Thoughts on 3rd Generation Autos

[RJR573]

Hello everyone.

I also have a soft spot for the 3rd gen S&W autos. I also think it's got to do with the style and quality of machining.

Years ago I had a 5903, 6906, 4516, 4566, and CS-45 which were all great guns.

After I had them a while I got bored and decided to go with all polymer so I bought Glocks, Spfld. XD, Ruger, Kahr, Taurus etc.

Now I've swung back the other way and only want steel or aluminum frame autos so I bought another 6906 and a 457.

Still deciding what kind of large size D/A .45acp to buy, maybe a all steel EAA / CZ clone.

 

[franco45]

I realize that I am late to the game. Although I am in my 60's I just got back into handguns about 3 years ago after a 30 year hiatus.
I owned 38 special and 32 revolvers the first time around. My first purchase 3 years ago was a CA Undercover and then a 642.
Then I got the semiauto bug. After a series of polymer pocket guns I bought an RIA 1911 and then an FM hipower, a Bersa or 2 and finally a 3913. I just shot the 3913 today for the first time.
I shoot my Kahrs and my LCP once a month because I still carry them, but when I just want to shoot and enjoy I grab my 1911 or my Hipower and now my 3913. The 3913 may just break into the rotation though. It is extremely accurate and pretty too.

 

[RJR573]

Hi Franco.

Better late then never

That 3913 is a great gun !! It's just like my 6906 with a narrower frame. A friend of mine carried one for years.

 

[franco45]

Thanks Randy, I am already considering putting a 5906 on layaway at the local Gander Mountain. They have several police trade ins for about $400. By the way welcome.

 

[RJR573]

Gary Cole Distributing on Gunbroker has lots of old S&W 59xx and 69xx series police and military trade in's for 325.00 - 350.00 and has good shipping rates too. I've bought quite a few from them over the years and have got nice guns and good service.

If you like the 5906 have you looked at the 5903 ? It's the exact same gun with a aluminum lower instead of stainless so it's a little lighter. I had one several years ago and really liked it.

Here's a link to one of their auctions but they have many going so check them out.

S&W 5903 9mm Stainless : Semi-auto at GunBroker.com

 

[quneur]

I consider polymer guns to be utilitarian pieces. Like the LCP is small and light; great for CC. But the handguns I want to own/collect are made of metal. Like rifles; synthetic stock vs nice walnut stock. Or shotguns; 870 vs a Kreighoff/Purdy.

The good about 3rd gens, they cross both lines. Nice clean lines and collectable for their history. The only aspect I don't like is most of these double stack guns don't fit my smaller hands. The single stack guns don't come with a hammer (have to install them yourself) for easier trigger pull.

 

[Cruiser RN]

I have been a wheelgun guy from the day 1.When I became a instructor figured it was time to delve into the semi-auto.I first was given a Glock to look at and became alarmed @ having to dry fire the gun to break it down.1 little distraction and the recipe for a negligent discharge.I then looked @ the 3913 and liked the way it fit my hand and the magazine safety feature.I wasn't too happy with the double -single trigger but it was something I could learn and it was all metal.On day I got my hands on a CS9 and all was right.It totally fit my small hand,was all metal,and had the features I wanted.When she got home I worked with Big Dog and the Delrin Grip was made,put Trijicon Night Sights on and had it converted to DAO that I love.Haven't looked back since and being it fits me so well I only bought one other semi auto,a 1977 Walther PPKS because i always wanted a James Bond Gun.

 

[blujax01]

Thanks Randy, I am already considering putting a 5906 on layaway at the local Gander Mountain. They have several police trade ins for about $400. By the way welcome.

If the drive's not too far, check Vance's in Columbus. They usually have dozens of 3rd Gen police trades in 9mm, 40 cal and 45 acp for $320-$399.

 

[chessail 77]

Lets not forget the 908 for those of us who have not yet found a pristine 3913 or cs 9, it makes an excellent EDC. I also have a 4586 and pulling the trigger on her is like drawing your finger through melted butter, a bit too large and heavy to carry but a real joy to shoot....

 

[jun225]

I contemplated on selling my 459 (2nd gen)a few months back. I must admit I've been looking into the newer guns out there. But when I tried holding and shooting some of the newer pistols I suddenly remembered why I loved the old 459. Try pulling the slide and releasing it and listen to the metal to metal sound...music. It sounded so reassuring that a round has been properly loaded and ready to fire. That to me is a very good reason to buy S&W.

Jun