Considering a 3rd gen - 4006

L

Lou_NC

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Found a local private seller offering a lightly used 4006 with original box and four magazines. I'm nearly certain it's not a LEO trade in, will of course verify this with the seller when we meet. The photo I've seen so far shows that it has the adjustable rear sight with "shroud".

I'm intimately familiar with the nuances of 1911's, S&W J, K & N frame revolvers, and a few other action types. But I know virtually nothing about S&W 3rd generation pistols. I've been reading this forum and see that they're fairly highly regarded, so I'm definitely interested in buying one.

Is there anything specific to this action type and family of guns that I should look for when examining the gun in person?

Thanks!
Lou
 
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Lou, if you haven't already, Google the Smith and Wesson Standard Catalog from 2006 and check out page 304 for a description of the 4006 and its various product codes for different years and features, as well as a (now outdated, probably) table of values for the pistol in various conditions.

Good information if you're a buyer new to the 3rd Gen family.

The 4006 was the pistol designed by S&W to fire the newly-developed 40 caliber round in the early 90s, so it's not only a fine and accurate pistol, it's got historical significance as well. Very rugged, with steel frame and slide. You may have already read that many are coming on to the market now having been LEO weapons for 20 years or so, and that among others, the California Parks System officers carried them (there is a logo of a bear on the slide).

IMHO, the pistol you describe would have a value around $450, give or take. I'm no expert on these, but I did purchase one earlier this year from a private seller. Good luck, good shooting, and be careful -- these 3rd Gens are addictive!:D
 
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Lou... about the only thing you may encounter is a trait common to all of the 3rd generation pistols, and that is a trigger play spring that is either out of adjustment or needs replacement.

If you pull the trigger and hear a distinct "click" and feel a "hitch" in the rearward trigger travel... that's most likely the spring. Not a big deal.. in fact the 4006's that were made for the CHP (and some of the Cal State Park Rangers 4006's) intentionally do not have that spring as a specification when ordered from S&W.

Look in the "notable thread index" for an entry called "4566 Clicking Issue", that has all of the info about the spring.

Otherwise enjoy... the 4006 is a great pistol, the weight of an all steel pistol helps to buffer what many describe as the "snappy" recoil of the the .40 S&W. I know that I much prefer it over the Glock 22 I previously carried, despite having a lower capacity magazine than the Glock.

And as previouly mentioned... plan on having multiple 3rd gen pistols, once you've owned one you'll be back for more.
 
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I say get it but be warned 3rd gen Smiths are addictive. I own 3 and I am hoping to own 3 or 4 more before I'm done. The 4006 is on my list. I own plastic pistols too but I prefer the 3rd gen Smiths except the weight which is great for shooting but not for carry they are heavy.
 
Take all the addiction warnings to heart...there's no stopping
once the 3rd Gen habit gets started Sure, I only wanted one,
but now I have three. One of those is a Model 4006, which I
like very much. If you're used to poly pistols as I was, it seems
a little heavy, but you get used to it fast. The recoil is very
manageable & the pistol is very accurate.
 
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took the plunge today

Finally met the local seller and took the plunge. Can't wait to get to the range this weekend!

I gave $550 for the pistol, original box/papers, and four magazines. I tried to negotiate a little, but he was firm and I gave in. Guess I should have negotiated before I handled the pistol. :)

Lou



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Looks like you did good! I payed a little less for mine with
the same extras(numbered box, four magazines)but it was
a Leo trade in, with the California Parks bear on the slide.
You're going to enjoy that gun.
 
The way things are going you got yourself a couple hundred dollars worth of magazines there. You done good.
I can see it now..... Buy four magazines and get a free gun ....
 
You are going to LOVE shooting this one....from one Smith SLUT to a soon to be one!

Randy
 
Ok I'm jumping in on This conversation. I have a chance to get a 4006 that has some type of coating I forgot the name but it adds a yellowish dull to the gu. I don't like but the dealer told me it increased. Its durability. Its 500 and has what I would call an almost match grade triggerand skeletonized hammer. Custom piece?
 
4006 Fever...

My 4006 probably has 300-400 rounds through it since purchased in 1995... it is my constant truck console companion and one of my favorite EVER pistols... you'll be glad you did it!
 

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FYI there is a 4013TSW (shorter version of 4006) on GB listed by someone from Mooresville, the pics look good . It was on my watch list but I just bought a shorty forty and a 4006TSW so Im good for a while
 
The 4006 is tough and reliable pistol. If you can get it at a good price go for it. Magazines are fairly easy to find, and its a 3rd gen S&W that was issued to a lot of police departments out there. You won't regret getting a 4006.
 
That looks like a very, very nice 4006 & with box and papers you can not go wrong. But be warned, just as timn8er, Gunhacker & others stated they are very addictive.(But in a good way!)
 
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