Newbie w/questions

[bigcatonhd]

Hey Ya'll...I'm new to the forum and wanted to trouble you all with a question or two. I'm a 57 year old heavy equipment salesman who's owned guns all my life. I've got a few revolvers, a 39-2, a Colt 70 series Commander, a SW40VE and just ordered 2 of Summit's 5906 trade ins. After reading here and trying to gather as much knowledge as possible I still have a question or two.
1. Is there an on-line site where I can get a history lesson on S&W? The difference between 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation?
2. Is there any rhyme or reason to the designation numbers? What's different on my 39-2 from a 39?
Thanks in advance.
bigcat

 

[CTPete]

Those are actually a couple good questions for a noob. I would recommend that you invest in a copy of the book - Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson. Around here,we simply call it SCSW. ALL you questions will be answered. As to an online source, I would recommend doing a search on the questions here on this forum. The generational differences and number/letter model designation has likely been covered already and the info is here for you.

Good luck, and welcome to the Forum.

 

[CTPete]

Here you go....the best $21 you could spend around here:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer...id=1241482961&sr=1-1

 

[bigcatonhd]

Thanks Pete...I really enjoy the forum and I'm really enjoying re-introducing myself to semi-auto pistols. There's obviously a lot of knowledge here.