How Long Will 3rd Gens be viable?

[xfarfuldog]

I have owned a few 3rd gen semi autos. I (stupidly) sold my ex-police 4566 a few months ago along with 11 extra mags. I presently own just one 3rd gen - a 3913. I am considering buying a local 3913 NLS. I really like my 3913 but I also own a Shield, Shield +, and a 43X. Thats not to mention a DS, SFVI, and a 2 inch 64.

The 3rd gen magazines are becoming harder and more expensive to find. I remember reading (probably here) that you should choose a daily carry gun that is still in production. I know 3rd gen parts are still somewhat available. But when, if ever, is it time to jsut buy a newer production gun when you wear out your 3rd gen?

I don't consider my self a collector but I sure seem to have accumulated many collectable guns.

 

[mikerjf]

You don't have to carry it just because you own it. Nothing wrong with having something as a collectible, or even just because you like shooting it.

 

[quikdraw67]

My daily carry is a 442 no lock 2018-19 vintage.

I have a CS9, CS45, 3914NL and a 3914DAO.

I shoot them occasionally, but they are more collectibles to me.

At the rate of my shooting them, they will outlast me LOL.

 

[jbtrucker]

Past few years only seen two 3rd Gens and Ruger P series in a holster. My 5906 is in great shape with extra mags but heavy , carry my beater M&P Shield.

 

[DMcBB]

This is a great question. There was a somewhat similar question a few months ago about who is still carrying a 3rd Gen, and quite a few people were. Your question isn't about right now, though. You're asking about the future.

My thought is that the 3rd gen platform will be viable for many years to come for a few reasons. It is true that S&W no longer provides direct support, but you can still get many new parts at places like Midway and Numrich. Since there were so many produced, and since there are parts commonality among many of them, you can also use eBay or gunbroker to pick up parts kits taken from other pistols who's frames were destroyed (like gun busters or similar). I just picked up a 910 parts kit for next to nothing. Unfortunately, the 910 barrel isn't the same as the other 3rd gen 9mm 4 inch barrels (oops) but many of the other parts are compatible, and I may just steal that 910 single sided safety for my CS9…

Another thing helping to keep 3rd gens going is the continued support of people like Fastbolt for tons of info, and BMCM, for both info and gunsmithing. Aside from those two superstars, there are quite a few other very knowledgeable and skilled people on this board who can help keep your 3rd Gen running.

Another point to consider is that 3rd Gen pistols were built very tough. Sure there are wear parts (mostly springs, which you can still get new from online retailers or from Wolf, or grips, which are still being produced), but most of the 3rd gen parts seem really robust. You
Don't really hear about people complaining about broken firing pins or worn out sears or trigger bars. Maybe the occasional extractor. But if you treat your pistols right (lube and change the recoil spring) they can last a long time.

 

[BAM-BAM]

You like your 3913 and are looking at getting a 3919NL..... they are carry guns not range/game gun.

I've carried a 39xx most days since 1990..... yes I have more than one..actually more than two.. I built up a stash of mags over about 20 years ........ they get shot but not like the guns I used for PPC,USPSA or IDPA.

My Dad retired as a Police Officer in 1977 as a Captain..... his favorite gun was a Colt New Service in .357 magnum with King adjustable sights and action job..... he bought new in 1938. He shot thousands of rounds of .38s and .357 out of that gun over 39 years..... duty,qualifying and as a member of the Dept's Pistol team. ..... more in retirement.

So shoot them, carry them, enjoy them and when they "both give up the ghost" go buy yourself one of them newfangled Phaser's you can set on stun!

 

[DMcBB]

I meant to make another point about mags but I got distracted. MecGar still makes 5900 series double stack mags, in crappy 10 round, 15 round, and even 17 round capacities. This doesn't help you with your 39XX, or your .40 and .45 caliber models, but you can still pick up brand new, inexpensive mags for the double stack 9s (590* and 690*).

 

[Rock185]

I've owned a number of 1st., 2nd. and 3rd. Gen S&Ws. Within my humble experience, S&W semi-autos do not tend to break parts or suffer premature wear of components, etc. I carried my 3rd. Gen. CQB .45 for a few years on duty, with never an issue. Since retiring, I have often carried my 3913 or CQB as CCWs. I stocked up on a few extra parts back when S&W parts were easily available. I have no plans to discontinue carrying the 3rd. Gen guns....

