The Complete 3rd Gen Model List

[skjos]

First I must preface this by admitting I don't really have a handle on the definition of " third generation". I thought they were designated by a four digit model number and a flat front to the trigger guard, but apparently not always.

That being said, there have been no comments regarding the series I have found a passion for, the .22 models. I know many don't find .22s sexy enough to bother with, so I'll ask your indulgence.

I see 2213,2214, 2206, and 2206tgt. Why wouldn't the 422, 622, and 622vr be included?

Why was the "VR" (vented rib) on 622's only listed under the special features on the label and not a different suffix to the model number like was done with the 2206tgt? Besides the vented rib frame, the 622vr also had a rounded front to the trigger guard that was different than the flat front on all other models.

So I guess my questions are:
1. Should the list of "third gen" models include the 422, 622, and 622vr?
2. If not, why not? I'm confused on what defines a third gen.
3. I am not aware of any "dash" models in this series. Can anyone confirm or deny that?
Thanks for helping a novice collector understand this. If you're interested, I have some production numbers I got from S&W on a couple of these.

Really the question should be; should the “third gen list” include .22LR?

Based on SWSC, the 3rd gen was born from a series of mostly ergonomic improvements to the 2nd gen design; pistols that incorporated these improvements were designated by a new four-digit model number (with the exception of the value series). These improvements did not generally apply to the .22LR design.

I’m guessing that the 1987 introduction of the 422 tagged it with a 2nd gen model designation (first digit = material, last digit(s) = caliber) and the 622 followed suit when introduced in 1989. When S&W released a new all stainless model to the line in 1990 they simply chose to simply split from the 2nd gen model designation and use the 3rd gen designation. They probably could have named it the 622S to designate it was all stainless, but chose instead to name it 2206 (.22LR, standard model, all stainless) per the new 3rd gen model designation (see bottom of chart in OP). This is all conjecture on my part, but it seems to make sense. I’m sure someone more familiar with the internal workings of S&W can probably provide a better answer.

I simply included the four-digit .22LR models because they had a 3rd-gen model number designation, and excluded the three-digit .22LR models because they had a 2nd-gen numbering system.

Perhaps a new thread should be started with a poll:
Remove .22LR from the list
Only keep four-digit .22LR models on the list
Add three-digit .22LR models to the list

 

[Richard McMillan]

Smith & Wesson in the fall of 1988 announce a new line of auto-loading hand guns. The new handguns were referred to by the factory as the "AIP" guns, which was the abbreviation for Automatic Improvement Program. The new models had a new series of four digit model numbers and a total of twenty-three changes from the old models. These were the pistols that were introduced as the Third Generation Smith & Wesson Auto-Loading Pistols. Seven new models were introduced, they were; 3904, 3906, 5904, 5906, 6904, 6906, and 4506. The significant changes which define the Third Generation Guns are; undercut front strap, rounded trigger, 3 dot sight system, polished feed ramp, dull finish, eliminated stainless steel springs, beveled magazine well, magazine capacity numbering, one piece grip, improved slide stop, improved double action pull, extended trigger guard, improved ambidextrous safety lever, and fixed barrel bushing. These were the significance changes at the time of introduction. Many were change again or revised with the introduction of new models, user feedback or production changes. However it does give a starting point for a definition of the third generation guns. Note, no reference to the four-digit model number .22s in the factory introduction.

 

[Slidemuzik]

Thanks Richard. From that information I'd say the .22's would not be considered "third generation" guns, but merely shared the trigger guard styling of the third gen and the four digit model numbers on some models.

I guess a rose by any other name is still a rose.

 

[skjos]

While the .22LR pistols do not really fit into the 3rd gen classification. I hate to drop the .22LR's from the list because they are cool in their own right. So what I've done is note the .22LR as "3rd gen era .22LR pistols" and added the 422, 622, and 622VR to the list, because they were produced in the primary era of the other 3rd gen models.

 

[Slidemuzik]

While the .22LR pistols do not really fit into the 3rd gen classification. I hate to drop the .22LR's from the list because they are cool in their own right. So what I've done is note the .22LR as "3rd gen era .22LR pistols" and added the 422, 622, and 622VR to the list, because they were produced in the primary era of the other 3rd gen models.

Bravo. Agree with you on their coolness. I was rereading some older threads and had forgotten you are an owner. I think you had a 2206? Do you have others? Understand if you'd rather not elaborate. Love these pistols and appreciate when others give them attention.

 

[skjos]

Bravo. Agree with you on their coolness. I was rereading some older threads and had forgotten you are an owner. I think you had a 2206? Do you have others? Understand if you'd rather not elaborate. Love these pistols and appreciate when others give them attention.

