Best 3rd Gen. S&W Carry Gun
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smith10
Member
I have always preferred the aluminum frame full size guns for carry. The 4563, 5903/5904 and 4003 being my favorites.
PeterBergh2
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IMO, the 4516 is too heavy for carry. Had you provided the 4513 as an alternative, I would have voted for that.
I voted for the 3913. In a year round, all weather, all modes of dress, I don't think there is a more suitable carry gun......in a semi auto.
I love my 4516-3, but consider it more of a compact duty 45.
I don't own a 4513, but after shooting my PC CQB 45, I don't think shooting a lighter more compact 45 would be much fun. Accuracy would probably decline as well, for me.
My 0.02 Regards 18DAI.
I love my 4516-3, but consider it more of a compact duty 45.
I don't own a 4513, but after shooting my PC CQB 45, I don't think shooting a lighter more compact 45 would be much fun. Accuracy would probably decline as well, for me.
My 0.02 Regards 18DAI.
G
Guest
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The best ones IMO are the DAO models, so I can't help with your selections....
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Back when S&W was having trouble a few years ago, I got the Performance Center to make me up a 4566 with light rail, decocker only (on slide), match barrel, tuned action, Novak Sights, lanyard loop and other enhancements, along with special serial number and Melonite finish. They provided the pistol in PC brief case with six magazines. I would have to select that as my pick for best Third Gen carry gun.
varoadking
Member
greenmachine
Member
Ditto.
presspics
Member
varoadking, you're missing the pin in your grips
presspics
Member
The 6906 is perfection!! I voted for the 6906.
varoadking
Member
It's a stock picture from J&G Sales...I've got the pin in on mine - new grips as well...but thanks...and good eye...
Fastbolt
Member
Trick question, right?
Like there's a 'bad' choice on your list.
Okay, I voted for the 3913. I'd have to offer it as my opinion of a "Best all-around" choice if I were pressed to decide.
I say this owning a 3913, CS9, 4013TSW, original 4513TSW, 4040PD and a CS45. (Just listing the metal-framed models.) Also, at one time or another I've carried an issued 5903, 6906, 4013TSW, 4566TSW & 4513TSW.
I really like the 6906. A lot. It's on my list of things to look for when I can find one sitting neglected in some out-of-the-way gun shop. Preferably a later production vintage.
The CS9 is handy. No doubt about it. I often choose to carry it over the 3913 when belt holster carry isn't used.
It's just that I happen to find the 3913 to be an ideal combination of design, size/dimensions, light weight & balance ... which taken together lend themselves to an inherently accurate, controllable and 'fast-handling' defensive handgun.
I carry a 4513TSW on-duty everyday at work, but I'd happily switch to carrying a 3913TSW if it were permitted.
I'd even be happy if we still issued 6906's.
Just my thoughts.
They all work fine and are all good quality pistols.
Like there's a 'bad' choice on your list.
Okay, I voted for the 3913. I'd have to offer it as my opinion of a "Best all-around" choice if I were pressed to decide.
I say this owning a 3913, CS9, 4013TSW, original 4513TSW, 4040PD and a CS45. (Just listing the metal-framed models.) Also, at one time or another I've carried an issued 5903, 6906, 4013TSW, 4566TSW & 4513TSW.
I really like the 6906. A lot. It's on my list of things to look for when I can find one sitting neglected in some out-of-the-way gun shop. Preferably a later production vintage.
The CS9 is handy. No doubt about it. I often choose to carry it over the 3913 when belt holster carry isn't used.
It's just that I happen to find the 3913 to be an ideal combination of design, size/dimensions, light weight & balance ... which taken together lend themselves to an inherently accurate, controllable and 'fast-handling' defensive handgun.
I carry a 4513TSW on-duty everyday at work, but I'd happily switch to carrying a 3913TSW if it were permitted.
I'd even be happy if we still issued 6906's.
Just my thoughts.
They all work fine and are all good quality pistols.
Mortech
Member
My vote is for my 3913 followed by my 6906 . Since WA is an open carry state , weight isn't much of an issue .
varoadking
Member
IMO, too...though I am rather fond of my Shorty Forty...
hberttmank
Member
I like the 3953.
jaysouth
US Veteran
As long as its a 3d generation in good repair, the ultimate answer lies in your load-bearing ability.
Were I young and stout, I would carry a 4506 on each hip.
However, these days, a 3913 or 908 serves me very well.
Anything in between would be great!
Were I young and stout, I would carry a 4506 on each hip.
However, these days, a 3913 or 908 serves me very well.
Anything in between would be great!
torrejon224
Member
Shorty 45, compact, lighweight, accurate and packs a wallop!
bronco45
Member
For my money and what I do carry is a 4013 single stack.
Light compared to a 4506 and not much bigger than a 3913. Carries well in a Tauris holster.
And it is more than adequately accurate with a 155gr Gold Dot HP.
Light compared to a 4506 and not much bigger than a 3913. Carries well in a Tauris holster.
And it is more than adequately accurate with a 155gr Gold Dot HP.
RogueJSK
Member
3913 for sure. I carry it quite often in a Crossbreed Supertuck. It fits into a nice niche between a 642 carried in the pocket, and a P220 carried under a coat or jacket. It's the perfect "shorts/jeans and a T-shirt" gun.
I'll probably snag a 3953 eventually for S***s & Giggles, and a 6906 for those times when I can get away with more than the 3913, but can't quite manage the P220 (i.e. untucked polo or button-down shirt).
I'll probably snag a 3953 eventually for S***s & Giggles, and a 6906 for those times when I can get away with more than the 3913, but can't quite manage the P220 (i.e. untucked polo or button-down shirt).
