Gen 3’s are Coming back !

[mauser9]

Wonder if everyone would think the "older ones" are better? Still think they would move very fast for quite a while. True they would face some competition from the folks at SIG.

 

[Trooper224]

In a market where the reintroduction of the High Power seems to be seen by many as the second coming of the messiah, anything can happen.

 

[spistols]

Just like new model cars (i.e. Camaro/Mustang), they are the same name, but not the same product. Can't Smith come out with a modern iteration of the 5906 based on existing platforms? So the name can be- 5906 II or 5906 Plus?

 

[DMcBB]

Lets assume that S&W are about to introduce a line of metal guns covering the Gen 3 line. Given the complexity and well know design funnies of the Gen 3 guns, I would bet S&W will produce something that looks mostly like a Gen 3, uses some Gen 3 parts (why reinvent the wheel), but in certain ways is definitely NOT a Gen 3. The way the barrel locks up on a Gen 3 and the frame machining it requires would likely go away for a simpler system, IMHO. Of course, the modern CNC manufacturing methods may prove me wrong.

This 100%. If S&W were to re-release their line of DA/SA pistols, why would they produce identical models and not simplified, 4th gen versions that have fewer parts and less cuts, if possible?

Idk… I'd like to see new 3rd gens or even better 4th gens, but I'm skeptical because S&W got out of the DA/SA market in a hurry to pursue striker fired cop guns.

If we're dreaming, then I dream of a metal pistol with a frame sized like a Shield Plus, with a 1.5 stack magazine in a format between a 3913/CS9 and a 6906. No rail, but cut for an optic. Sign me up!

 

[pharmer]

This 100%. If S&W were to re-release their line of DA/SA pistols, why would they produce identical models and not simplified, 4th gen versions that have fewer parts and less cuts, if possible?

I imagine using the barrel hood instead of rings for lockup would simplify things a great deal. Most modern semi autos do this. Joe

 

[Frank Black]

I went from a 6906 to an HK P2000. If they do come back start the parade without me.

LOL! ... Ah no.

 

[MattyD380]

Now this has my interest.

I almost wanna call Smith and ask about parts for my 3rd gens just to poke around and see what they say.

 

[Jon651]

I too am very skeptical, but Smith did in fact just release a metal frame M&P with a price point of $900...Not sure how that one is selling but they had to think there was a market for it.

I agree. And I admit not only the CSX but the new Metal Series took my by surprise. I'm guessing that working with the new aluminum alloy they are using is a lot less costly than machining stainless steel, so if "new" 3rd Gens do come out that is probably how we can expect them to be constructed.

Just from a design aspect, I don't see what's to stop S&W from using the current Metal Series lower with a hammer and firing pin instead of a striker. They do it with the 380EZ, after all. If you traded in the grip safety and/or the trigger safety for a decocker (ala the "old" 3rd Gens...) then I guess that would actually be considered a "Gen 3 Plus"???

 

[MattyD380]

The question in my mind is would this (theoretical) re-release be more of a "4th gen" with improvements and modernized elements? Or are they just gonna fire up the old machinery and start churning guns out like they were in 2005?

I would think it would be more of the former.

I could see redesigning the whole sideplate setup. Maybe going to a more standard barrel-camming setup? Instead of those little angular lugs on the sides.

Beyond that, maybe some G10 grips and whatever finish used to be called melonite. You'd have a modern, high-quality DA/SA pistol with a thinner profile than Sigs, Berettas, CZs and HKs.

Regardless, even if it's a straight-up 5906 just like was from 25 years ago… I'd probably buy one either way.

 

[gc70]

I might find a rumor of a DA/SA version of the CSX credible; otherwise, no.

 

[kbm6893]

Who knows? Springfield brought back the Hi-Power, and nobody saw a metal CSX or M&P. I'm doubting it but won't rule it out.

 

[hemiram]

If it is true, then S&W would make a new handgun I might actually buy. As it is, nothing they sell interests me at all. The AR's and M&P22's are the only guns they make that I care at all about. I love my 5906, 6906, and 4506's.

 

[stansdds]

If they do bring them back, are we taking bets that S&W will redesign the trigger guard so the new ones will not fit any holster designed for any of the previous generations? Yes, all those different shaped/sized trigger guards are one of my pet peeves.

 

[Telecaster]

Question - were the 3rd Gens particularly accurate, as in capable of tight groups on paper? The M&P is known for "combat" accuracy, i.e. lousy groups. If they make something that's more target oriented I might be interested. I'm tired of 9mm scatterguns.

 

[BE Mike]

One thing I've discovered over the years is that some people like to start and/or spread rumors. I never understood it. I guess they just are screaming for attention. Maybe the OP is a victim of one of these rumor mongers.

 

[Jon651]

I've noticed an interesting mind set among the posters here on this thread:

Nobody calls the current generation of S&W guns "4th Generation". Sure we all call the likes of the 4506, 6905, 1006, etc. the "3rd Generation" but we all presume that if a new line of DA/SA hammer fired pistols comes out then THAT would be the 4th Gen.

But if they did come out, wouldn't those be "5th Generation"??? Or perhaps even the 6th???

 

[Frank Black]

Only if they bring back that smokin' deal where, with the purchase of a *new* all-steel 3rd Gen pistol, you also get the awesome official S&W custom range jacket … the one that looks as good on her as it does on him!

 

[Green Frog]

I'm easy enough to please with retro releases… all I want is a 639 and a pinned and recessed 66 without the lock. Then you guys are welcome to all the other models you want.

Froggie

 

[malph]

Question - were the 3rd Gens particularly accurate, as in capable of tight groups on paper? The M&P is known for "combat" accuracy, i.e. lousy groups. If they make something that's more target oriented I might be interested. I'm tired of 9mm scatterguns.

Some were and some were not.
.
I've owned a large number of them and accuracy varied a lot from sample to sample.

I have a 3906 that will keep up with my high-end PC guns. I had other guns that I never could get to group better than "combat accurate."

I think this variation in accuracy was more about loose tolerances in some of the guns than anything inherent in the design.

 

[10Mad]

Everyone who wants a revolver has one. Colt goes and reintroduced the Cobras and the Pythons and then they sell every one they make. Buyers will spend money on what they want regardless if they already have a suitable item at home. As said the polymer market is truly saturated so it makes sense to make something old new again.