Anyone here USING 3rd gens?
- Thread starter 18DAI
- Start date
Disparaging other guns is awfully funny when you consider that it was the 39/59 that ushered in the era of the pistol in to American law enforcement, and with it about a billion guys who would NEVER consider any new fangled bottom-feeder to replace their rock-solid revolver.
S&W 3rd Gens stand on their own merit and pedigree.
S&W 3rd Gens stand on their own merit and pedigree.
A friend of mine asked me what he should buy for his first handgun. I made the mistake of assuming that he intended it for carry. I told him to get a 442. Silly me, he wanted it for home defense only.
I probably should have told him to get a Model 10, even though I think something like a M&P9 would have been better. The problem being that he is absolutely convinced, despite having shot a number of my 3rd Gens, that revolvers are more reliable.
Now, he's thinking of a small 9mm. If he's going to use it for home defense, I'll recommend the M&P. If he's actually going to carry, it will be a shield, maybe even an EZ-9.
He's been a friend since we were kids, but sometimes when he gets a wrong idea in his head, it's nearly impossible to change his mind.
I probably should have told him to get a Model 10, even though I think something like a M&P9 would have been better. The problem being that he is absolutely convinced, despite having shot a number of my 3rd Gens, that revolvers are more reliable.
Now, he's thinking of a small 9mm. If he's going to use it for home defense, I'll recommend the M&P. If he's actually going to carry, it will be a shield, maybe even an EZ-9.
He's been a friend since we were kids, but sometimes when he gets a wrong idea in his head, it's nearly impossible to change his mind.
BAM-BAM there are A LOT of folks who are like that. Unfortunately, some of them call themselves "instructors".
I see it almost everyday at the gunshop. Folks come in looking for a small 380 - even though they have never shot one - because their "CCW instructor" told them it was what they needed.
And a lot of people, who have the sense to seek out training, wind up getting BAD training. And paying a lot for it too. I don't know what the solution is....?
Caveat Emptor.Regards 18DAI
I am a LEO in California, My 4516-1 was bought brand new in the early 1990's. I strictly use it for range and home defense. I have a leather custom holster made for it.
My agency currently uses the Sig Sauer P226, 40 Cal. rail with streamlight . I purchased my former non rail Sig P226 40 cal and carry it off duty to and from work in the winter.
Summer months I carry a Sig Sauer P365 off duty when its warm. I carry a Ruger LCP if Im mowing the lawn doing yard chores.
I have a Glock 17 Gen 2 which was purchased new in the mid 1990's.
summary, all my guns are reliable and trustworthy or they get sold .
My agency currently uses the Sig Sauer P226, 40 Cal. rail with streamlight . I purchased my former non rail Sig P226 40 cal and carry it off duty to and from work in the winter.
Summer months I carry a Sig Sauer P365 off duty when its warm. I carry a Ruger LCP if Im mowing the lawn doing yard chores.
I have a Glock 17 Gen 2 which was purchased new in the mid 1990's.
summary, all my guns are reliable and trustworthy or they get sold .
inspcalahan
Member
I don't. There was a time early in my career where I carried a 3913 off duty and as a backup for many years. I dabbled with a PC5906 as a duty gun for a short time as well, as I did with a 4506. I just kept going back to the Sig platform and eventually moved to 1911's which is what I've stuck with for about the last 17 years or so.
The Smith 3rd Gens are fantastic pistols - currently have my old 4506, 3913 and a 4006 - but for me, they are range use only and simple enjoyment of the older guns from early in my career. I think it's great for anyone currently carrying one. They are super reliable, well built, accurate and have some of the best triggers out there.
The Smith 3rd Gens are fantastic pistols - currently have my old 4506, 3913 and a 4006 - but for me, they are range use only and simple enjoyment of the older guns from early in my career. I think it's great for anyone currently carrying one. They are super reliable, well built, accurate and have some of the best triggers out there.
