Just won a S&W 910S on one of the auction sites. Need some imformation

[Whatnickname]

I guess I must be getting cheap in my old age but I love to cruse the auction sites and look for good deals. I would rather buy a good used gun than a new one. With all the hype on polymer frames, Glocks and SIGs, I find the used market for LEO trade-ins, particularly Smith & Wesson pistols, to offer excellent values for the money. In the last year or so, I purchased a 4006 and 4566...both LEO trade-ins for $317 and $297 respectively. Found a source for used LEO mags for the 4006 and bought an even dozen of them for $60! Also puchased a really nice (97%) 639 with adjustable sights for $450. These pistols are bullet-proof reliable. In fact, I'll bet if I could find a rock of the appropriate caliber they would fire that too! The LEOs show the usual holster wear but like most LEO guns appear to have been fired very little. All three will shoot 3" or less at 25 yards if I do my part...plenty accurate for pistols of this type.

Now to my question: I just won a like new S&W 910S on an auction site for $325. The available information I have on this pistol was that this, the 908 and 408 models were S&W attempts at economy models vis a vis what the old Highway Patrolman (aka model 28) represented as compared to the model 27. Does anyone know what was meant by "economy model" where these pistols are concerned? Was it a primary difference in finish like the model 28 or were there other differences? The feedback I see on other forums as respects this pistol is about 99% outstanding. What has been your experience with this model?

 

[Grog]

The "value line" had machining cut down to an as-needed basis, such as the dust covers. They had some plastic parts instead of metal, some of the sights were also plastic. The finish was also a matte-style (at least the non-stainless versions.

They include... (followed by the 3rd gen version)

908 (3913)
909 (3904)
915/910 (5904)
411/410 (4004)
457 (an alloy frame 4516)


Holsters might be an issue as some tightly boned holsters for a 5906 (an example) might not fit a 910/915. I had an Uncle Mikes kydex 5906 holster and the 909 would not fit in it as the thickness of the dustcover was different.


Otherwise, I would trust a value line as much as a 3rd gen (and a 28 and mush as a 27).

 

[Whatnickname]

Thanks Grog!

Besides the sights what else might be plastic? Are there any operational parts associated with this pistol this that are prone to breakage that you would recommend replacing with a metal part?

 

[Grog]

Basically, it seems the 910 will have plastic sights, recoil rod, magazine button (?), etc. I'd bet it will work fine, S&W has been selling the 910 for 16 years so they will know what will work and what won't. You could always replace what you choose, the parts listed for the 5906/5903 should work fine. Others can chime in to correct that is there if needed.


Do a search here for "910 vs 915" and "410 vs 411" and you'll find quite a bit of info out. A general google search might find other gun forums who have talked about it, but I suspect none will have better info than what is here.

Welcome to the forum


Here are a few threads to start off with.


http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/125908-910-vs-915-a.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/144287-5906-vs-915-a.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-...903-910-915-metal-recoil-spring-follower.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/122986-915-vs-5904-a.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/122271-3953-vs-908s.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/136293-model-410-411-a.html

 

[Whatnickname]

Thanks again Grog

I appreciate the assistance.

 

[MR.G]

Great buy on a 910S. They have a few plastic parts, but I have not heard any complaints about them. My 910S hasn't been fired much, but has been 100% reliable, and very accurate.

 

[Whatnickname]

Took the 910 to the range yesterday

Sights seem well regulated for 124 grain jacketed load doing 1100 fps. Used a Hornady match bullet and AA no 7. I can hold the 10 ring with it at 25 yards. Pistol ran just fine. Called S&W today and asked if any of the plastic parts were prone to breakage. They said not but suggested I might want to replace the slide spring giude rod with one from a S&W 5904 ($18.00 including a new spring) I took them up on this. I would have bet the magazine catch would have been more subject to failure. I find that most holsters that fit the Springfield will fit this gun...still trying to get used to what would appear to be the world's largest dust cover. Will try a few more loads next weekend.

 

[Grog]

still trying to get used to what would appear to be the world's largest dust cover.

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