S&W 4040 "AirLite PD" information?

[pro2]

I figure this is the yes place to inquire….

Just found a S&W 4040 "AirLite" PD, unfired (other than test… looks it) in the box at a local gun shop. It came with all paperwork, 3 mags, Masterlock gun lock, ect. Even has the S&W brown paper that wraps the gun.

The guy working at the store stated it was old stock, and that they are not manufactured anymore.

It appeared to be a very nice quality gun, and I had $$$ burning in my pocket, so I brought it home.

Any insight is appreciated. I understand S&W guns can be collectible, figure I should investigate before putting rounds down range.

Thank you.

 

[824tsv]

From the Standard Catalog 3rd Edition:
Calibre: .40 S&W
Introduced in 2003 with a scandium alloy frame with a 3 1/2" barrel, 7 shot magazine, two-dot fixed Novak Lo-Mount carry rear sight, with white dot front sight. Hogue soft rubber grip, single side safety, black finish, carbon steel slide, stainless steel barrel, marked "Airlite PD" on the slide.
Weight is 25.6oz. Produced 2003-date.

I've never seen one, other than the pic in the Standard Catalog. Good score!!

 

[M29since14]

Nice guns, and not the kickers you might think they would be. I took the Hogues off and use a standard 3913/14 grip on my 4040PD with a Hogue Handall. Makes the gun a bit more compact and feels better to me.

If you are asking about using/not-using it, that's your choice of course. If you need a handgun to carry, it's a good one. If you have plenty of others, there might be some future market for it... who knows? My own opinion - I would rather carry the 4040PD than a G27 or M&P40c any day.

 

[kraynky]

I bought one here from a fellow member and it's a great pistol. I happen to like the .40 cartridge and was specifically looking for a 4040PD. They're not easy to find, as most folks hang onto them. Fits the same holsters as my 3913NL too. What was the asking price?

If you're not a serious collector, buy it and enjoy it. I have no idea how many might have been bought and never fired, but it will be quite some time before it's a collectable. It's somewhat scarce, but not "rare". I say buy it (if it's reasonable) and show us the pictures! I think I paid $625 maybe? with a holster and 3 mags. I do think the mags are a bit scarce. But it's a great handgun. I'm keeping mine too. Not a good picture, but here's my 4040PD.

 

[pro2]

Oh, I bought it. My grandfather has a 9mm version (3913 I believe). When I first observed the gun in the case, I thought this is what I was looking at. Then I observed the scandium marked frame and .40 on top of barrel. I really liked the look and feel of the gun. I couldn't leave without it.

It was marked @ $595. I was able to get it for $550 out the door.

I have plenty of .40 ammo, as this is what my department carried before switching to 9mm Glocks. I recently picked up a G43 for CC (and not particularly a Glock fanboy) and REALLY like it. It would due a hard sell to replace it… but with all the great things I have been reading about this little 4040, I think she'll have to hit the range!

 

[brentb636]

I bought one here from a fellow member and it's a great pistol. I happen to like the .40 cartridge and was specifically looking for a 4040PD. They're not easy to find, as most folks hang onto them. Fits the same holsters as my 3913NL too. What was the asking price?

If you're not a serious collector, buy it and enjoy it. I have no idea how many might have been bought and never fired, but it will be quite some time before it's a collectable. It's somewhat scarce, but not "rare". I say buy it (if it's reasonable) and show us the pictures! I think I paid $625 maybe? with a holster and 3 mags. I do think the mags are a bit scarce. But it's a great handgun. I'm keeping mine too. Not a good picture, but here's my 4040PD.

Very nice lines ! Looks like my 3914LS, but might have a little more punch !!

 

[TTSH]

It appeared to be a very nice quality gun, and I had $$$ burning in my pocket, so I brought it home.

Smart move! Congratulations!

I had the option of picking one up last year and now regret that I let it go. I'll probably never come across another one. Asking price was $500 (+Tax), which seems about average for used from what I can tell.

But my main interest is stainless steel (or SS/alloy) 3rd Gens in the "bright" finish, so I passed. I was also concerned that the gun might be a little too small and light for a .40. I tend to prefer my 40's to be heavier, larger guns.

Interestingly, I might have been able to buy that gun from that particular dealer at a discount through a credit swap deal... but too late now. That gun is long gone!