BAM-BAM there are A LOT of folks who are like that. Unfortunately, some of them call themselves "instructors".
I see it almost everyday at the gunshop. Folks come in looking for a small 380 - even though they have never shot one - because their "CCW instructor" told them it was what they needed.
And a lot of people, who have the sense to seek out training, wind up getting BAD training. And paying a lot for it too. I don't know what the solution is....?
Caveat Emptor.
I can relate. I was trained on the Weaver stance with my 681 many moons ago. Weaver comes very natually to me and works great with my autos as well. Before I retired, we had a new deputy chief who was always busting on my stance, I didnt hold the gun like a little puppy up against my chest and push it out when I was ready to fire, I didnt "SCAN" (moving your head robotically to the left and right after you shoot), but I always used cover and shot in the upper 90s. I finally told him one day that some of this **** sounded like some Guns and Ammo magazine armchair warrior ****. If something works, let it work. As long as there is no safety issue, GO FOR IT. IF the gun comes out, Im pointing it at someone, not holding it up close like a fat chick holding a cup of java.
Current carry, 6904 with 124 gr Federal HST
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My normal off duty carry has been a 3913 since I bought it a few years ago. Lately for training reasons I have been carrying the M&P 2.0 9 for both. I do still prefer real steel, but this 2.0 shoots and carries really well.
I carry my 6906 on work and personal road trips, and even walks to the 7-11 for snacks and soda. Carried it today to do the walk from my apartment, two blocks to the local store, and back. Federal 147gr HS loads. Never had to pull it, don't want to, but I trust it.
Moderators take notice please. I want a milllion likes on this post on my behalf please. Thank you.
ColbyBruce
Member
JohnHL
Member
I spent a great deal of my working life in sketchy neighborhoods working with and around sketchy people so that I could raise my family in good neighborhoods with good schools.
More than a few situations could have gone horribly wrong, but for the grace of God, somehow did not, and no weapons were presented.
Never was robbed, but one night, a fellow was caught trying to break in to the dealership.
The burglar was nothing, if not a good father, for he had brought his 7 year old son with him.
Now in retirement, I am blessed that I may spend nearly all of my time in areas people tend to move to, rather than move away from...
However, on that rare occasion when I may find myself in less than secure surroundings, there is a Smith 2nd (or more likely 3rd) gen with me.
Other than that it is just practice, practice, practice.
And pray.
John
More than a few situations could have gone horribly wrong, but for the grace of God, somehow did not, and no weapons were presented.
Never was robbed, but one night, a fellow was caught trying to break in to the dealership.
The burglar was nothing, if not a good father, for he had brought his 7 year old son with him.
Now in retirement, I am blessed that I may spend nearly all of my time in areas people tend to move to, rather than move away from...
However, on that rare occasion when I may find myself in less than secure surroundings, there is a Smith 2nd (or more likely 3rd) gen with me.
Other than that it is just practice, practice, practice.
And pray.
John
sirius
Member
I have a 5906 with black controls and Pachmayr grips, and just got a CS9 for CC. I love 3rd gens, they're like the muscle cars of handguns.
Classic Radio99
Member
I carry either a 3914 DAO or a 6946 on a nearly daily basis.
And, if I have a breakage issue, most parts are still available.. If not, I have more than one of each to either switch to the second gun or use for parts.
I think they will outlast me (and maybe my kids) with no problem.
And, if I have a breakage issue, most parts are still available.. If not, I have more than one of each to either switch to the second gun or use for parts.
I think they will outlast me (and maybe my kids) with no problem.
nocents
Member
My 3913 or modded 6906 rides the same Stoner IWB 99% of ccw duty....when I acquired my 4513TSW I had envisioned it seeing carry time but just can't put into that role yet....but still seems to find it's way to the range on every visit there....45 carry duty is filled very adequately by an HK .45c...
