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.

 

[vigil617]

My hunch is that if you get ahold of a 4040PD -- all black finish, single stack, scandium/alloy frame, soft Hogue grips -- that you will start looking for one to buy pronto! They're not that easy to find, though GB has them now and then, and you'll pay $500 to $600 or so for a good used one with box and two mags, but they are way sweeeeeeet. One of my favorite all-time S&W semi-autos, but I turned mine loose when I decided to consolidate calibers. And got a lot....less....than I had paid for it when I hadn't seen one in months, and hit "Buy It Now" on that special day when one finally showed up.

You'll especially like the slanted dustcover that is like the one on your 3913NL. Matter of fact, the 4040PD is basically the 40 cal. version of the 3914NL, only with the scandium alloyed into the aluminum alloy frame. Plus, the slide on the 4040PD is carbon steel, if I remember correctly. The mags are sort of one-of-a-kind in that they have a small ball bearing installed in the side, but they do come with either a finger-rest or a flat baseplate, and are clearly marked 4040 in the factory original mags. I doubt if any after-market companies made mags for these, though.

Come to think of it, the weight, balance, and grip of your 3913NL is going to be very similar (almost identical) to the 4040PD -- Delrin grips are available if you want to replace the factory Hogues -- so if you decide to look for one, you shouldn't have to worry that you haven't handled one first. Great carry pistol in .40, no doubt about it.

 

[kraynky]

My hunch is that if you get ahold of a 4040PD -- all black finish, single stack, scandium/alloy frame, soft Hogue grips -- that you will start looking for one to buy pronto! They're not that easy to find, though GB has them now and then, and you'll pay $500 to $600 or so for a good used one with box and two mags, but they are way sweeeeeeet. One of my favorite all-time S&W semi-autos, but I turned mine loose when I decided to consolidate calibers. And got a lot....less....than I had paid for it when I hadn't seen one in months, and hit "Buy It Now" on that special day when one finally showed up.

You'll especially like the slanted dustcover that is like the one on your 3913NL. Matter of fact, the 4040PD is basically the 40 cal. version of the 3914NL, only with the scandium alloyed into the aluminum alloy frame. Plus, the slide on the 4040PD is carbon steel, if I remember correctly. The mags are sort of one-of-a-kind in that they have a small ball bearing installed in the side, but they do come with either a finger-rest or a flat baseplate, and are clearly marked 4040 in the factory original mags. I doubt if any after-market companies made mags for these, though.

Come to think of it, the weight, balance, and grip of your 3913NL is going to be very similar (almost identical) to the 4040PD -- Delrin grips are available if you want to replace the factory Hogues -- so if you decide to look for one, you shouldn't have to worry that you haven't handled one first. Great carry pistol in .40, no doubt about it.

Now look what ya done! Got me all in love with a gun I can't find. I really want one now. I can imagine how it would feel in my hand with a snappy .40 blasting out the barrel!

This will give me something to look for fur sure. It took me nearly three years of casual browsing as I travel for my job, to find a nearly NIB 3913NL. But I'm going to put the word out for one of these 4040pd,s at my usual haunts.

Thanks for giving me a purpose in life once again. Good thing is I've got a nice 40 in the mean time. I got nothing but good to say about my FNX40. Good 'ole USA made too!

 

[jsbethel]

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

GaryS - What about the 6926?

 

[GaryS]

GaryS - What about the 6926?

It's a double stack. Still, if I ever stumbled across one I'd have to buy it. Jusy because.

 

[Barefootdog]

My 4006 is a real soft shooting gun. Highly recommended.

 

[TercGen]

Great suggestions so far, and I think you'd be happy with any one of them kraynky.

For what you're after though, which sounds like more of a house/woods gun, I would recommend starting with the full-size 4006. It's all-steel and built to last, slightly shorter than your 1006 with a thicker double-stack grip, and has a full-length 4" barrel. 4006TSW's are better and will have more refined performance and features, but are harder to come by. Personally, I've only shot the TSW version, and it was the softest-recoiling 40sw pistol I've ever experienced.

For concealment, the 4040PD is king (basically a 3913NL in 40sw), but good luck getting one. The 4013 and it's rarer sibling the 4014 in single stack are a bit bigger but are great cc pistols, with fairly mild recoil as well. As of a few days ago, there were a number of 4013 single stacks available on Gunbroker.

 

[GB]

I add my vote for a 4006(I don't have one but would add to the herd if I ever found one that was for sale at a reasonable price, in these parts). Just to stir the pot a little,, for what you are looking for, you might be interested in a value line pistol. A model 411. Same mag as a 4006, alum. frame with steel slide. Mine are(have two) good shooters and serve me well as range guns and nightstand guns. And lastly, the Model 410, again a value line but with a few more spaceage material parts (rear sight and spring guide) Any 3rd gen 40 is worth an extended look. Just depends on what is available in your area. GB

 

[vigil617]

Now look what ya done! Got me all in love with a gun I can't find. I really want one now. I came imagine how it would feel in my hand with a snappy .40 blasting out the barrel!

It feels great, is how it feels. Others have commented, too, on how well this pistol handles recoil of the .40S&W round. I liken it to a little dog with a big bark!

If you're serious about wanting one in the short term, just place a Wanted to Buy ad here in the classifieds. Refresh it now and again until one of our members here decides to part with a 4040PD, and you're in business! It's better than waiting for GunBroker to come up with one, that's for sure.

 

[ILLWIND]

I only have 2 40's. A 4053 and 4014. I like them for what they are...a short(Single stack) compact firearm that is easy to carry and shoot. Prices are high....I saw a one and only S&W 3rd gen 4046 at a gun show and they were asking $650. Ya could get 2 EAA's for that price.

 

[Merc1]

Second on the 4040PD, picked up one last year. I think that my 3914LS has a smoother trigger, but with both in the same compact size, IWB carry works well with either. The 4040PD doesn't come up in the mainstream classifieds very often, you may want to check classified posts on the sites for other makes, I have seen some good deals on 3rd Gen S&W on those sites. Be persistent and check daily, they are out there. I find that the search is half the fun of locating that "must have" next purchase.