BTW, after 20 some years of use, I recently had the first malfunction with the CQB. It appeared that the magazine did not raise the round up properly to feed into the chamber. Sure enough, the magazine springs felt a little softer than the spring in an unused magazine. So, after 20+ years, I replaced the magazine springs and all is well again. I guess in another 20 years or so, I might have to replace them again

 

[GaryS]

I'll just point out that S&W does offer some support for 3rd Gens, if they have the parts. There are a few that are marked obsolete that are hard to get parts for.

That said, as others have noted, they don't break often and the parts that tend to wear or break are still out there.

Within the past year or so, a member here requalified with and carries a 4506 as a LAPD officer.

I carry either a pre rail 3913TSW or a CS9 most days. When the weather cools, I'm going to give a 457 a trial as a carry gun.

 

[cherrypointmarine]

I have numerous 1st , 2nd and 3rd gen's along with PC pistols . I watch Midway for parts and a couple other sights . I pick them up even if I don't need them , springs , mag parts , just about anything . By the time I take the big dirt nap , they might be worth more than my S&W's .

 

[pharmer]

27 years, zero failures, maybe 15K rounds (no +P). I'm leaning toward a CZ P07 as a replacement. After a failure of course.

 

[Kid Shileen]

As long as they go bang they are viable

 

[reddog81]

They'll stop being viable about a century after K frame revolvers are no longer viable.

 

[18DAI]

I still carry a 3rd Gen, daily. And I shoot them (various model numbers) a few times a week. If there was something more durable or reliable out there, I'd own it.

When I wear one out, I will let y'all know. Regards 18DAI

 

[GaryS]

I'll add that if a frame cracks, you're likely out of luck. The factory won't touch them as they have no frames for replacement.

OTOH, there are a couple of specialty shops that will perform frame rewelds.

Which is why replacing the recoil springs, especially on the alloy frame guns, is cheap insurance.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I recently replaced the recoil springs on my CS-9 and the only reason I haven't carried it yet is because it hasn't gone to the range with me yet. Once that's done and it has proven itself it will be with me quite a bit. My "thicker" 3rd Gens like my 6906 are not my favorites for IWB but I sure wouldn't think twice about carrying any 3rd Gens, actually.

 

[cherrypointmarine]

I had BMCM modify my CS40 to 10mm . That is one I have no problem carrying . A couple of 10mm HP's , and the perp's not getting up .

I've sent my CS9 , 40 and 45 to get the BMCM touch . I wouldn't hesitate to carry any of them . He makes a good gun great .

 

[wyo-man]

Carried my 4013 this weekend (can't carry at work) and will carry my 3914 when BMCM is done working his magic on it.
Winter time is 457 carry time.

wyo-man

 

[Glockman4]

I have owned a few 3rd gen semi autos. I (stupidly) sold my ex-police 4566 a few months ago along with 11 extra mags. I presently own just one 3rd gen - a 3913. I am considering buying a local 3913 NLS. I really like my 3913 but I also own a Shield, Shield +, and a 43X. Thats not to mention a DS, SFVI, and a 2 inch 64.

The 3rd gen magazines are becoming harder and more expensive to find. I remember reading (probably here) that you should choose a daily carry gun that is still in production. I know 3rd gen parts are still somewhat available. But when, if ever, is it time to jsut buy a newer production gun when you wear out your 3rd gen?

I don't consider my self a collector but I sure seem to have accumulated many collectable guns.

Forever basically. As long as you don't let it rust away to nothing which would be hard to do with stainless; it won't ever NOT be viable. Guns, especially all steel ones don't wear out really. 3rd gens are built like tanks and don't break very often.

I have an Interarms 1911 that has a WWII Remington Rand slide and High standard barrel on it, both of which are at minimum 76 years old. That upper assembly fires bullets just as well as the day it was made. Most third gens are 15-30 years old at this point, which is nowhere near obsolete.

 

[Green Frog]

I had the same concern over my 2nd Gen gun of choice, a Model 639 that has been the platform for several mix and match experiments. I've only had to replace one part due to wear, the sear depressor lever, and I've managed to assemble just about a complete set of spare, minus the frame. If that cracks or becomes otherwise disabled, I'll pull out a 1911 Colt and continue shooting!

Froggie