NYPD 3983 Prototype- UPDATED to: Where Are the Other Five?

[Heymatt]

Congratulations!

 

[RM Vivas]

This is a significant addition to the 3913 story. Besides the history of the guns, how the seller acquired them would be interesting as well.

And I'll repeat what I wrote previously. This is the 3rd Gen that S&W should make now.

My memory isn't what it used to be but as I recall, there was a S&W NE LE rep who, I THINK, retired out of NYPD who had them.

The story I got on #9 was that he arranged for it to be made available to a railroad policeman (?) and from there it went into the wild.

Once I have the guns secured, I'll start the research.

I'm thinking of at least a couple gfuys who worked the outdoor range when these came in and perhaps they may have some documentation.

 

[ladder13]

Congratulations Robert

 

[rosewood]

This is truly a sad story. Such a perfect carry gun by manys standards, yet because of the rarity, they will likely never be carried and used what they were designed for.

 

[kbm6893]

I can't think of a better caretaker of these rare guns than RM Vivas. He is THE NYPD weapon expert. As a retired member of that department, I remember well the transition to the off duty semi auto pistols, which happened three years after the on duty 9MM's were standard. Beretta Mini Cougar, Glock 26, Kahr K9, and a few Smith and Wesson auto's, the 3953 TSW (I have an early 7 shot version bought off a retired officer), the 3953, the 3914 DAO, and I am almost positive the 908. I remember the black one being cheaper.

This 3983 beats them all, and it's very cool they have it serial numbers starting with NYPD. The cops paid for their off duty guns so I don't know why they didn't offer them. Make a run for the NYPD with the NYPD serial number and replace the civilian 3953 with 3983's with standard serial numbers. I would be just as pleased to own NYPD8956 as I would NYPD0010.

 

[RM Vivas]

I can't think of a better caretaker of these rare guns than RM Vivas. He is THE NYPD weapon expert. As a retired member of that department, I remember well the transition to the off duty semi auto pistols, which happened three years after the on duty 9MM's were standard. Beretta Mini Cougar, Glock 26, Kahr K9, and a few Smith and Wesson auto's, the 3953 TSW (I have an early 7 shot version bought off a retired officer), the 3953, the 3914 DAO, and I am almost positive the 908. I remember the black one being cheaper.

This 3983 beats them all, and it's very cool they have it serial numbers starting with NYPD. The cops paid for their off duty guns so I don't know why they didn't offer them. Make a run for the NYPD with the NYPD serial number and replace the civilian 3953 with 3983's with standard serial numbers. I would be just as pleased to own NYPD8956 as I would NYPD0010.

It has always been a mystery to me why S&W never had a separate M10 serial range for NYPD or some specially marked sideplate. Heck, even a coupon that entitled you to a free laser engraving of your shield and shield number on the gun would have been cool.

And yea, the 5946s' should have all had an NYPD serial number pre-fix. That would have been so cool.

 

[ladder13]

Couple of questions.

Is the factory still making 3rd Gen guns for a Dept requesting them?

How many would be needed for an order?

Is the machinery still viable?

 

[Doug M.]

I have a recollection of reading somewhere else on this forum that the machinery no longer exists.

 

[xfarfuldog]

I'd love it if you collectors would display those at OGCA.

 

[Engine49guy]

Thinking.... if I remove my 3953 slide and take it to the bench grinder.....
Meh just need to sell the 3953 and start carrying my PC9 or shorty 40

 

[Jim PHL]

How does the 3983 differ from the 3953?

 

[otis24]

How does the 3983 differ from the 3953?

From what I've read, the 3983 has double strike capability. The 3953 does not. I just picked up a 3953 Special Order yesterday. If lacks the magazine disconnect safety. I would rather have the double strike capability. Or both! Maybe we need a 3993???

 

[Jim PHL]

Thanks Otis. I have a 3953. I was wondering if there was some some dimensional difference. I was going to get it from the safe and compare it to the photos in this thread.

 

[RM Vivas]

For those who might be interested, the trio of 3983's, with cost, tax and shipping, came out to $2400. Each.

I so can not believe I did that.

I'm not unhappy about having them; I'm over the moon about that. I just can't believe I spent that kind of money one what will wind up being safe queens.

Although I may take #9 out for a spin now and then.

Can we go back now to the land of $350-$500 M&P/M10/M36 please? Just for a while.

Oy!

 

[kbm6893]

Man! $7200 is a lot of coin to have the guns sit in a safe. But if you have the money, life is short. You'll certainly never lose money on them if you sell them.

Some former employee of S&W made a wise choice in grabbing them for probably next to nothing back in the day.

 

[demkofour]

How does the 3983 differ from the 3953?

Quick answer- comparing my 3983 to my 3953TSW (not the 3953 with the slightly elongated slide), visual differences on the 3983 include an abbreviated (thinner) slide stop lever, a slightly longer magazine release button, a very much smaller grip tang (beavertail) and stepped down and shortened grip frame (although both pistols run 8 round magazines.)
Also, the front of the trigger guard is checkered, the 3983 does not have a loaded chamber "window", there are 14 slide serrations as opposed to 15 on the 3953TSW, the hammer is completely flush to the slide and the 3983 has double strike capability. And of course, the frame is marked 3983 and wears the very unique serial number prefix of NYPD.
I'll try to get a look at the innards if I get a minute.

 

[demkofour]

Letter received today from Roy on the 3983.

I'm sure Dr. Jinks included everything he got from the Factory on this model. Unfortunately, I guess the Factory doesn't have anything really to offer…
The letter practically sheds no light on the background, development or history (before and after) of these pistols.

I'd love to learn more…

 

[JimSupica]

Does anyone know the source of these Mod. 3983 photos? We'd like to use them in SCSW5 if we can get the permission of the photographer. If so, please email me the contact info at [email protected]

Thanks.

 

[RM Vivas]

Jimmy,

I'm leaving in a couple days for the Symposium. When I come back I'll get you some nice clean shots of NYPD0001.

When do you need them by?

Could they be credited to The R.M. Vivas Collection ?

Best,
RM Vivas

 

[JimSupica]

Thanks! Great gun! Message sent.