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Elliojw
Member
I switch my daily carry between a 3914DAO when I need to dress up a bit and tuck in a shirt for work to a 6946 when a T-shirt will cover it just fine. I swap them both into the same belly band at 1oclock and carry a full sized spare mag at 11oclock. A good ratchet type belt keeps proper retention just fine.
Those new ratchet style gunbelts are great! Last year I mentioned to a friend that I needed a new gunbelt. He told me to try Nexbelt.
Nexbelt makes several different style belts - a reinforced gunbelt among them. Kinda pricey, but it WORKS. Using a Nexbelt ratchet gunbelt and an Aker Flatsider pancake holster makes carrying a 4506-1 for 12 to 18 hours VERY comfortable.
Best gunbelt money I ever spent. Nexbelt gunbelts are 18DAI approved! Regards 18DAI
Nexbelt makes several different style belts - a reinforced gunbelt among them. Kinda pricey, but it WORKS. Using a Nexbelt ratchet gunbelt and an Aker Flatsider pancake holster makes carrying a 4506-1 for 12 to 18 hours VERY comfortable.
Best gunbelt money I ever spent. Nexbelt gunbelts are 18DAI approved!
Regards 18DAI
Fastbolt
Member
User. Not collector just for the sake of collecting.
I own a (3) 9's, and a pair each of .40's & .45's. I believed in putting my 3rd gen's through their normal paces for use on working ranges when I was working as an instructor, and they saw off-duty (and now retirement) carry roles.
However, I less frequently wear belt guns and more often pocket holster one of my several J-frames.
I own a (3) 9's, and a pair each of .40's & .45's. I believed in putting my 3rd gen's through their normal paces for use on working ranges when I was working as an instructor, and they saw off-duty (and now retirement) carry roles.
However, I less frequently wear belt guns and more often pocket holster one of my several J-frames.
I've been pocket carrying either my CS9 or 642 more frequently of late. Just a matter of circumstance.
I generally lock my CS9 in my car when I got to client sites. No requirement, but it's how I decided to deal with that.
On days when I'm not working, I like to wear my pre rail 3913TSW, but I might start adding a 457 to that mix.
I carried my 642 during a recent hunting trip in Texas. Where we were hunting had deer, hogs, coyotes, and... rattle snakes. We were warned that if we had to go out of the bunk room at night, to make sure the automatic lights came on and to look for snakes before stepping out. That was because they'd killed more than one on the concrete pad outside the door.
That's when I loaded the five rounds of shot shells. The owner of the property said that was a good idea.
I generally lock my CS9 in my car when I got to client sites. No requirement, but it's how I decided to deal with that.
On days when I'm not working, I like to wear my pre rail 3913TSW, but I might start adding a 457 to that mix.
I carried my 642 during a recent hunting trip in Texas. Where we were hunting had deer, hogs, coyotes, and... rattle snakes
. We were warned that if we had to go out of the bunk room at night, to make sure the automatic lights came on and to look for snakes before stepping out. That was because they'd killed more than one on the concrete pad outside the door. That's when I loaded the five rounds of shot shells. The owner of the property said that was a good idea.
User. Not collector just for the sake of collecting.
I own a (3) 9's, and a pair each of .40's & .45's. I believed in putting my 3rd gen's through their normal paces for use on working ranges when I was working as an instructor, and they saw off-duty (and now retirement) carry roles.
However, I less frequently wear belt guns and more often pocket holster one of my several J-frames.
Elliojw
Member
I'm using Kore Belts currently, both dress and gun belt.
For me it became I had collected enough of them that I was becoming so familiar and confident in the system it just made sense to start carrying them also.
For me it became I had collected enough of them that I was becoming so familiar and confident in the system it just made sense to start carrying them also.
RufusG
Member
I've taken my S&Ws pretty much out of my "rotation" because I've decided I need the ability to hang on a light and/or screw on an rmr. I may return my 6946 to the mix as a daytime only gun, but right now it's just my "locked in the car while I'm at work" gun and doesn't really see much use.
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