Gen 3’s are Coming back !

[Fastbolt]

A couple of thoughts about comments people made in this thread.

I'm reasonably sure that the last production runs of 3rd Gens were machined on CNC machines. On the last tour i went on in 2012 all of the old machines were gone and the guide said that S&W had over 100 CNC machines in Springfield.

It's possible that the older equipment had been moved to Houlton since 3rd Gen production was moved there at some point. My 3914DOA was built in Houlton and has a 2015 date on the box.

I only found out about the metal frame M&P in this this thread. Are those frames forged or are they cast? I assume that they are forged, but I also assume that ths CSX frame is forged.

IF some iteration of the 3rd Gen is reintroduced I would expect it would be the smaller guns geared to personal protection, not larger frame guns intended fo the LE market.


If I were to take my existing inventory of 3rd Gens to the range at the rate of one a week it would take almost three months to gr through them all. So, any new guns would have to fill the extremely small niche i have left. A 4553 would be an example.

I tend to agree.

The few people I still know at the factory wouldn't be able to leak (confirm/deny) anything about pending new model lines. The company has become very tight-mouthed about new models, and people have been told they'll be fired if they develop loose lips and let something slip before the approved release date announcement.

We were told that when 3rd gen Production and Repair was moved from Springfield to Houlton, that the Houlton plant received some new CNC machines and training. They were doing the SW1911 Production and Repair there, as well.

I have zero knowledge of whether S&W has decided to re-introduce some of the 3rd gen guns. However, my suspicion would be that if that is in the works, it would make sense for them to direct it toward the smaller models for the Public and off-duty cops, and possibly a larger model that might interest the competition shooters. That way they could have the metal-framed M&P, a SW1911/SW1911E and a TDA offering. The cost of a duty-type metal-framed TDA/DAO gun wouldn't be able to compete against the less expensive plastic, so I rather doubt that's in the plan (if a plan exists ). Dunno. Might be interesting.

My hope would be that they adhered to the late production TSW specifications, since those are already able to be programmed back into the CNC machines, and they'd start restocking the 3rd gen parts.

Considering S&W has new parts facilities in a couple of states, and a new factory facility being planned, it's not like they would lack for the infrastructure and support. Lots of the older institutional knowledge of 3rd gen Production and Repair have been walking out the door, so it wouldn't be surprising if there's a bit of a learning curve involved, though.

On the other hand, the tolerances and machining capabilities were making pretty substantial improvements toward the of 3rd gen production, so perhaps that might help offset re-tooling the production cell folks.

Guess we'll see.

 

[Michaelp57]

I sure as hell would.

I've gone through my share of 3rd gens in the last 2 years. What I have left are what I like best. 3914NL, 3914DAO, 5946 NYPD, 4006TSW CHP, 4013TSW, 4043, 4516-1, and a 469 just because.

I'm sorry, I just don't see this happening. I was surprised to see the metal framed CSX come out.

I think that pricing to make it worth S&W's ROE would be cost prohibitive.

And besides relics like us, who would buy the new 3rd gens?

Even at $1000+, I would at the very least consider it. I'm only 27, but my beretta m9a3 has me in love with metal frames. (renting the csx only made fall more in love with metal frame semiautos)

 

[kbm6893]

Just make spare parts at least. Factory support would be a bonus but most parts can be installed using YouTube videos. I tore down a 5906 about 15 years ago. Little tricky but I got it done and that was as a first timer.

 

[Smithandwessoneverything]

You are correct. I've been advising Smith & Wesson product management for a while now, starting with a 10mm offering in the M&P M2.0 line, then a full metal gun following the Chief's Special X since the last Chief's Special was the CS9, we gave the CSX for 10th. Then a full size all metal gun in 9mm, soon to be following the lineup will be the all metal 40S&W, 45 Auto, and hopefully a 10mm all metal which was the first step in the M&P M2.0 Not all of my ideas were implemented just like I wanted, they started slow with the M&P 10mm. I wanted an all metal 10mm, when it was,a smashing success after working the bugs out, they started small with the CSX, it was a smashing success, so the full size was produced. I wanted a 45 auto, 10mm, or 40S&W as well as a 357sig version but got a 9mm, but we're moving in the right direction. I wanted a seven shot 44 Magnum and so far Ihave gotten the 350 Legend which as ir turns our is more powerful and great for hunting in Midwestern states. 7 shots of 350 Legend will work great on deer sized game and is legal in states that require a straight walled cartridge under 1.8" but I'm still advising a 7 shot 44 Magnum, but that may not happen. I also advised them to stop using Altamont grips on their revolvers because they're thin and pointy, start making them in house again, or another manufacturer that can make a grip as good and thick as they did in say for example the 70's and 80's. They would also benefit from making knives in house again, as well as leather goods. But we'll see. I did get the two Performance Center knives made in the USA so it's a start.

 

[brosky]

Bargains can be found in the older metal frames if you get lucky. I picked up a 659 for 500 taxes included. Only ever had 200 rounds of lead bullets put through it then back in the safe.

 

[Rick H.]

