Model 4006: Your Experiences?
- Thread starter timn8er
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Glenn H
Member
Good
4006 TSW model. Typical 3rd Gen quality, rock solid. Accurate with flawless function so far. More comfortable in the hand than my 1006, shorter grip front to back. Lighter and shorter than the 1006 or 4506. Better round than the 9MM (in my opinion)
In many ways I think it is maybe the best DA/SA large bore pistol around.
4006 TSW model. Typical 3rd Gen quality, rock solid. Accurate with flawless function so far. More comfortable in the hand than my 1006, shorter grip front to back. Lighter and shorter than the 1006 or 4506. Better round than the 9MM (in my opinion)
In many ways I think it is maybe the best DA/SA large bore pistol around.
scatterguy
Member
- Joined
- Jul 3, 2011
- Messages
- 150
- Reaction score
- 20
Nothing but good here. Beefy, solid and 100% reliable. One of the best triggers of any pistol I have. If I do my part, the rounds go where their supposed to. Another perk of owning this fine model is the current availability of cheap, used magazines. CDNN usually sells police trade ins for around $10. Much less painful than trying to find spare mags for a 6906 or 4506/4566
You won't hear a bad word from me about mine. It's just a big massive reliable steel brick chambering a round that I find more than adequately powerful without driving deep into overkill territory.
How come there's a disapproval icon marker next to the title of the original post? You're hinting that the gun is somehow a disappointment? We should hear the details about that.
How come there's a disapproval icon marker next to the title of the original post? You're hinting that the gun is somehow a disappointment? We should hear the details about that.
Erich
Member
I've only fired one, but it was terrific. I'm not the world's biggest fan of the .40, but the 4006 seems like a great platform for it. So-lid.
OP
timn8er
Absent Comrade
I didn't post an icon other than the question mark, so I don't
know what that's about. Thank you everyone for your input!
Tracer_Bullet
Member
Mine is a TSW, rock solid and flawless function. My one and only gripe is that it is a bit heavy for me to carry (due to back problems), but it is a great gun for the nightstand.
S&W5906
Member
Plain 4006. Rock solid and dead accurate.
warhorse302
Member
- Joined
- Sep 20, 2011
- Messages
- 28
- Reaction score
- 2
My favorite 3rd gen out of many....
OP
timn8er
Absent Comrade
I hope to take mine to the range tomorrow & see
how it works for me. I know that I like the way it
fits my grip. I have a 6906 & I like the way the grip
feels, but the 4006 is just a little roomier.
how it works for me. I know that I like the way it
fits my grip. I have a 6906 & I like the way the grip
feels, but the 4006 is just a little roomier.
I waited to buy a semi auto until I found one that had everything I wanted, P-38 style DA/SA, stainless, double stack, more powerful cartridge than 9MM. I have 3. My favorite is an adjustable sight TSW with the MIM parts replaced. Might change it to decock only. Still debating whether to remove the rail.
TexasG
US Veteran
I love mine, stainless frame, stainless slide, built like a brick house. +1 to pbslinger - I like your idea of replacing the MIM parts.
OP
timn8er
Absent Comrade
I took the 4006 to the range today & had a great time. It shot well
& of course was comparable to my 6906. The only difference seemed
to be that in single action the trigger was a little farther back than on
the 6906. I'm sure i'll get used to it. Anyway, big fun.
& of course was comparable to my 6906. The only difference seemed
to be that in single action the trigger was a little farther back than on
the 6906. I'm sure i'll get used to it. Anyway, big fun.
I've shot more recent production 4006TSW's than the older 4006's.
I think they're a pretty decent full-size pistol for the caliber.
Heavy, though. I actually liked the 4003TSW when I was doing some shooting with a T&E gun. Certainly lighter than the all-steel model, which would be appreciated after wearing one all day/night. The heavier all-steel gun would probably be found to help with the .40's felt recoil by many folks, though. Just depends.
FWIW, I was told that when the CHP out this way (CA) were considering replacing their aging inventory of hard-used 20-year old 4006's, their own initial testing found that the TSW versions would probably be more durable, and last longer, than their older 4006's. Not surprising, considering the design and manufacturing improvements that have occurred over the years and the tighter tolerances incorporated in the TSW's. Their officers tend to do a lot of training/practice shooting, as an agency, though.
Last I heard, the company wasn't making any more barrels for the 4006's, and the TSW barrels have some dimensional differences (thicker barrel hoods, for one thing).
A friend of mine who retired from the CHP told me that the agency had offered to let each officer buy their 4006, if they desired (meaning they could buy ONE 4006
). I can't remember the price he related, but it was pretty low ($135 or $235??).
Dunno. Wasn't interested at the time ... and he owned an older 4013, so he wasn't interested in buying his former 4006 duty weapon, either. (Reminds me of the time I was called by the armorer for an agency transitioning from Beretta 92's to 96's, and the guy told me he could set aside an unissued Beretta 92 that I could buy through a local dealer for something like $216, but I passed because I just didn't like the model enough to pay that for one.)
