The 3946, Does it really exist?

[Landric]

Over the years I have seen various references to the 3946 (which would be a stainless, steel frame, DAO version of the single stack 3906). I have, however, never seen one in person or even a picture. Most of the references I have seen to it involve either NYPD (though as best as I can tell NYPD never approved it) or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Can anyone tell me if this gun was every actually produced? If so, does anyone have a picture of one? The 3946 is basically my grail gun, though I don't expect to ever actually find one (assuming it exists).

Anyone have any info?

 

[MTS Cop]

Did you do a search? I seem to remember someone posting a picture of one awhile back. I think the serial number was something like "NYPDxxx". I too would love to have the weapon in my possession.

 

[KurtC]

Some years back I followed up some leads trying to find one, never actually finding out if they actually exist. It was offered as a contract gun for LE, and made it to parts lists.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson2/upload/other/PistolPartsList_Retail.pdf

(that doesn't mean much, as the parts used to build one would be compatible with several other known models. Only the frame would be different)

 

[Landric]

I did a search, both here and on google without any luck.

 

[k22fan]

This thread is the first I've ever heard of a 3946 but I have thought it would be nice to have one. A recent poster wrote that 3906 vintage TDAs can be converted to DAO using newer 3rd Gen. MIM parts. I think that's as close as you'll get.

Best Regards;

Gil

 

[Nick B.]

The 3946 was not issued by the RCMP. They issued the 3953 and the 5946 - stainless for GD and black for ERT.

 

[18DAI]

First time I saw mention of a 3946 was on a cardboard magazine backing for a S&W single stack 9mm mag.

I thought someone had written the wrong model number. It was handwritten "3904, 3906, 952, 3946".

I called one of my NYPD contacts. He had no information on a 3946 in NYPD service. He initially thought I was referring to the DAO 3914, which is still in service there.

I hope you find one Landric! If it shoots as nicely as my 3906 you will be pleased indeed. It took me a number of years to track down the 3906, but it was worth it! Good luck and good hunting! Regards 18DAI.

 

[MTS Cop]

The NYPD never used the 3946, if it did in fact ever exist. It must have been a T&E model or something like that. This gun is becoming like a unicorn now....

 

[HaroldOhio]

The 'Blue Book of Gun Values' doesn't list a 3946.

 

[FirebirdV8]

I suspect the 3946 may be like a mod 1016. I have seen a picture of a compact 10mm and Bianchi even lists them on their website for holster compatability, but I have come to believe they were only a factory test idea that never came to actual production. Although if either a 3946 or 1016 was ever sold and I found it, it wouldn't be on the market very long.

 

[slanto3000]

I think that the RCMP up here in Canada may have had something like that for members with small hands.

 

[red feather]

I know this is an old thread but I would like to know about the 3944,Is it in the same category as the 3946?? I know Numrich has some parts for both guns.

 

[mjb99]

For what it's worth, the 3rd edition of SCSW doesn't have any info on 3946 (or 3944). It seems that 3906's, 3904's, and even 909's are uncommon enough as it is!

If they actually made such a beast, I would LOVE to get ahold of one - Pre-TSW action, of course!

Matt

 

[BigDaddy7972]

S&W make a 3983 for the NYPD back in the late eighties or early nineties. It was a limited production model run that consisted of, IIRC, only ten guns or so. It was going to be an off duty gun as well as for people assigned to undecover units such as narcotics. It had a much smaller "beavertail" to aid in concealment and was DAO. As a matter of fact it almost had no "beavertail". It looks just like a 3953 except for that beavertail. It was never adopted for reasons I forget. Is this what you are referring to?

 

[Badkarma 1]

You might want to drop Mr. Jinks a line on this. If anybody knows he would! Dale

 

[Robinett_11B]

3946...anyone?

 

[fuzzymcnab]

Hey Nick B.,
SoCal howdy to BC. Love the place. Cousins in North Van, Salt Spring island, and my youngest went to UBC.
Can you give us a quick run down of what guns are issued/approved for RCMP? Is it the same for all provinces?Always wanted to know.
Thanks, fuzzy