Suggestions needed for 3rd Gen 40 cal

[kraynky]

About a year ago I traded for a 1006 that I really love to shoot. Just last week I pounced on a 3913NL that dared to park itself in my view. I'm now loving a whole bunch of handguns I've previously overlooked for one reason or another, the 3rd Gen Smiths. What was I doing in the 90's when these were rolling out? Hmmm, I think I was buying bolt action rifles and 1911's.

Anyway, Now I'm thinking I need to see what the S&W pros here have to say about which model I should be looking for. If I go this route I'll be replacing a mighty fine FNX40 that I really like a lot too. But it's just black and you know, plast-icky. Don't get me wrong, I picked this handgun from several that are available because I love the features and functions.

The numbers Smith use are a bit confusing to a rookie like me, so I need some guidance. I do like a decocker, the ability to carry cocked and locked and DA if I want it. So what should I be looking for during my wanderings around where they keep guns behind glass? Not really looking for a carry gun, more like a nightstand gun, or a traveling companion, maybe some woods walking too.

I'm not really stuck on .40, but I do have a lot of .40 ammo and all the reloading supplies to keep it running.

Thanks for any input anyone wants to share, either good, or stay away bad.

 

[loeman]

For the most part I too missed out on the influx of 3rd Gens back in the 90s and early 2000s. In the past two years I've been making up time by acquiring four 3rd Gens to add to the one I bought new back in the 90s. I love them all but for me the 4506 in 45 caliber is my favorite. I also have a 4006 that I like but for some reason that I can't explain I just haven't warmed up to the .40 caliber. It's 100% reliable and shoots accurately but it usually stays at home while my 4506, 5906 and 4566 are in my range bag. I also have a Sig P239 in .40 that I like as well but I just don't shoot it much. It sounds like you may wish to carry. So if that's the case you might want to look at the 4516. It's considered a compact but it is somewhat heavy. I like mine a lot, but I don't carry it. I know this isn't much help, but they are my humble opinions. Good luck in your search.

 

[timn8er]

If you're looking for a 3rd Gen 40 & carry is not a consideration, I would definitely check out a Model 4006. Very accurate, great night stand gun, & they are still fairly easy to find. GB had quite a few the last time I looked. Good luck with your decision & don't forget to post pics of whatever you decide on!

 

[growr]

I second the 4006 as well!

Randy

 

[Bartman3562]

I don't mind the recoil, and less weight is good if you carry. Look at 4003 or a 4013 tsw, prefer no rail.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

3rd Gen .40S&W

I like the 40 autos & have several 3rd Gen in 40S&W. The 4006 is the larger (38oz.) of them but for some reason I don't shoot it as well as the compacts. The 4013, on the large (10mm/.45) frame (27oz.), is my favoriate. The 4013TSW (28oz.) is on the medium frame. I prefer the TDAs vs DAO.

Check-out skjos 3rd Gen list for a complete model listing & a better understanding of the numbering scheme.
Lots of choices! It's hard to stop collecting them.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/350215-complete-3rd-gen-model-list.html


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4013TSW & 4056TSW (pre-rail)

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[vigil617]

Top choice: a good condition Performance Center Shorty 40 in either the original configuration or in the Mark 3 (black) or Mark 3S(silver) will run you around $1,000 but is a pistol that you will really love.

The TSW ("Tactical Smith & Wesson") models of the compact production pistols have a bit more fit and finish than their straight production-line counterparts and are, I think, worth the small difference in price. I don't care for the screwed-on rails, and prefer the non-railed versions, but for a nightstand gun you might want to mount a light on, they are a good choice too.

Yes, the 4006 or (somewhat lighter) 4003 are excellent full-size platforms too. The 4006 is a stainless steel tank, and I enjoyed the one I owned but opted to move into the compacts. There are TSW versions of both of those too.

 

[kraynky]

If you're looking for a 3rd Gen 40 & carry is not a consideration, I would definitely check out a Model 4006. Very accurate, great night stand gun, & they are still fairly easy to find. GB had quit a few the last time I looked. Good luck with your decision n& don't forget to post pics of whatever you decide on!

That about sums it up, Not planing on carrying it unless it's for a woods walk or as a sidearm while deer hunting. The pictures Bluedot37 posted have me slobbering on my keyboard. Now I want ALL of them! I also like the pre-rails. Decisions, decisions...........

Thanks guys!

 

[TTSH]

That about sums it up, Not planing on carrying it unless it's for a woods walk or as a sidearm while deer hunting. The pictures Bluedot37 posted have me slobbering on my keyboard. Now I want ALL of them! I also like the pre-rails. Decisions, decisions...........