If I were to pick up a used 4006, the first thing I'd do would be to replace the recoil & mag springs, and the followers if they weren't the current light blue ones.
I knew an armorer for a local agency who had to let their 4006's run beyond the factory recommended 5 year (or 5K rounds fired) spring replacement interval (not his choice). During qualifications at the 7 year point he said they started seeing a sudden occurrence of feeding problems that were attributable to weakened springs. He got the money for new springs. Just something to think about.
I think they're a pretty decent full-size pistol for the caliber.
Heavy, though. I actually liked the 4003TSW when I was doing some shooting with a T&E gun. Certainly lighter than the all-steel model, which would be appreciated after wearing one all day/night. The heavier all-steel gun would probably be found to help with the .40's felt recoil by many folks, though. Just depends.
FWIW, I was told that when the CHP out this way (CA) were considering replacing their aging inventory of hard-used 20-year old 4006's, their own initial testing found that the TSW versions would probably be more durable, and last longer, than their older 4006's. Not surprising, considering the design and manufacturing improvements that have occurred over the years and the tighter tolerances incorporated in the TSW's. Their officers tend to do a lot of training/practice shooting, as an agency, though.
Last I heard, the company wasn't making any more barrels for the 4006's, and the TSW barrels have some dimensional differences (thicker barrel hoods, for one thing).
A friend of mine who retired from the CHP told me that the agency had offered to let each officer buy their 4006, if they desired (meaning they could buy ONE 4006
). I can't remember the price he related, but it was pretty low ($135 or $235??). Dunno. Wasn't interested at the time ... and he owned an older 4013, so he wasn't interested in buying his former 4006 duty weapon, either. (Reminds me of the time I was called by the armorer for an agency transitioning from Beretta 92's to 96's, and the guy told me he could set aside an unissued Beretta 92 that I could buy through a local dealer for something like $216, but I passed because I just didn't like the model enough to pay that for one.)
If I were to pick up a used 4006, the first thing I'd do would be to replace the recoil & mag springs, and the followers if they weren't the current light blue ones.
I knew an armorer for a local agency who had to let their 4006's run beyond the factory recommended 5 year (or 5K rounds fired) spring replacement interval (not his choice). During qualifications at the 7 year point he said they started seeing a sudden occurrence of feeding problems that were attributable to weakened springs. He got the money for new springs.
Just something to think about.
Last edited:
I have four gen three Smiths: 5906,4006,1006,4566TSW. The 4006 is probably my least favorite. Don't really like the 40 cartridge. The gun is very solid. Trigger is heavier than the others and that is probably why I don't shoot it as well. It's a great gun, but I have others I like better. Mostly into 1911's now days. Took the 4006 to the range last week. May have to work with it a bit more.
I have purchased 3rd Gen guns: a 4006 (bought new 1996), 6906 (bought new 1997), and just picked up a used 3914 this year in great shape. All have been ultra reliable, only the 4006 has had issues (one FTE out of 500 rounds I have put through it).
The 3914 is my favorite, I have smaller hands so the single stack 9mm is perfect for me. The 6906 is my second favorite, it is still light and can carry up to 15 rounds in the magazine with the 59 series mags and the +2 extenders.
I like my 4006, but I have to really concentrate to shoot it well. Even the stock grips feel too big for me. I have no problem with the .40's recoil, but it seems I can't get a good enough grip on the gun. I shot my friends Sig P-229 in .40 and it felt better to me. Not as good as my 3914, so I need to try a P-239 out.
There is also no way I would use a 4006 for CCW. It is waaaay too heavy. For this a 4013 or 4014 is a must. But for a house gun it is an excellent choice. I keep toying with the idea of selling the 4006 and finding a used Sig 229 or 239, but just can't bring myself to sell my first handgun.
The 3914 is my favorite, I have smaller hands so the single stack 9mm is perfect for me. The 6906 is my second favorite, it is still light and can carry up to 15 rounds in the magazine with the 59 series mags and the +2 extenders.
I like my 4006, but I have to really concentrate to shoot it well. Even the stock grips feel too big for me. I have no problem with the .40's recoil, but it seems I can't get a good enough grip on the gun. I shot my friends Sig P-229 in .40 and it felt better to me. Not as good as my 3914, so I need to try a P-239 out.
There is also no way I would use a 4006 for CCW. It is waaaay too heavy. For this a 4013 or 4014 is a must. But for a house gun it is an excellent choice. I keep toying with the idea of selling the 4006 and finding a used Sig 229 or 239, but just can't bring myself to sell my first handgun.
RobG5589
Member
I really like mine. It only takes a back seat to my 4506 and 4566 both of which I love. Its a solid weapon, however, so buy with confidence.
TexasG
US Veteran
With all 3G's. You may feel a big difference if you change the Plunger spring with a Wolf brand "3rd Gen Competition spring". Makes all 3G's break like glass at right near 4-5 lbs. Keep all the spring, mechanical with good oil and the slide greased.
