S&W auto - what to buy?

[SIGWolf]

Okay, I have probably 20 handguns and several rifles. Of the handguns six are S&W revolvers. However, I do not own any S&W autos. I guess I've just never really gotten into them.

So, if you were to recommend what you consider an outstanding example of S&W auto other than a Performance Center gun, what would it be caliber not withstanding?

If you wanted to convince someone how great S&W autos were what would you hand them to fondle and shoot?

 

[SIGWolf]

Okay, I have probably 20 handguns and several rifles. Of the handguns six are S&W revolvers. However, I do not own any S&W autos. I guess I've just never really gotten into them.

So, if you were to recommend what you consider an outstanding example of S&W auto other than a Performance Center gun, what would it be caliber not withstanding?

If you wanted to convince someone how great S&W autos were what would you hand them to fondle and shoot?

 

[18DAI]

Hmmmmm.......

In 9mm, a 3913, 6906 or 915.

In .40, a 4013.

In .45, a 4566, or 4506.

Whichever you decide to buy, I predict the others will follow it into your collection.

Good luck with the search! Regards 18DAI.

 

[10ring]

I think you have to narrow things down a bit. I mean, a Model 39 is sort of the quintessential S&W auto, but an older gun. You could get the same basic gun, but a bit updated, in a 439, 539, or 639 unless of course, you are into high capacity. The 3rd generation guns are excellent, but then you have to decide whether you want TDA, DAO or decocker and 9mm, .40 or .45 or even 10mm.

I suppose a 4506 or 4566 would be a pretty good representative gun, but then the 3913 is an excellent compact 9mm.

On the other hand, the 4006 is probably one of the most successful of the group, as far as police issue guns, and the caliber is .40 S&W.

Then there is the 1076, which represents the FBI's quest for a better caliber after Miami and the first realization of a caliber promoted by some pretty big names in handgunning. It also paved the way for the birth of the .40 S&W.

Now if you want DAO, all the model numbers change.

I think you need to set a few parameters in order to do this without having your head explode from too many choices.

 

[SIGWolf]

I prefer SA/DA. Caliber is negotiable although 9mm, .45 or 10mm are my preferences..

 

[LoadedRound]

1006

 

[tlen]

SW99

 

[44wheelman]

39, 52, or 41.... all classics

The 52's shoot like a wet dream! If I was trying to impress someone how great S&W autos are/shoot...& the 41's aren't too far behind. The grandfather of all the wonder 9mm's; the 39, is an exceptional ergonomic styled combat gun, and the first DA 9mm automatic manufactured in this country.

 

[rbert0005]

Get yourself a 945 and don't look back.

Bob

 

[powerkicker]

SW99

 

[onegunshort]

Originally posted by 44wheelman:
39, 52, or 41.... all classics

The 52's shoot like a wet dream! If I was trying to impress someone how great S&W autos are/shoot...& the 41's aren't too far behind. The grandfather of all the wonder 9mm's; the 39, is an exceptional ergonomic styled combat gun, and the first DA 9mm automatic manufactured in this country.

He hit the nail on the head with this post.

 

[Mortech]

Its not hard to get a good one with any model you decide on , I'd go with one of the older gens (such as a model 39 or 59 ) due to their increasing rarity . Of course after the first one , you'll want more (ask me how I know this)

 

[ffhounddog]

My first 2 SW Autos were
a 3913 and a 5903TSW.

I like them both. 5903TSW is my bedroom gun.

 

[Doogy]

4516 is, in my opinion, one of the finest all-steel autos ever produced. good luck in your decision!

Doug

 

[Wyatt Earp]

Get an M&P and don't look back.

Once you handle one you will know why traditional S&W autos were blown out of the market by Glocks.

The M&P out-Glocks Glock.

 

[FrankD45]

Originally posted by rbert0005:
Get yourself a 945 and don't look back.

Bob

+1 on that. I have a 945 (no dash) that is probably the best shooting center fire handgun I have ever fired. It's a whole lot better than I will ever be.

Frank