Looking at a 4046 today

[tatwell2]

Hello to all. I'm new on here and I have found a world of great information. I came here looking for info on a 4046 and have spent several hours doing searches. I've pretty much decided that the 4046 is well worth grabbing. I am old, and old school, and I like the feel of steel guns. I do not mind the weight, my normal CCW piece is a Beretta 92FS. I was going to do some trading today anyway, but the 4046 that the dealer has caught my eye. At this moment I do not know whether it is a former LEO gun or not. All I know is that it looks to be 99% new condition, or so I understand. My searches here indicate that if the gun is in good shape, that changing out the springs and maybe replacing the factory grips are about all that's needed.
Thanks to all here for providing such a great source of knowledge. If I end up with the gun I'll post back with some pics.

 

[Jim H]

I wouldn't go so far as to say changing the springs was 'needed' unless the gun or the magazines were not functioning properly, and I'm a fan of factory grips, but if you decide to change these it won't hurt anything.

I hope you will be able to find a way to afford all of the ammo you will want to run through it.

 

[tatwell2]

Well, I looked at the 4046. I would consider it at least a 90% gun. A little expected holster wear, no dings or scratches. The barrel super clean, no problems at the muzzle either. The gun is quite tight and works slick. The two mags with it may well not be the original ones, but they are quite clean, not new but not abused. The grips have one of those rubber sleeves on them and that has a good feel. My big surprise was the trigger. I had read a very few complaints that some triggers were gritty. This is not the case with this gun. The trigger pull is smooth and not what I would consider heavy. All in all, I found the 4046 to be as good as all the positive comments led me to believe. So, it came home with me.Thanks for the info on the springs, I don't think I'll be changing them right away, may get some ordered just to have.

The story doesn't end there however. He also had a 6906. This one has the original box, and the 3 mags that shipped with it. This gun is at least 95%, been shot but still like new. I had never heard of this model-new to Smith autos-and I am not given to impulse purchases, but this one came home with me too. This may well end up being my EDC, as it is light and seems to be perfect as a carry piece. I usually don't buy without doing research, and I hope I won't be sorry, but I like this gun. I'll do some searching tonight and see in what regard this piece is held by the members here.

So, in one day I went from not knowing what a 4046 was, to falling for one and buying a 6906. I should add that I am not new to guns, in my 60 years I've owned a bunch, but usually Smith revolvers. I never had an auto until last year when I bough a couple of Beretta 92FS's. But as of now I am thinking that I'll be adding to my S&W xxx6 collection.

The guy did have another Smith auto that I'm gonna have to read up on. A "Chief's Special" almost new with the box and all paperwork. I know nothing about it so I'll have to educate myself.

Thanks to the forum for providing the information that helped me make my purchases.

Oh yeah, "if no pics, it didn't happen", so here's a few. Sorry if they aren't posed great, I was in a hurry.

 

[flashnyellow]

Congratulations on both guns. They look to be in great shape. I also just picked up a 4046 in January. I put a few hundred rounds through it and it has performed flawless and shoots great. I bought a spring kit for it but it functions great so I will not change out the springs now.

Ronnie

 

[smith10]

I believe you'll like both new to you guns.

The 6906 is a great carry gun.