Sometimes you don't have to spend much to get alot.

[18DAI]

Did you ever buy a well worn, well used....well.......ugly looking pistol? You know, an old LE trade or maybe it was somebodys truck gun. Maybe you bought it because its action was so smooth. Or maybe it had a unique feature uncommon to that model. Maybe it just appealed to you as a cheap fixer upper that you could rehabilitate and flip for something else you wanted.

BUT - then you shoot it. It shoots like a laser. It is a deathray. You can't miss with this gun. The range rats line up to experience the miraculous teeny tiny groups this gun produces.

So, it becomes your constant companion due to its accuracy and reliability. You are almost embarassed to admit how little you paid for it and the fact that you HAGGLED despite its already ridiculous low asking price.

I have two guns like that. I practically stole them. The one I'm talking about here is the well used LE trade 4513TSW I picked up a month or so ago. This thing is uncannily accurate with everything I stuff in the mag. Unlike some of my other aluminum framed S&W's it seems impervious to wear. Its internals are clean and there is insignificant rail wear despite it having been shot ALOT by it previous owner. I'm shooting it once a week since I got it.

Novak Night sights and decock only - a feature I'd not seen previously on an early variant 6-round 4513TSW before. Sweet little 45 that goes everywhere with me and does everything I need a handgun to do. I haven't touched my other guns in months.

So, do you have a gun like that? Cheapest gun you own that you wouldn't part with for any amount? Whats the story on it? Regards 18DAI

Here's a pic of what this 4513TSW is capable of. That is seven rounds of Winchester Ranger 230 grain RA45T fired unsupported at seven yards. Target is a 3 inch Shoot-N-C. I love this gun!

 

[crofoot629]

I have two 4" pre Model 10's that I'm in to for about $200 each.
Both seem mechanically like new but have some honest holster wear.

I think they both came from a horse racing track in New York.
I'll never sell them as they are great guns and I don't worry about their finish or cost if stolen.

Emory

 

[357-RevolverGuy]

I have a model 59 that I paid $200 for last year. It came with original box, papers, and 3 mags (one was a 30 round.) I've run well over 1,000 rounds through it and it's never jam or misfired. I find it groups well, not always tight but performs better than some of the newer 9mm's I've shot. I feel like these models are often overlooked but it's a pretty tough gun in my book.

 

[timn8er]

I think my old Hi-Power would qualify. I bought it from a coworker maybe sixteen years ago for $125. It was my second semi auto. At the time the only other gun I had was a Model 686 in stainless. I still have that one, too. Anyway, the old Browning has had some rounds through it, no idea how many, but it still shoots sweet & the trigger is NICE. I'll keep it forever. If its on the market, I'm probably pushing up daisys!

 

[t-bird]

About five years ago I got a 439 that looked very rough for $200. Did'nt take it apart until I got home. The rails had no wear at all and the internals were like new. The 439 is scary accurate that will eat any ammo.

 

[arjay]

A local "gunsmith" that had been my receiving ffl had built a Springfield GI into his version of an early Colt with front strap checkering and an interesting crown.Then he gave it a two tone paint job.It was Christmas,he was broke.I liked Colts.I thought it was homely.I bought it.The darn thing doesn't miss.I think I've probably carried and shot this one the most over the last seven years.It's grown on me.

 

[sw44spl]

mine was a used leo 5904 that is worn outside but not inside.it has glow left in the night sights.I got it for $275.and a 1991 glock 19 gen 2 that has alot of wear but it dead on and has a glow left in the sights.it is my gun I carry fishing.it was $250

 

[K-framer]

Yes - in answer to the OP's question. That answer, for me, would be the 6904 I just purchased. This is an old police trade-in, kind of beat up looking (lots of holster wear), kind of dirty when I took it home.....overall, not very impressive looking. Only came with one magazine and no box, papers, or anything else. Further, it appears to be an import, as there is the name of a big importer electro-stenciled on the right side of the slide.

I managed to talk the gun shop out of it for $300, OTD. Truthfully, I wondered a bit if I had made a mistake.

However, the 6904 functions and shoots like a new gun. Actually, it seems better than new, because it is obviously well broken in. I took it to the range, for the first time, on Sunday. It seems to like all of the loads I use with my other 9mm's. Needless to say, no malfunctions whatever....and quite accurate. As I am not used to it yet, I expect to improve my accuracy with it yet.

All in all, a great purchase. I have decided that I even like the worn, beat up look of the gun....so I am not planning to refinish it. It has character !

Darned thing may become my favorite..... who knows ?

 

[Scotter260]

My current duty pistol - a 06ish 9mm 226R DAK with night sights and (3) mags that was bought as surplus from Zanders for $425 delivered in 2010 or 2011. Finish on the frame was worn and the thing rattles like it was cobbled together from spare parts. Accurate and reliable all day though.

A Ruger 93DAO bought NIB on close-out from Williams Shooters Supply for $310 delivered in 08 or 09. Also accurate as all get out and reliable.

Finally, a Model 65-2 bought as surplus from CDNN for about $300 delivered in 08. Your proverbial laser with 125 grain .357 Magnums.

Good thread topic.

 

[18DAI]

I updated the original post with a crummy cell phone pic.

Thanks to Lab Tech D. Lee for posting the pic for me! Regards 18DAI

 

[Chip682]

I also have the same gun 4513tsw and also a LE trade in from CT. Love it

 

[18DAI]

Although you can't see it too well in my crummy pic, mine is well worn too.

Chip682 is that 4513TSW decock only as well? Would you happen to know which agency had these? Thanks! Regards 18DAI

 

[mbliss57]

Well I have just one that fits that bill. I have stopped carrying my Sig P239 SAS in .357 Sig because I found this little pistol. I bought it a few months ago at a LGS I think. I really can't remember but i know I didn't pay much for it. Funny thing is... 18DAI is it is also a 4513TSW with 6 round mag. What a tack driver. Here is a pic with a target I shot right after I bought it. 2 hand standing.. I love this gun..

 

[18DAI]

Nice shooting mbliss57!

My 4513TSW has also replaced my "extra" 3913, that I picked up this past December, as my constant carry gun. In fact, I haven't carried anything else, on or off since I got it.

There are not many semi auto pistols, by any manufacturer, that I consider to be "done right". IE form, function, design and purpose all intersect - perfectly. The early 4513TSW and in fact all the variants of the 4513TSW, were done right, IMO.

I think if S&W had offered these right off the bat with Novak night sights and decock only, this model would probably have caught on and been in production for more than one year. Regards 18DAI

 

[Chip682]

Although you can't see it too well in my crummy pic, mine is well worn too.

Chip682 is that 4513TSW decock only as well? Would you happen to know which agency had these? Thanks! Regards 18DAI

Yes it is the decock only..I do not know which agency had them i was told by the store it was a LE trade