Thanks guys!

So many great choices out there in .40 3rd Gens that it's hard to go wrong with any of them.

I have a 4053 in great shape and a 4046 bargain gun that could use a little TLC (plus a CS40 too)... but I am lacking a full-size DA/SA in .40. I've got my eye on a really nice 4006 locally, but the asking price is just a little too far outside of my reach. Unless it comes down a bit, I'm afraid I'll have to take a pass on that one.

 

[Chief-wahoo]

Have you given thought to the CS series in 9,40 or 45 cal? They are a great ccw gun fit in the hand good and point naturally, you can still find really nice examples for around $350 or LNIB for $400-$600, might be worth a look, I know I love them.

 

[DanP7]

4006 is the quintessential service .40 IMO.

Prices are still generally very good on them, as they are some of the last third gens to come off cop-duty and hit the secondary market in any decent quantity. Also, shooters are favoring the 9mm guns due to ammo prices, so the demand is softer on the .40's resulting in more bargaining leverage.

 

[Peakes]

For me I love both the CS 40 (shown with Big Dog Grips), and 4013. For carry they are light, and both pack plenty of punch. I've had the 4006 and it is a fine pistol as well if you do not mind the extra weight. And yes a Shorty Forty is a nice find, but the prices have gone sky high for one.

 

[kraynky]

I really like the looks of the CS40! Is it a double stack? How many rounds? The 4006 favors my 1006, and would be a great pair. This could get out ok f hand real fast. I know me. Have already gone through the "Marlinitis" thing ( still got it) went into Blackhawks for a bit, now I'm loving these 3G Smiths!

I need a second job........... nah, a lottery ticket maybe.....

 

[GaryS]

Buy a Glock, they are much better made guns.
There is no reason to buy any more 3rd generation S&W pistols, especially in 9mm or .45 ACP. They are obsolete, unreliable, and of course hard to find parts for.

Fortunately for you, there are some very nice people here who will relieve you of that junker 3913NL that someone foisted on you. Just list it in the classifieds and a helpful person will buy it very quickly.



Just kidding. The 3rd generation guns are terrific. I'm not a .40 guy, but you won't go wrong with a 4006. A 4006TSW is probably a bit better, but also more expensive.

The CS40, in case no one else has mentioned it, is not a double stack. It's a compact single stack .40. I had a CS9 and it was a very nice gun. I only sold it because I upgraded to a pre rail 3913TSW.

There is a thread here, it might even be in the "Notable Threads" area, that lists all of the 3rd generation variations that are known to exist. The list is exhaustive as it seems that S&W tried to make a 3rd gen to fit every conceivable niche.

Well, except for a frame mounted decocker 9mm compact single stack. Sig figured that market out and filled it with the P239.

Sorry for the drift. You'll find a lot of very knowledgeable 3rd generation owners here.

 

[BruceB]

And for a more slimming profile in a full sized .40, there is the frame decocker 4026.

 

[GaryS]

And for a more slimming profile in a full sized .40, there is the frame decocker 4026.

That's the gun I'd own if only S&W had made it in a compact 9mm.

 

[cbroth]

The 4040PD changed my opinion of the .40 caliber. Just a great
carry weapon.

 

[kraynky]

So many numbers,.........so many versions,.........so much to choose from,...........I've got some homework to do I see. There aren't that many 3G's in the shops around here, so this may take a while. I want to actually hold them at least before I buy one. I got the 1006 out last night and realized I don't want to go that big on a 40. I'm assuming the 4006 is about the same size. The CS40 still looks real nice, but I'm going to check into these others as well. Now to find a 4040 to fondle..............

 

[BruceB]

The 4006 will be shorter than your 1006, 4" vs. 5" barrel.

The CS40 will be the most compact, I believe, 3" barrel. I have a CS40 two-tone, and immediately replaced the thick sticky rubber grips with delrin (39xx modified by Big Dog - threads elsewhere on these). I only mention the grips because you might be able to score a CS40 with those grips already installed. With these it makes an excellent carry piece.

Re-reading the thread, I see that it wasn't directly mentioned that the 4013 originally was a single stack, and later models were built on a different double-stack frame so you have some options for a different feel. If you like the double-stack version, they are fairly regularly available in both the "normal" and TSW versions, and the TSW may be with or without a rail. The 401x, and 405x range are all 3.5" barrels, as is the 4040PD.

Isn't this fun ?

 

[kraynky]

Makes my tiny brain hurt.......but it fun learning. I've seen a few CS40's listed on AList, but I want to handle one to be sure it's what I want. Good info here for sure.