How many times has some rumor started about a "new" firearm or updated model only to have it quashed at some point and then months or years later VIOLA, it mysteriously appears? I put little faith in anything that I hear about a new firearm until I actually see it. The plastic gun revolution for all its benefit has pretty much run its course. There isn't much new there and unless one can come up with a better trigger design its at a dead end. Realistically what really is new is the thought of going back to metal framed pistols, either old designs being updated, or brand new designs. For all the hoopla over plastic handguns in the last 25 to 30 years companies like Beretta, Sig, Springfield Armory, Colt and CZ continue to make metal framed pistols that sell very well. I find it amazing that CZ pistols sell as well as they do even their expensive competition models. Buyers want them even if they are never used in a real match. Look at the reception Springfield had with the updated model of the Browning Hi-Power which was amazing when introduced. The SA-35 was a stroke of genius and at a great price point too. Smith and Wesson could do the same IF they wanted to.

Don't think for a minute S&W isn't looking at the market and what is selling. They have to realize now they made a big mistake dropping the 3rd generation pistols from their product line. If they weren't paying attention to the market why did they come out with their classic line of revolvers? My gut tells me they are looking backwards and forwards. If they think they can make money on reintroducing metal frame 3rd Generation pistols they may take the plunge with a popular model just to see what happens, but they most assuredly are not going to let the cat out of the bag beforehand. Stay tuned, I bet there will be more to come on this. I have to run now and buy a CZ Shadow 2 to have some fun with. Oh, it's a metal framed pistol by the way.

Rick H.

 

[DMcBB]

…I have to run now and buy a CZ Shadow 2 to have some fun with. Oh, it's a metal framed pistol by the way.

Rick H.

The CZ Shadow 2 is one of the best DA/SA pistols that I've ever fired and is maybe one of the best ever made. As much as I'd love to see S&W come out with a 4th gen, I will be happy as long as I can still get older 3rd gens and new CZs.

 

[Buford57]

Apparently, all those people buying Berettas don't share your view.

+1 A friend got into shooting a few years ago. After some range trips and shooting several of my guns and rentals he settled on a Beretta and his son bought a 686+.

New shooter, not influenced by either movies, magazine articles or gun videos, but the Beretta felt right. Maybe the fact it was military issue was a minor factor, but he enjoyed the Beretta and so bought one.

 

[josywales]

Whew! I thought my 3rd GENs were gone, but there they are. Anyway...

When 22 rimfire, ammo and firearms, demand spiked in 2019-2020, Anschutz brought back the Exemplar and Walther the MP5 .22.

Exemplar, original or new, go for the same price. The original Walther MP5 22 peaked somewhere around $2,300 and the new ones are ~ $450. And aside from the barrel, they might be exact copies. I had two NIB originals I didn't cash out in time!

As far as Beretta, I don't hate it, but the grip is a tad larger than similar capacity 3rd GENs. I can palm a basketball, but the 3rd GENs still feel better in that regard. Still like the Beretta though.

 

[BE Mike]

Once again the rumor mill explodes!

 

[RufusG]

I'm disappointed no one has posted bootleg photos yet.

 

[Frank Black]

I'm disappointed no one has posted bootleg photos yet.

Stay tuned ... It's still early in the game.

 

[RRH]

Come on Smith & Wesson. Just do it!

 

[LVSteve]

I'm disappointed no one has posted bootleg photos yet.

Can't believe that everyone's Photoshop is broken all at once...

 

[RedCardinal]

It can't happen because management doesn't have the vision and the workforce doesn't have the skill or work ethic to do it right. Those days are gone! Find a good 3rd Gen on the market and don't whine about the price. It will last much longer than it will take S&W to become un-woke.

 

[jimmyj]

Sorry, but I don't care

 

[rincar]

Not everyone is a polymer pistol fan. Some just prefer all steel or aluminum and steel pistols. There is a market for all metal pistols. Just observe Colt, Kimber and Beretta pistols.

 

[C.S.63]

Interesting thread, especially, right after purchasing a 411, and using it as my daily ccw for the past week. (It replaced a LW commander 1911)
Given the technology in magazines, the dominance in the market of the 9mm round, A basic modular design hammer-fired pistol could be relevant
Look at the advancement of machining and metallurgy in the last 2 + decades. Give it a footprint that of a Sig Macro, hellcat pro? Look at Wilson combat's SFX9/EDC9 footprint
.

 

[Big Mike]

If true, I would look at owning a "Gen 3/4". Factory parts and support would be key for me.

Have previously owned a 6906/6944/4043//4044.

The 9mm's were great, never a malfunction or bobble. In my hand, the 6944 remains the most accurate pistol I've ever owned (oddly or not, given it was DAO but all who shot it had a similar experience, to this day, the one I should not have traded away).

The .40's however, each had serious parts breakages, draw bars, springs, etc. Sent back to S&W to fix, no issues, but my conversation with S&W when they were services was basically, "…yeah, we can fix them for now, but they aren't being made anymore, so…". With that I sadly sold them off and now have a M&P 40 full size and compact which I'm happy with.

It feels like there is a growing market for metal frames, but as mentioned in this thread I'm sure cost is key.

Since we're dreaming, my vote would be for a 6906TSW…..

 

[gaspipes]

I've owned several 3rd Gen S&W, 4566, 4006 and still have my 5906 I bought brand new in 1994. If they made them again, I'd be in for a 1066

I love all steel guns and even though I've owned just about every brand of polymer striker fired gun, I am back to owning just a single Glock 19. All the rest of my 50+ handguns are metal. Just bought a CSX, love it. Sig Stainless Elites, love 'em. Beretta 92X Performance, yep. Metal guns, especially all steel are easier to shoot well. JMHO