 

[Timber Wolf]

That is a good price with the mags for a great gun. I have carried mine some and found it to be a great shooter. Congrates!

 

[kraynky]

Oh, I bought it. My grandfather has a 9mm version (3913 I believe). When I first observed the gun in the case, I thought this is what I was looking at. Then I observed the scandium marked frame and .40 on top of barrel. I really liked the look and feel of the gun. I couldn't leave without it.

It was marked @ $595. I was able to get it for $550 out the door.

I have plenty of .40 ammo, as this is what my department carried before switching to 9mm Glocks. I recently picked up a G43 for CC (and not particularly a Glock fanboy) and REALLY like it. It would due a hard sell to replace it… but with all the great things I have been reading about this little 4040, I think she'll have to hit the range!

Good Deal! I think they shoot real nice. A lot more comfortable to shoot than a Glock 27 I once owned! That thing WAS snappy.

When do we get to see it???? H,mmmm?

 

[TercGen]

Congrats on picking up (what I consider to be) the best .40SW for CC, and at a fantastic price too. The 4040PD came out later in the 3rd Gen lineup, and I believe it benefited from the advances in production and design. It's the only non-TSW model I'm aware of with the loaded chamber indicator on the barrel, and these guns also have very smooth triggers. As has been stated, recoil is fairly tame compared to some other compact .40's, though I have noticed an increase in recoil when using TW25b grease. I'm back to using Hoppes oil on mine now.

I wouldn't say these are collectible just yet, though I have seen NIB ones sell for over $700 on occasion. For the price you paid, I wouldn't shy away from carrying it. S&W is still making the recoil spring sets for it, and New magazines can still be found for sale (check Brownell's).

I would recommend swapping in a new set of recoil springs before firing though, as the NOS ones are likely over 5 years old.

 

[SVT28]

I love my 4040PD. Paid $425 for it at Adventure Outdoors in GA for it with the extra factory mag but no box. It has one ding at the top strap but no blemishes other than that. This gun loves all ammo, and I shoot is because it deserves to be shot, but not often, and only by myself.

The obscure limited run Smith's always intrigue me. I went through a phase of "scandium" and purchased the 4040pd, a rare derivative of the j frame model 360J (Produced in a short run for the Japanese police IIRC) and an old Billboard 1911 SC that has some character from being carried but it was still cared for.

Enjoy your firearm

I'll never part with mine.

 

[Timber Wolf]

I love my 4040PD. and I shoot it because it deserves to be shot, but not often, and only by myself. Enjoy your firearm

I like a little quiet "alone time" with special guns on occasion myself.

 

[pro2]

Here is a pic of the package.

I have a grey/black 9313/14 grip inbound, figure it will look nice on this gun.

I have plenty of .40 stashed away…

O.K., so I need to pick up some springs for longevity. Both springs are blue. Is there a trick to S&W springs, color coding ect… (sorry, I'm typically a SIG guy, and Glock per my paycheck)?

I typically run 180 grain for .40, if that matters.

 

[M29since14]

When I bought my 4040 I had more Winchester Silvertip ammo lying around than anything else and it shot so well in the gun I don't know if I ever tried other factory loads in it. Those are 155s. My 165- and 180-gr handloads worked fine too, but I don't recall anything in .40SW ever out-shooting the Silvertips - in any of my guns.

That looks like a very nice package you found. Congratulations on the new pistol! I have not replaced the springs in my gun yet so can't be of any help on that topic. I'd imagine a call to S&W will get you fixed up.

 

[TercGen]

OK, the nested spring set you will need is sold in 2 parts - outer and inner. They will be listed as for the 45ACP models 4516/457/4513TSW, but are also for the lesser-known 4040PD.

S&W part #'s:
108660000 - Outer Spring
108670000 - Inner Spring

These can at times be hard to find, so good idea to pick up a few of each at a time. Midway and Brownell's will stock them, but your best bet is to call S&W directly at 1-800-331-0852, ext. 4125

A company called Sprinco also sells high-quality aftermarket spring sets, and they sell them as a set (product 45162 at bottom): Tactical Springs & Machine Gunners Lube

 

[pro2]

Thank you for the reply. I think I will try a set from Sprinco. I use there springs exclusively in my AR rifles. I'll set the original springs aside. I still haven't shot the gun yet. looking around for a used example first.