TripPowers
Member
I found one that looks near new for 500 to 600 bucks at a gunstore they also have another 659 for 300 what should i do !? I'be never shot 40 but i have a 659 & 645 I really like more power & I'm lookin for a 10mm but i want to run +p in all the steel framed beast as they can take it with proper springs . Does it make sense to own a 40 & use +p if you want to get the 10th ?
I sold my 1066 because I didnt like paying so much for ammo to shoot it, I may regret it at some point, but since I already own 40's (Glock 23 and a Springfield XD), I was considering a 4006 or 4016. I prefer SA/DA variants.
Other than the tacticool rail and laser engraving, what, if any is the difference between the normal versions and the TSW?
Also, seems to be lots of 4046 police turn-ins out there right now at decent looking prices.
Other than the tacticool rail and laser engraving, what, if any is the difference between the normal versions and the TSW?
Also, seems to be lots of 4046 police turn-ins out there right now at decent looking prices.
BUFF
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
"I really like more power & I'm lookin for a 10mm but i want to run +p in all the steel framed beast as they can take it with proper springs . Does it make sense to own a 40 & use +p if you want to get the 10th ?"
There is no such thing as +P .40 S&W ammo. The current factory .40 S&W Auto loads are about as warm as the cartridge case and available powders will allow. If you want 10mm power, buy a 10mm pistol. Be advised, however, that most commercial 10mm ammo is down-loaded quite a bit, to about .40 S&W ballistics.
There is some excellent 9mm for-serious ammunition available today. I would think it to be a good move to buy the M-659, if it is in nice shape, and buy some premium +P JHP ammunition for it for serious use and standard pressure ammo for most of your practice. The pistol won't care much but your wallet will appreciate the cost difference between high tech +P defensive ammo and good old plain standard pressure ball ammo. Even 9mm ball will have adequate power to fully penetrate the thick paper target and the thickest cardboard target backers, which is what probably 95% of handgun ammo is shot at.
There is no such thing as +P .40 S&W ammo. The current factory .40 S&W Auto loads are about as warm as the cartridge case and available powders will allow. If you want 10mm power, buy a 10mm pistol. Be advised, however, that most commercial 10mm ammo is down-loaded quite a bit, to about .40 S&W ballistics.
There is some excellent 9mm for-serious ammunition available today. I would think it to be a good move to buy the M-659, if it is in nice shape, and buy some premium +P JHP ammunition for it for serious use and standard pressure ammo for most of your practice. The pistol won't care much but your wallet will appreciate the cost difference between high tech +P defensive ammo and good old plain standard pressure ball ammo. Even 9mm ball will have adequate power to fully penetrate the thick paper target and the thickest cardboard target backers, which is what probably 95% of handgun ammo is shot at.
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2013
- Messages
- 1
- Reaction score
- 0
I have owned one since fall of 1993. Overall it's a great gun.
I used it for my post firearms training and it held up just fine against the "nicer" (at least according to their owners) Glocks, Sigs, and HKs at the range. Out of all of the different models, the S&W 3rd gens were the only ones that could feed and eject a magazine full of empty cases. The academy's range master comment was that S&W 3rd gens feed rocks. He also said the short SA trigger reset was the reason why I was able to beat out everyone else in the end of class shootoff.
The CHP still has a few of their first training 4006s with at least 100,000 rounds through them.
My only complaint over the years has been that part # 4 on the parts diagram kept breaking. Since I am the original owner, S&W would send me free new parts no questions asked. However, they stopped doing that after parts were no longer available for retail sale--it must be sent in to them so they can repair it now. This may be a concern as the warranty is not transferable.
boingboing
Member
I like those forward cocking serrations
boingboing
Member
I carry a 4006TSW for 9 months out of the year. The other three months I carry a 4566TSW. Off duty I carry my 4006. It's a heavy piece but I spend most of the time seated except when I have to get out of the car. I prefer the 4006 over my 1911's, just like the way they feel. I prefer the TSW over the standard 4006 because it has the rail and there isn't that milled down area on the side of the frame. Just personal preference. My 4006 has seen some miles and I'm considering getting forward cocking serrations added and then having the entire gun melonited. On both my guns I drilled out the rivets for the rail and then tapped the mounting holes and replaced the rail using countersunk screws. The rail on the 4006 has worked it's way loose a couple of times. Overall, the 4006 fits every category just fine.
4506517
Member
I purchased one in absolutely pristine condition from a member here (thanks gaspipes!). It supposedly had a couple hundred rounds through it, but I swear it looked unfired. Has been an absolutely fabulous gun. It is my only 3rd gennie with the curved backstrap grips on it. I usually trade them out for straight backstrap grips, but for some reason on this gun, the curved feel so right on it. The weight doesn't bother me at all for CC....I usually CC fullsize guns anyway. Loved the 4006 so much I bought a 4003 and it has been as stellar as the 4006. As far as CC goes, most guys will tell you that with the correct holster and belt you can CC just about anything regardless what it weighs.
