What 3rd Gens would you consider "semi-rare?"

[NordicG3K]

Looking to add another S&W 3rd generation pistol to the stable, but would like something not quite so mainstream/common. Which 3rd Gen guns would you consider somewhat unique, or difficult to come by?

I'm intrigued by the 5924, but open to other suggestions...

 

[all5x]

Not sure how this stacks up but the model 4054 was only produced for a short time, a total of 155 pieces sold, and yet it does not qualify as rare or even semi-rare.

 

[NordicG3K]

Not sure how this stacks up but the model 4054 was only produced for a short time, a total of 155 pieces sold, and yet it does not qualify as rare or even semi-rare.

I just picked up a 4013, so that would be a nice companion piece.

 

[TTSH]

Looking to add another S&W 3rd generation pistol to the stable, but would like something not quite so mainstream/common. Which 3rd Gen guns would you consider somewhat unique, or difficult to come by?

Time to get a copy of the famous SKJOS comprehensive list of 3rd Gens and start making your plans. Scanning the various auction and on-line sales sites will also give you a good idea of relative rarity and desirability simply by the asking and selling prices alone.

And, of course, a copy of the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson is invaluable.

I don't see many truly "rare" 3rd Gens in my area... which is why all of my 3rd Gens are everyday garden variety examples.

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

Most of the PC's but for standard production 4567, 4040 and 4536 comes to mind.

 

[NordicG3K]

Most of the PC's but for standard production 4567, 4040 and 4536 comes to mind.

Is the 4536 the same frame size as the 4516?

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

Is the 4536 the same frame size as the 4516?

Yep, but with SIG style decocker.

 

[Stu1205]

The 1076 10mm FBI issue is kind of rare.
It doesn't have the magazine release safety, and it
has the decocker lever on the frame instead of the slide.
It has been on my want list for a while.
Hard to find, and expensive if you do.

Stu

 

[spistols]

Low production number as for the 5905!

 

[NordicG3K]

The 1076 10mm FBI issue is kind of rare.
It doesn't have the magazine release safety, and it
has the decocker lever on the frame instead of the slide.
It has been on my want list for a while.
Hard to find, and expensive if you do.

Stu

I've got all the 10mms, except for the 1066 (and am always looking for a good deal on one!). A mid-size .45 is a possibility. I've also wanted a 3913NL for some time. Decisions, decisions...

 

[TTSH]

I've got all the 10mms, except for the 1066 (and am always looking for a good deal on one!).

Holy cow!!! Sounds like you are already doing damn well in your search for relatively rare 3rd Gens!

 

[Sevens]

Not ultra-rare, but they didn't make a heap of the basic 3906. And while it annoys so many of us because we LOVE them, it is easy to see why they made that decision. All steel, single stack and full-size 9mm pistol was probably not at all a big seller in the era of the hi-cap pistol.

I don't have one but I sure want one. Closest I have is a fixed-sight 2nd Gen Model 639.

 

[GaryS]

3904/3906, any pre rail TSW. Mdl 457D (Chicago PD), 3914DAO (NYPD).

 

[BLUEDOT37]

Which 3rd Gen guns would you consider... difficult to come by?

The most difficult one to find is always the one you're currently longing for.

.

 

[John R]

The Shorty Fourty was a nice CCW gun.
My leg is still sore from kicking my own *** for selling that one.

 

[UNCLE PAULY]

S&W 4556 - about 400 made, and a nice carry gun.

 

[TexasG]

RSR's are transitionals from 2nd to 3rd. Are we considering this group too?

 

[dacoontz]

RSR's are transitionals from 2nd to 3rd. Are we considering this group too?

I thought that too but I am guessing they are not considered because they are actually "rare" not "semi-rare." Although, I suppose we could say they are actually "scarce."

 

[NordicG3K]

No firm rules here. I just like firearms that a little less common.

 

[03Fatboy]

I'm going to say a 4004, it's just a blue 4003. I have one and sold my 4006's because of how well I shoot it.