides, plastic striker guns give me a rash
Cheers
Bill
Other than a 4506, I occasionally hang my own '1014' on the belt or my SFF mk2 and every once in a while my CS9. Frankly speaking, for me, the 4506 is just more comfortable to carry than the smaller guns. I think that comfort has something to do with the larger holster spreading out the pressure over a wider area of my hip.
So yeah, anyway, 3rg gen every day all day and those are the only guns I carry and trust. Besides, plastic striker guns give me a rash
Cheers
Bill
Well as of today I finally mustered up the courage to pull out my 1013, she rides in a Milt sparks summer special straight drop, kinda forgot it was there... after some successful draw n'fire drills I'm pretty good with her DS/SA, she will become part of the rotation from now on and being decocker only she perfect...
I sunk so much into her I was a bit standoffish at first
P.S. Her name is Atomic Annie
Edit: photos added
I sunk so much into her I was a bit standoffish at first
P.S. Her name is Atomic Annie
Edit: photos added
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BMCM I have been carrying my 4506-1 almost everyday too. We have had a rash of robberies lately, locally. Targeting gunshops. Some "agency folks" came by and briefed us on the probable cause and shared that they thought an escalation into daylight take over robberies might be possible/probable.
So, my 4506-1 has been on my hip since, when I am at the shop. Carried in a Don Hume JIT slide. A very comfortable way to conceal and carry a full size gun. But the 12 guage under the counter will be my 1st choice.
I took my 4506-1 to the range today. Another flawless 275 rounds. Shooting a full size all steel pistol, after a few months of shooting light weight compacts and sub compacts is a joy! "A" hits out to 20 yards are effortless. "Head shots" on a 3 inch Shoot-N-Cee reactive target are relatively simple, compared to having to work at the basics shooting the smaller guns. The big stable platform makes accurate shooting.......easy.
Of course the Trijicon front sight and blacked out Novak rear help too.
I would not leave a 4506 in the safe over concerns about breakage. There use to be a fella here named Dennis, who had over 28K through his 4506 no dash. He never broke anything. And one of the gunrags, back in the day, did a "torture test" on a 1006 and a 4506-1. 5K rounds, IIRC with no cleaning shot in one sitting. If memory serves, the 1006 broke the tip off the ejector - but still functioned and completed the test. The 4506-1 broke nothing. Spare parts, should they be needed are readily available, online.
Don't worry. Shoot and enjoy them. I have never heard of a 4506-1 breaking a frame. Maybe my friend CALREB, who saw and serviced far more 4506s than I could share his experiences.
vigil617 I am green with envy at that WVSP 4566TSW! Regards 18DAI
So, my 4506-1 has been on my hip since, when I am at the shop. Carried in a Don Hume JIT slide. A very comfortable way to conceal and carry a full size gun. But the 12 guage under the counter will be my 1st choice.
I took my 4506-1 to the range today. Another flawless 275 rounds. Shooting a full size all steel pistol, after a few months of shooting light weight compacts and sub compacts is a joy! "A" hits out to 20 yards are effortless. "Head shots" on a 3 inch Shoot-N-Cee reactive target are relatively simple, compared to having to work at the basics shooting the smaller guns. The big stable platform makes accurate shooting.......easy.
Of course the Trijicon front sight and blacked out Novak rear help too.
I would not leave a 4506 in the safe over concerns about breakage. There use to be a fella here named Dennis, who had over 28K through his 4506 no dash. He never broke anything. And one of the gunrags, back in the day, did a "torture test" on a 1006 and a 4506-1. 5K rounds, IIRC with no cleaning shot in one sitting. If memory serves, the 1006 broke the tip off the ejector - but still functioned and completed the test. The 4506-1 broke nothing. Spare parts, should they be needed are readily available, online.
Don't worry. Shoot and enjoy them. I have never heard of a 4506-1 breaking a frame. Maybe my friend CALREB, who saw and serviced far more 4506s than I could share his experiences.
vigil617 I am green with envy at that WVSP 4566TSW!
Regards 18DAI
Lookin’ good Erik! Now that I’ve got my reamer and gauges back, I need to get to work on my 4013!
DMcBB
Member
I’m in NJ and a professional nerd, so no ccw or hard duty carry for me. My PPQ lives in the pistol vault next to my bed. My 3rd gens are for killing paper only, although I’m sure my 5906tsw, 4006tsw, CS9, or even my 39-2 would be capable in those roles.
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