PLEASE school me on the older semi's from S&W
- Thread starter 26Ford
- Start date
26, I would decide on caliber and go from there. There's way too many choices. Do you want a slim grip? Double or single action?
seagill
US Veteran
Not sure what part of Florida your'e in, but I just purchased a 908 at a local pawn shop for $320. Near perfect condition. He had several other 3rd gen's also. Not to mention the 66-5, a model 19 and a 60 that was unfired.
I don't know much about third generation guns, but since you did mentioned "older" Smith & Wesson semi's, don't overlook first and second generation ones if you happen to come across one in your travels.
I think the Model 39, especially the -2 model is one of the best semi's ever made. The frame is alloy, but I've never seen any evidence of the finish coming off one of mine, other than the normal wear you'd expect to see. While the 39-2 isn't a small gun, it's no harder to conceal than a Colt Commander, and fits most of the same holsters. About the only thing "wrong" with it I suppose is a, by today's standards, low magazine capacity of 8 (or nine in the new magazines), and one in the chamber.
And no one ever made a better looking semi.
I think the Model 39, especially the -2 model is one of the best semi's ever made. The frame is alloy, but I've never seen any evidence of the finish coming off one of mine, other than the normal wear you'd expect to see. While the 39-2 isn't a small gun, it's no harder to conceal than a Colt Commander, and fits most of the same holsters. About the only thing "wrong" with it I suppose is a, by today's standards, low magazine capacity of 8 (or nine in the new magazines), and one in the chamber.
And no one ever made a better looking semi.
Shorty4T
Member
Dueeast, you ROCK and you ROLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!thank you sir, 26 Anything on the first two digits? or a way to tell caliber by the digits?
Dueeast did a good job on the 3rd and 4th digits, here is a post that will explane the 1st and 2nd digits which designate caliber.
S&W 3rd Gen Model List?
This is about as simple as it gets. The three digit model numbers generally indicate caliber first then magazine capacity; i.e. 910 (9mm with 10 round magazine), 457 (45 caliber with 7 round magazine). There are exceptions to this but it is the general rule (411/410 are 40 caliber with 11 and 10 round magazines respectively).
Cheers,
Sam
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I would concur with the Model 39-2. Even though only 8 + 1 it fits the hand beautifully and does not wear out. Equally, the 3913/14 DA/SA or 3953 DAO are possibly the best 9mm single stack carry pistols that S&W ever made. Smaller than the 39 but bulletproof. Dave_n
It's not often I can help others but when I can, I do. I read on another forum discussing the 5906, that there was a grip recall, and S&W will send you the updated grips even on a used purchase. The newer grips can be identified by the small indent on the botom of the grip. On the bottom, there is a open hole, then the small indent in question, and then the opening for the mag well. This is probably old news to most here, but hopefully someone will benefit, 26
azasadny
US Veteran
I have the 59, 669, 3913 and 645. They are all stainless slide with alloy frames and are great guns, but the only 2 small/compact enough for concealed carry are the 669 and 3913. I can strongly recommend them.
Thank you sir for your reply, and most important thank you for your service to our great country. My step father will turn 87 this year, excellent health. He is one of the last few original Navy Sea-Bees. They worked with the Marines, and went to Nagasaki Japan to aid in something for the dropping of the bomb. Really enjoy your avatar, and I am very much hoping the talk of a Lebowski 2 is in the works is true. 26
Since weight is a consideration for you I did a little weighing. Maybe this will help:
J - Frame Model 36/ 3" barrel/ - 5 rounds .38 included: 25.2 ounces.
K- Frame Model 64/ 2" barrel/ - 6 rounds .38 included: 33.4 ounces.
Alloy Frame/ Steel Slide 3954/ 3-1/2" barrel - 8 rounds 9 mm included: 28.7 ounces.
J - Frame Model 36/ 3" barrel/ - 5 rounds .38 included: 25.2 ounces.
K- Frame Model 64/ 2" barrel/ - 6 rounds .38 included: 33.4 ounces.
Alloy Frame/ Steel Slide 3954/ 3-1/2" barrel - 8 rounds 9 mm included: 28.7 ounces.
Badkarma 1
US Veteran
Thank you sir, all much lighter than my 642 N-frame w/ 6 1/2"
^Huh? A 642 N frame w/6.5 inch barrel? Are you sure it's not a 624? I don't mean to pick nits here just asking.
I currently own 4 Smith autos of different shape and size (a 645, 669, 5946,5906) and couldn't be happier with them!
If CCW is your option I suggest finding a 3913 or 6906/669, for something bigger but not heavier full size 3904, 439, 5903,5904,459. There all dependable autos! The lightweight 40s and 45s are a bit harder to come by in my neck of the woods but they're out there! Dale
OK Hog Shooter
Member
Adding a note late in this thread. I have a 4006 that I picked up about 7-8 years ago. I currently carry it whenever I'm working on my farm. All stainless and as was noted above, it's like a brick but very reliable. I bought it because of the ambi decocker/safety and the fact that it was stainless. I'm not sure which generation it is. When I got my CCW I knew I wanted a lighter .40 cal for carry. After trying a number of the composite frame versions and several different makes, I looked at the alloy frame Smiths as a viable option. What can I say? I prefer metal. I was able to pick up a LNIB 4013TSW from a Forum member. I am well pleased. Added a Don Hume holster and I'm good to go.
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