I had owned a 4.5" 422 Field model in the past, but it was used in a trade for a Ruger Mark II Competition Target (excellent pistol BTW). I currently have a 6" 2206, it is also excellent, but it has some problems extracting Agulia shells from the chamber. I've replaced the extractor and spring, but it still does not like this ammo, which is unfortunate because I bought 5000rds from the CMP.

 

[k22fan]

What are and aren’t 3rd gen pistols, simplified.

The 2nd and 3rd generation nomenclature was to market significant redesigns of the 1950s model 39 platform. Regardless of when they were introduced or how they were named, all pistols that are not direct descendants of the 39, 59 or 52 are not younger generations of those pistols. That rules out all 1911s, polymer framed pistols and .22s.

The most important design changes separating 3rd gens from 2nd were not machining the back strap as part of the frame to reduce trigger reach giving more leverage DA and press fitting barrel bushings to improve accuracy. As with all S&W engineering changes transitional pistols were assembled to use up parts inventory and I vaguely recall some 3rd gen features appeared first in 669 size pistols, but in general a wrap around one piece grip and non-removable barrel bushing = 3rd generation.

While I’m not a 3rd gen expert I’m well established as a forum curmudgeon, so until I’m contradicted by a certified master curmudgeon, that’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it.

 

[Big Cholla]

skjos: My hat is off to you and your efforts to keep us S&W lovers informed. Keeping track of what goes on within S&W has to be harder than herding cats. I want a hard copy of this chart, say about 24"x36" to hang in my shop. And, of course I want it in a computer file for reference while being comfortable in my office. I will be happy to pay for both or either. This is a significant contribution to our endeavor. I will bet big bucks that your efforts could lead to your publication of a great book. ........... Big Cholla

 

[skjos]

Updated the production dates.
I basically took the default SWSC production dates; unless there was no end date provided, in which case I pulled the end date from the 34th edition of the BBGV.
Added the 4053TSW pre-rail model (I missed this one when I added the other pre-rail models to the list).
Added 3914TSW production qty of 1060 based on BBGV.
Added 4596 production qty of 382 based on SWSC.

File will be shared as soon as I get the 3rd Gen Performance Center tab vetted, I should have that one ready for viewing/updates this weekend. Stay tuned.

 

[skjos]

Added another phantom model. This one is listed in the SWSC on page 276.

Model 3958

39 = 9MM, single stack
5 = compact, DAO
8 = Stainless slide, Carbon frame

The "8" does not fit the standard material designations so I guessed at it based on the remaining material combinations.

 

[GaryS]

I wonder if any were actually made and sold?

Added another phantom model. This one is listed in the SWSC on page 276.

Model 3958

39 = 9MM, single stack
5 = compact, DAO
8 = Stainless slide, Carbon frame

The "8" does not fit the standard material designations so I guessed at it based on the remaining material combinations.

 

[skjos]

I wonder if any were actually made and sold?

A quick forum and web search came up empty. It could be an error in the SWSC (I've found quite a few of those), but it could also be a very small run of grail guns. I included it noting that none are known to exist.

I did another small update to square away all the RSR production quantities and serial numbers. Information was gathered from the SWSC and a handy production letter posted on this forum.

 

[skjos]

A link has now been added to the bottom of the original post that will open the excel file. Feel free to save your own copy, but please keep sending updates so I can maintain the original file.

The excel file has two tabs, one for production 3rd gens and one for performance center models.

 

[skjos]

List has been updated to include the 4590.

 

[LOBO]

Awesome list!! THANKS!!

 

[jlo1510]

5943 is in there.

List updated to show pre-rail models of 3913TSW, 3953TSW, 4013TSW, 4513TSW, and 4553TSW.

Making the list took a long time, but updating it goes pretty quickly.

Great effort and information. I have a 4013 I purchased in October of 1991. It has a 3.5 inch barrel, decocking levers on both sides, it's single stack. You have it listed as single action, but mine is double action. The serial number begins with
TVD65XX. Thanks
John

 

[skjos]

Great effort and information. I have a 4013 I purchased in October of 1991. It has a 3.5 inch barrel, decocking levers on both sides, it's single stack. You have it listed as single action, but mine is double action. The serial number begins with
TVD65XX. Thanks
John

It is listed as TDA with a single stack magazine.

 

[jlo1510]

It is listed as TDA with a single stack magazine.

I stand corrected. Sorry.
John

 

[skjos]

No problem. I hope everyone takes a close look at the list, especially with models they own, so it can be updated and corrected if/as required.

 

[flyrobb]

This is a classic and should be a sticky permanently. Great resource. Great work.

Agreed! Perfect timing. As someone pretty new to S&W I have been looking at a 3913 or similar model for carry this really helps sort them out.

Thanks!