Went to do paperwork on a 3913TSW and found a lovely 4006 too . . .

[Denver Dick]

Back around October 20, I happen to check Turner's Outdoorsman's website about a hour after they posted a 3913TSW pre-rail listed as 95% which turned out to be 100% with two magazines but no box. I called . . . they held it . . . I purchased it. Sort of like Staples, "That was Easy."

Yesterday, I saw a 4006 with adjustable sights come up on their website at the same location where my 3913TSW was waiting for me to start the state paperwork (registration, etc.). It was listed as 90% without magazines (no highcaps here in California) but with the "OEM Box" for $450. This location seems to always under rate the condition. And, since I was planning on going in today to register my 3913TSW anyway, I figured I would call and have them hold it for me to look at.

So, yesterday I called the guy with whom I've been dealing there and before I could say anything, he said, "Hey, a 4006 came in that is really, really nice. I put it in the back with your name on it to check out when you come in tomorrow." I said, "That's funny because I was going to ask you about that one. You guys have it marked at 90%, so . . ." He says, "I don't see a mark on it and it's very, very nice."

Today, I went in and filled out the registration paperwork on the 3913TSW and then turned my attention to the 4006 with adjustable sights. It appears to be unfired in perfect condition with the original box and paperwork (s/n VDC91xx, mfg'd 1995). Since I knew it didn't come with mags, I brought a couple of my own to test it with. At $450, I grapped it. I'm going to sell my brother some of the South African .308 ammo I've been hoarding to help finance this unexpected purchase. At $450, in that condition with adjustable sights here in Southern California, I simply could not pass it up.

I'll be going in to do the registration paperwork on December 7th (Pearl Harbor Day). <STRIKE>Here's a link to the listing on Turner's website: 4006 at Turner's</STRIKE> They took down the listing.

 

[Denver Dick]

Back around October 20, I happen to check Turner's Outdoorsman's website about a hour after they posted a 3913TSW pre-rail listed as 95% which turned out to be 100% with two magazines but no box. I called . . . they held it . . . I purchased it. Sort of like Staples, "That was Easy."

Yesterday, I saw a 4006 with adjustable sights come up on their website at the same location where my 3913TSW was waiting for me to start the state paperwork (registration, etc.). It was listed as 90% without magazines (no highcaps here in California) but with the "OEM Box" for $450. This location seems to always under rate the condition. And, since I was planning on going in today to register my 3913TSW anyway, I figured I would call and have them hold it for me to look at.

So, yesterday I called the guy with whom I've been dealing there and before I could say anything, he said, "Hey, a 4006 came in that is really, really nice. I put it in the back with your name on it to check out when you come in tomorrow." I said, "That's funny because I was going to ask you about that one. You guys have it marked at 90%, so . . ." He says, "I don't see a mark on it and it's very, very nice."

Today, I went in and filled out the registration paperwork on the 3913TSW and then turned my attention to the 4006 with adjustable sights. It appears to be unfired in perfect condition with the original box and paperwork (s/n VDC91xx, mfg'd 1995). Since I knew it didn't come with mags, I brought a couple of my own to test it with. At $450, I grapped it. I'm going to sell my brother some of the South African .308 ammo I've been hoarding to help finance this unexpected purchase. At $450, in that condition with adjustable sights here in Southern California, I simply could not pass it up.

I'll be going in to do the registration paperwork on December 7th (Pearl Harbor Day). <STRIKE>Here's a link to the listing on Turner's website: 4006 at Turner's</STRIKE> They took down the listing.

 

[pbslinger]

Way to go! Glad to see Califoria S&W fans score. I have 3 4006's, one just like this one.

 

[EvelMe]

VERY nice score!

 

[jed1177]

Dick -
I just looked at a similiar one for $495. Does your have the silver hammer and trigger? This one had a black hammer and I can't recall now about the trigger color.

Do you know if this color combination changed over time ??

 

[Denver Dick]

This new one was made in 1995 and has a black hammer and trigger. My other one was made in 1992 and has a black hammer and hard chromed trigger. I have a feeling based on the 4006 pistols that I've seen that, except for those 4006s that came with hard chromed spurless hammers, all 4006s came with black hammers. Just a theory of mine. FWIW

 

[jed1177]

As I typed my first reply, I thought it had a hard cromed trigger...for sure a black hammer.

Interesting combinations.

 

[50Meter]

I just got a pre-rail 3913---love it. Why they quit making these...

 

[Denver Dick]

50Meter:

If you mean the 3913TSW "Tactical" (pre-rail), from my reading it seems to me that it was a two-year compromise. They cut the frame to take a 7 shot magazine and special flat butt plate. This gave it a very short grip, but they left it with a 3 1/2" barrel. It begs the question, do you want a real concealable pistol or a tactical weapon?

After two years (1997-99), S&W decided to stop the compromise. It replaced the pre-rail "Tactical" with the 3913TSW "9 Tactical" (w/rail). They went back to the full uncut grip and 8 shot magazine, it was a full size 3913 with the rail. They also came out with a very concealable baby, the CS9 "Chief's Special" with a short grip, 7 shot magazine and a shorter 3" barrel.

Now, if you're talking about why they quit making the 3913 generally, it's all about cost. Metal frame pistols got too expensive to produce and profitably sell. And, it seems most folks' taste are heading towards plastic frames.

FWIW

 

[50Meter]

My question was rhetorical in nature. The newer guns are not as good, but are cheaper to make, and they sell, so they will certainly be making more of these Sigma-types to satisfy demand. They are not for me, though. I bought up a bunch of the 3rd gen 3913s, CS, etc. They are reliable, concealable, and well made guns. Do not see much reason for a light rail on a concealment gun, though, which is why I prefer the pre-rail. It is also a little more accurate, or at least shoots slightly better for me than the CS9 and they don't have the value-line plastic mag. release buttons that the CS do. The short spring on the CS worries some people and, according to them, the 3913 is a little more reliable for that reason. The pre-rail 3913 would then be the closest thing to a CS9 size-wise AND it has the benefit of slim grips, which the CS doesn't have. That's why they sell for a premium when they do occasionally come available...

 

[Denver Dick]

Yep, the 3913 series seems to be a big hit with a great many people. It's easy to see why.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

My 4006 with the adjustable sights has matte finished, silver colored trigger, and bobbed hammer - 100% from the factory.

Regards,

Dave

 

[Denver Dick]

Right, the bobbed hammers should be hard chromed (silver colored). It's hard chromed "spurred" hammers that I haven't seen on 4006. That doesn't mean they're not out there, it simply means that I haven't seen a "spurred" hammer in hard chrome on a 4006. All spurred hammers on a 4006 in original factory configuration that I've seen have been blue/black.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Concur, Dick. Thank you for the clarification.

Regards,

Dave

 

[sdrct]

A local store has had a stack of police trade in 4006's for over a month, and they are not moving well at their asking price of $299. If they sit much longer I may try making a lowball offer. Obviously these will not be like new, but maybe the price could get right closer to $200-225.